#Gratitude Journal for Teens

[creatingapositivemindset]

Discover our inspiring journals, planners, and notebooks at Creating A Positive Mindset. Perfect for tracking goals, boosting productivity, and fostering growth. Start your journey towards a brighter mindset today! Shop now in Bowmanville!

[fight-4-my-life]

Top 5...

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? Movies or series I’ve seen more than 5 times 1. Harry Potter movies I know he’s pretty toxic but since I was a kid I’ve had a soft spot for him. And Alan Rickman just does a fantastic job playing this character. 2. Friends I’ve watched this show since I was 10. I didn’t always understand it then, but I did as I got older. It’s…

[farshootergotme]

I cannot believe I'm saying this but I just argued with someone who was insisting that Dick is abusive and cruel to his family and friends while excusing Jason's actions as "the pit did it". Please give me sweet/cute moments between Dick and his friends/family, whether that's just him listening (like the time he dropped everything so Tim could vent to him) or helping out etc

You ask and I'll deliver!

Dick, Bruce & Alfred

Alfred expressing his gratitude to Dick for being there after Bruce died: Batman #689

Dick and Alfred with an arm wrapped around each other: Detective Comics #838

Dick and Alfred grieving Bruce together: Nightwing (1996) #153

Alfred welcomes Dick: Nightwing (1996) #101

Dick tells Alfred he misses him: Missing (1996) #126

Alfred and Dick hugging: Gotham Knights #25

Dick hugs Alfred: Titans Hunt #2

Dick tells Bruce that if he wants him to wear the cowl again, he will: Batman and Robin (2011) #34

Dick helps Bruce save Damian in the simulation: Batman and Robin (2011) #23

Dick saves Bruce and they hug: Robin and Batman #3

Dick hugging Bruce after he and the league are saved: JLA (1997) #75

Dick calls Bruce “dad”: Nightwing (2016) #100

Dick tells Bruce he'd die for him: Robin (1993) #13

Dick asking Bruce if he wants to talk: Year One: Batman/Scarecrow #1

Jason & Dick

Dick gives Jason his old costume and his phone number in case he needs to talk: Batman #416

Dick catches Jason before he falls off a train: Nightwing (1996) #106

Dick calls Jason “little wing” while they work together: Nightwing (1996) #106

Dick tells Jason about Bruce firing him and apologizes for Bruce about him using Dick to make Jason feel small: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Dick hanging out with Robin!Jason: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Dick tells Jason they're brothers: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Dick tells Jason he's proud he's put the guns away: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Nightwing calls Red Hood “Robin” to calm him down: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Parallel to the past: Nightwing v4 annual #1

Dick promises Jason he'll talk with Bruce so Jason doesn't get in trouble after helping the Teen Titans in a mission: The New Teen Titans v2 #31

Dick offers Jason help: Batman and Robin (2009) #6

Cass & Dick

Dick offering Cass to talk: Batman: Family v2 #7

Dick and Cass apologize to each other: Batman and the Outsiders v2 #14

Dick and Cass cooking together: Nightwing (2016) #106

Dick and Cass working together to find the truth about Bruce murderer’s allegations: Batman: Bruce Wayne – Fugitive

Dick and Cass race each other: Batman �� Legends of the Dark Knight #184

Cass describes in her journal how Dick told her about Cinderella and made her laugh: Batgirl (2000) #58

Dick stops Jason from attacking Cass: Batman & Robin Eternal #3

Tim & Dick

Blindfolded bonding: Nightwing (1996) #25

Dick hugging Tim and kissing the top of his head: Nightwing (1996) #139

Dick inviting Tim on a mission: Nightwing (1996) #142

Dick makes Tim laugh: Robin (1993) #71

Dick cooking for Tim: Batman #512

Dick complimenting Tim's skills: Robin 80 Years of the Boy Wonder The Deluxe Edition

Dick complimenting Tim's skills 2.0: Nightwing (1996) #6

Tim tells Dick that he will always be there for him: Red Robin (2009) #12

Dick changes his plans to stay and listen to what Tim needs to talk about: Robin (1993) #156

