Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Sometimes having that difficult conversation is the only way to move things forward. Be brave and get it out of the way so that you can both make progress together.
Loving yourself is not an ego-building exercise. It is putting the negative self image away and realising that the person you are is worth loving.
Online volunteering allows you to do voluntary work to help those in need, at a time that suits you from your own home. Share your skills with those who really need them.
Don’t just automatically do things. Take a moment and say “why do I do this?” The key questions are usually who, what, when, where, and why!
Take pride in whatever activity you do. Even the smallest thing will be noticed and will show in the quality of output.
Yawning when someone is talking gives them the impression you’re not interested. Try hiding it, apologise and tell them you are interested – otherwise they may take offence.
At its core, thinking for yourself requires you to be humble and say to yourself and others “I really don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.” Find your own answers to understand better.
You can use hindsight from previous worries to assess current worries: Did it actually happen? Was it as bad as you thought it would be? Did anything good come of worrying?
Sometimes doing things in a simple way can give you a much more effective result. Focus on what you want to achieve, and determine the simplest steps to get there.
You must never give into despair, surrendering to your lowest instincts. In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. This is the meaning of inner strength.