![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 9 to 33 of 35. Go back in thread:
Posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 15:54:04
In reply to My list, posted by antigua on June 22, 2004, at 15:01:14
Antigua,
FOr the things you are able to say about yourself you should be gleeming with pride. I know that personally I couldn't make a list like that. And if you are dealing with severe depression you have done yourself well, it is not easy to say these things abour ourselves.
Posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 15:58:38
In reply to Re: My list » antigua, posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 15:54:04
I meant my last post for everyone that was able to make it on the My List thread.
Posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 16:21:41
In reply to As many good points as I can think of about me, posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 12:24:04
Posted by daisym on June 22, 2004, at 18:58:17
In reply to What amazing people here! Who's next? (nm), posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 16:21:41
ME! Me! me!
OK, I've read all the other lists and want to respond to all of the above. No kidding amazing people. Geez, this is defiantly "I should have gone first" kind of thing...OK - Here are mine.
1) I'm a born diplomat. I know how to make everyone think they got the best part of any deal. And I know how to get traditional enemies to work together. (I got a Republican Leadership award, me - a democratic in Ca in charge of a children's nonprofit!)
2) I'm smart. Really smart. (ouch, I hate the way that sounds). I can recall information quickly and I retain minor points because they are always useful later. (This, btw, drives my T wild -- he says, "You don't miss anything, do you?")
3) I can "see" solutions. Especially system issues that need a resolution. I can get from point A to point B and beyond when others seem stuck. (This does result in a certain impatience on my part sometimes.)
4) I'm a really good speaker. I love to facilitate meetings and to lead trainings and teach classes. The bigger the group, the better. I'm never boring and I give great prizes.
5) I'm a pretty good writer too. I love to put words together. I write well both in a business sense and in a fiction sense. And I've written nearly $2 million dollars in grants for my CBO.
6) I'm the most organized person I know. Let's see, three kids, a sick husband, 32 employees, 9 committee appointments and therapy 3x a week...yup, it sort of forces you.
7) I am truly happy when someone else accomplishes something. I rarely go to the "why not me" place. I never believe that there is a limited amount of good luck and we have to share it. I think it must be ever expanding.
8) I'm a decision maker. (OK, this could be good or bad) I listen, research and then make a decision. And live with it, good or bad. But I don't make my self nuts about it.
9) I have a core faith in God. I truly believe that He will take care of those I love. I believe in the power of prayer. And I believe he doesn't care how badly I sing every Sunday at church.
10) I'm amazingly good at faking it. When I'm anxious or upset, I always think "duck on a pond" and keep my outer self calm and collected even if I'm shrieking in my own head.
11) I still get outraged. Social injustice, children, women's issues, etc., I can't, won't believe that I can't make a difference just because I only have one vote.
12) Saved the best for last -- I'm a good mom. I think it is because I truly like my kids. I spend lots of time with them but I always remember I'm not their friend, I'm the parent in charge. They make it easy for me though.
Wow, that was harder than I thought. But I didn't mention my fashion sense and shoe collection. Which is outstanding all by itself. Or the fact that I am a cream of wheat lover...or Star Trek fan.
Thanks Racer. I think I needed this today.
Posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 20:41:30
In reply to Re: What amazing people here! Who's next?, posted by daisym on June 22, 2004, at 18:58:17
DaisyM,
How do you do it especially number 6&7. (Unfortunately, I do go to number 7 alot) I am tired from just reading these. I have to tell you how amazed I am at what you take care of since you go to therapy 3x a week. It would seem to me that your need to go 3x a week would mean that your depression would slow you down. But obviously it doesn't. Your are someone that us that feel so down can look up to. Thank you for that.
Posted by cherylann on June 22, 2004, at 22:25:17
In reply to DaisyM » daisym, posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 20:41:30
It's taken me until my 40's to realize how "trained" I was to never focus on myself. I recognize many of these traits in me, but need to digest all this a little.
I'm not quite ready to post my own list, but I'm gonna work on it in my head, if only cuz it would be a healthy thing for me to do.
Thanks for letting me read all these wonderful posts!
cherylann
Posted by Pfinstegg on June 22, 2004, at 23:35:24
In reply to Re: What amazing people here! Who's next?, posted by daisym on June 22, 2004, at 18:58:17
This thread is hard to resist, if only because I spend so much time in therapy thinking about what's wrong, and how to make it better. So, here goes!
1. I'm tall and slender (5'11) I used to be very self-conscious about my height, but now I feel proud to be this tall. I feel that I have a lovely smile, and lively eyes- the depression doesn't show, at least!
2. I'm smart, too! I have a doctorate, and teach in a university (neuroscience), I'm rated by my students as an "outstanding" teacher (I can't believe I'm telling this!)
