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Topic : Defining Your Authentic Self

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Created on : Thursday, July 07, 2005, 11:20:02 am
Author : dataimport
Have you read "Self Matters" or become familiar with the process of uncovering your authentic self from watching the show? Share your story here.

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April 6, 2007, 4:06 pm PDT

Don't apolize!

Quote From: tiredone

Venting,

 

I've been working on the Self Matters exercises. Sometimes I make head way. Sometimes I just don't see the point. So many things in my past. So much noise in my head. All I look forward  to is the med's my doctor gives me everynight to sleep.  I'm sure tonight I'll open up the book and keep working at it. I'm just frustrated and venting. Sorry

We use this board for venting ... anger, tiredness .. whatever ... it's a journey we choose to do to quiet the brain and it really does work ..

 

I have been a little amazed that I'm able to wake up in the morning and remember that I have to stuff to do without writing it down..  Now, I find that I remember stuff now .. can think clearly and can quickly figure out what's going on so that I'm not overwhelmed by other people living their drama.

 

I've read the book and done the exercises more than 5x ... I used it as a reference to really practice the tools so that it is all now done automatically and it has helped me to dump my own drama and find the peace and calm within me that I so much need in my life.

 
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April 6, 2007, 8:32 pm PDT

It Takes What It Takes.....

Or at least that’s been my experience!

Hi, Guys! Been doing that work thang!

 

One of the things that I’ve noticed about myself and negative thinking is: I can be just ranting away in my head about MY OWN choice to build a home right next door to my mother and her constant, ceaseless, unwelcome and exhausting drama or just really be bummed-out (this is what Marcia could genuinely call a pity party. Because most of the time I don’t really have a VALID reason to be discouraged!) However, when I get to work it only takes me a couple of minutes to find someone who REALLY has a genuine reason to be distressed! Then, I feel foolish! Generally, that one experience keeps me focused on what real distress looks like. I usually spend the rest of that ‘self’ time in my head- what little I have at work- working on gratitude!

I do believe that ‘escaping’ what Marcia calls the “old” is more difficult because it’s what we have lived for so long. I believe that when the “old” gets re-enforced later in life, it becomes a MONSTER! For example: I spent most of my life around my mother waiting for the next shoe to fall, waiting for the next catastrophe- the next disaster- always sure that it was just a matter of time before something dreadful happened and that would be my fault, also. I wasn’t smart enough. I just didn’t measure-up. I was inherently flawed. Doing well, consistently getting ‘Exceeds Expectations’ on my evaluations, even getting commendations, didn’t change my thinking.

 

I’m writing, now. My organizational skills are extremely poor. (Learning organizational skills from a Schizophrenic is definitely a mistake!) I muddle through.

 

Marcia, you just keeps on finding whatever it is that is impeding you and find a solution!

 

Sorry, to hear that you were sick, Linda. Hope that you’re all better. Among the patients I’ve seen several are REALLY struggling with allergies. Allergies that keep the sinuses and other parts of the upper respiratory system so inflamed that they wind up with bronchitis or sinusitis or both.

 

I’ve really missed you guys,

 

Brenda

 
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April 6, 2007, 9:30 pm PDT

Been busy with Easter

Quote From: marcia52

In business, you need more than just family history and IQ .. you need to learn to deal with people and to sacrifice and ... well, there's a whole of stuff.  And the good thing is, schooling can introduce you to them and working in an area that you want to do business in.

 

For me it was understanding what fear is .. the naming of how it flowed within me and how I could name it when it surfaced.  I found Harriet's book interesting because I have friends who experience panic attacks and it helped me to understand what they are going thru.  And it helped me to see it for what it was .. the different ways it affects me and others. 

 

You'll like Rhonda's book best than ... she gives you application and she shows you how it affects you, gives you 10 descriptives of fear, and then has you walk thru it. 

It's like I go into another world, writing on-line. 

 

I start to see my foiables but not have to do anything in particular.  I panic that things don't get said and then I realise that I'm not always understood, any way.

 

I would say that writing about what others also find important has been theraputic.  That ideas and emotions are put forward for discussion.  And the discussion flows and ebbs depending on connection. 

 

But one problem I've found in writing is in interpretation and I just keep doggardly to do this, I suppose, hoping, that in the right situation, I'll just know and don't have to keep working at it.

 

To change my approach, my spots, I suppose is how I personally feel about this imagery, I know you've taken on much in life and that every one can live fully.

 

I wonder as many religious groups for example from my perspective don't live fully and cut themselves off from the world.  Yet those with troubles turn to them first and last.  I think that the deprived have much in common with those that choose deprivation. ie. religious groups because going without has become essential and I wonder if fear does result in deprevation. 

That without fear, would we give to others or would we only take? 

