Author Archives: Gemma G.

Kindness Really Does Matter

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You’ve probably been preached to many times in your life about the importance of kindness. Maybe even to the point where you don’t really think about it– the generic phrases and lectures just go in one ear and out the other. But I can’t stress enough about how kindness can not only change the lives of others, but just the act of being kind can change your own life as well.  

The Power of Kindness

Kindness has remarkable effects on both the giver and the receiver. Studies have shown that just small acts of kindness can decrease stress levels and boost feelings of happiness. This is because kindness requires you to take the spotlight off of yourself and instead think about others. When you do this, you are able to let go of the thoughts that bring you stress and anxiety, and in addition you gain a sense of fulfillment. When you are kind, you are automatically enriching your own life while also helping someone else feel that way too. 

Kindness Habits 

Whether it’s a compliment, an act of service, or even just simply listening to someone carefully, there are so many ways to incorporate kindness into your daily life. One challenge that can be super helpful is to practice kindness daily. You can set a goal to perform at least one act of kindness each day for a month straight. Keep track of these moments in a journal so you follow the goal accordingly, and then see how you progress over that month! I guarantee that your moods and thoughts will change in the most positive way possible. 

It’s important to remember that you can make a big difference by simply being kind. No matter how small they may be, your actions can transform your own life and the lives of others around you. Kindness is an important step towards living an authentic and valuable life.

Confidence is Key

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Confidence is a powerful force that influences your thoughts, actions, and even your success overall. When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to overcome challenges and pursue opportunities that can lead to extremely beneficial rewards. Confidence is essential for the stages of adolescence and also the world beyond.

The key ingredient to having confidence in yourself means recognizing your worth and acknowledging your skills/abilities. It’s about understanding the characteristics or skills that make you unique and who you are. Lucille Ball, an American comedian and actress, once said “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.” This quote has great meaning because it emphasizes the importance of being your own source of happiness, as this allows you to not only foster confidence but also find fulfillment in your life without depending on others.  

You should always remember that everyone, including the most successful people, has come face-to-face with self-doubt. With this in mind, know that self-doubt will at some point creep in, but it’s crucial to challenge those negative thoughts. When you encounter a negative inner-voice, counter it with a positive affirmation about yourself. Try to think about a couple of qualities that you possess that make you feel proud of who you are. It can be as simple as “I’m resilient and responsible, I will succeed.” 

Below are 3 Simple Steps to Boost Confidence

1. Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Break down long-term goals into smaller steps. Make sure to celebrate each achievement, even if it’s small.

2. Practice Self-Care: Maintain your physical and mental well-being. Eat healthy, exercise, and also take time to rest.  

3. Visualization: Picture yourself achieving success, whether that’s getting an A on a test or performing well in a sport. Visualization will decrease your anxiety and prepare you for accomplishment!

Confidence is a journey, not a destination. It will have it’s ups and downs, but as long as you embrace every success and maintain a positive outlook on yourself, you will be able to handle just about anything.

Change is Your Friend

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Whether you like it or not, change is a regular part of life. As a teenager, you’re very likely to experience a variety of changes – hobbies, friendships, new schools, family life, and even your identity. It’s very normal to feel apprehensive or even scared to face change, but instead of fearing it, view it as an opportunity for a new adventure.

Change can easily feel overwhelming, especially if it’s abrupt and without warning. However, change always leads to one essential truth – change leads to growth. This is because change forces you to step outside of your comfort zone, allowing you to evolve into a stronger and more resilient version of yourself.

Tips for Navigating Change

  1. Stay Positive: Focus your mind on the positive aspects of your life and how the change will potentially bring positive outcomes. It’s a known fact that your outlook (positive or negative) can significantly impact your experience with transitions.
  2. Find a Support System: Whether it’s friends or family, surround yourself with people that you love and trust. Sharing your feelings with others can make a transition less stress-inducing. 
  3. Accept That It’s Okay to Feel Lost: If you feel out of place or have many emotions, that’s totally normal. The best thing to do is accept that these feelings are temporary; it will bring peace to your mind.

In all, embracing change is not only an essential mark of growth but an important tool for shaping your identity, each change that you go through presents a unique opportunity to learn and adapt. As you transition into adulthood, keep in mind the main idea that change isn’t something to fear– it is an essential part of life that at first may lead you through struggle, but you will ultimately come out stronger on the other side.