Warning, this post contains themes of Mental Health.

This particular day in Art Therapy, the prompt was to express one of the Personal Bill of Rights. I chose to draw a snowflake to express number 12. “I have the right to be uniquely myself.”

I think that one right stood out to me because of my various backgrounds. I grew up with a lot of shame around my identities of being Korean American, being an Immigrant, being Transgender and such. Actually, there is still quite a bit of shame left that I am still processing. So the right to be unique really stood out to me.

Many others also speak to me very deeply and bring up a lot of the trauma of my past and present. I still cannot read this list without crying. I hope that these help everyone on their journey of healing.

1. I have the right to ask for what I want.
2. I have the right to say no to requests or demands I cannot meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
7. I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for others’ behaviors, actions, feelings, or problems.
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and say, “I’m afraid.”
14. I have the right to say, “I don’t know.”
15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
17. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.
20. I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.
21. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
    
    – Author Unknown.

If you are struggling with Depression, Anxiety or thoughts of suicide, there is help available.
There are various different hotlines that you can call that specializes in people of different locations and identities. Also if you are in the US you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255