 

That's what I'm feeling at the moment with so many things starting to become a little bit clearer.  ie. I was thinking about achievement.  That one can also achieve in relationships, like to fail to relate when everything is just right and no competition or age gaps or controlling etc. and still fail.  That one would be encouraged by a sibling to go for those that are unavailable etc., as example of expectations makes me realise why one can't let go.  Know when things are at the level they are supposed to be and still not succeed, is very humiliating.  I really have a dislike for tests and learning, I think, rather than a low IQ, even though I quite willingly go to the bait, so to speak.

 

I guess my world is a bit tipsy turvey,  but whose isn't?

Good luck in your reading, Marcia.  You sound like these books have highlighted changes and possibilities but avoided stereotyping and the hee ha of shows like weight-loss etc. 

 

Belinda

 

 

 

 

 
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April 6, 2007, 9:47 pm PDT

Being comfortable with reality - so finding stability

Quote From: marcia52

You have grown up changing your parameters ...  the "who" of who you are.   We all have.  You question the world around you. You step back and say .. this is not working and I've had ENOUGH!

 

Those that don't change ... live the same life pattern over and over again. Going nowhere, living in pain and fear. 

 

And I guess, I'm like that creature .. I have changed my spots so many times in my life time.  Knowing that where I am was not good or unsafe.  The last time was when I took the early retirement ...  I'm not her anymore and I won't return to her ever again.  I've changed my spots and I like them right now.  Yet, I know that if I end up in another situation like the last time, I will change my spots again and do something else.

Like watching a youngster learning to walk.  I've found that life is much more pleasant though unsteady for a while.

 

Noone would want to go back to crawling and reliving the crawling experience would help one see that from watching others as they learn to walk and grow wings, so to speak.

 

I find all these psychological blocks like shades of grey need to become the norm and to be accepting of the differences. ie. in peoples ages etc but know when to confide and learn, not be held in or too confined and real and see the path and what are the true way, the way that can be negotiated and not lead to dead ends.

 

Once one can do that and I still feel (I don't know if I ever managed to communicate it) that memory, the continuous filling in of the gaps and extending the boundaries, is the only way forward.  A computer wouldn't work without all the connections, and we don't either, but they don't have to be difficult and driven by economic and social trends.  Only by an awareness of past and how to work towards a new perspective.

 

I had enough for now, I know this sometimes is just a way for me to find in roads and fix errors so at least that much may have been achieved, for now.

 

It will probably flood, being Autumn, so that should be interesting.

 

Belinda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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April 7, 2007, 2:05 am PDT

So many choices....

Hello. New to the site .. so i apologize if this is in the wrong area. Everyone has their own advice on what people need to do to fix themselves. I have neglected my mental health for years .. trying desperately to get my life to a point where I could just stop .. and start again. Not only have I lost myself. I did it so long ago .. I dont remmeber who I am. Over the years of this struggle I compounded the problem with self medicating and other things. I have bottled up anger at myself for many years. All these things I blame on myself, and noone else. My life is nowhere even close to where my inner self strives for. I look for advice, books, links, and other things to help guide me. I am overwhelmed. I have been repeatedly discharged from employment with good references, and with the employer admitting I do a good, if not great job. I start a new job Monday, have finally managed to get mostly debt free. I also own nothing. I want to escape this vicious circle. Self Matters seems a good place to start. Can anyone else confirm this, or maybe guide me toward a link or reading that I may start down this path. This is not a pity post, nor am I her to whine. I have a hard journey ahead and no idea where to start. I also know that starting in the wrong direction hasnt helped.

 

Thanks in advance.

 
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April 7, 2007, 9:57 am PDT

Coincidence?

Quote From: blgspc

Or at least thats been my experience!

Hi, Guys! Been doing that work thang!

 

One of the things that Ive noticed about myself and negative thinking is: I can be just ranting away in my head about MY OWN choice to build a home right next door to my mother and her constant, ceaseless, unwelcome and exhausting drama or just really be bummed-out (this is what Marcia could genuinely call a pity party. Because most of the time I dont really have a VALID reason to be discouraged!) However, when I get to work it only takes me a couple of minutes to find someone who REALLY has a genuine reason to be distressed! Then, I feel foolish! Generally, that one experience keeps me focused on what real distress looks like. I usually spend the rest of that self time in my head- what little I have at work- working on gratitude!

I do believe that escaping what Marcia calls the old is more difficult because its what we have lived for so long. I believe that when the old gets re-enforced later in life, it becomes a MONSTER! For example: I spent most of my life around my mother waiting for the next shoe to fall, waiting for the next catastrophe- the next disaster- always sure that it was just a matter of time before something dreadful happened and that would be my fault, also. I wasnt smart enough. I just didnt measure-up. I was inherently flawed. Doing well, consistently getting Exceeds Expectations on my evaluations, even getting commendations, didnt change my thinking.

