Positive Self-Change and The Post-It Project

The ball dropped in Times Square, champagne shot everywhere and resolutions were made. Now, the New Year has officially arrived and even though the northeast got bombarded with a blizzard, those resolutions should still be stuck in our minds.

Snow can’t push away the positive choices we will make in the year ahead.

In my last blog, I brought forward my main resolutions for 2014: stop my skin-picking habit and become healthier and happier. Now, it is time I attack these resolutions and work towards positive self-change.

A Goal for all Self-Harmers: Positive Self-Change

Many self-harmers struggle with some kind of depression or anxiety. Those factors, as well as the surrounding environment, are usually what lead to negative behaviors. Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. However, it is important to focus on the positives of change, not the stressors surrounding it.

This year has already started off with a roar. I’m in search of a new job, dealing with some money issues and trying to handle the depression I’ve been in for the last few months. However, I’m really going to focus on positive ways to attack the year – I’m making it a necessity.

For those who struggle with self-harm, positivity can be an issue. At times, you may feel so positive and motivated when at other times you feel the complete opposite. Self-harm is a rollercoaster of emotions and by putting forward the effort to control those emotions, positive thoughts may follow.

The Post-It Project

When my mom used to visit me in college, she would hide Post-It notes around my room. They would have positive sayings on them: “Embrace Life”, “Stay Positive”, “Remember You’re Beautiful.” It was always fun finding the messages and I’d put them on my wall so I could always see them.

You too can join the Post-It project. When you’re in a positive, safe place, write messages and put them around your room. When you’re feeling unsafe and are searching for a sharp object, you may see a message and it could make you re-think your urge. These Post-It’s helped me when I was struggling and just by realizing there is hope, I felt a little bit stronger.

Some of these messages can involve self-harm. However, you don’t want the messages to make you move towards unsafe behaviors. Some can be “Think Before You Act” or “Make Good Choices.” Maybe by viewing those messages, you can step back and realize you were once in a positive place and you can get there again.

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.