Cognitive dissonance is something I learned to live with at a very young age. My self-esteem has never been incredibly stable. Or rather, it was never positive. I don't consider myself intelligent, worthy, or capable. I knew these beliefs had been ingrained in my head since I was a child. Now I know and can connect these individual things to deeper meaning. The self-mirror theory was a revelation and a certain relief. I understand why I see myself the way I do. This may not be true, but this is indeed how I think others see me. My interaction with others, which is essential to the development of my perception of myself, now takes on its full meaning. I was abused, raped, suffered multiple traumas and hospitalized eight times by the time I was 17. It's like a huge wake-up call. And it could very well change my life. All of these things I struggled with now make sense and give me hope. As strange as it may sound, it's true. The mirror theory will help me re-evaluate everything I thought I knew and learned in the hospital. It gives me hope that I can change. This change will come with better communication and positivity. I know a lot of people who will be happy to see the changes I've made. There is still a lot of work to do, but I have learned all the tools necessary to live a better, more communicative life. It has nothing to do with interpersonal communication but I have confidence now. Speaking alone was a chore for me. Now I have the means to carry on a conversation. This course was a ray of positivity for my soul. I will continue to work on my weaknesses but I am also ready to go out there and showcase what I have learned.