I have the right to…

So often, we put others' rights above our own. We sacrifice our own happiness for the sake of others. Over time, this can result in a dysregulation of our self-esteem, self-worth and self-compassion, which reinforces further emotional and unhelpful thinking challenges. 

Practicing asserting our own rights by reading over the Personal Bill of Rights (in your head or aloud), noticing areas to work on, and then integrating believing these Personal Rights to be TRUE is truly an effective way of building self acceptance and self-love. Give it a try.

Personal Bill of Rights 

(original author unknown)

1. I have the right to ask for what I want

2. I have the right to say no

3. I have the right to express my feelings

4. I have the right to change my mind

5. I have the right to make mistakes

6. I have the right to follow my own values

7. I have the right to determine my own priorities

8. I have the right to not be responsible for others’ behaviours, actions, or feelings

9. I have the right to be angry with someone I love

10. I have the right to be uniquely myself

11. I have the right to feel scared and to express “I am afraid”

12. I have the right to say “I don’t know”

13. I have the right to not give excuses or reasons for my decisions

14. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings

15. I have the right to my own needs for space and time

16. I have the right to be playful

17. I have the right to take time to myself

18. I have the right to a safe and secure environment

19. I have the right to make friends and to be comfortable around people

20. I have the right to change

21. I have the right to grow

22. I have the right to be healthy

23. I have the right to have my needs respected by others

24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect

25. I have the right to be happy

Reaching out for support to learn how to start believing these rights to be true for you, is a great first step toward enhancing mental wellness :)