Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
It is not your fault that bad things happen that are beyond your control. Blaming yourself will take you down a long and lonely road with no end in sight. Guilt is a hard taskmaster with no mercy.
Provide support when it makes sense, even when people are cold and unfriendly. Some people are rude and complain as an unconcious way of crying for help. Do something nice for them. An “Are you okay?” or “Is there anything I can do to help you?” can sometimes do wonders.
Nothing is perfect; the world itself is not perfect, nor anyone in it. Accept your flaws. Admit your mistakes. Don’t hide and don’t lie. Deal with the truth, learn the lessons, endure the consequences of reality, and move on.
“It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” – L.R. Knost
It’s hard to move forward in your life when your past is crowding your present. Imagine how much richer life would be if you moved the junk out and made room for new opportunities.
There is no excuse for remaining stuck in bad habits. There is no excuse for doing the same things over and over again. Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.
To listen in a supportive way, try to understand them and respect their thoughts, don’t interrupt, only give advice if they want it, be aware of their feelings and be empathetic and supportive, not judgemental.
Wisdom is not about knowing all the answers. Wisdom is about asking the right questions.
You can never know how many lives you’ve touched, so just know it’s far more thank you think. Even the tiniest acts of love, kindness and compassion can have a massive ripple effect. You have made the world a better place, even if you don’t always see it.
You’re a lot tougher than you were a few years ago. You’ve grown so much by overcoming your struggles. You are so much more well-equipped to deal with them now. Every challenge makes you stronger.