Psychologists say there are key beliefs about ourselves that need to be in place at each stage of our development in order for us to grow up whole and healthy. The good news is that it is never too late to patch the developmental holes as we find them and be increasingly restored to our true selves.

It was easy for me to read a list of these beliefs and say, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” and not even notice the ones that weren’t quite mine yet. Creating something visual for each one slowed me down and made me ask the hard questions about what I really believed about who I am. This mixed media project was executed in journal form – a spiral bound book of watercolor paper pages.

The Belief Project

I'm glad I'm alive!

I'm glad I'm alive!

I belong.

I belong.

My needs and wants are important.

My needs and wants are important.

I am glad I am me.

I am glad I am me.

I can grow at my own pace.

I can grow at my own pace.

I can feel all my feelings.

I can feel all my feelings.

I am worthy of being loved.

I am worthy of being loved.

I am glad I'm a girl.

I am glad I'm a girl.

I am unique. I am one of a kind and I am glad for this.

I am unique. I am one of a kind and I am glad for this.

My personal value is not earned. I have value that is not based on behavior or performance.

My personal value is not earned. I have value that is not based on behavior or performance.

It is all right for me to ask for help.

It is all right for me to ask for help.

When I have a problem, I will know what to do.

When I have a problem, I will know what to do.

I can explore and experiment.

I can explore and experiment.

It is okay for me to experience new things.

It is okay for me to experience new things.

It is all right for me to do things imperfectly while I continue to improve and learn.

It is all right for me to do things imperfectly while I continue to improve and learn.

It is okay and healthy for me to touch things that I choose to touch.

It is okay and healthy for me to touch things that I choose to touch.

My interest in many different things is healthy.

My interest in many different things is healthy.

I am growing and learning all the time.

I am growing and learning all the time.

It is okay for me to be active *and* quiet and relaxed.

It is okay for me to be active *and* quiet and relaxed.

I have a reliable conscience. I know what is right and what is wrong.

I have a reliable conscience. I know what is right and what is wrong.

I can respect authority.

I can respect authority.

I value the people with whom I come in contact.

I value the people with whom I come in contact.

I am a valuable part of a bigger picture.

I am a valuable part of a bigger picture.

Each person makes their own choices. I will make my choices.

Each person makes their own choices. I will make my choices.

I can let go and grieve my losses, knowing I can rebound.

I can let go and grieve my losses, knowing I can rebound.

I can think for myself.

I can think for myself.

I can be angry and stay in control.

I can be angry and stay in control.

I am lovable in spite of my mistakes and bad choices.

I am lovable in spite of my mistakes and bad choices.

It is all right for me to say no.

It is all right for me to say no.

I can set boundaries in all my relationships. I can adjust my boundaries as I choose.

I can set boundaries in all my relationships. I can adjust my boundaries as I choose.

I can trust my feelings. I can identify my feelings at any given time.

I can trust my feelings. I can identify my feelings at any given time.

I am loved, even by people who are not present at this time.

I am loved, even by people who are not present at this time.

I understand that it is okay to be in submission to people over me (who are in authority). This is healthy and adds security to me.

I understand that it is okay to be in submission to people over me (who are in authority). This is healthy and adds security to me.

I am becoming more patient.

I am becoming more patient.

I can complete my goals and projects.

I can complete my goals and projects.

I am willing to accept the consequences of my choices and behaviors.

I am willing to accept the consequences of my choices and behaviors.

I can meet new people. They will realize my value and character.

I can meet new people. They will realize my value and character.

I am able to properly prioritize things.

I am able to properly prioritize things.

I am able to focus on more than one thing at any given time.

I am able to focus on more than one thing at any given time.

I will have a great future.

I will have a great future.

I respect other people, even if we don't agree.

I respect other people, even if we don't agree.

I have control of myself and my responses.

I have control of myself and my responses.

My needs are important. My wants are secondary to my needs. I am learning the difference.

My needs are important. My wants are secondary to my needs. I am learning the difference.