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GRAT DEGR “ TUDE ” ATIT GRAT WHEN YOU ARE GRATEFUL, FEAR DISAPPEARS.
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SUISUICIDE CIDE IS NOT IS THE ONLY ANSWER NOT THE WHY TEEN SUICIDE?
It’s supposed to be the best time of your life, right? Sure. But being a teenager isn’t always about hanging out, school dances and crushes. Sometimes you might feel like you are about to drown in a giant wave of constant thoughts that cross your mind—“I don’t fit into any clique; ” “I don’t have a girlfriend; ” “I don’t have a boyfriend; ” “I’ll never pass this class; ” “I’ll never get into college; ” “I feel like people are always judging me; ” “I just feel kind of depressed...” all the time. Any worry or concern can start you on a path that leads you to depression. If you travel along this path of depression, many times it leads to suicide.
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ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT: HOW YOU LOOK
Are you scared or worried about what people think about you? How about the way you dress? What about your hair? Eyes? Do you need to be “picture perfect” in the morning before going to school? What about the latest trend or style that you see when you go shopping? Do you want to be seen as a certain kind of person or the opposite— NOT a certain kind of person?
GRADES
Do you want to get straight “A”s all the time? Do ex tra credit? Get into a good college? Do you constantly think about your future and your career? Do you talk about what you want to do when you star t working?
RELATIONSHIPS
We’re talking about all sorts of relationships here—family, brother and sister, friends, teachers, and even your bf or gf. Do you do whatever it takes to fit in whether its gossip, wearing trendy clothes, or anything to prove that you are worthy of being in that relationship? What about the thought of getting a bf or gf to show that you have likeable “relationship qualities? ”
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SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
WHAT WHAT IS IS GRATITUDE? GRA TITU DE IT’S MORE THAN JUST SAYING “THANKS”
Gratitude is more than being thankful. It’s more than saying, “Thank you.” When someone has gratitude, it comes from the heart. As cheesy as that sounds, it just simply means that you are saying thanks to someone in a way that is deeper. Sometimes saying thanks, much less being grateful, for simple things can be tough. For example, it’s not every day that we think, “Hm, I’m grateful for being able to see.” However, if you had a friend, who had gotten into a car accident and lost the use of his eyes, you would be a little more grateful for your eyes, wouldn’t you? It’s a good idea not to wait for something bad to happen before we think about what we are grateful for. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got, until it’s gone.”
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WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT HAVING GRATITUDE INSIDE AND OUT? YOU GLOW!
I know. You’ve heard it before, “You should appreciate what you have, instead of what you don’t have.” Seriously. If you really appreciate what you have and are satisfied with it, everything else is a big plus ! Your heart will be at a place where you are happy and it will show on your face and in your life !
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Everyone worries about the future. You think about your future life, which includes who you might marry, how many kids you might have, what kind of house you want to live in, and more ! But wondering about the future can make us a bit crazy, if you know what I mean. We don’t know what the future holds, so it makes us insecure and nobody likes to be insecure. On the other hand, if you are grateful for what you have right now, your attitude towards your future will be one of hope. You’ll think of things you can do and be flexible because you know who you are and can stand up to whatever challenges come your way.
MORE FRIENDS
Did you know that people tend to naturally hang out with a person who is happy about life? It’s true ! There is actual research and studies that prove this. Who wants to hang out with people who always complain about what they want, want, want? (And by the way, those people are usually unhappy 90 % of the time) People who are more positive are naturally healthier, stress less, get less pimples, are more active, and more !
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WHAT WHAT NOW? NOW WHAT NOW WHAT IS SADNESS REAL?
According to research, “The human brain is naturally inclined to worry about the future.” This means that we naturally worry about everything that “might” happen. Have you ever gotten into a “what if” cycle? Your worries start to look bigger and bigger! Next time you get into a “what if” cycle, remind yourself that as much as you want to control your future, NO ONE can predict exactly what will happen. In many situations, you can’t do much about it. In other situations, waiting can show you the answer you are looking for. Well, what if you are a worrywart? You have to realize that you are hooked onto a habit of worrying. You need to start training yourself. For example, for every 5 things you worry about, think of 5 more things that you appreciate and already know is true and good in your life.
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YOU CAN CHANGE WHAT YOU DO: STOP HIDING
We hide. Everyone hides when they’re scared and we all get scared. One important thing to remember when you find yourself in that hiding place is that there are people who love you and want to support you. Hiding doesn’t do anyone good. It usually just magnifies your worries and makes you more anxious. Start by talking to someone you trust about how you feel and think about what you are grateful first.
ASK FOR HELP
A lot of times, we don’t like to ask for help. Sometimes we think there is no one else who will understand our experiences. Other times, it might be hard to talk about what we are worried about, but there are people out there who are more than willing to help. There are people who have been in your exact same shoes and have overcome their situations. You may decide to talk to someone you know or someone you don’t know. Just remember to ask for help.
TAKE CHARGE
Although we don’t know what the future will bring, there is a saying that goes like this, “Strive for the best and prepare for the worst.” We try our best to be grateful for things in our lives and to work towards our dreams and life goals, but we also need to be careful not to hold onto our future too strongly. Now, this is a hard place to get to, but you first must take charge. This is your life. You are not controlled by your feelings. You control your feelings by taking action.
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EXERCISE 1:
YOUR HAPPY MEMORIES 10
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Q
CAN YOU LIST 5 OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES?
