I just have encountered a perfect opportunity to practice my skills. The fact that we cannot control the world around us, only our reactions is a nice concept. It takes away control, therefore giving us more control, if that makes any sense.
I was put into a situation that has proven itself to be challenging in the past tonight. It involves a man I have been dating and am beginning to like. There were some things I am uncomfortable with, and I knew that it would be in my best interest to address them now than later down the road after I have become attached to this guy.
I have learned from past experiences and my counselor to be genuine and confident and assertive. Today was the perfect opportunity to practice that.
So I used a lot of "I" statements and was perfectly honest about the way I felt about some things that had been going on and what I wanted. I heard some things I was hoping not to from him, but I had managed to not have any expectations, so I was sad rather than devestated. I also feel good that I took the initiative to bring the topic up and keep my stand. Therefore I was able to feel like I was not being rejected and that I was taking some control of the situation by controlling my reactions.
In the past, I would have gone over every word said and thought "I shouldn't have said that," but this time I am being more forgiven, and besides, I feel like I did a pretty good job for as nervous as I was.
I really want to be more dedicated to this program, but at times I feel very distracted! I see that I am not alone in feeling this way when I read the other postings in this forum.
I will make this situation my "project." See if I can get through it with no expectations and realizing that I can only control my reactions and not the situation!

What better "project" to dedicate yourself to than YOU!

Keep believing!
Tammy