[ADeepSandbox]

One of the first really positive things that has come up for me, amid all my issues as I work on them, is that I feel a sense of pride in the child, teenager, and young adult (she says at the ripe old age of 32) that I was when I went through painful events.

I was surprised how strongly proud I felt at realizing the depth of the pain and fear I went through and survived. Like, that was some intense stuff for a little person! But I made it through, and look at me now. I'm not perfect by any means, but I have a good heart, I try hard, I am kind to others, and I'm learning to work toward a better life for myself.

I have very poor self-esteem and am terrible at knowing how to say no to people, and I know that it's going to take more than just one moment of pride to get me out of the rut. But I wanted to share that pride and extend hopes that maybe feeling pride in the fact that you have survived everything you have lived through up to this point, can help you feel a moment of pride in yourself, too.

[Frankbtl]

Hi ADeepSandbox

Well it sounds like you have every right to feel REALLY proud of yourself!!
And MASSIVE kudos to you on making it so far and holding onto/being true to yourself through such a difficult journey!!!
To make it through and still come out caring, trying, feeling kindness towards others, to still have positivity can be really tough when you're faced with such "challenges", so RESPECT!!!

As for the self-esteem and saying "No" to people..........well you know that can be worked on .........and it's good that you're with us because you could maybe give us the privilege of supporting you working on that...........

But lastly..........thankyou for such an inspirational thread ADeepSandbox

Alison

[Gus1234U]

i just wanted to share this little mantra with you:

i am not the roles i play in life.
i am more than that.

i am not my thoughts;
i am not my emotions;
i am not my actions;
i am my intentions.

i intend to be kind to me~!
i intend to be kind to others~!
i intend to be forgiving when i fall short~!

i will not hurt me in any way: i will avoid it.
i will help me all the time: i will persist in it.
i will praise me, and compliment me, and think flexibly.
i will be the kind of friend i want in a friend.
i will be the kind of person who can live with myself.

may we each have peace, and the causes of peace~

Dear Gus, that is wonderful - thank you for sharing.

[Leyla]

working self esteem issues to. thanks for the post... it takes time but it is doeable..just have to have faith in ourselves.

thanks Gus for that little poem.