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Ten Tips For Teens To Be Empowered

By Marie Magdala Roker

Be Who You Were Meant To Be. Role Models are inspiring, but you can not spend your life trying to be like them. Your gifts, skills and talents are unique, don't waste them trying to be like someone else. There is no one else on earth like you; embrace and flaunt the wonderful you!
Be In Control. Drugs and alcohol can alter your personality. If you feel you're more fun to be around when you're drunk or high, you're not presenting the real you. Let people get to know the real you. Be honest with your friends about who you really are. Trust your intuitions and find ways to resist peer pressure. Need to talk to another teen about drugs and alcohol pressure: www.teencentral.net.
Be Proud of Where You Came From. Whether you're Haitian, Chinese, Indian, etc.,take pride in your culture. Discrimination is a result of lak of knowledge and information. Don't hide where you come from, share your culture or religion with others.
Be Cool. There will be many things that will irritate you on any given day. It's up to you to respond or react to these situation. Everyone gets mad once in awhile, but don't let your anger get the best of you. If you have a need that is not being met, let the other person know. Before you blow up at someone, try to figure out what exacly is upsetting you and communicate it calmly with the other person. Try: www.angerhelp.com.
Be About Something. Support a cause, stand up for what you believe. Get involved in community events, share your talents at a fundraiser. Get your voice heard and make a difference in your life and the life of others. Good resource for volunteering: www.volunteermatch.org.
Be Happy With Your Body. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Despite the messages shows like "The Swan, "Extreme Makeover" and "I Want A Famous Face" send us about beauty, you will only feel good about your body, if your sense of self is strong. Maintain a love of your body and treat it with respect. Find a supportive network to help you deal with body esteem issues.
Be Responsible. Hold yourself accountable for all your actions. Be mindful of how you interact with other people. Respect the property of others. You will not always have your parents or guardians to help you. Set short term goals for yorself. Organize and prioritize your extracurricular activities.
Be In Balance. Life can be overwhelming for a teen. School, family and work can create stressful situations. Develop good study habits. Stay focused on your goals, despite peer pressure. Do not set up unrealistic expectations for yourself. Talk over problems with your family and find ways to alleviate fears and anxiety.
Be Happy. These are the best years of your life! Enjoy your life. Discover something new about yourself each day. Having fun is important to your emotional and spiritual well-being. Lighten up!
Be Positive. Negativity breeds negative outcomes. There is a lesson to be learned in every situation or event that occurs in your life. Let go of resentment and guilt, clear your mind of negative chatter.