Dick and Tim hanging out: Secret Origins 80 Page Giant

Dick calls Tim his little brother: Secret Origins 80 Page Giant

Damian & Dick

Dick and Damian hugging when they find out the other is alive: Grayson #12

Dick hugs Damian relieved that he's okay: Nightwing (2016) #20

Dick assures Damian they'll find Bruce: Nightwing (2016) #29

Damian admits to have missed Dick: Nightwing (2016) #20

“We are still the greatest”: Nightwing (2016) #20

Dick comforting Damian as he cries: Batman v3 #33

Damian thanking Dick for being there: Batman v3 #34

Batman!Dick saves Damian's life and praises his work: Batman and Robin (2009) #3

Damian tells Dick he is his favorite partner: Batman Incorporated v2 #8

Dick and Alfred acknowledge Damian's efforts to be better: Batman and Robin (2009) #22

Damian throws up and Batman!Dick comforts him: Batman - Streets of Gotham #7

Dick calls Damian his Robin: Robin (2021) #5

Damian says he doesn't need the Titans because he already has a friend in Gotham (Dick): Teen Titans v3 #92

The (Teen) Titans & Dick

Wally and Dick hugging: Nightwing 1996 #141

Wally asks Dick for help to find Linda: The Flash v2 #214

Donna and Dick hugging: Titans Secret Files #2

Dick listens to Garth's problems: Titans v2 #15

Dick tells Donna that he's there if there's anything she wants to talk about: The New Teen Titans #14

Dick helps Roy find Lian and bring her home with him: Action Comics #618

Dick kissing Donna’s forehead: The Titans (1999) #28

Titans pillow fight: The New Teen Titans v2 #32

Dick and Gar talk about Vic: The New Teen Titans v2 #48

Steel and Gar talking about Dick: Titans (2016) #27

Nightwing argues with Batman to save Cyborg: JLA/Titans #2

Roy opens up to Dick and Dick tells Roy he'd trust him with his life: Outsiders (2003) #11

“Who wouldn't fall in love with that wouldn't fall in love with that strength and that smile?” – Donna Troy: DC special - The Return of Donna Troy #2

Dick calls the Titans his ‘safety net’: Nightwing Secret Files and Origins

Wally tries to distance himself from his loved ones but goes see Dick when his statue won't stay turned away: The Flash v6 #9

Others

Dick comforts Jon: Nightwing (2016) #89

Kara thanks Dick for being a friend and brother to her: Justice League of America v2 #60

Superman calls Dick the multiversal constant for being confident, kind and cool in every universe he's been: Nightwing (2016) #9

Friends: Nightwing (2016) #9

Some heroes help Dick move out and Dick thanks them for their assistance: Nightwing #153

Dick Grayson, the most trusted man next to Superman: The Brave and the Bold v3 #15

Dick's neighbors talking about him: Nightwing (1996) #87

Dick gets powers for two hours and spends time with Superman: Nightwing (2016) #104

Jim tells Dick his cops prefer him to Bruce: Batman and Robin (2009) #13

Nightwing leading the Titans: Teen Titans (2003) #23

Dick relates to Conner and tells him he has to start trusting himself as Dick trusts him: Teen Titans (2003) #33

“You know, everyone's right about you. You totally rule.”: Teen Titans (2003) #33

Kyle's first impression of Dick: Green Lantern (1990) #81

Oh man! This is awful! How can Dick be this abusive? Oh, wait! he isn't.

Well, sorry it took me a bit, but I hope this helps!

There's more characters' moments I wanted to add but it was taking me too long so I decided to leave it as it is.

[under-the-eye]

Adam and Penny have turned 18!

Adam is an athletic, confident young man, never afraid to speak his mind or take the lead, just as his father taught him! He’ll be an excellent headship when the time comes.

Penny has grown a bit morose during her teen years. We’re still working with her on gratitude and having a joyful spirit, but I pray that the Watcher will lead her into the light and not let this depressive state ruin her chances at marriage.

And I’ve saved the best news for last. After many years of waiting and praying, the Watcher has blessed me again! I’m expecting! Johnathan and I are elated!

