A Story with a Moral

   Once upon a time, an unhappy horse wished for longer, thinner legs,
a neck like a swan, and a saddle that would grow
on his back as part of his body.
   He thought all these things would bring him great happiness, because
 they would make him more beautiful.
   Well, it so happened that the horses wishes were granted, he was given
all the things he wished for.
   But when the horse went to a reflecting pond to admire his improved image,
he was horrified!
   The things that had seemed so desireable individually had become totally undesireable collectively, he had changed into a camel!

     Moral of the Story
         It is better to improve what you have, than to wish for the things you don't have.

   I don't know where this story came from...I've had it in my therapy room for years, but it is a great example of how we consistently think we will be "right" or "better" if
                           or when...whatever...... happens.
   

                           Test and see what happens to your self image with this exercise.
                                                          Mirror Exercise
                                                      Stand in front of a mirror,
                                                      look into your own eyes,
                                           and say "I love you just the way you are!"
                                  Repeat statement several times with emphasis.
                  Do this consistantly for a month, then check back in and see how you feel
                                                   Has anything changed?