In an age when and where there are more questions than answers and when the available answers are in contradiction with one another, the natural reaction of an average mind is perplexity (a state of anxiety and confusion).In search of immutable answers, the lifestyle of fantasy becomes the most attractive option for the troubled teenagers and youths. This lifestyle, as attractive as it looks, needs some dilution of maturity in order to achieve a more practical decision-making/solution to the daily issues of teenage and youthful life. These matured and insightful tips are being offered in this concise message.
To the teenager/youth that seeks his/her parents' constant understanding and agreement to his/her ever-changing lifestyles; Seek to understand and attend to your parents' unsaid needs and feelings before you expect such from them. After all, from infancy to childhood when your most common means of expressing wants, feelings and needs is crying, they've used their discretion to understand and attend to such needs. Reciprocate this and their attention will even be remote-controlled by you.
Secondly, in your communication with them; take time to talk and calmly communicate your feelings. Stick to the issues at stake instead of arguing that "everybody else does it". Remaining calm during misunderstanding is one certain way of gaining respect. It shows your strong will and self control abilities simultaneously which naturally attracts respect. However real efforts are needed from on the part of everyone involved.
Coming to peers and their pressures; the first step is the preparation of oneself to be a good friend; one who genuinely expresses interests, care and problem-solving skills in other peoples' affairs. Take active interest in others who do not only make a profession of their faith but also have works to back them up. To develop the courage and self confidence of confronting peer pressure, constant development of one's thinking ability and knowledge is very important because one with such ability does not have to lean upon inexperienced peers for direction. Adolescents who are good at something feel important in their own right. In fact such skillfulness and competence commands respect from fellow teenagers.
Most importantly is our relationship with God, which has been, is and will always be the pace-setter for all other relationships. Just like every other relationship, successful relationship with God is maintained via constant communication. Q.E.D. Prayers is therefore a must for every youth.
Finally, we can't get away with anything we do in life. Good or bad, we must receive our rewards, so do not listen to the voice of evil.One principle that governs all relationships is the golden rule: 'DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM DO UNTO YOU.' Virtually all religions in this world hold various versions but the same meaning of this golden principle. Therefore the only rule for receiving is giving. TAKE OR LEAVE IT!
Nice article Ifeanyi
ReplyDelete