My Year 12 Graduation Journal by learning_curve

January Memories 2022

Heading Self-Awareness Self-awareness is about being ‘in tune’ with your inner self and being aware of your attitudes, emotions and actions. People who are self-aware are in tune with their internal experiences and recognise that their external responses have an impact on others. Developing your self-awareness is key to being able to control your actions and impulses (known as emotional self-regulation). By improving your self-awareness, you are better able to recognise your thoughts and feelings, and to respond objectively and carefully in ways that align with your core values, rather than being reactive. Increased self-awareness leads to enhanced levels of resilience, empathy and self-confidence.

Try This Start to engage in a regular mindfulness practice this week, in order to increase your self-awareness. You might need to try a few practices in order to find something that resonates with you. Try taking a mindful walk while tuning in to your five senses or doing some gentle yoga.

Food for Thought

Developing self-awareness is an ongoing process.

Self-Awareness Activity Idea Try keeping a thought diary this week. Notice the automatic thoughts that pop into your head through the week and write them below in the thought bubbles. Then, take time to reflect on the reason why you experienced this emotion.

Self-Awareness Activity What does your ideal 'self' look like?

What do you struggle with?

What is your greatest strength?

Choose three words to describe yourself.

Songs for Self-Awareness Have fun creating your own ‘All About Me’ playlist.

Self-Awareness Activity What goals and dreams do you have?

Why are these dreams or goals important to you?

What do you need to ask for help with?

How could you ask for help from others?

Do you treat yourself better than you treat others? What makes you say that?

Portrait of Me Have fun creating and colouring your own self-portrait continuous line drawing! If you want to, you could try drafting it first on paper.

Photo Page

Go ‘old school’ and print out some of your favourite photos that showcase who you are.

Mindful Colouring

' Kind words their echoes ' can be short and easy to speak, but

~ Mother Teresa ~

are truly

February Memories 2022

Kindness Text Kindness is a multifaceted concept. It involves being courteous and accepting of others, considering others’ feelings and proactively taking action to help other people. Kindness also has many proven wellbeing benefits, both for ourselves and those around us. Have you ever heard the saying ‘Nice guys finish last?’ Well, it turns out this isn’t really the case. People who act in a kind or altruistic manner actually receive more social status. Doing things that benefit others, not just yourself, is a proven way to be held in high esteem by others and counted as a leader of your group. So don’t be afraid to speak up for someone, invite a new person into your circle or carry out a not-so-random act of kindness. Lastly, it’s important to reflect on the motivation for your acts of kindness. If you’re engaging in kind acts in order to boost your own popularity or sense of wellbeing, is it really an act of kindness? That is definitely food for thought!

Try This Remind yourself about the basic humanity you share with people who might seem different from you. Embrace the concept of looking for similarities between yourself and those you find awkward or challenging.

Food for Thought Engaging in acts of kindness over a period of time can decrease feelings of social anxiety.

Idea

Kind acts are contagious! When people witness kind acts, they’re more likely to engage in acts of kindness themselves.

Kindness Activity Carrying out acts of kindness boosts the wellbeing of the initiator (you), the recipient (the other person) and the Text observers (anyone who happens to see your act of kindness). Plan out five acts of kindness you could do over the next two weeks and reflect on the impact this had on yourself and others. Write the act of kindness next to each heart and the intended recipient in the heart.

Loving-Kindness Meditation Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your spine straight. Relax your body and bring your awareness inward. Without straining or concentrating, just relax and gently follow the instructions below. Take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out. Think of someone who is close to you who loves you very much. Imagine that person standing beside you, sending you their love. Imagine them sending you wishes for your safety, for your wellbeing and happiness.

Begin to send the love that you feel back to that person, silently repeating: May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. Now think of someone you don’t know very well – someone you don’t have any particular feelings toward – like a neighbour or someone in another class. Send warm wishes to that person, silently repeating: May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. Now think of someone you have difficulties with. Someone you find challenging, awkward or different. Send warm wishes to that person, silently repeating: May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. May you be safe, healthy, and happy. Now think of yourself and imagine yourself standing there in front of you. Send warm wishes to yourself, silently repeating: May I be safe, healthy, and happy. May I be safe, healthy, and happy. Take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out.

May I be safe, healthy, and happy.

Friends Write the name of a friend in each of the shapes below, along with their likes, dislikes and what you appreciate or admire most about them. You might like to wish something good for each person, writing: "I wish that you are always loved" or "I wish you know that I will always be here for you."

Kindness Have you ever thought about donating time or money to aid a good cause? Doing something that helps others is a powerful way to show kindness and care. Consider the factors below to help you identify how you might like to make a positive difference.

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Consider what to donate:

What's In Your Hand? Sometimes we feel as though we don’t have much to give, that no one really needs our help, or we can’t really make much of a difference. Take the time to consider what you have to offer others by tracing around your hand on the page below and writing ways you can contribute this week. It can be something as small as baking cookies for a classmate who is unwell, making a parent or carer a cup of tea, sending a friend a kind text or calling your grandparents. We can all do something to make a positive difference in the lives of those we love.

Kindness Ripples Acts of kindness can have far-reaching effects that we might never truly appreciate. An elderly person greatly comforted by the company of a dog adopted at a shelter where you volunteer. A young girl who managed to secure her first job after being able to purchase good-quality clothing at a second-hand store where you donated your unwanted items. A hard-working nurse who felt appreciated after finding your baked goods in their breakroom. A young child who is able to get an education through a sponsorship program that you support.

Draw some shapes below and write the acts of kindness you’re going to carry out. Then draw some concentric shapes around each central shape and write a potential impact in each of these ‘ripples’.

Mindful Colouring

'Whatever you stay true things you go through,

core values.' ~ Sophie Gregoire Trudeau ~

26 26

and your

March Memories 2022