Positive Thinking Teens

Be True to Yourself!

positiveteens — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:14:38 +0000

The art of being yourself at your best is the art of unfolding your personality into the person you want to be. . . . Be gentle with yourself, learn to love yourself, to forgive yourself, for only as we have the right attitude toward ourselves can we have the right attitude toward others. ~Wilfred Peterson

If you are not true to yourself, how can you be true to others? We get so tied up trying to please others that we forget who we truly are. When you go against your true self, this creates a tug-of-war in your life. Your emotions will begin to react to get your attention. Have you ever started crying and just didn’t know why? It’s your body telling you something isn’t right. Your natural state in life is happiness (no stress), when you start to feel stress your emotions go into action like an alarm system, getting your attention telling you that you are off your path to happiness! To get back on path you must determine what in your life is going against your true self.

Everyone needs to know who they really are, they need to find themselves and be them self!

1. Start clean! Your past is done that is why it’s called the past! It’s over, so breathe a breath of relief…it’s done. Now you can start fresh for today! Just like driving a car you look forward, you don’t drive by looking in the rear view mirror! Tell your self today is a new day a new life!

2. Forget about what everyone else thinks! There is no way on earth to please everyone. Even if by being true to yourself may disappoint people that are close to you, they should want you to be happy. And the more you are honest with yourself and others the happier you will be…and they will begin to notice that. If they don’t maybe they don’t have your best interest in mind. As long as you are out to please others you will not discover your true talents by being the true you.

3. Question who you are to find yourself: If I could do anything I wanted, what would I be doing with my day to day life and why? If I had to describe the kind of person I want to be in 3 words, what would those words be? What do I want to look back on in my life and say that I never regretted? *Write down your response and place it somewhere to remind you what you want in life!

4. Act as if ! Now that you know what you want in life act as if you are already have it. The more you act the way you want to be the more you will become that person! Besides if you are going to act like someone why not yourself! No one can do it better.

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Why do teens lie?

positiveteens — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:31:42 +0000

There are many reasons your teens may be lying. Studies have shown 92% of teens have lied to their parents in the last year! The good news is your teen is not the only one doing it! No seriously, this is another way to look at the situation. 92% of teens have admitted to lying (the other 8% lied about not lying). Why are you so surprised? On average, adults lie in about 1 out of 5 of their social interactions. So, as a parent, you must remember that it is not personal; you must step out of the picture and realize the lying is not against you. Most teens withhold information or lie to their parents to feel they are in control, so it’s a form of independence, at least they feel that way. Then there are the lies that are motivated by fears. These are lies told out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings, lies that are cause by the fears of getting in trouble, or the lies from the fear of not being accepted, etc. Think about when you tell a lie, even if it’s a “white lie”, why do you do it? If you think about it, there is some kind of fear behind the lie.

Next time you catch your teen lying to you take a step back, before reacting, and really listen to what they are saying. If it’s a lie for independence, remind yourself your teen is growing up, and they want to be treated more like an adult, so keep your conversation at more of an adult level. If the lies are fear based try to find where the fear is coming from and why they are feeling that way. Instead of telling your teen what you think, ask questions to find out what they are thinking. The main thing parents forget is our teens want someone to listen to them. If they feel their parents won’t listen they turn to their friends, then there is no telling what kind of advice they may be getting. The reason they don’t come to the parents more, is they are afraid their parents won’t listen, or they will get in trouble. I know you say you listen, but they think when you jump in to give your advice you are not listening, you just want to tell them what to do. So it turns back into that independence struggle. Try this the next time you think your teen is lying to you, listen (don’t react) then later, when everything is calm and emotions are on a different level, go to them and say, “I was thinking about what you said. If you need someone to listen, I will be glad to.” Then don’t talk, just listen. Only answer if they ask you a question (remember to pause and think before you answer, don’t be judging or down play their fears or thoughts, they are very real to your teen). If they don’t want to talk don’t force them, turn and leave saying, “when you want to talk, I will be glad to listen… anytime.” Let them come to you. The more they think you really will listen to them, the less fear they will have in talking and less reason to lie. The important thing to remember is the way your teen acts is not personal against you, their behavior is all about them. Do not let your feelings get in the way or add fuel to the fire, keep yourself calm and learn to listen for the truth.

