3.11.23

A journal entry from this time of life:

"How are things going today?

Generally pretty good. Getting my own ducks in a row. I feel pretty stable and excited to keep working on things in therapy. I'm learning the cycle of growth and it certainly is not a straight path. What goals have I already accomplished? Understanding and knowing my emotions. Grieving the loss of my marriage and the relationships and the dreams that came with that. Dealing with the emotional abuse from my husband - likely ongoing, but I feel that I can see things more clearly and know my own worth. Not losing my own identity in relationships. I need to think about what I want in a relationship and not lose myself trying to be someone who they would like. I want to like myself first. Which I think I do right now. I need to be more accepting of my core personality. How can I accept others if I don't accept myself? I need to be authentic - Maybe when I am nervous or unsure, ask "what would authentic Madi do?"

Becoming self- affirming:

What do I tell myself through out the day?

What do I say to myself when I am unsure or doubting myself?

You have the choice to grow outside your comfort zone.

Sometimes I feel shame for stepping outside my comfort zone. If I fail, can I survive it?

Per some book: the number one regret people had on their death beds were "I wish I had the courage to live a life more true to myself and didn't worry so much abut what others expected of me"

"If you are going to be brave enough to say "yes" to the choice, you must also have the courage to stick to your vision, because it will be tested"

Belief in self:

• Courage

• Positive thinking

• Leadership

• Rich self-expression