Buckhead Chilren’s Counseling

Exercise 1: Listed below are 12 exercises and questions for developing your personal growth. You can’t give if you have nothing to give.

I often remind clients to think about what the flight attendant says on every flight: “If we lose oxygen, put your mask on first, then you can help others.”

By pondering the following exercises, questions, and suggestions, you can make changes to your life which can greatly enhance any relationship. Go for it!

1: I am powerless over my mate, my children, first family, job, etc.

• Exactly where does my power lay?

2: Attempting to manage my spouse, kids, boss, any person, place or thing has created stress in my life.

• List people, places, or things that I have attempted to manage.

3: Recognize that I am not in control…

• Would I be willing to come up with an idea of a “Higher Being” to whom I can turn over my anxieties as a means of letting go?

4: Needing to be in control has left me with resentments…

Ask yourself the following:

• Just what are my resentments against people, places, and things?
• What have they affected (ambition, money, relationship)?
• What part do I play in this drama?
• Have I been self-seeking, shown lack of self-esteem, or resorted to dishonest motives?
• Do I say yes when I mean no, or do I engage in other people-pleasing behavior?

Now think about these things:

• List five resentments you have towards people, places, or things.
• List what they affect.
• List what your part is in the problem.

For example:
Who: My partner
What: Refuses to listen to my suggestions
Affects: My personal relationship, My ambitions
What is my part: I want to control my partner because I’m afraid I won’t get what I want

5: Would I be willing to discuss these blocks to growth with my therapist, clergy, mentor, or close friend?

6: Would I be willing to have my understanding of a Higher Power remove these road blocks that stand in the way of my personal growth?

7: Would I be willing to demonstrate my willingness to let go of these defects that get in my way?

8: When I look over my list of resentments, whom have I caused injury to?

9: Would I be willing to amend the damage I have caused others?

10: What plan could I set in place to keep track of my behavior on a daily basis?

11: What daily plan do I have for taking care of my mind, body, and soul?

12: How do I practice spirituality in my home, job, and community? Which acts demonstrate that I am aware of the value of charitable services?