Safety and Support

The Army of Now...

Visualise yourself on a battlefield.  You are wearing the most beautiful armour of the love of those around you and the joy that you have experienced.  You are fighting the enemy of many faces (depression, eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, fear, abuse, suicide, alcoholism, substance misuse).  The enemy is a large army coming towards you.

When you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the approaching army, look around the battlefield.  You are by far not alone.  There by your side are your friends, your family, your co-workers, your pets, members of your community, perhaps members of your church - passed and present taking up their swords and stepping in front of you and forming a protective bubble around you, so you may rest.  All those people right there with you.  You feel their energy, their love, their encouragement.  You see your heroes and heroines surrounding you, joining in the protective bubble to keep you safe.

When the enemy draws closer and you feel defeated and alone, look around you.  Your friends will fight the front lines while you rest a while in the knowledge and warm embrace of those who love you for you, for who you are, exactly as you are.  Be still and know you are loved.

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 express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
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 be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and say '1'm afraid."
14. I have the right to say 'I don't know.
15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
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 healthier than those around me.
20. I have the right to be in a nonabusive 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 be happy.