Penny’s Secret Journal

Well, I’m an adult now. I’ve always been confident in my plan before, but now that I actually have to pull it off, I’m nervous. I have a million worst-case scenarios in my head (what if they lock me in the house and won’t let me leave? What if Dad gets angry and goes after me or Damien? What if Damien actually has drunk the kool-aid and becomes another guy like my dad?) SO MANY THINGS COULD GO WRONG. But I don’t have a choice– if I don’t get out of here I’ll go crazy. 

Also, my mom is pregnant again. Everyone is so happy for her, but all I feel is dread. Just more innocent kids to be indoctrinated. But there’s nothing I can really do about it.

[goodgrammaritan]

Gratitude Journal

I got my Harry Potter tattoo covered up yesterday with a Hadestown tattoo. My tattoo artist was great and made me feel comfortable, and she's the first tattooer I think I'd go back to for repeat work. She's new at the shop so she usually gets all the walk-ins and finds that boring, but she was really excited about doing my tattoo, and she knocked it out of the park:

To let it heal, I took a day off from working out, so instead I went to the library to vote in a local election, and there was a duck out front:

The only work I need to do today is my proofreading gig, and while the books I read for my publisher are often...let's just say not to my taste...this one is about teen girls fighting in a zombie apocalypse, and its worst flaw is that the syntax is occasionally awkward or sloppy, but the plot is decent and there's no rampant misogyny or conservative bullshit.

4/25/24

[cinderpresss]

Anti-Anxiety Journal: Do Not Fret: Journal for Anxiety and Depression for Teen Girls, Men, Women, Students Paperback – March 20 2022

by MIndingMe Publishing 

Find Calm and Clarity Every Day with the Anti-Anxiety Journal

Managing anxiety can be challenging, but with the right tools, you can regain control and experience more peace in your daily life. Our Anti-Anxiety Journal is thoughtfully designed to guide you through moments of stress, helping you track your emotions, identify triggers, and use effective coping strategies to reduce anxiety.

This journal offers daily prompts and check-ins that focus on building emotional awareness, self-reflection, and mindfulness. Each page includes sections to help you:

Track your mood and rate your feelings throughout the day.

Identify triggers that cause stress or anxiety, and reflect on how they impact your emotional state.

Monitor physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, tense muscles, or shallow breathing.

Practice gratitude with a dedicated space to highlight what went well and what you’re thankful for, even in challenging moments.

Set daily intentions to stay grounded and focused, promoting calmness and clarity.

Use coping tools like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and affirmations to manage anxiety in real-time.

The journal also features evening reflections to help you unwind, process the day’s events, and plan for a more peaceful tomorrow.

This Anti-Anxiety Journal offers a structured yet personal way to navigate daily stresses. With thoughtful prompts and practical exercises, it is an essential companion for anyone seeking a calm and mindful approach to life.

Start your journey to inner peace today!

[1010lilfoot]

Links Galore!

There's been a lot of articles and whatnot about my new book now that it's out, so here's a handy list of everything available thus far!

INTERVIEWS:

Superlit Podcast / LINK

The Comics That We Love Podcast / LINK

KidLit Love Podcast / LINK

Medium's The Writing Cooperative / LINK

Reads Rainbow / LINK

OutSFL / LINK

From the Mixed Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors / LINK

Young Adult Books Central / LINK

Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb / LINK

GUEST POSTS:

United by Pop / LINK

Unleashing Readers / LINK

School Library Journal's Teen Librarian Toolbox / LINK

TRADE REVIEWS:

Publishers Weekly / LINK

Kirkus Reviews / LINK

School Library Journal / LINK

MISC:

Read & Learn with Simon Kids / LINK

Note! There are so many other kind reviews (not to mention posts on Instagram and Tiktok) that I haven't mentioned, simply because it's hard to keep track of them all! For everyone who's taken the time to read Camp Prodigy and give it a shout out, you have my eternal gratitude!! 💚💚💚

[nurseshannansreviews]

📘 Do you love to journal? Journaling is a wonderful way to put your thoughts and emotions into words. When you see your thoughts and stress on paper, you’ll have a better perspective of what is within your control and what isn't. Working through emotions through journaling helps me gain a sense of peace and helps build faith. This Sword of the Spirit interactive journal from swordofthespiritjournals includes a meaningful compilation of scripture verses, sayings, and truisms. Reading them gives me guidance and a sense of comfort, peace, forgiveness, gratitude, acceptance and love during all times of life.

