Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
“Enjoy life and it’s journey, not just the end game”. Sometimes, the learning you gain from getting to your goal is more valuable than achieving the goal itself.
Summer Holiday Project #5: Do something for someone else each day, for nothing in return, and keep an activity log. Note down the feelings you have after completing a task.
Summer Holiday Project #4: Learn a new skill – something useful, something you’ve always wanted to do, something that will further your life goals. Practice makes prepared!
When you reflect on your day or week, make sure you can say “I am glad I did that” rather than “I wish I’d done that”.
Summer Holiday Project #3: Work towards mental wellbeing. Talk with people, lay to rest past issues, call a charity to get professional help with current issues and feelings.
Summer Holiday Project #2: Work towards physical health. Start and keep up a daily exercise regime, see your doctor for outstanding issues, eat healthily, get involved in local sports.
Summer Holiday Project #1: Create or do something meaningful to you, and explore your talents. Artwork, music, creative writing, dance, a new sports activity.
Set the end of the summer as your deadline and work towards achieving something of your own choosing for yourself, so you don’t feel the time was wasted. Create a project, don’t rely on someone else to!
Everyone evaluates situations using their own personal experience and criteria. Respect their decision and ask what they used to make their conclusion.
If you need to ask for help, instead of deciding if you think they’ll help or not, ask and give them the opportunity to decide for themselves.