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Parenting Teens Can Be Fun-Blog

It’s Not Personal, So Don’t Take the Blame!

positiveteens — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:19:55 +0000

At some time in our life we have all felt wronged or betrayed by someone. What we do wrong though is we tend to blame ourselves for their actions. We ask ourselves “What did I do wrong?”, “What should I have done different?”, “Why don’t they like me?” etc. What we are doing is making another person’s actions about us! We cannot control another person’s behavior and we are not the cause of their behavior! We must not take it personally! You ask why… because it’s not personal!

How can that be, you ask? Isn’t the person who’s standing there yelling at me, being mean to me, or betraying my friendship, saying something about me and who I am? Isn’t the boyfriend who just went several days without calling me, saying something about me as a girlfriend? Or the girl friend that just broke up with you for another guy isn’t that saying something about me as a boyfriend? Or what about the best friend that talks behind your back, isn’t that about me?

No! It’s not about you! When someone is doing or saying something to you, it is about them and their behavior not you! If you hear yourself say “I can’t believe they did or said that to (or about) me”, then you need to stop yourself and realize you used the “me word” about someone else’s behavior.

We tend to make ourselves the significant part of the situation, when in truth; the other person is making themselves the important part of the situation. So that’s why… it’s about them!
Now, don’t get me wrong, if you did something to them…well then it would be personal, because there is a cause and effect in play. But when the situation is uncaused action or behavior (yelling, unfriendly treatment, overreactions, cheating, or back stabbing) then it is not personal.

We need to remember everyone has issues they are dealing with that can cause them to act or react in different ways. Our behaviors are a reflection of our personal thoughts. Often we don’t know the other person’s issues because ours are too big to see around. First we need to fix our own personal issues, because when we feel bad about ourselves, we tend to react emotionally to situations. If we are strong and positive on the inside, we have less self-doubt, more confidence which will help us to stop taking things so personal. Remember other people’s behavior is about them… it’s not about you! It reflects on them and their character…not yours!

Next time you hear yourself say, “Why did she/ he do or say that to me?” take the “me” out of the sentence. Change it to “Why did they do or say that?” You will find yourself looking at the situation with a different perception! A non-personal view! One without Blame!

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Words Can Hurt!

positiveteens — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:28:40 +0000

Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me! – FALSE!!! Words do hurt, especially our own inner words when they are negative!

Every day you need to think positive thoughts and speak positive words to yourself. Our words can build us up or tear us down personally. Negative self-talk makes you feel hopeless and discouraged. You need to recognize your positive qualities and stop focusing on the negative ones. Affirmations are positive thoughts or statements about some outcome you wish to accomplish. Instead of negative self-talk, you can use positive affirmations to help control your focus. Affirmations help you to change your thoughts, create goals, or prepare you for situations, whatever the circumstance. You can say your positive daily affirmations silently or aloud to yourself. Repetitions of affirmations help to cancel negative thoughts that may enter your mind, involuntarily. You can write affirmations down and place them around as reminders (See we need reminders blog).

Repeat your positive affirmations throughout your day, to help keep a positive state of mind. Examples of positive daily affirmations include:

· I have the capability to do what is necessary to improve my life.

· When I believe in myself, so do others

· I am worthy as a person.

· I am able to take risks and try new things without fear.

· I feel good about myself.

· I am deserving of all the good things in my life.

· I am my own unique self – special, creative and wonderful!

· Life is a joy filled with delightful surprises

· My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open.

· I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life.

Speak kindly and positive to yourself and watch your life change!

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Reminders Help!

positiveteens — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:11:41 +0000

With all we have going on in our brains it’s just natural that we would need something to remind us to do what we need to do. If you take a look around reminders are everywhere. They’re called advertising…they’re there to remind you about every choice you have to make! Where to eat, what to eat, where to shop, what to buy, what to wear,where to go to college, what doctor to see, or even what radio station to listen to! On the personal side we hang posters in our room or buy t-shirts to remind us of our favorite band, college or brands we like. So wouldn’t it make sense to put up reminders to Think Positive? Wouldn’t it be nice every once in awhile throughout the day a little voice said to us “are you thinking positive”? This is actually easy to do. You can use stickers, pictures, quotes, or write notes to yourself, place them on your school books, your locker, your mirror, even better put one on your phone! Every time you look at your reminder, it will remind your brain to think positive! This way you will have that little voice telling you to Think Positive! Reminder: To achieve more in your life you need to redirect your mental thoughts by constantly reminding yourself of all the positive things in your life! Learn to focus on the things that you did achieve, instead of the things that didn’t get done! =)

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Success and Happiness are available to you!

positiveteens — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:30:49 +0000

Success and Happiness is available to you, it just depends on your thoughts.Your thoughts inspire you to accomplish what you desire in life. And when you are pleased with yourself and your thoughts, there is nothing you cannot do, have or be. Your thoughts are you most powerful tool! Remember to think about what you want, not about what you don’t want. That is the key to positive thinking.

