As teens, we love being with our friends. And, we have dreams and hopes, and get frustrated easily. What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to be? Life is never dull in a house with teens. As teens, we are struggling to understand feelings, and to control thoughts and behaviors in NORMAL circumstances. But, what about THESE circumstances?
Stress and anxiety are at an all time high for teens and college students. Many times the things we worry about (negative thoughts) never happen. Many counseling professionals point to how thinking positive thoughts can influence positive stress levels and self-esteem, which can make people happier. Recommended resources for education and supports, related to positive mental health for parents and teens, can be found at NAMI.org.
From a Christian viewpoint, many pastors have pointed out that being in the scripture daily can “turn off the darkness.” Levi Luskos encourages us to be anchored to Christ, “The more I’m in the spirit, the more connected I am to Christ.” Pastor Levi encourages “right thinking” instead of “stinking thinking.” Per Levi, “you can’t worship, and worry at the same time. You can’t praise and pout at the same time. Be encouraging instead of critical.”
So, how can we apply words of wisdom to our lives today? Daily, look for signs of beauty around you or of kindnesses, and write them down in a gratitude journal. Also, write down and post two positive things about yourself (and one verse to memorize) where you can see them daily, like your mirror. Say it out loud or in your mind 5-10 times daily. Bible.com has apps so you can stay on a daily reading plan. A great plan mentioned from Levi Luskos is 8-8-8. Eight minutes of reading in the morning, 8 minutes of reading right before bed, then 8 hours of sleep.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
flourishings.blog 