Positive personality traits

We have been working on thinking of the good things about all of our skills and personality traits as a whole (e.g Lin is very protective, while Nin is very patient; therefore both end up on The List) - to build self respect, esteem, care and so forth.

We thought maybe some of you might want to try the same thing? It's a nice pick-me-up and several in our system have felt very appreciated through this exercise (especially when we wrote what trait came from which part)

We are honest, patient, caring/compassionate, dependable, empathetic, conscientious, good with kids, protective, responsible, introverted (not as a bad thing), observant, dutiful and defend those that need it.

- Lin/Nin

I really appreciate this line of thinking. I actually started a list in my blog a couple months ago at this link: what alters will contribute to a future us. My list is more alter-specific because that's how I approached it.

The only thing different is that we used to be able to edit older blog entries and I can't do that anymore, meaning I can no longer update entries where I kept details about all my alters. Not good because I keep finding new ones who belong on those lists. I guess I wasn't really using it as a blog so much as a storage place for information I didn't want to post about because it was too specifically about us and it changed through time.

** trigger, body parts **
So for new boy Carter, I'd like to say that he adds the ability to quit, and protection of the private parts. The latter is because the DID mother's twisted alter often and graphically threatened to remove them while we were ages 3 to 6 due to our having been born a little boy.
** end trigger **

Once I learned this terrifying thing happen and at what ages, I calculated that it must have been me who endured this threat and that I had blocked it using amnesia. It never made complete sense to me that, given the fact that I had DID, I wouldn't rely on dissociation and an alter. Turns out, it was an alter, the newest guy here, Carter. Sorry to derail the post but I couldn't post without including him and what he contributed.

I really respect what my alters did for us and I see the many wonderful abilities that they hold and excel in above the others. I am in awe of what they withstood and how they somehow managed to deal with it all. I think it's important to acknowledge just how amazing the other parts of us can be. I've always felt that my deep inner strengths were somehow locked away from me and at least now I know where to find them.

Sorry to derail the post but I couldn't post without including him and what he contributed.

I think that's great that you could post so much about exactly what it is he contributes to the system. He sounds like a good little guy to have around

I really respect what my alters did for us and I see the many wonderful abilities that they hold and excel in above the others. I am in awe of what they withstood and how they somehow managed to deal with it all. I think it's important to acknowledge just how amazing the other parts of us can be. I've always felt that my deep inner strengths were somehow locked away from me and at least now I know where to find them.

That's great! I think it's such an important thing to not just acknowledge but appreciate the alters and their unique talents, skills, personality traits et cetera - even if it's difficult. Thanks for your reply

- Nin

Thank you for this topic! I think that is a wonderful way to think of alters, as what they each contribute.

We used to all hate Mari because she was mean to the other alters and would cause them to be depressed (at least we thought so) but we eventually got to talk to her and understand why she is like she is, and she stopped turning her evil against us.

List of what we offer...
Natsumi: understanding, kindness, generosity, selflessness
Suzumi: structure, the ability to hold back emotions for our own safety
Akihiro: voice of reason, sense of humor, physical protection
Mika: depth of mind, analysis, passion
Ryu: upbeat, confidence, style, organization/cleanliness, distraction
Kyo: passion, humor, carefree, fun, confidence, belief in self
Isuroku: poise, sensitivity, mental protection, cares for Izumi
Izumi: innocence, fresh perspective, not afraid to ask for cuddles
Mari: protection mentally, pride, righteousness, confidence

Just wanted to say that I hope you are all doing okay doe-eyed

hehe. this sounds kinda fun.

Jess: creative, compassionate, open minded.
Jen: confident, iron will, protective.
Teen: calm, patient, takes good care of the kids.
LEll: loving, trusting, carefree.
Mute: i dont really know zem.
Janice (me): um, i think a lot... but im not going into myself
James: sensitive (even if he doesnt always show it), fun-loving, caring.
Sprite: dont really know her...
Katie: dont really know her...
?: dont remember him rite now...
Introject: im calling on the 'if you cant say something nice, dont say anything at all' policy...

well, the lack of knowledge about one another kinda gets in the way at the end there, but...

That's nice I think it's always good to remember everyone's good qualities. I think getting to know each alter for who they are and not just their job etc makes one able to see that every part of the system has positive qualities that help them be who they are.

I think some are harder than others. That's what we've been working on at least.

Me- Creative, passionate, always willing to learn, open minded,
Scott- Caring, supportive, good sense of humour, confident
Darren- Protective, smart, capable, independent
Ted- Organised, good at motivating, smart, confident
Dean- Carefree, supportive, simplifies everything so things don't seem as overwhelming

That's great Maxwell