so what did I actually do?

Something I regret but am not going to dwell on.  Yes that's it.  I'm not going to dwell on it.

religion

No one wants to be alone--that's where God, ghosts and angels come from.
yep

Even if you demand love from a limited number of people, you cannot usually win the approval of all of them. Some, because of their own limitations, will have little ability to love anyone. Others will disapprove of you for reasons entirely beyond your control. Still others will despise you forever because of some prejudice against you.

More affirmations

I believe in my abilities. 

I'm creative, intelligent and capable. 

I am proud of being unique and I do not need to change anything about myself in order to gain the approval of others.

Affirmations straight out of the Bible

Well, not the Bible.

Why affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements that describe a desired situation, and which are repeated many times, in order to impress the subconscious mind and trigger it into positive action. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the affirmations, they have to be repeated with attention, conviction, interest and desire.
http://www.successconsciousness.com/index_00000a.htm

This is page 208 from the anxiety workbook and these are the ones I have chosen to work on.

1. I'm responsible and in control of my life.
2. Every challenge that comes along is an opportunity to learn and grow.
3. I love and accept myself the way I am.
4. I respect and believe in myself apart from others' opinions.
5. I appreciate my achievements, and I'm much more than all of them put together.
6. I'm a unique and capable person just as I am.
7. I'm learning to relax and let go.  I'm learning to accept those things I can't control.
8. I'm inherently worthy as a person.  I accept myself just the way I am.

So, there is a parallel between currant bully at work and my step-father.  I could just leave these people alone, why do I stir the pot???  Oh, right the approval thing.

The Anxiety Book and other Stuff

Page 242, "the feeling list"

As I was skimming the list my eyes jumped from the column of "positive feelings" to the list of "negative feelings."  My eyes seemed more comfortable there.  I skimmed down the list and stopped at "ashamed."  Just stopped--stared at the word--still, as I write, keep glancing at the word...there it is, followed by other words, "awkward, bitter, and bored."  All of the words seem like comfortable and descriptive friends.  I also pause at "dependant."  I somewhat linger on "disgusted" and "embarrassment" and "misunderstood."
Well, now it feels too deliberate the the accidental exercise is over.

Ok, skim the "positive feelings" list--out of the whole list I am most comfortable with "strong" and "loving."

Oh, page 242

So, the book, the whole book is awesome, not sure if it's legal to picture it here or not.  By the way, why am I always reading it backwards?  Am I really afraid to delve into it?I've had the thing by my bed for 2-3 years now.

Page 218  Affirmations (this is chapter 10)
See chapter 9 on how to use affirmations.

p. 215-Approval

To Do:  read pages 215-218 and 220-224