Dealing with guilt 3

Write out a list beginning with what YOU think you ought to be.

Make out lists from the points of view of your parents, spouse, boss, children, colleagues, friends.

Then make out a list of the ideals presented by the media.

When you stop laughing you may even want to cry !

Examples : Fill in the names of suitable male or female role models as appropriate - and have FUN!

Be as attractive as...............................
Be as good a lover as...............................
Be as good a cook as...............................
Be as rich as...............................
Be as cheerful as...............................
Be as energetic as...............................
Be as wise as...............................
Be as successful as...............................
Be as creative as...............................
Be as competent as...............................
Be as brave as...............................
Be as decisive as...............................
Be as fit as...............................
Be as funny as...............................
Be as helpful as...............................
Be as adventurous as...............................
Be as well-informed as...............................
Be as faithful as...............................
Be as well-groomed as...............................
Be as intelligent as...............................
Be as loving as...............................
Be as selfless as...............................
Be as popular as...............................
Be as patient as...............................

And that is only part of it! How ever did you let yourself get conned into swallowing that lot?

Somewhere in the lists there will be a breath of sanity.

Somewhere you, or a friend may have observed that there is a need for you to be happy, contented, fulfilled, loved..... just as you are!

It is not a bargain in which you fulfil all the criteria and miraculously are rewarded with all that is good in life.

It is a negotiable deal where you decide the priorities.

What do you really want?

What are you prepared to offer in exchange?

What can you do without?

"Like what you do, if you don't like it,
do something else. --Paul Harvey"