Progress Report

A couple of years ago, I was reading a book about getting past unresolved issues and wrote out the following list:

..Being true to myself would mean: 1) finishing what I start; 2) allowing myself to be successful; and, 3) speaking my mind.
..If I were free to be myself, I could: 1) finish MIIS; get a good, "real," job; and 3) say "no," and set limits.
..If I were true to myself I would let go of childhood pains, my father, and MB's mistake.
..My definition of success was: 1) having a job that pays the rent, and leaves a little extra; b) finishing my MATFL; and, c) having a happy, stable home life.
..I felt successful when I received a good grade or comment on my work; was recognized for my accomplishments; and when I received a compliment.
..I thought I would be more successful if I were to finish MIIS: get past the MB thing; and, get a good job.
..I thought I needed the following things to have a successful life: 1) to write a successful portfolio; 2) find closure on the MB thing; and, 3) find a decent-paying job.
..I thought that I would have to let go of the following in order to achieve success: 1) being a perfectionist; 2) being right; and, 3) the notion that I am not "good enough."

Since then, I have discovered that I am able to finish what I start; I am learning to allow myself to be successful; and I often speak my mind, at least about the important things.

I finished MIIS. I got a good, "real" job. I have been able to say "no" and to set limits.

I am letting go of childhood pains. I confronted my father. I worked through the MB thing.

I have a job that pays the rent. I finished my MATFL. I have built a happy stable home for myself and my children.

I am, however, still working on 1) being a perfectionist; 2) having to be right; and, 3) the notion that I am not "good enough."