When I help people join my therapy groups, I tell them we will work on doing more of what helps and less of what doesn’t help. I help people understand that by saying, “What helps and what doesn’t help might include thoughts, behaviors, and other people.” Because it helps to change old habits by writing things down, I helpfully suggest they keep track of what helps and what doesn’t help them.
Because it helps to know you’re not alone, I explain that I also keep track of what helps and what doesn’t help me.
What helps me?
- Acceptance.
- Love.
- Creativity.
- Flexibility.
- Peace.
- Connection.
- Nature.
- Forgiveness.
- Blogging.
- My work.
- Family.
- Friends.
- Groups.
- Mutual healing.
- Curiosity.
- Openness.
- Authenticity.
- Music.
What doesn’t help me?
- Worry.
- Shame.
- Guilt.
- Regret.
- Harsh criticism.
- Cognitive distortions.
- Perfectionism.
- Telling myself I should have known better.
Does it help to look at these photos?
What also helps me is gratitude, so thanks to all who helped me create today’s post and — of course! — to YOU.
The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally 
Yes, Ann, it helps to look at your photos. Thank you today and every day.
You’re welcome today and every day, Mark.
I’d just add ‘encouragement’ to your helps; endorse the rest and those that don’t help
Your encouragement helps, Derrick.
You list eighteen things that help and eight things that don’t, but you have posts about four of the things that don’t help and three about the things that do. Does this sort of analysis help or not?
You always help, Chris.
What helps me is considering my choices prior to moving forward. What doesn’t help is allowing fear to paralyze me. What helps is being glad for a job well done. What doesn’t help is worry over things I cannot change. Eyes forward helps me. You help me! I hope I help you. Its what we came here for. 😀
You definitely help me! ❤
What helps? This. Every single day, even though I don’t comment, I read. Thanks, Ann.
Thanks, Maggie, for this very helpful comment. ❤
Another winner, and reading this blog always helps me, Ann!
You help me feel like a winner, Sunny!
A great list of tips. I think gratitude is my personal favourite. It has helped me through such a lot.
I am grateful for your helpful thoughts!
Everyone needs to let go of things that don’t help make them happy being happy is the key to life
You help me feel happier, Joanne.
It helps to provide to others what I need, I.e., if I need a friend, I need to be a friend. Thanks for this thought provoking post Ann! ♡
Diana xo
You are a helpful friend, Diana! ❤ xxoo
Takes one to know one Ann!
Whimsy ❤️
Love. ❤
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