What is Self Help?

George Carlin on self help:
“I went to the bookstore and asked the salesperson, ‘where’s the self-help section?’ She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.”

This type of reality shock may be a turning point where you discover that you have to depend on you.

The turning point for most of us comes when we realize we can improve our lot in life. The moment we accept that we are not controlled by outside events; rather, we are dominated by your own thoughts and actions.

It is at this point in time that most of us turn to some sort of self help.

Webster defines self help as the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one’s problems without the aid of others. Changing ones self.

The Four Types of Self Help.

Self help can be designated as one of four types:

1. The AHA or epiphany moment – where a person has a dramatic moment of absolute clarity and direction. Their life pivots and is never the same.
Like the moment when an alcoholic  hits  bottom.
It is the instant when a realization impacts your consciousness, and you know that life must change and only you can change it.
It can be a moment when the solution to a problem, you’ve been struggling with, becomes crystal clear. You know without a doubt how to deal with it.

2. One on one help comes when you feel you can no longer handle the situation alone, you can no longer keep everything inside.
You may seek counseling with a psychologist, therapist, or spiritual leader.
Perhaps you simply talk to a confidant such as your best friend.

3. Group interaction.  Groups emphasize face to face interaction.
The act or state of solving one’s problems by joining or forming a group designed to help those suffering from a particular problem, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other twelve step programs.
There are many help programs through community, churches, social groups; or paid groups such as those for weight loss and so forth.
Self help groups are voluntary. They are for the mutual aid and accomplishment of a special purpose. It is a group of peers coming together for common mutual assistance. 

4. Individual self help can be accomplished by reading and reeducating your self. You gain clarity into a problem or situation and overcome it by yourself.
It usually involves reading and studying self help books and doing research. 
Otherwise know as self improvement, self help refers to the acts of an individual to improve themselves with or without assistance from anyone else.

The term, self help, refers to any measure used to improve mental, physical, financial or spiritual conditions. By means of books or other reference materials.

It is the act of providing help for oneself without assistance from others.

Individual self help emphasizes change done by oneself, like coping with one’s personal or emotional problems without professional help.

I’ve personally participated in all four types. They are all beneficial.

I still attend meetings, conduct individual and group sessions and write self help Ebooks. Don’t limit yourself to any one.

Self help is the acquiring of information for the solving of one’s problems. Those of a psychological nature, without direct supervision of professionals or experts. Independent reading, joining lay groups pertaining to your problem.

Read a book, an article, or take a home study course that offers information or counseling intended to be personally beneficial or profitable IE: self help books.

The best way to bring about change and self improvement is to begin.

Albert Einstein said:
“Nothing happens until something moves.”

The healthy spirit of self help serves to raise people from despair.

It  advances them in intelligence, virtue, and spiritual growth.

Four actions you need to take before you set out on the road to self help:
  1. Forgive yourself
  2. Forgive others
  3. Accept yourself
  4. Accept others

Samuel Smiles:
“The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.”

Jim Rohn:
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plans. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”

Whichever type or types of self help you choose it should:
  Be beneficial not harmful
  Improve your attitude
  Positively change your behavior
  Improve your environment
  Educate your subconsciousness
  Enlighten your consciousness
  Include self forgiveness
  Bring about self acceptance
  Improve your self esteem

John Wooden:
“Remember this, the choices you make in life, make you”

Summary

Apply what you learn and make real the life you’ve always dreamed of living.

Too often we limit ourselves. How sad, when we could learn to live extraordinary lives.

We can be happier, healthier, and more prosperous. Find your source(s) of self help and go for it.

C.R. Law:
“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have mastered, you will never grow.”

Copyright © Wee Dilts 2010

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/what-is-self-help-1849405.html

About the Author

Wee Dilts is a counselor, psychologist, metaphysical trainer. A teacher of self improvement for years.

She has helped thousands with her Free self help articles and Ebooks on how to change your life. To get Free self help articles visit http://www.changeyourlifeebooks.com