3. I read a lot, as so many others do here. I feel it's one of the things that gives me a rich inner life. I read mostly non-fiction- science books such as "The Elegant Universe", and books on history- especially the history of ideas. I also love biographies of almost anyone- if they are well-written., and poetry also.
4. I'm musical. I play the piano quite well (classical music), and also sing in a chorus. I've just come back from a "sing-through" of the Faure Requiem at a church near our home. It was moving and beautiful.
5. I have studied drawing and watercolour painting at an art school nearby, and feel that my watercolours have gotten to be quite beautiful. I recently sold ten of them at a benefit for my son's school.
6. I love beautiful meadows, streams and mountains. I love to hike in any mountains, and especially love finding endangered flowers; I report on these to the state Natural Heritage programs.
7. I am a good rider. I own a lovely horse, and we do musical freestyles. My horse loves them, and is learning to match his steps to the music.
8. I love my husband, and have been married to him for 30 years. We have had wonderful times, and some very difficult times. also- related principally to my episodes of severe depression. When I am not zonked out by SSRI's, I believe I am a satisfying and passionate sexual partner. (so is he)
9. I have one very handsome and lively son, who is about to get a doctorate in physics from Princeton. I feel that I have been a loving and supportive mother to him, and I know I have broken the cycle of neglect and abuse in which I was raised. He means the world to me, and we are still close, although he is now 28 and out on his own. He is also a mountain-climber. flower-lover, but much more of an adventurer than me, having hiked in places such as Kamchatka (Siberia), Sikkim and Patagonia.
10. I don't have a lot of friends, but I do have several very close ones. I am sort of the person they turn to when they are really in trouble. I share a lot of feelings, passions, joys and sorrows with them, but I don't let them know how much I have struggle with my mental health.
11. I treasure the relationship I have developed with my therapist- it, also, means everything to me. I like that I can trust and open up to him as much as I have, and, really, I'm just so glad he is in my life.
Posted by tabitha on June 23, 2004, at 3:07:21
In reply to Re: What amazing people here! Who's next?, posted by Pfinstegg on June 22, 2004, at 23:35:24
Oh my, I really don't think I can do this one. You all gave me some good ideas on ways to value myself. But for now, every positive I come up with has a 'yes but' attached to it. I'm gonna have to work on it offline. I may end up being one of those people who answers the thread that was archived years ago. Yup, that'll be me, in 2045, finally coming up with my list. Noooo! Dear higher power, please let me be able to value myself sooner than that.
P.S. Phinstegg, as I was reading your list I thought, what a cool person, I want to marry a guy like that. But you're already married, and you're not a guy. Darn. Oh well... now I can be glad such a cool person is female. Go, female team!
Posted by yoshimi on June 23, 2004, at 4:11:16
In reply to Y'all are incredible!, posted by cherylann on June 22, 2004, at 22:25:17
i have a good sense of humor...
i see the good in people...
im kind of smart...
i enjoy giving blood...
im loyal...
i guess i dont really know...
i make good fruit salad??
maybe ill try again another day...
Posted by Aphrodite on June 23, 2004, at 5:12:15
In reply to As many good points as I can think of about me, posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 12:24:04
I'm glad I'm here! Thanks for this post, Racer. It was uplifting and a great way to get to know everyone!
I was having a little pity party because I can't do this for myself right now. But, it's OK -- it's enough to hear your good thoughts.
Racer, I hope you feel better very, very soon.
--A
Posted by Pfinstegg on June 23, 2004, at 6:54:56
In reply to Re: What amazing people here! Who's next?, posted by tabitha on June 23, 2004, at 3:07:21
Oh, THANK YOU, Tabitha! No one has ever called me *cool* before, and I'm thrilled! Truthfully, I have a secret little *but* attached to everything positive I said, also, but I was emboldened by how everyone put those aside for this thread. I love your posts, and hope you will also set aside the *buts* for at least a while and tell us more of what you really do like and respect about yourself. No waiting to become one of those ancient threads, please!
Posted by Aphrodite on June 23, 2004, at 7:09:57
In reply to my good points, posted by pegasus on June 22, 2004, at 15:07:28
>
> 5. My sense of wonder is alive. I like getting stopped in my tracks by seeing a bird on my windowsill, or noticing the expression on a passing child's face, or watching my seeds poke their little green heads above the dirt, or momentarily connecting with a stranger.
>Well said! What a wonderful gift! You're cool:)
Posted by littlep24 on June 23, 2004, at 8:49:47
In reply to A board of great people!, posted by Aphrodite on June 23, 2004, at 5:12:15
Aphrodite,
I second your thoughts. I too was having a pity party because right now I could only make a list of all the things I dislike about myself and I said get over it be happy for everyone and yours will come some day as will others to that higher power hopefully soon for all of us.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 23, 2004, at 9:30:47
In reply to As many good points as I can think of about me, posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 12:24:04
Strength and tenacity. How many of us could say we try this hard? And with a county system yet. My compliments.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 23, 2004, at 9:54:25
In reply to Re: My list » antigua, posted by littlep24 on June 22, 2004, at 15:54:04
This is really, really hard. I might not be able to get 10.
