[DelusionsDaily]

So, of course I'm always challenged in therapy...mostly because I expect so much progress in such a short period of time. However, today I was extremely challenged. We were talking about how to improve my self-esteem. We were talking about the negative self-talk I have going on in my head. She told me to come up with positive things to combat the negative...essentially creating positive affirmations. Honestly, I could barely come up with 2 in the hour I saw her. I'm really struggling with this assignment I have been working on it all day and have barely come up with a handful of them.

[growlycat]

I find it easier to turn negative self talk into something neutral first, like "I'm gross for not exercising enough!" …..change to "I didn't walk today but maybe I can try 20 min in the gym tomorrow." That is easier for me than "I love my body and it's ok if I missed working out today!!! Yippee."

I listen to meditation mp3's and one is supposed to be for the morning before starting the day and they have an unusual take on this. When you start thinking negative thoughts like "Ugh, I don't want to go to work today." …keep the negative tone but plug in positive sayings…like "Ugh, it sucks that I'm going to be so productive and successful at work today." It is kind of dorky but it sort of works.

[Bill3]

I have been working on it all day and have barely come up with a handful of them.

You are determined and persistent.

[CantExplain]

If you are honest, give yourself credit for that.

Your weaknesses are often exaggerations of your strengths. Therefore, your strengths are often moderations of your weaknesses.

For example, don't blame yourself for being "stingy", but give yourself credit for being "responsible with money".

[growlycat]

At my last job, they had us take the Strengthsfinder test. It was interesting, if you take it with a grain of salt but it does cost $:

https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.co...FUOVfgodOxYAtA

[DelusionsDaily]

Thanks everyone! I kept trying after I wrote the initial post and came up with a total of 13 for today. That's a pretty good start...right?

[CantExplain]

Originally Posted by MELISSSAD81

Thanks everyone! I kept trying after I wrote the initial post and came up with a total of 13 for today. That's a pretty good start...right?

Yes, an excellent start.

[growlycat]

Today, I'm not sure I could come up w/13 for me so yes, a great start!!

[growlycat]

PS when I took Strengthsfinder I only did the cheapie $9.99 version

According to this book, my top 5

1. Strategic-- I can see 4 or 5 moves ahead and anticipate alternate scenarios (maybe a nice way of saying I'm hyper-vigilant?)
2. Individualization-- I treat people not equally, but by what they need or how they want to be treated (a nice way of saying I'm a suck-up?)
3. Restorative-- I like to fix broken things (codependent?)
4. Empathy
5. Intellection-- Enjoys thinking about thinking (social recluse!!)

Every negative trait has it's positives
All 34 Themes Full Description

[sweepy62]

congrats , thats a great start, i have trouble with affirmations as well, but 13 is awesome.

[pinkbutterfly]

I found that strengths test for free at Free Strengthsfinder Test - Home
It's pretty cool.