BILL OF RIGHTS

Many of us find it difficult to stand up for ourselves, as we are really not clear how we want people to treat us or what we deserve. The Bill of Rights exercise will assist you in setting boundaries, and also help you become more assertive. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many of us have never been told, or have forgotten, that we have basic human rights as individuals. We can also struggle to be assertive or put clear boundaries in place because we are not clear of what is ok. This is where designing your own individual Bill of Rights is very useful! Your very own Bill of Rights statements will also assist you in clarifying your rights as a human being. They are also a useful reminder to honour and respect yourself. It will also help to release you from any old distorted beliefs that you may be hanging onto. Here is an example of my own Bill of Rights: 1) I have the right to express my feelings 2) I have the right to express my opinions and beliefs 3) I have the right to say Yes or No for myself 4) I have the right to change my mind 5) I have the right to make myself happy 6) I have the right to be selfish if it is for my own good 7) I have the right to say I dont understand 8) I have to right to simply be myself without having to act for other peoples benefit 9) I have the right to be assertive, even if someone doesnt like it 10) I have the right to put my needs before the needs of anyone else

11) I have the right to decline responsibility for other peoples problems 12) I have the right to make reasonable requests of others 13) I have the right to set my own priorities 14) I have the right to be listened to, and taken seriously 15) I have the right to make mistakes and feel comfortable about admitting to them 16) I have the right to be illogical in making decisions 17) I have the right to say I dont care 18) I have the right to be miserable or cheerful 19) I have the right to make my own mistakes and not have to explain anything to anyone 20) I have the right to be unique and different to everyone else ACTION STEP Get yourself a large sheet of paper and design your own personal Bill of Rights. When you have finished, read each statement out load and feel it in your heart. Tip - Refer to this Bill any time you feel conflicts or upsetting emotions in your life. This will help you clarify each persons basic rights, and also assist you in working with others towards a win-win situation.