I have the right.

At work, we've been doing the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, for our own personal use and also as a tool and resource for the clients we serve. It's an amazing program with an incredible history, and I encourage everyone (mental health diagnosis or not) to check it out.

I've been in training for WRAP the past couple of days, and I was struck by the bill of rights we discussed at the beginning of the training. It's incredible how we so often forget what we deserve as people. I find this list to be extremely empowering:

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 change my mind.
4. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
5. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
6. I have the right to express all of my feelings, both positive or
negative, in a manner that will not harm others.
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 feel angry at someone I love and to express this
in a responsible manner.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and say "I'm afraid."
14. I have the right to say "I don't know."
15. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings, beliefs
and values.
16. I have the right to my own reality.
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 healthy.
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 grieve.
26. I have the right to a fulfilling sex life.
27. I have the right to be happy.

Source: (Adapted by Mary Ellen Copeland from the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook,
Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., 1990, New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA.)