1) I'm smart. I had disadvantaged, but I managed to get myself through college (a lot of it night school) and graduated with honors.
2) I'm a good math tutor. My daughter used to bring her friends over for help.
3) I truly care about other people.
4) I still have a sense of adventure. I love to travel and haven't turned down a work trip yet. Even to some conditions that most wouldn't go to.
5) I'm very handy. Remodeling is my hobby. It's like the Golden Gate - when it's finished it's time to start over.
5) I can foster bottle fed kittens.
6) I can see both sides of almost any issue. (this can also be a curse)
7) I'm a good mom and didn't repeat the same mistakes my parents did. I can make my own mistakes, thank you.
8) I can laugh at myself.
9) I'm a lousy housekeeper. Ok, that by itself isn't a good thing, but it is something that I know about myself. So I pay someone to do it. I'd go without food before I would fire her.
ok, one shy. but not bad.
Posted by pegasus on June 23, 2004, at 11:43:43
In reply to Re: my good points » pegasus, posted by Aphrodite on June 23, 2004, at 7:09:57
Thanks so much! I hope you can make your list soon also. I know it's tough. My self critic was working overtime while I did it. But I stand by everything I wrote. And, secretly, I like the sense of wonder part best too. :)
pegasus
Posted by mair on June 23, 2004, at 14:19:54
In reply to Re: my good points » Aphrodite, posted by pegasus on June 23, 2004, at 11:43:43
...with how you are all able to assemble these wonderful lists. My T tried some CBT exercises with me a few years ago similar to the compilation of lists like this one and I failed miserably and doubt I could do much better now. I think it just never occurs to me to think of my positives.
I think this is a great thread and actually rather inspiring.
Mair
Posted by Dinah on June 23, 2004, at 19:31:27
In reply to I'm very amazed, posted by mair on June 23, 2004, at 14:19:54
Posted by ghost on June 23, 2004, at 22:07:35
In reply to I'm very amazed, posted by mair on June 23, 2004, at 14:19:54
okay, this will be tough, but i think i need to do it right now, so thanks to the one who started this thread. we had to write down all the things we were thankful for in 3 minutes and i had no problems with that, but it's different to be thankful for things about yourself.
1. i'm not afraid to dress how i feel. my outfits range from punk rock, to nerd, to goth, and i love knowing that i can turn heads and make little kids say "mommy, she's wearing big boots!!"
2. i'm a survivor. i've made a lot of mistakes in life and made a lot of bad decisions, but i've lived through them all. i'm still standing.
3. i love animals. i think that animals are sentient beings worthy of a happy and healthy life just like people for as long as they're on this planet. one thing i will not tolerate is animal cruelty.
4. i once drove a complete stranger from Concord NH to Burlington VT because she was stranded at the bus station and had no money. she told me some elaborate story about her life on Nantucket island with two guys who make juice (if you've ever seen Nantucket Nectars juices, you'll understand this b.s.).
5. I'm a damn good chemist. I graduated with two degrees in chemstry and forensic science, and I love chemistry. Chemistry is everywhere and i have a healthy appreciation for everything in my life: from the stuff that keeps my curly hair from frizzing to the stuff that lines the soles of my converse, everything is made of molecules. even us.
6. i can predict when it will rain. i broke my foot a few months ago and it aches whenever it's about to rain.
7. i have two different colored eyes. (blue and brown)
8. i have an enormous amount of common sense. no one will ever tell me i can't fight my way out of a wet paper bag.
9. i once called up the phone company and paid my friend's bill to have her phone turned back on so she wouldn't be stranded at home with her daughter and no phone to call for help. i never asked for the money back, and i never got it back.
10. everything i've done has made me who i am today. and i don't think this person is all that bad. i'm proud of who i am and what i've become. i have my bad days, but right now, i'm an okay person.
...gosh, *12*?? that's not fair...
11. i care about other people's well-being and will do anything i can to make sure someone is happy and health. i know i am a generous person.
12. i laugh at anything, most of the time. i'm fun to have around because i laugh at everyone's jokes and i'm a great listener. some people say they like my laugh.
...this was hard...
Posted by Dinah on June 24, 2004, at 12:58:53
In reply to As many good points as I can think of about me, posted by Racer on June 22, 2004, at 12:24:04
I'm relatively smart. Not a genius like my son and husband, but I can hold my own. I think I even pick things up faster than my husband as long as they aren't too complex. (Mom moment. My son at age seven figured out the rate of return on Monopoly properties and made his buying decisions on how long it would take to recoup his money through rents).
