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 and 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 honest 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.

(Adapted by Mary Ellen Copeland from the anxiety and phobia workbook, Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., 1990, New harbinger Publications, Oakland, CA.)