Tips for Teens Challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself.

2 September 2014 What are some of the obstacles that could keep you from succeeding and reaching your goals?

Be the change you want to see.  Don’t complain about what others are doing, look to yourself  Control yourself  Everyone of us can make a difference

Serve others  Helping others, makes you feel proud.  Scientific fact that serving others makes people healthier and happier.  Practice random acts of kindness with people around you.

Teach love and respect  Share this as often as you can.  Spread the message.  Check yourself often.

Be a positive leader  Have fun!  Smile and celebrate often.  Enjoy yourself without hurting others.  Appreciate your friends, family, and yourself.

Remember you are a role model to others  You decide what kind  Younger kids watch you and imitate you-make sure you are doing what you want them to do.

Empty your emotional balloon on a regular basis  Find safe places to share what’s in your heart.  Find adults and friends who you trust who will listen to you.

Teach the adults in your life  Remember, adults aren’t perfect. Speak up and remind them to be good role-models.  Adults can help support your endeavors to make the world a better place- talk to them.

Compliment and thank others  Let the people you love know that you love them.  Use put-ups, not put-downs. A kind word can save someone’s life.  Look for the good in others.  If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

You are 100% responsible for your own choices  Avoid blaming others for your mistakes.  Say you are sorry.  It takes a bigger person to admit they were wrong than it does to blame out behavior on others.

Interrupt put-downs, teasing, and all other forms of violence  Stand up for others and they will stand up for you.  Stand by what you believe is right.  Everyone deserves equal respect.

Follow your heart  Find your dream and hang out with people who will support and celebrate them.  Never settle for anything less.  Everyone has special gifts and talents.

Take care of your environment  School, home, your community- the way you treat yourself and your world is a reflection of the way you feel inside.  Every choice you make in some way affects those around you.

Make positive art  Express your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions through poetry, music, and art whenever possible.  Brighten the world around you with positive messages.

Become a mentor  Share your lessons, love and support with younger peers.  Make a difference in someone else’s life.

Blog your “Acts of Change” online  Share your accomplishments online.  Create a support network that celebrates positive change and people’s accomplishments.

Meet a potential new friend everyday  Say hello to everyone you see.  Share a smile.  A kind word or compliment can be the first step in creating a lifelong friendship.

Tell the truth  Trust works both ways- the only way you can trust another person is to be trustworthy yourself

Just listen  Best gift you can give.  Don’t offer advice unless asked for it  You don’t have to fix or change the person, just listen.

Enjoy learning  Ask questions.  Find out why things are the way they are.  Think for yourself, form your own opinions.  Express your beliefs and stand by them, even when under pressure to conform.

Welcome and include others  Everyone knows what it feels like to be excluded or left out- invite someone new into your group.  Don’t let someone be alone and on the outside, invite them in.