 

Im writing, now. My organizational skills are extremely poor. (Learning organizational skills from a Schizophrenic is definitely a mistake!) I muddle through.

 

Marcia, you just keeps on finding whatever it is that is impeding you and find a solution!

 

Sorry, to hear that you were sick, Linda. Hope that youre all better. Among the patients Ive seen several are REALLY struggling with allergies. Allergies that keep the sinuses and other parts of the upper respiratory system so inflamed that they wind up with bronchitis or sinusitis or both.

 

Ive really missed you guys,

 

Brenda

 Hi Brenda, and thanx, I'm better now.

I was hit by cold chills when I read your post. I've had "coincidences" happen to me all of my life, and some are downright eerie.
I'm currently reading a book called MONSTER LIES by Sally Franz and Jennifer Webb.
In my opinion it is a great companion piece to SELF MATTERS, in that in expounds on the chapter where Dr Phil has you slow down your thinking and pinpoint the tapes you play in your head that undermine you.

And here you were, examining your own negative thinking, and labeling old thinking as MONSTER.  Wavelengths or what?

 In the book, our patterns of thought are catagorized and given a name, description, and even a distinctive sounding voice.  They are all monsters.  Although the authors have identified over 75 monsters  that we fall prey to, they deal with the 12 most common patterns that our thoughts fall into.  I think you would benefit from this, Brenda.

For those that get stuck in the chapter dealing with our tapes, this is an excellent resource. I urge you to look for this book. I found it at the library, but I'm going to buy it as I can see that I will refer to it often.
 
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April 7, 2007, 10:13 am PDT

Don't sleep your life away!

Quote From: tiredone

Venting,

 

I've been working on the Self Matters exercises. Sometimes I make head way. Sometimes I just don't see the point. So many things in my past. So much noise in my head. All I look forward  to is the med's my doctor gives me everynight to sleep.  I'm sure tonight I'll open up the book and keep working at it. I'm just frustrated and venting. Sorry

 I can relate to your feelings, but don't let your thought processes cause you to become Rip Van Winkle. You don't have a hundred years!  You may be thinking "if you wait long enough the problem will go away", or "things are too overwhelming to do anything, so don't try," or "you're too weak to deal with the pressure," or even "don't ask for what you need, it will probably hurt someone's feelings."
The desire to go to sleep on your life can be very powerful, so powerful that some of us medicate ourselves with substance abuse. Substances both soothe and control you. Only you can know when it has changed from an immediate help to a surrender of the voice in your head that urges you to sleep it all away.
Yes, you may have a terrible past, but shrouding it in avoidance won't help you to accept it and get past it.
Come back and vent when you need to, and remember, you won't feel like forever. Unless you choose to check out and go back to sleep.

Quotes curtesy of MONSTER LIES by S. Franz and J Webb.
 
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April 7, 2007, 10:25 am PDT

A matter of perspective

Quote From: taemanai

It's like I go into another world, writing on-line. 

 

I start to see my foiables but not have to do anything in particular.  I panic that things don't get said and then I realise that I'm not always understood, any way.

 

I would say that writing about what others also find important has been theraputic.  That ideas and emotions are put forward for discussion.  And the discussion flows and ebbs depending on connection. 

 

But one problem I've found in writing is in interpretation and I just keep doggardly to do this, I suppose, hoping, that in the right situation, I'll just know and don't have to keep working at it.

 

To change my approach, my spots, I suppose is how I personally feel about this imagery, I know you've taken on much in life and that every one can live fully.

 

I wonder as many religious groups for example from my perspective don't live fully and cut themselves off from the world.  Yet those with troubles turn to them first and last.  I think that the deprived have much in common with those that choose deprivation. ie. religious groups because going without has become essential and I wonder if fear does result in deprevation. 

That without fear, would we give to others or would we only take? 

 

That's what I'm feeling at the moment with so many things starting to become a little bit clearer.  ie. I was thinking about achievement.  That one can also achieve in relationships, like to fail to relate when everything is just right and no competition or age gaps or controlling etc. and still fail.  That one would be encouraged by a sibling to go for those that are unavailable etc., as example of expectations makes me realise why one can't let go.  Know when things are at the level they are supposed to be and still not succeed, is very humiliating.  I really have a dislike for tests and learning, I think, rather than a low IQ, even though I quite willingly go to the bait, so to speak.

 

I guess my world is a bit tipsy turvey,  but whose isn't?

Good luck in your reading, Marcia.  You sound like these books have highlighted changes and possibilities but avoided stereotyping and the hee ha of shows like weight-loss etc. 

