Your Personal Bill of Rights

I came across this document while reading The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne, PhD (A great book!), but is actually cited as being from Therapist’s Guide to Clinical Intervention by Sharon L. Johnson,. I share it here today as we near upon a New Year. I love New Year’s and symbolic fresh starts. As you read this document, what catches your eye? I find a lot of these ideas can be challenging for my clients with ADHD. What do you already clearly know and what challenges your thinking? Maybe there’s a New Year’s Resolution in there somewhere….Maybe there’s something in there for us to talk about over a coaching session….

Personal Bill of Rights

1. I have the right to ask for what I want.

2. I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can't meet.

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

4. I have the right to change my mind.

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

6. I have the right to follow my own standards and standards.

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

8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.

9. I have the right not to be responsible for others' behavior, actions, feelings, or problems.

10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.

11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.

12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.

13. I have the right to feel scared and say "I'm scared."

14. I have the right to say "I don't know."

15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.

16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.

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

18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.

19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.

20. I have the right to be in a non abusive environment.

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

22. I have the right to change and grow.

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

24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

25. I have the right to be happy.