The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
Brainstorm at least 3 ways you can change, reduce or eliminate each irritant/root cause in your life. Some things you can do right away, others are first steps toward bigger plans.
Continue to ask yourself why something bothers you until you get to the real problem – understand what is really draining your energy and causing you distress so you won’t repeat it.
What would you NOT miss in your life if it magically went away tomorrow? Write down every single thing without guilt. What bothers you about each thing specifically?
Relationships need ongoing care. It doesn’t really matter how you stay in touch with your friends, only that you do.
You can tell what is important to a person by the way they spend their time. If relationships are important, you will make time for them.
You may have a small circle of friends you’d like to stay in touch with no matter how much you all change. Learn the skill of preserving old friendships.
Be yourself – whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has thrown at you. If things are tough, talk about it. Samaritans can be reached on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Sometimes people send naked photos because they are made to feel guilty. They might say “I sent you a photo, so where’s mine?” or say that you “promised” them. This is emotional blackmail and can make you think that you ‘owe’ them when you do not.
If someone is asking you for naked photos, ask them to stop or just don’t reply at all. If they’re still bothering you or making you feel upset it’s OK to block them – even if it’s just for a bit.
As we grow up, we realise it is less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones.