I'm a big believer in recycling and not producing so much waste. Today I called all the numbers on my junk mail letters, and asked them to take me off of their mailing lists. Its a great way to practice being assertive, I think. I practiced not using "um" which I do A LOT. And also, practiced not letting my sentences sound like a question. It doesn't feel or sound confident to me. Plus I talk in a really soft voice, and I think I spoke up pretty well. And if you feel like its not working so well, what do you have to lose? You'll just keep getting the junk mail if it doesn't work. Next is the telemarketers! I always have a hard time saying NO to them. I actually feel like I could say no without much trouble now! I always felt like I had to be angry with them, but now I just say no thank you, or sorry, I'm really not interested, until they finally just give up, say thanks and goodbye.
This program has helped me out a lot. I have often felt stepped on and not heard. Its because no one knew what I wanted. I either didn't say anything and let things I didn't like happen, or I'd finally blow up. I'm truly grateful for the advise on assertiveness in the CD's. Thanks Midwest Center!

What a fabulous, creative exercise!!!!!!
Carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

Hows it going? I just got back to reading this and saw your reply. Thanks for the encouragement! I think my dad has a funny, if not especially polite way of dealing with telemarketers. I told him he could get on a do not call list, but he doesn't seem interested. I saw him pick up the phone, say hello, then REEAAALLY!!!??? Then he put the phone down, and let the poor woman talk. I only knew he did this because the phone started beeping. Ha! Poor woman. He also likes to mess with them by asking where they are, and what's the weather like? Sometimes they get flustered, but one lady was eager to talk. Apparently she was down south and they were having forest fires or something. I have caller ID so don't answer. Maybe I should! It is a good way to practice ( as long as I don't end up buying credit card insurance, or a subscription to 'Fitness' magazine, or another credit card. (all of which have occured in the past...but I have new resolve!! No more 'why did I do that? purchases! (even the girlscouts, ok maybe not the girlscouts)

Wish me luck!

Deb

Its really hard to say "No, thank you." to the cute adorable little girl scouts. But I do. I just don't want the junk food. I am on the 'do not call' list and it works really well. Do you notice that sometimes you are strong and assertive and other times you feel like a little mouse afraid of everything? I go thru cycles. But thats ok. I'm learning to accept me for me, good days and bad.

Good job, Deb, on your practice session. I'me very proud of you!

Reena

Thanks Reena! Yes, sometimes it does seem like I can't say no, but I keep working at it too. Good luck to you!

Deb

i was always afraid to say no to. i disappointed alot of people by NOT saying no and then not doing what i said i would. Even telemarketers would convince me to try this or that, till i prayed about it, Then one day a telemaketer called and even though i had sweaty palms, when they stopped talking, i preceded to ask them if they knew who God is? there was a long silence, and a clearing of thier throat, and i asked the question again. They excused themselves and told me to have a nice day So, i didnt have to say no and spread the word of God instead, lol have a great day!!

That's a good one, come back at them like a Jehovah's witness. When they showed up at my parents house, everyone disappeared. We'd hide until they left, and if they managed to enter the house, those of us that could escape unseen would high tail it out the back door!

I have to admire their tenacity and belief, but boy must they take a lot of crap.

These telemarketers are in for it aren't they?

Happy hunting!

Deb