Hey there, everybody, we’re in a new year now and we here at Teens2Talk had a “rocky start” so to say – our apologies for not posting anything sooner!
New Year’s Day, after spending a night of pizza and wings, and fireworks, Jacob and I overheard some of our other teenage cousins talking about New-Year’s Resolutions – something I’ve never understood. They’re things that people are driven to do to improve themselves or their lives, usually at the beginning of the New Year. Some are like lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, etc.
Sure, it sounds good and they start off good, but after a week or two they “all go to pot,” as my grandma says.
The one important, important, important Resolution I want you to make, starting this very minute, is to grow your self-esteem.
Right! Why do I need to do that?!!! And How do I do it?
First of all, the WHY: Having a good self-esteem and self-confidence makes for a happier and more successful life. Plus, it helps you fight peer pressure and do what you feel, and know, is right.
There’s the Why. So, what about the How? Here’s 6 things that will do the trick!
1. Know that You Are Unique.
You are the only You that has ever been, and the only You there will ever be in this entire great universe. You were created from greatness, and in greatness – God took a great deal of care in creating You, and He loves you just as You are.
You see things as only You can see them, You think as only You can think. And You share your special talents in ways that no one else will quite share them. Talents are not limited to art, music, athletics and the such. There are other talents, such as listening; being a good friend, sibling, daughter or son; loving others; loving yourself. You are worthy of love.
2. Let yourself know how great you are.
As silly as “self-affirmations” sound, they really aren’t silly at all. (I learned that from one of my Mom’s self-help audios – playing in the car – instead of music,) Look in the mirror and say to yourself – “hey there gorgeous,” or “hey, there, handsome.“ Tell yourself positive things, like “I will succeed at ___________,“ “I am a great person, and I am happy about me,” “I’m talented and wonderful,” “ I’m a good ___________,” “I am loved and worthy of love,” etc.
3. Understand you are not perfect.
Neither is anyone else. We were never meant to be perfect. We all make mistakes, even big ones. And you will make mistakes, so work through them and let them go.
4. You only get one body; take care of it.
Stress, anger, bottled-up feelings are all hard on both your mind and body. When you feel stressed, mad, embarrassed, whatever, take a walk. If at school you can write or draw in your journal, or do like I do and go to the bathroom, wad up toilet paper, and throw it as hard as you can against the stall door.
Get some exercise, even if you don’t feel like it. Walking is great. Eating healthy and regularly are good too.
5. Never put yourself down or think that you’re not good enough.
You’re just as good as anyone else! Be aware of your thoughts; stop the negative “talk” in your head – towards yourself, towards others, towards life in general.
Thoughts become words; Words become beliefs; Beliefs become actions; Actions become habits; Habits become reality…Your Reality.
So, if they’re negative, what does your reality become?
The more positive you hear about you, the more positive your subconscious absorbs. Tune out the negative. If someone says something negative to you or about you, they’re wrong! That kind of talk comes from someone who lacks self-esteem and puts you down to make themselves feel better. It’s not about you, it’s about them.
6. Smile!
It’s contagious and it increases happiness – other people’s and yours too. Even if you have to fake it at first, sooner or later it’ll become genuine.
Make these daily habits; you’ll be amazed!
That’s all for now. Have a wonderful New Year.
Until next time, Rhaya
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