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📙These journals include 32 beautiful pages of scripture and comforting statements plus lots of lined, blank pages for adding all my personal journaling notes. They look and feel to be very well made from soft faux leather and premium paper. I love how they have two silky ribbon bookmarks to help me keep my place. They also have a sturdy elastic closure and pen holder! They're the perfect size for on the go and are designed with a convenient lay flat binding that stays open while I'm writing.

📘 Sword of the Spirit journals are available in blue or tan and have a beautiful presentation page near the front that makes them perfect for personalizing & gifting! What a thoughtful gift for any occasion to give to adults, teens and youth to help give them guidance and peace. To learn more and get 20% off with my exclusive discount code: nurseshannan20 visit swordofthespiritjournal.com

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* You can also find them on Amazon through the link on the Shopify site above or visit https://amzn.to/3Qs9eoC

[desifleabag]

In my recent therapy session, I realized a thing about myself: how I fill my void with professional goals and how much I struggle with showing gratitude.

My therapist said that the void in me is interfering with my life because I don't know how to be grateful or accept the things I have achieved in my life. No matter how much I achieve, there is always something that bothers me. It's either "I can do better" or patting myself on the back.

I have filled my voids with professional goals for the past 10 years. It's like I have this chocolate ice cream box, and I am filling it with peas and whatnot. Chocolate ice cream looks good in the chocolate ice cream box only. It's like always finding an alternative to fill that space in your life.

They say, no matter what you do, if you don't know how to appreciate yourself, then you will always get into a spiral of overthinking and self-loathing.

I have experienced low self-esteem since childhood, and I have constantly compared myself to people on LinkedIn, Instagram, and in college. It's never-ending for me.

I am almost three years into therapy, and I still find it hard to accept my accomplishments and hard work.

To practice gratitude, I do journaling, write a letter to that teen version, and have optimistic thoughts about my life, but also not ignoring my negative emotions.

It's always hard to accept who you are and your accomplishments, but it's never too late to embrace them because you deserve validation, love, and support from yourself too.

[robbiefischer]

I’d love to know 🩹💯 and 💜 for love of my life Julian if you’re able please?

Tysm for asking about my favorite boy ❤️❤️ Julian asks nourish my soul more than anything else.

🩹 ADHESIVE BANDAGE — does your oc have any physical and/or mental disabilities?

Julian's asthmatic. He has some joint hypermobility issues - he's prone to subluxations, particularly in his ankles and his left shoulder, will get some joint soreness and stiffness during flares, and he bruises incredibly easily - but they don't quite rise to the level of a joint hypermobility syndrome diagnosis. He's been diagnosed with PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. He's been in therapy since his late teens and is still in it to this day, although at this point he usually does monthly maintenance visits as between medication and coping skills, he usually has things pretty well under control. If he's really stressed or struggling with it, his therapist will fit him in more regularly for a few months until he's feeling more stable and coping better.

💯 HUNDRED POINTS SYMBOL — share three random facts about your oc that others may not know.

- Julian keeps what's basically a visual gratitude journal on a daily basis - he has sketchbooks full of sketches of his favorite things/people/places and things/moments that make him feel happy and safe. Approximately 85% of the pages are covered in quick portraits of Niko. He had a therapist suggest it as a grounding technique and he's kept up the habit for years.

- Julian loves grey, rainy days more than anything else, specifically grey, rainy late-autumn days. He loves being out in them, but his favorite thing is to have the day in so he can curl up on the couch with his guitar or sketchbook, a cup of tea, a plush blanket and just vibe to the sound of rain pelting on the windows. If there's a fire made, even better. Boy loves to be cozy.

- He'll absolutely melt if you play with his hair. It's so soothing for him; It'll put him to sleep if he's really tired but too keyed up and anxious to fall asleep, or help with the pain if his head hurts. It calms him down if he's not feeling well and is upset and getting teary about it. It helps him feel grounded after a panic attack. Even if there's nothing really wrong, Niko playing with his hair while he rests his head in Niko's lap always lifts his spirits and makes him feel so cared for.

💜 PURPLE HEART — what is your oc's ancestry/genetic background?

Julian's background is mostly Irish, French, English and Scottish, with a twist of Finnish and German in there. He's your pretty classic Western European mix.

[partrin]

hey hi if you’re still up for answering random questions, what are the guys like on social media? do they love it? hate it? active or not? involved in silly discussions or super heated debates?

oh. oh. this is gonna be a long one. disclaimer: these are all headcanons purely based on vibes. purely vibes, nothing more. they're also all like, in their early to mid 20s in these headcanons for some reason. let's begin.

makoto: average, responsible socmed user that uses it in healthy doses. mainly uses facebook and instagram, if only to keep up-to-date with his loved ones. his instagram posts are always personal and heartfelt; he always writes long, meaningful captions littered with words of affirmation to show his gratitude. scrolls tiktok on occasion for cute cat videos (that he shares with ran and ren, sometimes the iwatobi group chat, other times the hybrid iwatobi-samezuka (iwasame???) group chat). likes to leave positive, uplifting comments on people's posts and igstories. wholesome socmed user, 10/10 would recommend

nagisa: DOOMSCROLLER. NEEDS SOMEONE TO MONITOR HIS SCREENTIME. SOMEONE TAKE HIS PHONE AWAY. has a youtube account where he likes to upload strange vlogs with clickbait titles (somehow manages to manipulate haru into appearing in some of his vlogs to post clickbait thumbnails every now and then after realising his viewers found haru pretty to look at). jumps on the tiktok dance trend bandwagon and ropes rei into doing it with him (successfully!!!!!!!), is very proud of doing the "NIGHT DANCER" by imase trend. is hooked on reading AITA reddit threads, which he discusses, passionately, with rei. serial igstory poster—posts literally a n y t h i n g. regular gossip forum commenter. has been shadowbanned multiple times on multiple different sites for varying reasons. sometimes posts #GRWM videos where he's putting together an outfit or doing his hair while casually detailing about how he once almost commited a felony

rei: uses socmed because it can be a, quote, "valuable source of information" for current affairs, science journalism, political debates. yes, he is THAT twitter user, often replied to with this meme:

is a sceptic when it comes to tiktok, usually asks for content creators to post verified, credible sources so he can fact-check. his instagram, however, is of course a collection of pictures of things he finds—yep, you guessed it—beautiful. shares articles he's read on igstory and gets excited when people discuss them with him

haru: contrary to popular belief, he is not entirely averse to using socmed, but uses it very scarcely. king of posting cryptic, one-word captions on his posts. could literally be in athens for the olympics and the only thing he'd post on igstory about it is a blurry pic of his foot on the pavement with the caption "hot".. reacts to his friends' igstories with "🔥" but says nothing else. his main instagram posts, however, are very aesthetic (cue beautifully-taken pictures of the pool, sky, cherry blossom petals drifting on the surface of a river, you get it). doesn't use facebook ("too much work"). is a loosey-kun fan artist on twitter. is fiercely protective of his friends (mostly rin) and would post anonymous comments arguing with haters on swimming forums

rin: king of posting (unintentional) thirst-traps (e.g. gym mirror selfies of him seated on the bench press, manspreading, phone obscuring his face). has pinterest boards for fashion inspiration, inspirational quotes, "101 Romantic Ideas for You and Your Partner".. unironically posts shit like this:

has burner accounts for stalking potential competition (perceive that however you may). used to actively use tumblr in his teen years, where he'd reblog posts of song lyrics, inspirational quotes, depressing quotes, pictures of his favourite bands on tour, swimming, scenic pictures of japan (to quell his homesickness), that ONE pretentious john green quote ("It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing.") gets an ego boost off comments complimenting him; plays it off by replying humbly (while secretly screenshotting everything to use as motivation to keep working out because THE GRIND NEVER STOPS 💪🏼🔥💯💯). has a burner twitter account to stalk tweets from swimming fans

sousuke: internet troll. hasn't updated instagram since 2010, his last post being a picture of him and some dudes with that ugly gingham filter slapped across it. is an admin behind a dank memes page called "Memes and Dreams".. occasionally gets on omegle to troll people. likes to reply to tweets and reddit threads with "source: trust me bro" just to piss people off and rile them up. was an avid vine user and is slowly coming to terms with tiktok being its latest replacement (will NEVER admit he enjoys tiktok). replies to rin's posts with shit like "lame" "bruh" "bffr" "😏".. gets a dopamine hit everytime rin takes the bait

......and scene oh my god thank you for sending me this ask. i had a lot of fun coming up with this 😭

[kingsbridgelibraryteens]

Stay tuned for our new Teen Take-Home Kits, coming soon: Origami Flowers!

