 A quick look at the trending topics on Google today looked something like this:
Honestly, my first thought after looking at this list was “Yay!” Two science fiction shows made the trending topics list!" My second thought was “Wow, this is completely focused on famous people and celebrity events. Where are the stories about normal people and regular, everyday life?” Soon I found myself pondering how easy it can be to lose ourselves in the flurry of media coverage about the glamorous and extravagant lives of celebrities – actors and athletes alike. How one can be satisfied living a “normal” or “average” life when the lifestyles of the rich and famous are constantly bombarding our online world? Here are some of my thoughts:
Give these a try. My bet is that your life will be so satisfying that you won’t have time to worry about the most recent celebrity news nor will you yearn as much for their extravagant lifestyle. You will have your own full and beautiful life! Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.
"Make each day your masterpiece." This quote by John Wooden is resonating with me today, bringing to mind the idea that every day is a piece of the bigger picture of your life. This has led me to ponder several questions: What does this idea mean for those days that are stressful, difficult or just downright bad? Do the bad periods take away from the overall picture or beauty of your life? How can you persevere through the hard days? See below for my thoughts!  Thank you to Bright Drops for this great image. Everyone has tough days. For a teen, a big test, friendship problems or a relationship ending could lead to a bad day. For a parent, feeling stressed about work, worrying about their children or simply being tired may lead to a difficult day. Whatever the cause, bad days can seem overwhelming and can often be filled with strong emotions. So what can you do if you are having a bad day today? Here are a few ideas: 1) Remember that today will end. I know this sounds cliche, but it can be helpful to remember that the sun will set, even on the hardest of days. Tomorrow is a new day. 2) Remember that strong emotions will pass. Part of what makes humans unique among all other species is our ability to experience emotions. Strong feelings, including anger and sadness will pass. Rather than bottle these emotions up, find a healthy way to express them outwardly. Talk to a friend or parent, write, draw, run or sing it out. You will feel better in the long run if you do not ignore your emotions. 3) Remember to take care of yourself. If you are experiencing a stressful time, remember to prioritize your well-being. Does spending time with friends make you feel good? Make plans together. Does exercising help you feel calm? Go for a walk or make it a point to hit the gym. Does the idea of attending another activity make you feel exhausted? Politely decline the invitation. Does taking a bath or reading help you feel calm? You get the idea. The most important thing is to make time for YOU! 4) Remember to look for the good. Find something to be grateful for every day. Purposefully seeking out the positive can help counteract negative thoughts. Write things you are grateful for down in a journal so you can be reminded of them during difficult times. 5) Remember the big picture. Your life is an incredible and special piece of art. In the end, the mixture of good and difficult times will serve to make your story uniquely yours and more beautiful than you can imagine! Please, share your thoughts on this topic! What can you do today to make today a part of your masterpiece? Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.
 Thanksgiving is upon us and I wanted to offer a few thoughts on the benefits experienced by teens who express gratitude. 1) Increased happiness and overall well-being A research study by the American Psychological Association found that teens, like adults, experience a variety of benefits from the act of gratitude. The author of numerous studies about gratitude, Giacomo Bono, PhD, psychology professor at California State University, had this to say about the benefits of gratitude in high school aged teens: “Increases in gratitude over a four-year period were significantly related to improvements in life satisfaction, happiness, positive attitudes and hope.” According to the Harvard Medical School, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” 2) Lower occurrence of depression symptoms Teens who express gratitude on a regular basis typically report fewer symptoms of depression. Giacomo Bono, PhD, suggests this is a result of being connected and reminded of the good aspects of one’s life. "People who are grateful are more optimistic and hopeful, feeling they have the resources to be successful in their future," said Bono. Click here for more information. The same goes for adults: researchers at York University in Toronto found that depressed study participants who completed a “gratitude exercise” every night, were less depressed six months after the study was complete. 3) Greater contributions to society According to a 2010 study of gratitude in teens by Froh, Bono & Emmons, "gratitude ignites a passion for helping others and contributing to society." The study indicates teens that are grateful tend to be more connected to their communities and want to give back, both as teens and later as adults. So how can you reap the benefits of gratitude? Here are some ideas:
Happy Thanksgiving! Photo from Flickr. Some rights reserved by woodleywonderworks. Bethany Jones Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.
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