Well, kind of a rough night for me.

[Sophiegirl]

12. One thing I have learned...

Throughout many years of therapy is that you can't control anyone else's feelings. Only your own. You can choose to let their emotions affect you...either positively or negativly...but it is still your choice. And that can be the most difficult thing to do when dealing with those you care about.

My therapist once told me to get a bunch of Post-It notes and write "It's not about me" on them and stick them all over the place. That was a really great exercise and reminded me that I was not the only one with problems and I am not responsible for how others feel.

I am responsible for myself and my own feelings. Of course, my actions affect others. But, if I am true to who I am - good or bad, I can not, will not, let others make me feel as though I don't have a right to my own feelings.... even if they disagree.

I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she is doing okay.