Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If you are at school or work during the week, you may find Sunday a difficult day, as it is long and unstructured. Set a reminder for every Saturday morning to plan what you will do on Sunday. Get library books; plan a walking route; organise a visit.
The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same. We are all one people, but we live as if divided.
Using step-by-step problem solving doesn’t always lead to perfect solutions, but it increases your likelihood of resolving the problem – partially or completely. It might also help you feel more in control of the situation.
For most problems it is possible to find partial or complete solutions. Look for the best solutions and put them into practice. It’s important to not act on impulse, no matter how mad or upset you are: you might do something you regret later.
It is a good idea to ask yourself: What is the best thing I can do to resolve this problem? If there’s an obvious sensible solution, do it. If there isn’t, take some time to sit down and brainstorm some possible options.
Working through a problem one step at a time can make you aware of lots of possible solutions, increasing your likelihood of getting what you want and helping you to feel more in control. It can be helpful to get ideas from others, like family and friends.
Sometimes the solution is obvious – you know what you need to do to fix the problem. Other times, the solutions are not clear and you’ll need to consider lots of possible options before you can find the best one. There are ways to deal with most problems.
Some think of problems as challenges; some see them as burdens that they are powerless to resolve. Your willingness & ability to solve problems has an effect on the way you feel, largely determining if you become frustrated, despondent or depressed or not.
It is your responsibility to bring yourself excitement, joy, and happiness. Depending on someone else to bring you these things is like putting the key to your happiness in their pocket.
Accept the reality of the things that have happened, but do not let them cloud and poison your heart. If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive.