TeenzTalk
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
  • Resources
  • Partners
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
  • CONFERENCE
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Team
  • Resources
  • Partners
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
  • CONFERENCE
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017

BLOG

On the Importance of Loving Yourself

5/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Julia J. || California, USA
​It’s been almost 17 years, and I’ve only recently come to realize the person who matters most in my life, is myself. From a very young age, we’ve learned to constantly try to please others, and in this effort, sometimes we’ve forgotten to love ourselves. Until recently, I would never say “no” to someone, as I’ve been known as a very kind, benevolent character. I’d especially never say “no” to my parents. Looking back, trying to please their expectations was probably the worst idea. ​
I can now say that most of the time, parents don’t realize that their high hopes for us, or their attempts to motivate us, can sometimes differ from our own perspectives and can make us feel like our opinions aren’t worthy. Other times, it can make us feel like we, as individuals, do not matter or are not worthy. When we don't reach our expectations we tend to think we have failed others, when in fact, we’ve disappointed only ourselves.

My experiences on dealing with my negative emotions have been very harsh. I remember that every time I’d get angry or stressed, my body would begin to feel sore, and I would also get headaches or stomach aches. I could feel big lumps of swollen muscles under my skin, on my neck, and under my jaw because of the tension on my body. It was a nightmare getting my face to relax because it would hurt so much. I began to see changes in my appetite, along with chest pain, extreme tiredness, neck stiffness, and trouble sleeping. Even my hair began to fall out. I would take showers and be able to pull out clumps of loose hair. I felt like my brain, heart, soul, and emotions were overloaded and incredibly strained. I learned that having so many stressful emotional events hitting me at once and feeling the pressure to please everyone - when I was already mentally and physically tired - wore me out completely. Our bodies respond to the way we think, feel, and act. When we’re stressed, anxious, or upset, our bodies react in ways that might tell us something isn't right. When we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or upset, we may not take care of our health as well as we should.

I searched for help and found that the key for dealing with negative thoughts in my life, was myself. I had to set boundaries for myself and embrace positivity. I’ve learned that we are the only ones who have to be happy and satisfied with how we’re living our lives. We are the ones who will be stuck with the results of our actions, so we’re the only ones who get to decide…

I decided to stop. I was completely determined to quit with my negative emotions impacting my daily life. I began to live every single day of my life at its fullest and love myself. I was sure that I was never going to change others’ expectations or opinions, and I had to move forward being satisfied with who I am, not letting negative thoughts control my mind or body.

I want to encourage you all - fellow teenagers and peers - to follow these points if experiencing similar situations:
  • It’s important to recognize our emotions and understand why we are having them: listen to your body. Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress, and anxiety in our lives can help us manage our emotional health.
  • Be kind to yourself. We’re all going to have good days and bad days. It’s important not to criticize ourselves for bad or disappointing experiences and think that we have failed, because really we haven’t. Life is a constant learning experience.
  • Take a break as soon as you recognize that you're angry, and let yourself feel angry. It’s not about hiding our feelings! We must experience our emotions fully before being able to let them go.
  • Breathe deeply and find ways to reduce your stress levels. Try to socialize with friends or engage in activities you enjoy; it can improve mood and self-esteem.
  • Practice positive self-talk.
  • Never be afraid to ask for the support of someone you trust.
  • Don't be so hard on yourself. Everybody makes mistakes, and we’re all human-beings, with feelings and emotions. You’re not alone.
  • Carve out time for yourself. Finding hobbies or time to practice what you enjoy can be a great way to relieve stress or tension. Some examples that have worked for me include yoga, drawing, and journaling about how I’m feeling.
  • Recognize your successes and your achievements. Be proud of who you are.
  • Forgive yourself. Take care of your body. Respect yourself. Treat yourself.
  • Accept and appreciate yourself for who you are, take care of your mind, body, and heart, and follow your passion.

Feel free to share this information and embrace the importance of maintaining our health, loving ourselves, and supporting each other as a community.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    About

    TeenzTalk's Blog is here to amplify youth stories and perspectives on topics including personal challenges, self-care practices, initiatives in their community, and more.

    The blog is open to all youth. Email your articles here: contact@teenztalk.org

    Categories

    All

    Archives

    June 2020
    May 2020
    September 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

ORGANIZATION
About Us
Our Team

Popular Stories
Blog
Contact Us
​
Donate


VIDEOS
Videos + Youth Voices Landing Page
U.S.  
Growth & Resilience
Stress Relief

International         
Passions
Growth & Resilience
Stress Relief
Happiness

TEEN WELLNESS CONFERENCE
Conference Landing Page
2020 Statement
2019 Conference

2018 Conference
2017 Conference


SECTIONS & EVENTS

Building Friendships @ OMS
Growing a Brain
​Happy You

Hear from the Experts
#WellBeing4All Campaign
Positive Messages Campaign
Speak Mindfully Campaign


GET INVOLVED
Share Your Story
​Partner With Us
Join Our Team
Start a Club
Ask the Experts

RESOURCES
Hear from the Experts
​Ask the Experts
Learn About Mental Health

Tools for Well-Being 
   
Sleep     
Mindfulness     
Exercise     
Smile
Nutrition     
Nature 

Get Help
COVID-19 Resilience


SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
​
Instagram

​Twitter
​
LinkedIn


 TeenzTalk © COPYRIGHT 2016-2021, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  
Disclaimer  |  Privacy  |  Terms

Picture