Write about some incredible moments, great people you’ve met, and great places you’ve gone on vacation. You can also jot down names of people you love and who love you. For example, your favorite family memory, or a time when you couldn’t stop laughing…
MY LIST: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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INTERVIEW WITH DAKOTA FANNING MY LIST: 1. When I was about 5, my mom took me to this playhouse where you study and do a play at the end of the week. At the end, the head of the playhouse came up to my mom and said, ‘Have you ever thought about getting her an agent?’ 2. The first time I saw Britney Spears is when I was very little, she was my idol. I was in a store in California, she walked in and my jaw just fell to the floor. I started to sweat. I could not believe that I was meeting her. She told me that I was very cute. 3. The moments at home with my family are all my best memories because I enjoy having a normal life. 4. My first day at high school. I really wanted to have school memories because no matter how old a person gets, they still talk about their time in high school. That’s where the path starts on the road to becoming an adult, and I didn’t want to miss that. I want to enjoy school life, my proms and homecoming games. 5. All the wonderful times with my dog, Flounder. I was so sad when he died, but I know he wanted me to be happy and strong without him. I enjoy my life everyday.
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EXERCISE 2:
KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL SIMPLY WRITE DOWN 5 THINGS
Write about what you are grateful for today before you go to bed. It can be someone who helped you out with your work at school. It could be your mom who cooked your favorite meal. (You can even thank yourself for making an effort and reading this book.) Keep a gratitude journal can help you keep track of things that make you positive, happy, and joyful
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START YOUR GRATITUDE JOURNAL THIS MONTH!
1 2 WEEK
SUN :
THU :
MON :
FRI :
TUE:
SAT:
WED :
WEEK
SUN :
THU :
FRI :
MON :
TUE:
WED :
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SAT:
3 4 WEEK
SUN :
THU :
FRI :
MON :
SAT:
TUE:
WED :
WEEK
SUN :
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FRI :
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SAT:
TUE:
WED :
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EXERCISE 3:
YOUR LIST OF FAVORITES 18
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Q
WHAT DO YOU LIKE?
Try to list several things that you like. You like them probably because you have them or you have done them before. In some countries, the only things that children care about are their food and study. And the worse thing is , many of them live in such poor conditions that they could die the next day. We are for tunate to live in a countr y where technology has allowed us to be enter tained in more ways than one. We are also able to breathe fresh air, eat food ever y day, wear different clothes, and meet all kinds of people in our lives. You are very fortunate.
MY LIST: 1. My favorite time is
because
2. My favorite book is
because
3. My favorite singer is I like his or her because
4. My favorite sport is It keeps me healthy.
5. My favorite Because
is
6. My favorite Because
is
7. My favorite Because
is
8. My favorite Because
is
9. My favorite Because
is
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INTERVIEW WITH MILEY CYRUS MY LIST: 1. My favorite time is 5 a.m. because I wake up 5 a.m. every day and read Bible, then fall back to sleep. It’s “my time.”
2. My favorite book is the Bible because it helps me a lot everytime when I am upset. One of my goals in life is reading the entire Bible.
3. My favorite singer is Shania Twain. I like his or her because she is fun and not afraid to be different with her music.
4. My favorite sport is cheerleading. It keeps me healthy.
5. My favorite colors are lime green, purple and pink. Because by looking at these colors makes me energetic.
6. My favorite music is pop rock. Because it makes me want to rock everything!
7. My favorite season is summer. Because I can wear suit and go to beach!
8. My favorite thing is living in the world. Because I feel so lucky to be myself.
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WHAT WHAT WOULD WOU YOU DO? LD YOU DO? FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
People think that that success leads to happiness, but actually, happiness leads to success. Things don’t usually happen like we wish. Sometimes when we are upset or frustrated, why don’t we make an effort to look at things from another angle? The next page, lists some real life situations. If you had to think positively in these situations, what would you say?
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“I DON’T FIT IN ANY GROUP...” “They just don’t know me yet, maybe what I should do is go talk to them or...”
“I WILL NEVER GET GOOD GRADES.”
“I DON’T HAVE A BOYFRIEND (OR GIRLFRIEND).” “I don’t have a boyfriend (or girlfriend) yet; it’s good because I can hang out with my friends more, I can...”
“I FEEL LIKE THEY ARE ALWAYS TEASING ME.”
“I JUST FEEL SAD.” “THE RAIN MAKES ME DEPRESSED.” “Rainy days are nice to play in puddles, hide in a mall...”
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SUIMAYBE CIDE THE BIBLE IS CAN HELP. IT SAYS: NOT THE YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Moses, Elijah, and Jonah in the Bible all overcame their impulses to die. It’s possible to work your way out of this pit through God’s help and love. While your depression may go on and on with no end in sight, God promises, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) You will find this verse utterly true in your own trial by fire. After coming out of the depression, you will have experienced a continuing joy and hope in life that you can only consider the “crown of life” that James
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“WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT SUICIDE?”
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27); “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us so that we could have life. It would go against everything Jesus taught us to take our own life.
“HOW CAN I DEAL WITH THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?”
Remember that you are not alone. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mattew 28:20) When you are tempted by thoughts of hopelessness, remember that God created you and has a plan for you. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Seek God, and you will find him and his purpose. “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)
ARE YOU WONDERING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US IN HIS MERCY? Check Psalm 107 and Psalm 136.
ARE YOU WONDERING HOW GOD CREATES THE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING WE HAVE? Check Psalm 104.
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WHAT’S MORE?
GOD WILL NEVER FORGET YOU 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Psalms 69:29 I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Isaiah 49:15–16 Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
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YOU’LL NEVER SAD WITH GOD John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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Š 2010 WORD All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage or retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher. Published by Lisa Li-Hsuan Lu, San Francisco, California Designed and written by Lisa Li-Hsuan Lu, Cindy Hu Sponsored by Academy of Art University First U.S. Edition, 2010 Printed in the United States of America
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