These kits will be available at the service desk for teens ages 12-18 after we've given away the last of our Gratitude Journals.

[oceangirl24]

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Shawn's expectations for gifts for himself were not high. He really didn't expect much after all Jon and Audrey had done for him. Anything would make him happy.

When he opened his first gift from them, he was stunned. It was the pair of Rollerblades he'd been eyeing at the Franklin Mills Mall every time he and Cory went there to hang out. He wasn't even aware that Jon or Audrey knew he wanted these exact ones. And he felt his expression of gratitude was inadequate.

The rollerblades were just the start and every gift he unwrapped brought him closer to tears. He never mentioned any of the stuff he received and yet they'd somehow managed to get him exactly what he would have bought for himself if he had the money:

CDs from his favorite bands, Sony MDR-V6 headphones, and gift certificates to clothing stores at the mall.

Shawn smiled. He appreciated being able to pick out his own clothes although he had no doubt Audrey and Jon would have done a better job putting together a wardrobe for him than Mrs. Matthews.

He still had nightmares about that yellow hoodie.

The last gift was a stack of four hardback books and a set of writing pens. The books were all blank inside.

He looked up at Jon and Audrey quizzically.

"Jon noticed that you do a lot of writing," Audrey said.

"Yeah, I do," Shawn looked at Jon. His expression flickered between pleased and confused. "How did you know I was writin' and not drawin'?"

"Aside from the Welfare poem your stuff for my class is pretty good. Writin' seemed like somethin' you were into," Jon shrugged. "I dunno. You just looked like that's what you're doin'."

"Yeah, I kinda like it. Sounds weird comin' from me though, huh?"

Jon shook his head. "Not really. Everyone needs an outlet. Writin's not so unusual."

Shawn sat back on his heels with a look of contemplation on his face. "How did you know, though? I don't sit around on the couch doin' it."

"Yeah, I know. Sometimes I walk by your room and see you on the bed with a notebook. You sure aren't doin' homework 'cause you're obviously interested in what you're doin'."

Shawn smiled.

"And sometimes, I get really thoughtful responses from you in class, particularly when poetry comes up."

"You never asked to see what I was doin'."

"It seemed personal."

"It is. But I have some stuff I could show you." Shawn bit his lip to stop himself from getting too excited. He'd been wanting to share his work with Jon for a while but was unsure if his teacher would be into it. "I mean if you're interested."

"I am, Shawn," Jon smiled, relieved that the teen was open to letting him into his world. "I really am."

"Cool," Shawn ducked his head. He was secretively pleased that Jon wanted to see his stuff. He'd have to find a few of his best poems for his teacher. He looked up again and said, "Thanks, Jon. I really needed some new ones."

"I noticed that too." Jon could tell this offer of vulnerability was overwhelming his charge, so he said flippantly, "Now stop stealin' supplies from my desk at school."

Shawn laughed as he turned one of the journals over in his hands. "Yeah sure."

As the video played, Jon understood why Shawn had been insistent on hauling around the video camera from school wherever he could-he'd been documenting the entire month of December. He sat quietly watching the tape, leaning forward on the edge of the couch with his hand over his mouth.

At one point Audrey looked over at him and saw that tears were shining in his eyes. She reached over to him and took his hand. It was a lengthy film and they watched it all the way through. When it was over, Jon reached over to Shawn and guided him to sit between them.

"Best gift I've ever gotten, Shawn," he said quietly.

"Really?" Shawn had never seen his teacher this teary-eyed like this before.

"Uh-huh."

"That was amazing, Shawn," Audrey told him. "You've got such a talent with the camera. I love it so much."

Shawn couldn't hide his pride. He was relieved and pleased that they were so happy with it.

"Shawn," Jon asked. "When did you find time to do this?"

Shawn smiled. "You know those times I went to Cory's the last couple of weeks?"

Jon and Audrey nodded.

"Well, actually Mr. Matthews was dropping us off at school and Mr. Williams let us use the film editing department."

"We had no idea," Audrey laughed.

"Good!" Shawn exclaimed. "You weren't supposed to."

"I'm so glad you thought to film everythin'," Jon said. "It didn't even occur to me to take pictures."

"Oh, I did a lot of that, too," he told them. He jumped up and grabbed the ancient camera that Mr. Matthews had let him borrow.

Jon gave Audrey a sly look and she smirked back at him.

"You think we should give him his last present?" he asked her.

"Seems like the right time," she said, pointing to a box under the tree that Shawn had somehow missed seeing.

"You guys really didn't have to get me anythin' else. Like really. This," he motioned to the room. "is more than enough."

"Tough, kid," Jon joked. "Open the box."

Shawn smiled and sat down to open the last gift. He tore the paper off and stopped. He stared at the box beneath the paper.

No way it was what it said it was on the box.

It had to be a joke and there was something else inside. No way was there really a Canon Rebel S 35mm SLR camera in that box.

But there was.

Shawn was stunned. It was the most beautiful camera he'd ever seen. And it was his.

All his.

No more borrowing twenty-year-old cameras that took grainy pictures.

Audrey leaned against Jon, took his hand, and interlaced her fingers with his as they watched the wonderment on Shawn's face as he examined the gift. The teen finally turned to them with tears in his eyes. He was speechless and the only thing he could do was to hug them as tightly as possible.

Read the Rest:

AO3 FFN Wattpad

[thecolorblockcurator]

Ever kept a private journal?

I'm always journaling. I threw away all my childhood & teen journals. I think there were 5 or 6 of them. I re-read them a few years ago & it just felt bad holding onto them.

Right now I have my gratitude journal, a 50+ page google doc where I just write whatever I'm thinking, and my personal Tumblr, & a private Tumblr that is about my gender/sexuality.

[feministfocus]

Stress on Steroids: High School Edition

by Crystal Fan

Pulling all-nighters for exams. Dark eye circles. Classmates who are half asleep in class. My senior year of high school has been more hectic than I could have ever imagined. It seems like everybody is suffering from a concoction of feeling overwhelmed, senioritis (burnout), and a terrible case of stress. Looking around, the senior year has decimated us, with things coming at us a thousand miles per hour. For starters, there's academic pressure. Then there are extracurriculars, family life, friends and relationships, cats on the internet, and the black hole that is social media. The cherry on top is college applications. Senior year is a never-ending to-do list requiring a NASA-level scientific and precise approach to time management and perfection. In short, it's impossible. There is no human way to juggle everything. There are too many balls in the air. 

Eventually, something gives. We sacrifice things. Sleep. Mental health. Not to mention sanity (some of which I'd like to keep in case I need it one day). It is almost as if we live in a never-ending cycle of to-do lists, exams, and the pursuit of accomplishments. This quickly becomes exhausting. 

In short, high school, especially senior year, is a breeding ground for stress. Stress multiplies and feeds off of everybody in a frenzy. The statistics speak for themselves. Approximately 45% of high schoolers report experiencing stress daily (CrossRiverTherapy). Roughly 61% of teenagers between the ages of 13-17 admit to feeling pressure to attain high grades.

Generally, there are two types of events that cause stress: external and internal. External event-driven stress typically dissipates after the event is over. Internal event-driven stress is caused by thoughts and things we say to ourselves. 

While some stress can be beneficial and acts as a motivator to prepare us for events, too much stress leads to unhealthy short-term repercussions such as fatigue, insomnia, unhealthy relationships with food, trouble focusing, and becoming overly anxious or depressed. But chronic stress? A whole different ball game. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress holds severe consequences such as muscle tension and pain, headaches, weight gain, and even heart attacks. 

Stress is a fact of life. It is inevitable. There is no way to avoid it; once you get comfortable, life throws you another curveball. So the question is: do we manage stress so it doesn't take over our lives? 

