Session 7 W elcome to the Self-Esteem in Second Life Workshop for Women with SCI A research study conducted by: Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) Spinal Cord Injury and Disability Research Center (SCIDR)

Action Plan Progress Review Tell us how things went with carrying out your action plan last week What barriers did you face? What or who encouraged you? How did working on this make you feel? 2

Review of Homework What Would You Say? 1.Imagine you came home from work, and you are especially tired and needing to relax. Your friend calls you and wants you to go shopping with her. You respond… 3

Review of Homework What Would You Say? 2.Your attendant comes to work in an angry mood. She slams the door and throws her purse down and mumbles a complaint. You respond… 3.You feel that your spouse or friend has not been spending the amount of time with you that you desire. Your action is… 4

Review of Homework What Would You Say? 4.You are in a restaurant. Your enchilada dinner is served cold. You say… 5.You discover that a nearby restaurant does not have adequate restroom accommodations for your needs as a woman who uses a wheelchair. Your action is… 5

In Today’s Session, We Will… Personalize the concepts of self-esteem and connection Summarize the personal experience of the workshop Practice a new relaxation script Identify future self-esteem and connection plans 6

What Is Self Esteem? Positive self-esteem is something most people want and everyone needs Positive self-esteem helps us find happiness and cope with disappointment –And, it’s necessary for our psychological well-being 7

What Is Self Esteem? Self-esteem affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors It affects our view of the world and our place in it 8

What Is Self Esteem? Our self-esteem affects how others see and treat us Self-esteem affects choices we make Self-esteem affects our ability to give and receive love And it affects our ability to change things that need to be changed. 9

My Declaration of Self-Esteem I AM ME In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically me. Because I alone chose it. …I am me and I am okay. Self-Esteem Affirmation by Virginia Satir 10

Workshop Reflections: Connecting to Self Have you learned new things about yourself? Have you learned new ways to care for yourself? Are you more aware of yourself and your strengths? Have you made progress in connecting with and caring for yourself? 11

Workshop Reflections: Connecting with Others Have you become more aware of your relationships? H ave you made changes in your communication patterns? If so, have you noticed a difference in how others respond? Have you made changes in your relationships OR in the extent to which you reach out to others? Has anything helped or hindered you from enhancing your connections with others? 12

Workshop Reflections: Goals and Action Plans How do you feel about your progress with the goal(s) you set at the beginning of the workshop? What has helped or hindered your efforts to reach your goal(s)? Do you think you may need to modify your goal(s)? If you reached your goal(s), what new goal might help you in the future? 13

Planning For the Future Remember, there will be times when you feel connected with others There will also be times when you feel isolated and more alone –In those times, reach out to others for support When selecting goals, select only one goal at a time Review your materials from this workshop 14

Planning For the Future Remember, connecting with self is a life- long process Remember to be accepting of yourself as you are Encourage yourself to grow and change! 15

Relaxation Exercise Relaxation Session 16

Closing Comments We commend you on your commitment to enhancing your self-esteem! We congratulate you on the progress that you’ve made during this workshop! And, we wish you well in your continued progress! Bravo! 17

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! 18