I'm very very good at what I do and make few mistakes. People can and do rely on my work. Darned good thing considering my drawbacks as an employee.
I have an uncanny ability to pick up on the emotions of people around me, although I'm not nearly as good at figuring out the reasons behind them.
Dogs love me.
I am G-G-G-Great!!! at commitment. Of course, you could call that fear of change and getting stuck in a rut, but I'll call it commitment.
I can nearly always figure out how to accomplish what I want to do.
Sometimes I choose not to accomplish what I want to do, if it will bring pain or inconvenience to others.
I'm a pretty good Mom.
Posted by Racer on June 24, 2004, at 13:55:32
In reply to Re: I'll try, posted by Dinah on June 24, 2004, at 12:58:53
Dinah, I'm going to add a few to your list, because you didn't make the full quota.
You are an excellent communicator, with very strong verbal skills.
You have a remarkable ability to reach out and touch people -- you show it here virtually every time you post.
You have the tremendous self-confidence required to make radical changes to your hairstyle -- and thus your appearance -- without a safety net. That really does take a special kind of self-confidence, and I'm sure you show it in many other ways, as well.
Some scientist somewhere could give you a better explanation of this next one, but you'll have to settle for my rather feeble attempt: intelligence is not based on one particular ability -- think savant syndrome -- so you're probably just as brilliantly intelligent as your men. (And you're probably better than a 'pretty good' mom.)
This is a really bad day for me, Dinah, or I'm pretty sure I could manage more of these about you. I'm glad you posted, though -- I'd been waiting for your list.
Posted by gardenergirl on June 24, 2004, at 14:42:33
In reply to Um, I'm gonna overstep the bounds here » Dinah, posted by Racer on June 24, 2004, at 13:55:32
I'm very introspective. I like to daydream or just live within my head at times, because its interesting to see where all the thoughts lead.
(oh god, so hard not to add that but...)
I'm sensitive...to people's feelings (like Dinah), to beauty, pain, changes in my surroundings, changes within me...this means I notice more and thus have a rich environment.
I'm good at growing flowers, and I absolutely love to just look at them and watch the changes day to day. I do my gardens kind of willy nilly rather than working from a plan. I don't always like how they turn out, but I don't beat myself up over it. Instead, I just try something else. (Does this one count?) BTW, the hanging baskets I just did for my mom have attracted yellow finches, which she says she has never seen around before!
I am a good cook. I love to use fresh herbs and really good ingredients to make something tasty and fresh. I have old favorites, too, like hot dog pie. MMMM comfort food.
I am a "natural" at doing therapy. My supervisor told me this, and you know, I think I agree with him. It feels really natural to me, and I really enjoy it. I miss seeing clients right now. I'm going to be a good psychologist when I graduate.
I am loyal and committed to my husband. He is my soulmate, and we are still very much in love even after 14 years of knowing each other.
I believe family and friendships are the most important thing in life beyond taking care of the self. I never want to feel regret that I didn't love and enjoy my family when I am on my deathbed someday.
Speaking of the self, I believe in the value of the human spirit. I believe that every individual (yeah, I know what you might be thinking) has the potential to grow and evolve. No one is hopeless, including myself. I seek out things that will help me to develop and to grow.
(Oh lord, that's only eight?...)
Okay, I have very pretty bluish, greenish, greyish light colored eyes. They tend to shift colors depending on what I am wearing. And I have long lashes. (Big but there, but I won't say it.)
My eyes go well with my chosen haircolor. I love being a redhead. I don't think God makes mistakes with people, but I really think I was meant to be a redhead. It goes so much better with my complexion (very very fair) and my eyes. And people think it's natural.
I'm goofy. I'm silly, a spaz, and quick-witted. I love to make jokes and to laugh. People laugh at my goofiness, which is just fine with me. Grace is not my middle name, but as long as it doesn't result in injury, I'm totally fine with it...now.
I'm in my thirties. I never thought I would like that, but they are wonderfully rich and fulfilling. I sure hope the forties are, cause they are fast approaching!
Pfwhew!
Thanks for the workout, racer! And just for you, racer...I am smart. I am ____ the ____, and that's okay. Thanks. :D
gg
Posted by mair on June 24, 2004, at 15:23:25
In reply to okay, I'm ready to give it a try, posted by gardenergirl on June 24, 2004, at 14:42:33
I'm not sure what it says, but even thinking about what positive things I could possibly say about myself, triggers too much anxiety.
Hats off to all of you brave souls.
Mair
Posted by Racer on June 24, 2004, at 15:36:34
In reply to okay, I'm ready to give it a try, posted by gardenergirl on June 24, 2004, at 14:42:33
Posted by Dinah on June 24, 2004, at 19:38:21
In reply to Um, I'm gonna overstep the bounds here » Dinah, posted by Racer on June 24, 2004, at 13:55:32
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.