Think of positive things about yourself (positive affirmations) and repeat them often. Use statements such as “I am perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy…”, “I love myself and I am in charge of my own happiness”, “I am powerful and loving, and I have nothing to fear.”

Be sure to nurture positive thinking for the right reasons – to improve the quality of your life and the lives of other. Once you start doing this you will find what truly makes you happy. Don’t give up! Many people give up before they receive what their positive thoughts would have produced. Be determined to change your lifestyle to a positive one and stick with it, and then watch how your life changes before you! If your look for the best things in life you will find them! Remember if your glass is half empty, you can always fill it up! =)

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Journaling to a Positive Life!

positiveteens — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:43:29 +0000

Positive Reflections

Watching the news too often is very similar to indulging in fast food every day. This is very poor nourishment for your soul. It seeps into your consciousness making you believe that a world is a scary, unfriendly place.

Keep yourself positive by seeking sources of information that inspire and encourage you. When your surroundings are sending out a constant message of fear, it is important for you to develop strong positive thoughts to keep your life full of love and hope for the future.

A very good way to do this is with journaling. Journaling helps you to put your thoughts down on paper, this will show you what you are thinking and dreaming. Journaling helps shed light on what you want in life. Each day make a list of what you are thinking about (cross out any negatives and replace them with positive statements), what you want in life, and things you are grateful for. Read over this list each night before going to bed. By doing this process each day, you will learn to remove your negative thoughts, which will bring you a positive life.

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Feeling Down? Ways to improve your mood!

positiveteens — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:32:39 +0000

When you feel down, there are ways you can cope with these feelings to avoid it from becoming serious depression. These suggestions will help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to your well-being.

*Think positive thoughts! Thinking about positive things will help your mood improve.

*Have Fun. Make a point to do something you enjoy.

*Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to your self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.

*Participate in sports, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps you focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.

*Join organizations that offer programs for Teens. Special programs geared to Teens will help you develop additional interests. Try something new, you may like it!

*Humor! Try watching funny movies. Laughter is great medicine when it comes to sadness!

*When you feel it’s not working…ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, you should not be afraid to ask for help!

Live, Laugh, Love! Life is too wonderful to miss out on! Think positive and get a positive life in return!

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Positive Thinking will bring you Happiness!

positiveteens — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:02:49 +0000

The wonderful thing about Positive Thinking is the positive life it creates for you. Positive thinking is not just about becoming wealthy or achieving success – it will enrich your life, reduce stress, and bring happiness to you. It is about feeling happy, prosperous, and contented with your life. When your mind is thinking positive, it literally becomes infused with harmonious energy, with this your general health, attitude, and creativity is greatly improved. With your life happy and calm it will become enjoyable.

Negative thinking leads to anger, stress and unhappiness. Bad thoughts and feelings mean negatives are present, causing you problems from sadness, relationship problems, to even health issues. If the cause of bad energy is not addressed, you will continue to suffer difficult times. Negative Thoughts attract more negative into your life.

Positive thinking is easily applied. The rule is to keep all negative thoughts out. When you start to think negative, stop yourself and take a deep breath and think a positive thought. Think of what you want the outcome to be, instead of the “what if’s…”

Positive thinking will attract positive situations into your life. When you start to think positive, you will discover a new energy and zest for life. Life will become joyous; your relationships with loved ones will reach a better level of understanding. Interactions with others in your life will begin to improve. Positive thoughts will bring you a positive life!

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Kissing the Blarney Stone!

positiveteens — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:41:10 +0000

It is said that those who kiss the stone are given the gift of gab, or Blarney Talk. This gift of gab allows someone to talk in such a fashion as to get anyone to do what he or she wants. This is called persuasive talk! Once you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will be able to persuade anyone to agree with you! OK…stop, let’s think about this for a minute! No, a stone will not actually do this… it’s the thought you plant into your mind that does this. When you take the action of kissing the stone, it confirms your thought. You are actually telling yourself, OK I kissed the Blarney Stone I will have the gift of Gab! So… through the power of thought, you will get it! All you have to do is believe! So don’t worry, if you can’t make it to Ireland, find you a rock (clean it off), imagine yourself hanging over a ledge and give it a kiss! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! =)

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