List your assets—you have more than you think.

January 2, 2020

It's important to take time to reflect on the good things in life. I know, it can be hard to find the silver lining sometimes. For example, if you're down on your luck and feel like everything is going wrong, it can be difficult to remember that there are still good things in life that are going right. But they're out there! Here are some ideas for making sure you keep seeing those good things:

Write an asset list.

This is an exercise I learned from my father, who is a therapist. He taught me to write a list of all the things that are good about me. All the things that are good about me, even if they're small and insignificant in the grand scheme of life. It's important to remind yourself of these things every day because sometimes we can forget what it is we have done right, or how far we've come since the beginning of our lives. And then sometimes it feels like those accomplishments don't matter anymore because someone thinks less of us than they should, but that's not true! You know why? Because YOU ARE YOURSELF! And no one else can take that away from you unless YOU LET THEM!!!

Remember: You are enough just as you are.*

Create a body image photo album.

Now that you have an idea of the things you want in your life, it's time to create an asset list. First, write out a list of all the things that are currently in your life. Think about possessions like money and furniture but also relationships with friends and family. Then imagine what it would feel like if those things were gone—if they disappeared from your life completely—and write down what would be left without them. Next create a new list: all the assets you want to add to your life moving forward.

Make your bedroom beautiful.

Get a new bedspread, or paint the walls a new color.
Decorate with things that make you feel good about yourself.
Put on your favorite music, or light some candles.

Hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself.

You can't be around people who make you feel bad about yourself.
Make friends with people who are positive and supportive.
Talk to someone you trust if you are feeling down.
Try to surround yourself with people who are supportive.
Seek out people who make you feel good about yourself

Do something nice for someone else.

One of the most effective ways to feel happier is to do something nice for someone else. Giving back is a great way to boost your confidence and increase your overall happiness.

You can volunteer or donate money to charity, like the Red Cross or local food banks.
You can buy someone flowers, whether it's your parents or a friend who needs cheering up.
You may want to cook dinner for family members, co-workers or neighbors who are going through hard times at work/home life.