Young people are natural rebels. pushing limits, breaking rules, and challenging those in authority and all a normal part of growing up. But some young people rebel against everything. They are always pushing and challenging. This makes other people tired, angry, and unwilling to listen. Here's good advice from Jonathan Kozol;"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win."
Has someone ever criticized you?(Unless you're a hermit, the answer is probably yes.) Maybe someone told you that your hair was messy or your clothes were wrinkled. Was your first reaction to say, "Mind your own business?" Then you know how it fells to be criticized. The next time you're about to criticize someone else, remember that feeling. If that person wants to improve, so be it. Meanwhile, focus on improving yourself.
Everyone feels shy sometimes. Everyone deals with shyness in his or her own way. Some people pull back into their shells. Others force themselves to reach out One technique for overcoming shyness is to follow your interests. If you enjoy collecting stamps, maybe someone else does, too. You two would have a lot to talk about. How could you find out about other collectors?
This isn't just a silly rhyme. It's a creative solution to a pea-eating problem. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Brainstorm wild and crazy ideas. Write everything down. Keep writing for five or ten minutes. You'll be amazes at what you come up with.
The second leader's advisers are a mixed group. Some have very different backgrounds and ideas. At least one of them always disagrees with the leader. Which leader do you think gets the best advice?
It's hard to believe that anything good can come out of a painful incident. But hard times can test your courage, determination, and strength. You suddenly realize that you can handle it. Afterward, you can say to yourself, "I've survived - I can face just about anything now." The hurt you feel will someday go away. And you'll be stronger.
Picture two world leaders, each with a group of advisers. The first leader's advisers are a lot like him. They have similar backgrounds and ideas. They tend to agree with their leader. The second leader's advisers are a mixed group. Some have very different backgrounds and ideas. At least one of them always disagrees with the leader. Which leader do you think gets the best advice?
It's hard to believe that anything good can come out of a painful incident. But hard times can test your courage, determination, and strength. You suddenly realize that you can handle it. Afterward, you can say to yourself, "I've survived- I can face just about anything now." The hurt you feel will someday go away. And you'll be stronger.
Just because you think something doesn't mean everybody should. Many people never understand this. They spend their lives trying to get others to agree with them. This leads to arguments, injustices, even wars. You have the right to think for yourself. Respect that right in others, too.
A soccer player becomes a big star. Millions of young people look up to him. He ts their hero. One day, he is arrested for drunk driving. then he is arrested for punching a photographer. Then he divorces his wife. He is still a great soccer player. But his fans are confused. Is he really a hero?
You never know when you're making a memory. A song, the sound of a person's voice, a color, a smellㅡany of these can trigger a memory. Your mind stores an amazing number of memories, from the smallest to the largest life events: a birthday party, a kind word, a graduation ceremony, a hug from a friend, bread baking in the oven, a kiss... And you never know when a memory will pop into your head. What you do today will be tomorrow's memories for you (and maybe someone else)
I take care of me. I am the only one I've got. what have you done for yourself lately? Choose something to do just for fun. Then do it whenever you can. Give yourself a present every day. Forgive yourself for something you did in the fast.
A song, the sound of a person's voice, a color, a smell-any of these can trigger a memory. Your mind stores an amazing number of memories, from the smallest to the largest life events:a birthday party, a kind word, a graduation ceremony, a hug from a friend, bread baking in the oven, a kiss.... And you never know when a memory will pop into your head. What you do today will be tomorrow's memories for you(and maybe someone else).
'I know I'm going to lose the race. I'll flunk this test for sure. There's no way I can win the award. He won't go out with me. She won't like me.' Negative thoughts like these prepare you for failure. On the other hand, positive thoughts prepare you for success. So why not think positively? Count on a sunny day. Believe in life's goodness. Expect to win.
Here are three more good things to do for yourself from Gershen Kaufman and Lev Raphael:
4. Do at least one thing every day that's for your body.
5. Do at least one thing every day that's good for your brain.
6. Find a friend you can trust and talk to.
(Tip:Make a list of all six good things-yesterday's and today's-and put it where you can see it every morning.)
What have you done for yourself lately? Authors Gershen Kaufman and Lev Raphael spell out six good things to do for yourself. Here are three:
1. Choose something to do just for fun. Then do it whenever you can.
2. Give yourself a present every day.(This doesn't have to cost money. Listen to a favorite CD or take a bubble bath.)
3. Forgive yourself for something you did in the past.
You can't get anywhere if you don't take risks. But taking risks is scary. What to do?
Try these risk-taking tips from Earl Hipp:
1. Start small. Break your risk into little steps.
2. Give yourself permission to be average or worse.
3. Get support. Find four or five people who will help and encourage you.
4. Celebrate yourself. Rejoice at any success, no matter how small it may seem.
Deep beneath the earth's surface, a chunk of carbon undergoes tremendous pressure and heat.... and crystallizes into the world'a most precious stone(and hardest substance). When you're feeling overwhelmed by expectations, responsibilities, and too much stress, remember this. You might emerge from an especially tough time with greater strength.
Making friends is hard work. You have to be willing to reach out, to listen, to be honest and accepting. You have to rick being rejected; not everyone will want to be you friends. Still, a life without friends would be no life at all. As poet Edgar Guest once said, "Who would be happy, first must have a friend."