spreading the word

A wise teen recently shared some inspirational words with us that have been making the rounds online. It was a great reminder that, even with all the challenges of our social media-savvy world, there are many tweens and teens spreading positivity online. 

Hey you.

Yeah you, stop being unhappy with yourself. You are beautiful. Stop wishing you looked like someone else, or wishing people liked you as much as they like someone else. Stop trying to get attention from those who hurt you. Stop hating your face, your body, your personality, your flaws, love them. Without those things you wouldn't be you, and why would you want to be anyone else? Be confident with who you are. Smile. It will draw people in. My happiness will not depend on others anymore. I'm happy because I love who I am. I love my flaws. I love my imperfections. They make me, me.

And 'me' is pretty amazing.

There's a lot to love about this message, and it captures many of the themes we touch on in our therapy groups for tweens and teens. Practicing acceptance for oneself and others. Nurturing healthy friendships and avoiding toxic ones. Embracing the things that make each of us unique and special. Using one's inner compass for guidance. What a refreshing reminder that the Internet can be a source of inspiration for adolescents, and a means to spread such positive, life-affirming messages! And we here at GirlTalk Therapy are blessed to have the wisdom of girls in our community.