Bill of Rights
 

I found these Bill of Rights for we anoners while I was digging through some of my "reference" material on codependency. I hope you find them as empowering as I did.


Bill of Rights

I do not have to feel guilty just because someone else does not like what I do, say, think, or feel.

It is okay for me to feel angry and to express it in responsible ways.

I do not have to assume full responsibility for making decisions, particularly where others share responsibility for making the decision.

I have the right to say, "I don’t understand" without feeling stupid or guilty.

I have the right to say, "I don’t know".

I have the right to say "no" without feeling guilty.

I do not have to apologize or give reason when I say "no".

I have the right to ask others to do things for me.

I have the right to refuse requests which others make of me.

I have the right to tell others when I think they are manipulating, conning, or treating me unfairly.

I have the right to refuse additional responsibilities without feeling guilty.

I have the right to tell others when I think their behavior annoys me.

I do not have to compromise my personal integrity.

I have the right to make mistakes and to be responsible for them – I have the right to be wrong.

I do not have to be liked, admired, or respected by everyone for everything I do.

I have the right to evaluate my own behavior, thoughts, and emotions, and to take responsibility for their initiation and consequences.

I have the right to offer no reason or excuses for justifying myself.

I have the right to decide if I am responsible for finding solutions to others people’s problems.

I have the right to change my mind.

I have the right to be independent of the goodwill of others before coping with them.

I have the right to be illogical in making decisions

I have the right to think about; my life, my goals, and myself and leave others to my Higher Power.

I have the right to leave the company of people who deliberately or inadvertently put me down, lay a guilt trip on me, manipulate or humiliate me. That includes my addict/alcoholic partner, my non-addict/alcoholic partner, or any other member of my family.

I have the right to a mentally healthy, sane way of existence, though it will deviate in part, or all, from my partners prescribed philosophy of life.

I have the right to laugh and play and have fun. I have the right to enjoy this life, right here, right now.

I have the right to carve out my own place in this world.
http://www.matzos.net/RainbowHouse/bill.htm

[This message has been edited by HellOn2Heels (edited January 30, 2002).]

Heels,
Thanks so much for posting this! I really needed to read this today!
Kathy

thanks Heel's

That was great,
GO GIRL
Since I started this co-dependencey I have found a strength I never knew I had.
I call it WOMAN POWER... you get it as you get older...And I personaly love it....
reading THE BILL OF RIGHTS, FEEDS MY KNOWLEDGE AND STRENGTHENS THE POWER.
silly ah!

You've got the power...
we all do
we just have to recognize it.....
Regards sally

Thanks so much for this. Had to print it out and keep in my Courage to Change. I'll read it everyday after the Serenity Prayer.