The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
Writing down your feelings in a journal or private online space can be a great way to gain some insight into a situation and reduce the power of unrealistic expectations. Expressing yourself creatively can also help you think about alternative solutions to problems.
In an exam, five minutes spent on a rough plan of how you will answer a long question will help your thoughts to flow. If you don’t have enough time for that final answer, make a skeleton answer in note form to at least get something down.
Consent to sexual activity may be given to one sort of sexual activity but not another, e.g. to vaginal but not anal sex, or penetration with conditions such as wearing a condom. Consent is needed each time activity occurs, and can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity.
Every day, we make up our own stories. Our teacher asks to speak with us or a friend doesn’t return our call, and instantly we fill in the blanks. These stories aren’t just inaccurate; they’re destructive. They isolate us and damage our relationships, and are a major contributor to our anxiety.
For most of us, anxiety is derived from outside forces such as work, school, finances, and relationships, as well as our own negative self-talk. When our imagination gets the best of us and uncertainty grabs the steering wheel in our minds, we have a way of making ourselves anxious.
We often create fears based on past experiences and blow them out of proportion. They’re not always grounded in reality. Even when they are justifiable, they’re not the things that create us – we create ourselves with what we tell ourselves and how we act.
Sometimes people will make snap judgments when you’re openly struggling, but we don’t have to join in and judge ourselves. Everyone has their challenges. No-one is without struggles. Try being understanding and compassionate with yourself.
If you’re feeling stressed, sometimes getting some space and a change of scenery can be helpful. It’s important to give yourself permission to do this regularly. Go for a walk, listen to music, read a book, or go to the cinema – whatever works for you.
The Universe does not owe you anything. Be grateful for any blessings that you have. Do not let anything slip away. No matter what happens, try to enjoy the life you have. No-one else can enjoy it for you.
As long as you are living, something wonderful could happen at any moment. Life may have lows that you never expected and that you did not foresee, but it also will have highs that you never dreamed of that will bring you joy beyond your wildest imagination.