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Originating from a tiny, insular village in Yorkshire I was socially conditioned to believe that whilst it was acceptable to be the same as everyone else: friendly, open and honest 🙂
I should not express any emotions or feelings unless they were upbeat and positive.

So it was a revelation to me when I discovered the popularity of melancholic bands and writers such Philip Larkin. Dylan Thomas, Neil Young, Radiohead to name a few.

Then following a series of life changing events such as relocation to London,  a holiday to Vietnam and the completion of a five year Master’s Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy my entire world view was challenged and very much for the better in terms of my health and well-being. I could now be myself and finally let go of this fitting in nonsense!!

By far the most significant gem I discovered along the way, however, was the Bill of Rights handout during my therapy training. I love sharing this with my clients as they often report that this was completely life changing for them too and it’s such a pleasure to witness them develop to their full potential as a result:

Personal Bill of Rights

I have the right to ask for what I want

I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can’t meet

I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative

I have the right to change my mind

I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect

I have the right to follow my own values and standards

I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values

I have the right to determine my own priorities

I have the right not to be responsible for others’ behaviour, actions, feelings or problems

I have the right to expect honesty from others

I have the right to be angry at someone I love

I have the right to be uniquely myself

I have the right to feel scared and say “I am afraid”

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

I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behaviour

I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings

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

I have the right to be playful and frivolous

I have the right to be healthier than those around me

I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment

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

I have the right to change and grow

I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others

I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect

I have the right to be happy

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