Secret Discovering Exercises

Written by Joanna Poppink M.F.T.

Part 7: Secret Discovering Exercises

In following these exercises, you will create a book which will become a map, guide and vital resource for your triumphant journey. As you proceed on this new healing path you will gradually see your secrets unfold and become known by you in many surprising and relieving ways. You will begin to recognize how overeating and other out of control behaviors shield you from self-knowledge.

Soon you will be stronger and more free to choose new and more positive actions. You will begin to experience more health and joy in your life. You will not only recognize opportunities, but have more courage to act on them. You will bring more quality to your life than you have ever known.

First:

Establish a trustworthy support system so you have one or more friendly witnesses who are aware of your efforts.

Support could be:

sympathetic friend on a similar journey

trusted friend or friends

members of a psychotherapy group

12 step companions

12 step sponsor

other trustworthy and reliable person who is capable of tolerating your strong feelings without getting pulled into them.

your psychotherapist

(As close and as sympathetic some family members might be, it is usually best to have support for this process be someone who is not a relative.)

There will be times when you feel more than you think you can bear. You will need a trustworthy companion.

At first, one kind friend may be enough. Eventually, if you seriously engage yourself in these exercises, you may need more regular and reliable support than one friend can give. That's normal.

Second:

Remember and list experiences that soothe and inspire you. Your list might include:

reading listening to music playing with a pet drawing model building working cross word puzzles warm baths or showers walking running gardening dancing dance classes

playing sports lifting weights exercise classes board games conversation watching movies writing bicycling painting working with clay swimming

Whenever you find yourself having an enjoyable experience where you are happy or just more comfortable being you, describe that experience on paper and add it to your list. You are building your awareness of genuine support, health and joy resources. You will this specific and written list as you proceed through the Action Steps on your Triumphant Journey.

Third:

Be kind and appreciative of yourself. Acknowledge yourself as part of your support system.

Every morning read aloud several affirmations [1] and [2] to the walls, the garden, the furniture and the mirror. This will help you build a kind appreciation for yourself. When you discover a thought that is meaningful and helpful to you, add it to the affirmations list. Create your own affirmations making sure they are each in a positive form.

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