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Choose to Be Grateful. It Will Make You Happier.

11/24/2015

"When you're busy reflecting on all that you have, there simply isn't as much space for negative or stressful thoughts. By tallying up the large and small things you have to be thankful for, you crowd out any thoughts that keep you up at night and replace them with gratitude and hope."

5 Ways to Make Yourself Happier in the Next 5 Minutes - Here are 5 strategies that you can practice right now, to get a shot of healthy psychological nutrients.

I thought this article was an interesting read - Choose to Be Grateful. It Will Make You Happier.

These statements below stood out to me -

"It’s science, but also common sense: Choosing to focus on good things makes you feel better than focusing on bad things."

"In addition to building our own happiness, choosing gratitude can also bring out the best in those around us. "

"...the prescription for all of us is clear: Make gratitude a routine, independent of how you feel — and not just once each November, but all year long."

I hope everyone has a relaxing break! I also hope that the only homework assignment any student has is to catch up on some much needed sleep and spend quality time with those that they love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Katie Bryant

Daily AFFIRMATIONS!

11/20/2015

“Identify one supportive phrase you wish you heard more growing up. Every time you pass by a mirror today, look at yourself and say that.” ~from Tiny Buddha’s 365 Tiny Love Challenges

“Growing up, many of us heard more about what we were doing wrong than what we were doing right (from people who had the same experience growing up). And for a lot of us, there were more punishments than rewards, at home and in school.”

I like the idea of the “love challenge” that was shared in this article – “Each one offers something simple you can do to improve your relationships, open yourself up to new ones, or nurture your relationship with yourself.”

I also love the list of 25 (see below) supportive, loving things to tell yourself today! This would also be a great list to use with our kids or significant other.

"We all deserve to hear these things—from others and ourselves:

1. I love you just the way you are.
2. When you need something to believe in, start with yourself.
3. I’ll always be here for you. I love you unconditionally.
4. You deserve to be happy.
5. You look beautiful.
6. Don’t be afraid—you are good enough.
7. I believe you are very capable of taking care of yourself, with or without someone else to take care of you.
8. Anything you can imagine is possible. The only thing to fear is fear itself.
9. Everything will be okay. Even if its not, it will be.
10. You are enough as you are.
11. You are an individual and are perfect the way you are now.
12. You can do anything you set your mind to.
13. It’s okay to make a mistake.
14. I believe in you.
15. You tried—that’s good enough.
16. I’m proud of you.
17. You don’t need permission from anyone to dream and explore your interests and passions.
18. You have a beautiful soul.
19. You are safe.
20. You’re doing great.
21. You can do anything.
22. I want the best for you.
23. You’re handling it beautifully.
24. You are awesome, kid.
25. I love and accept you no matter what.

Imagine what the world would be like if we all told ourselves these things every day.

Imagine a world full of people who believe in themselves, encourage themselves, and forgive themselves for their mistakes."

Try it for week... or even a few days. Do you feel any different? Is it hard to shift your thinking to focus only on the positive?

Try to only acknowledge the positive, supportive and loving things that our kids or significant other is doing. I bet they feel different after a week and hopefully you do too!

-Katie Bryant

THE ONE CONVERSATION THAT COULD SAVE YOUR TEEN’S LIFE (AND YOUR OWN)

11/12/2015

"We spend hours talking to our kids about WHY to say no, but we don’t tell them HOW to say no. When they are put on the spot, they don’t have hours to explain their decisions to their peers. They have a split second. And while our teens and ‘tweens want to make the right decisions, they often want to avoid awkwardness even more. In the absence of a plan, they’ll likely default to yes. Just like we so often do. Maybe they’re not saying yes because they want to rebel – maybe they really do say yes because they don’t know what else to say. They need help knowing, preparing. That is where we come in."

Sometimes we think this type of conversation happens when our kids are in middle school, but in reality this conversation can occur at any age with any topic.

Role playing different scenarios on topics that your teen may face will help them respond better. Maybe it is how to ask for help from a teacher, an issue with friends or siblings, a job interview, or really anything that they are dealing with or anticipating they might deal with! When we prepare ourselves for situations, especially difficult ones, we respond much better than when we are put on the spot.

As a follow up from last week's blog on having difficult conversations, hopefully this will remind you that we must continue to have these conversations with our kids!

-Katie Bryant

How to Ruin Your Relationship With Your Teenager

11/3/2015

Our Speaker Series topic this week was difficult conversations with our kids. While the focus was specifically on substance use, our conversations we have with our kids every day are important. There are a TON of different styles, suggestions and information out there on communicating with your child.

“All relationships take work, but your communications with your teenager can be lifesaving.
There’s an old but persistent fallacy about parents always maintaining the upper hand, but creating happy, loving, open relationships with our children holds far more power than any form of discipline. Teenagers who are armed with solid values and loved as individuals will thrive even in the harshest climates.”

I would argue these tips could be used with your child at any age and even with your significant other!

I also came across this article and thought it was worth reading - OMG! Your teen actually talks to you?

And always remember "I" Statements -
An “I” message or “I” statement is a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs rather than the thoughts and behaviors of the other person. For example, a parent may say “I feel really worried and scared when you consistently come home late without calling” instead of demanding, “Why are you never home on time?” or "You are always late." Avoid "You" statements!

Examples of I Messages -

-Katie Bryant

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Choose to Be Grateful. It Will Make You Happier.

Daily AFFIRMATIONS!

THE ONE CONVERSATION THAT COULD SAVE YOUR TEEN’S LIFE (AND YOUR OWN)

How to Ruin Your Relationship With Your Teenager

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