Adolescence is an exciting phase of life; marked with many changes, learning experiences, gaining independence, and difficult situations. Many teens experience strong emotions during this time period both comfortable and uncomfortable. Teenage girls experience many external and internal pressures. Dealing with these pressures and managing the emotions associated can be difficult. Each and every teenage girl possess the tools needed to overcome these difficult times. Gaining access to your tools to achieve balance and life satisfaction is possible!
Happiness is a word that is used quite often and if you are struggling with finding happiness, it can seem like an arduous task. People who are happy and content with themselves and their place in life are not happy 24/7. Happiness and life satisfaction can help us get through the difficult times and the awareness that uncomfortable feelings will not feel as strong forever.
How are “happy people” happy? Sounds like a difficult question to answer. The answer is not simple. “Happy people” are satisfied with who they are, confident in themselves, have gained an understanding of who they are and what they stand for, can find gratitude (even in the small things) and enjoy “giving back.” Don’t be intimidated with this if you are struggling with happiness. Start off small. Find 1-3 gratitudes each day; they can be something small or something big. Focus one part of your day thinking about a positive decision you made that day. Sit with your proud or comfortable feelings for a bit. Even on “bad days” you made a positive decision and can find gratitude in that day! Think about your morals, values, and what is important to you. These type of exercises will help you develop an understanding of yourself. Reframe your negative thoughts and perceptions of situations into positive thoughts or find the positive in the situation. Lastly, surround yourself with positivity. This can be as small as using a cell phone wallpaper picture that elicits comfortable feelings or do something that will make you feel good.
Appreciate the ups and downs you experience in adolescence as they serve as building blocks for the future!