- I WOULD LIKE to be approved by every significant person, but I DO NOT NEED to have such approval.
- I WOULD LIKE to be competent, adequate, and achieving in all things I do, but I do not NEED to be as I recognize that I am STILL successfully even when I do things imperfectly.
- People ARE NOT necessarily bad, wicked, or vile, but I recognize that they may behave in ways that are undesirable, inappropriate or highly irrational, and when that occurs, I can let them know if their behavior has any negative consequences for me.
- When things do not go way I WOULD PREFER them to go, I understand that is part of life’s reality, and it may be particularly frustrating but I DO NOT HAVE TO view life as awful, terrible, or horrible; I can accept it as reality and make plans or increasing my fun.
- I CAN think sensibly and rationally and CHOOSE to take charge of my responses and not have to control the other person. I can stand it (deal with it) when things go wrong.
- I DO NOT NEED to disturb or upset myself about a dangerous or fearsome reality. I can handle it even if I am not as good as it as I, or others, would like.
- I CAN BE RESPONSIBLE in facing life’s difficulties and feel rewarded with I use the self-discipline to do that. I know that avoiding does not solve it or make it go away.
- I have the opportunity and responsibility to take care of myself and DO NOT NEED to depend on others, and there is NO EVIDENCE that others SHOULD take care of me.
- I understand that although my past does influence me, I am not controlled by it. That was then and this is now, and I CAN CHANGE by making the decision to do so.
- I understand that even though I DO NOT LIKE the behavior I CAN ACCEPT IT (as their behavior) and do not need to disturb or upset myself about it.
- I can recognize that there is no perfect solution, as there is no perfect weather (or anything else). If others are not satisfied, that may be unfortunate, and I CAN WORK TO IMPROVE things.
- There is NO EVIDENCE anything SHOULD BE FAIR OR JUST. I may wish for that, and it and WOULD BE MY PREFERENCE.
Rational, Sensible, and Healthy Alternatives to Common Irrational Ideas
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