Find your path...

If it feels like life is too much sometimes, well  that's probably because it is. You're going through this dramatic shift from child to adult, juggling social pressures and school work. You're balancing fitting in with others and finding your own unique personality. You're being pulled in different directions, but trying to keep your head up. If you're struggling to stay up, know that you're not alone and that finding a safe place to talk about it all is important, especially at this complicated phase of your life. Working with a therapist is one way of finding the answers you need.

The power of a group of young people can change the way you feel about yourself, lift your spirits and bring you relief as you relate to each others problems with family, friends and school. Imagine finding a safe group of young people you can vibe with. People who just accept you, learn to care about you and help you to feel proud of yourself for just being you. What would that be like?  It's real and available. There are others like you who long for a safe group of friends and they're waiting to hear from you.

When your body starts changing shape without your permission it can feel pretty strange. Whether you like your emerging body or not, it can feel uncomfortable adjusting to the changes and can make you self-conscious. It doesn't help when your emotions change as fast as an "Instachat" post, making you feel mad one minute and tearful the next. How do you find a sense of control? How do you accept or even like yourself? It's a gradual process not a quick fix, but you can learn that your body is a unique expression of your family genes and your life's journey and you can learn to appreciate it as is. You can dance no matter what your body is like!

Treat yourself as you would a best friend. If your friend was having feelings would you listen, be kind and supportive? So when feelings come up in you, find a way to express them. You can journal, talk to someone you trust, draw, paint, color or scribble them out. You can scream into your pillow, cry, sing, play music or even throw ice-cubes in the yard. Try any of these and see what works best for you. It feels good and releases tension from your body. 

"Feeling is Healing".

Like flowers, we vary in size, shape, and color. We all have our unique qualities. Media on your phone, on billboards, TV and in magazines tells you that you're not good enough and in need of improvement. Take back your fire power. Choose ads, shows or online spaces with positive messages about women, food and diverse bodies. You can opt out of the competition and instead decide to support your fam, no matter what the outside world is telling you. Don't compare yourself to others.

"To Compare is to Despair".

"Be Kind" to your body. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Easier said than done, but you get better with practice and support. Know that many adults struggle with how to "eat right", but labeling food as good or bad sets you up to feel guilty and stop enjoying certain foods. Notice that all food has some nutritious value, even sugar, (it gives us energy).  Find a way to move your body just for fun. Do what you love doing; dancing, rollerblading, trampolining, skipping, swimming, running, etc.