SELF AWARENESS
The process of change can be daunting. Even though a person may want to
make changes they may feel at a loss at how to do so. Having some self
awareness can be a basis for the changes we would like to make.
In twelve step fellowships, the framework for self awareness is called taking a
moral inventory. This process identifies ‘character defects’ and ‘assets’, it
looks at how individuals can alter their attitudes and start to act differently.
Other therapeutic processes work on a similar basis. However you do it, unless
we know what’s not working we won’t be able to identify what might work and
how to get there.
Our self-talk can help keep us stuck, but positive self-talk or affirmations can
help reframe our beliefs, help us look at our goals and change how we feel
about a situation. For every liability there is a strength. We have access to
both, but sometimes directing our attention to the positive can take practice.
AFFIRMATIONS:
INDICATE
ACHIEVEMENT
ARE ACTION
WORDS
ARE ACCURATE
ARE
POSITIVE
ARE BALANCED
ARE
PERSONAL
ARE PRESENT
TENSE
HAVE POSITIVE
EMOTION
DON’T COMPARE
YOU WITH OTHERS
ARE
REALISITIC
It’s a good idea to start this practice by swapping negative for positive
statements such as:
 I get upset over little things. / I remain calm and relaxed.
 No one likes to hang out with me/ I am a good person to be around.
 I’ll never be any good/ I do good things every day and am moving closer
to my goals.
What is your self-talk like? Using the above as a guide, share with your peers
what statements about yourself could you change?
PEER SUPPORT CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT
© Self Help Addiction Resource Centre 2015