I've always thought of myself as a pretty assertive person. But I realized that I really needed a lot of work in this area. Because I had a problem with anger, and because I am a Christian, I was always biting my tongue. Afraid that if I said something, it would be too much, and that it would be damaging. But when I was pushed and cornered, I'd respond very forcefully. Still controlled, because of Jesus' teachings in my heart, but forceful, hurt, and angry. After going through the session on anger and the session on assertiveness, I found that the two sessions go hand-in-hand for me. I am learning how not to respond with anger, (which I have been successfully working on for some time now, but much more successfully since going through the lesson on anger), and how to mildly, confidently, and kindly SPEAK UP. And BOY! What a relief. It feels great! It has really made a difference in that misunderstood feeling I always had, and even long standing relationships are improving. I highly recommend assertiveness.

Hi LoveJoy!
Have greatly missed your postings!
I agree with you, assertiveness is so important to learn. I like how Lucinda distinguished assertiveness with agressiveness in that lesson. I really didn't know the difference until I went through that lesson and it really did help me too. It was one lesson that I really had to go back to several times. Really a great lesson.
Hope all is going well with you. Take good care.

LoveJoy,

Heeeeey hon! Wow, its been a while. Great to see that you are getting those skills down . Just wanted to say keep up the good work and Congrats to you for you're new found assertive attitude! Take good care! (((HUGS)))

Doyle

Hi Guys!!! - I mean, Gals!!!! grateful: It's great to read you! I hope things are going well for you, too. You know, what happened with me is that I skipped ahead to the Assertiveness session a while back, before going through the lesson on anger. I got the difference between assertiveness and aggression, and have never considered myself an aggressive person. Losing control was always my big fear.
What I really needed was the connection between identifying where my anger comes from, and what it accomplishes, and assertiveness. Once I understood how to manage my anger better, I didn't hold back so much and was able to be assertive confidently, without being afraid of losing control.

Thank you, Doylie! It's so nice to know I've been missed. I've missed you, too. I'm sorry I'm not able to come around more often, but it is sure nice to have friends here when I can. Thanks for saying hi.