Directions: Pretend that a person you consider contaminated or not makes the following statement to you today.

“, you're the stupidest person I know!”

What would happen to you? How would you feel? Does it make a difference who said it? Complete the following steps on analyzing your feelings and thoughts.

How would you feel if this remark came from your … Spouse/partner/ significant other?

Best friend?

Supervisor/boss?

Spiritual leader/preacher/minister/rabbi/priest?

Parent(s)?

Stranger?

Review your responses. From which person would it be the most painful to hear this comment? Why?

Why is this person's image of you important?

Review your responses. From which person would it be the least painful to hear this comment? Why?

Why is this person's image of you not important?

Why does one person's comment bring you pain and the other person's comment not bother you?

How do you think this affects your self-esteem?

Pretend that a person you consider contaminated did say this to you and you decided to take a drive just to clear your mind. As you're driving, your negative self-talk creeps in and says, Maybe they're right. I am stupid. How would you silence your inner critic? How would you justify your abilities and competencies to this inner critic?

In the spaces following, list as many things as you possibly can about your abilities and competencies in every area of your life including career, family, friendship, finance, spirituality, talent, physical ability, mental ability, social ability, and so on.