 

Belinda

 

 

 

 

I like your thoughts on how some seem to us, from our perspective, not to live fully and cut themselves off from the world. (As in some religious groups)

I think that without fear, we would give to others. At least, that has been my own personal experience.  When I live with fears I tend to fall into thought patterns of scarcity, hoarding, and "not enough."  The real keys to prosperity are generosity and giving. Not being giving out of a sanctimonious attitude of self-righteousness either, looking for kudos from others because you are so upstanding.  It has to be a pure willingness to give with no strings attached and no investment in the outcome.

A word about tests- they only show an aptitude at memorizing. The real test is how a person applies the knowledge that they have.
 
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April 7, 2007, 10:33 am PDT

Yes!

Quote From: tuaryeb

Hello. New to the site .. so i apologize if this is in the wrong area. Everyone has their own advice on what people need to do to fix themselves. I have neglected my mental health for years .. trying desperately to get my life to a point where I could just stop .. and start again. Not only have I lost myself. I did it so long ago .. I dont remmeber who I am. Over the years of this struggle I compounded the problem with self medicating and other things. I have bottled up anger at myself for many years. All these things I blame on myself, and noone else. My life is nowhere even close to where my inner self strives for. I look for advice, books, links, and other things to help guide me. I am overwhelmed. I have been repeatedly discharged from employment with good references, and with the employer admitting I do a good, if not great job. I start a new job Monday, have finally managed to get mostly debt free. I also own nothing. I want to escape this vicious circle. Self Matters seems a good place to start. Can anyone else confirm this, or maybe guide me toward a link or reading that I may start down this path. This is not a pity post, nor am I her to whine. I have a hard journey ahead and no idea where to start. I also know that starting in the wrong direction hasnt helped.

 

Thanks in advance.

SELF MATTERS can be an excellent book.  It is very comprehensive and will take you from A to Z.  However, if you get stuck, don't hesitate to find alternative definitions and descriptions. Like I related earlier, I'm reading a book that is a wonderful sidekick to one of the chapters in SELF MATTERS. Marcia also knows some very good books.
One thing you might try is this:  go to the library and look over the self help books. You might find that you are drawn to some, and not others.  I've found that in every case where I was compelled to read a book, there was something in it that I needed to hear, even if most of it were things I already knew.  We are all at different levels in our learning, and there is a wealth of information out there to help if we are willing to look for it.

Good luck, and come back to let us know how it's going.
 
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chillin'
April 7, 2007, 10:37 am PDT

How did it go?

Quote From: marcia52

I really truly felt I was super positive in my thoughts and energy ... then I watched THE SECRET dvd a couple of times and realized that my positiveness doesn't stay with me for very long ... however, I'm starting to win!

 

I'm actually thinking of making a cassette of me telling myself how good it feels to do stuff ... like clean my home or go shopping.  That way I can carry the cassette player with me and let it help me remain positive.

 

No, it's not like I'm down and blue and all that. It's just that I've come to see how I can feel the accomplishments and then they just fade away until I can remember them again!

 

I know that I'm going to be able to step up and out of this craziness real soon ... I know in my heart of hearts that the only reason I keep returning to the "old" is because it's a belief I was taught as a child.  That  kinda amazed me the other day when I realized that my conditioning from my childhood has me believing that it's painful to change or that it's hard.  Both are so wrong. It just takes patience ... new habits and behaviors require me to practice so that I build up the new pathways.

 

And because I read THIS YEAR I WILL before receiving the SECRET ... I was given the scienitific reality of how it all works.  Like when the SECRET tells you to feel good .. to keep myself feeling good about whatever it is I want ... that's the way to get the emotional part of my brain to accept what's going on.  That emotional part of my brain is where FIGHT or FLIGHT lives. It's where if I feel distressed, pain, unhappiness .... it will take flight and run the other way .. no matter how good the new change is for me.  However, whenever I feel positive, upbeat and can feel it within ... my emotional brain wants more of the same so it will go along with whatever I'm doing.

 

It's keeping me in the upbeat right now that takes a lot of time and energy.  It's not what I'm used to.  Good thing that I bought the book because it gives me more helpful tools for me to use for practicing ... like the one where I plan the next day events ...  in a positive frame of mind.  It has worked so far.  Now, I'm going to be challenged because I'm taking my mom shopping with me and she's been really pulling my chain lately.  It's because she's my reflection of all the changes I'm experiencing ...  whenever, I'm changed a part of my thinking or behaviors or feelings ... she lets me know by trying my patience.  Today, my plan is to acknowledge what is going on and do different.  And I know it's going to work because it's been in my thoughts for a while now.

 

Well, today is aquacize class, shopping with my mom, and then later the dance studio to play.  and it's cold!  forcast:  SNOW!   yesterday I was wearing shorts!  today, I'm wearing sweats .. isn't that something!!!

 How did shopping go with your Mother?  Did your assumption that it would be a trial come to pass, or did you focus on the positives and turn that assumption into a lie?

The weather has turned cold again here too, from the 70's to the 30's. BBRRRR!
 
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