Kristen’s Affirmation List

My “sister-in-law” messaged me after reading one of my posts to ask if I was alright. After explaining a bit about how I feel she asked if I’d ever made a self affirmation list. I told her no and she explained that it is a list of positive things about myself that can go by the mirror in the bathroom (for example) so I can look at it every day.

I think it is a great idea! I’m becoming very visual as of late so just saying some of these things to myself just isn’t cutting it anymore. Seeing these words will hopefully make them real.

I am a Strong Woman. 

I am Resilient.

I deserve to be Happy.

I have a right to be in a relationship that is Safe and Supportive.

I am Beautiful.

I am Successful.

I am Worthy of everything I believe I am not.

That’s all for now

Do you have any personal affirmations you would like to share?

From finerminds.com

Medication Chronicles: Who I Am Now

I thought it would be important to note in my medication journal who I am now. Hopefully we can draw comparisons later if need be. I won’t share everything that I’ve written cause some stuff is, well, I’m sure you don’t want to know everything!

Who I Am Now-as of Thursday September 13, 2012

• I have no medical issues at all. Any medical tests I have had have been normal.
• I am between 125-130 lbs. I have never had an issue with my weight. I am 5’6.
• The only other medication I am on is the birth control pill.
• I have no thoughts of suicide
• I have been self harm free for 4 months
• My eating is fine. I go through cycles of being very hungry and then not wanting to eat much.
• for the most part my mood is stable.
• I am near sighted. My left eye is worse than my right eye. I can still see out of my glasses.
• I do have a poor memory but still able to function properly.
• I am able to concentrate.
• I can sleep but wake up often, sometimes have difficulty getting back to sleep and spend my waking hours tired.
• I am not prone to headaches.
• My energy level is moderate.

Is there anything else you all think I should make note of?

Because Wayne’s World is AWESOME!

The Good, The Cool and The Awesome!

I’m teaching character education at work and while looking for activities or games to teach things like trust and courage I stumbled across a list entitled “25 Good Things About Having ADHD” (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I stop and took in what I was seeing! I was very surprised to see a list of positives about something that is usually extremely negative! I have a few children at work that are labelled ADD and ADHD and when they are constantly interrupting and not listening the frustrations run high. These are NOT bad children! This is why I’m glad we have this list available for staff!

25 Good Things About Having ADHD

Compiled from families with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

1. Lots of energy
2. Willing to try things-take risks
3. Ready to talk, can talk a lot
4. Gets along well with adults
5. Can do several things at one time
6. Smart
7. Need less sleep
8. Good sense of humor
9. Very good at taking care of younger kids
10. Spontaneous
11. See details other people miss
12. Understand what it’s like to be teased or to be in trouble so are understanding of other kids
13. Can think of different and new ways to do things
14. Volunteer to help others
15. Happy and enthusiastic
16. Imaginative creative
17. Articulate- can say things well
18. Sensitive- compassionate
19. Eager to make new friends
20. Great memory
21. Courageous
22. More fun to be with than most kids
23. Charming
24. Warm and loving
25. Care a lot about families

ALL MENTAL ILLNESSES NEED A “Good Things” LIST!

I mentioned some good things about being labelled borderline in a past blog (http://prideinmadness.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/how-borderline-personality-disorder-possibly-saved-my-life/). Things such as splitting and anger, for me, have been very beneficial for me. Splitting allows me to let go of things and people that are not good for me. Anger allows me to express myself and keep myself self emotionally which is something I couldn’t do before.

Majority of mental health is negative. The diagnosis specifically focuses on what is “flawed” about us and we become so engrossed in that negative because that’s all we’ve been given. If we can focus on the positives that are still in our lives than managing and recovering can begin to occur!

By recognizing positives in having a mental illness you can combat both social and self stigma!

What is a positive that you have been in experiencing your specific mental illness/addiction?