Well, here are some stress management tips Harvard University has for high schoolers: 

Keep a journal

Download a mindfulness or meditation app

Eating healthy meals

Exercising regularly 

Getting plenty of sleep

Limiting caffeine

Reaching out to family and friends for support

Making time for hobbies

Some tips that have worked for me:

Start a gratitude journal. Spend 5 minutes daily jotting down things, events, or people you feel grateful for. Even something that brings you the slightest amount of joy counts

Establish a meditation routine that works for your schedule, and meditate for at least 5 minutes daily. 

Talk to someone. You don't need a therapist to feel better. You can talk to a trusted confidant about your worries, concerns, and challenges. You are not alone. There is always someone willing to listen. 

Additionally, you can try:

Volunteering in the community. Science has shown that giving back makes people feel better. 

Finding ways to laugh more. Spend time with people who make you feel good, watch a comedy, or find memes online. 

Seeking professional help through counseling or therapy. Mental health services can be highly beneficial. 

Citations:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

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Simple Social-Emotional Learning Activities for All Ages by EduFrienz

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a buzzword in education, and for good reason. It equips individuals with essential life skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills are crucial for navigating personal and professional relationships, managing stress, and achieving well-being.  At EduFrienz, we believe SEL should be integrated into everyday life, not just the classroom. We've compiled a list of simple, engaging SEL activities suitable for all ages. Why SEL Matters: A Quick Refresher Before diving into the activities, let's briefly revisit why SEL is essential. Research shows that SEL programs improve academic performance, improve mental health, increase empathy and reduce behavioural problems. These benefits extend beyond childhood and adolescence, impacting individuals throughout their lives. SEL provides a foundation for success in school, work, and relationships. SEL Activities for Young Children (Preschool and Elementary) Young children are naturally curious and eager to learn about the world and themselves. These activities can help them develop essential SEL skills in a fun and age-appropriate way:

Emotion Charades:  This game helps children identify and express emotions. Write various emotions on paper (happy, sad, angry, surprised, etc.). Have children take turns acting out an emotion while others guess it.

Feelings Collage: Provide magazines, newspapers, and art supplies. Ask children to create a collage that represents different emotions. Please encourage them to discuss their choices and how they relate to their experiences.

Kindness Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of kind acts (e.g., complimenting, helping someone, sharing a toy). Have children complete the list throughout the day or week. This promotes empathy and prosocial behaviour.

Storytelling with Feelings: Read a story aloud and pause at key moments to ask children how the characters might feel. Please encourage them to relate the characters' emotions to their own experiences.

Breathing Buddies: Teach children simple breathing exercises (e.g., belly breathing, counting breaths). These techniques can help them manage stress and regulate their emotions.

SEL Activities for Tweens and Teens (Middle and High School) As children enter adolescence, they face new social and emotional challenges. These activities can help them navigate these challenges and develop crucial SEL skills:

Gratitude Journal: Encourage teens to write down a few things they're grateful for daily. This practice fosters a positive outlook and helps them appreciate the good things in their lives.

Peer Mediation Role-Play:  Create scenarios where conflicts arise between friends or classmates. Have teens role-play how to mediate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.

Goal Setting and Vision Boards: Guide teens through setting personal and academic goals. Have them create vision boards to represent their aspirations and stay motivated.

Mindfulness Practices: Introduce teens to meditation or mindful walking techniques. These practices can help them manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate self-awareness.

Community Service Projects: Organize or participate in community service projects. This fosters empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of purpose.

SEL Activities for Adults (Parents, Educators, and Professionals) SEL isn't just for kids! Adults can also benefit from practising and strengthening their social-emotional skills. These activities can be adapted for personal or professional development:

Self-Reflection Journaling: Set aside time daily to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you gain self-awareness and identify areas for growth.

Active Listening Exercises: Practice active listening by paraphrasing what others say and reflecting on their feelings. This improves communication and strengthens relationships.

Conflict Resolution Workshops: Participate in workshops or training sessions on conflict resolution. This can help you develop strategies for managing disagreements effectively.

Stress Management Techniques: Explore techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These practices can help you maintain emotional balance and well-being.

Empathy Building Activities:  Engage in activities that foster empathy, such as volunteering, reading diverse perspectives, or participating in cultural exchange programs.

SEL Worksheets and Resources EduFrienz offers a variety of SEL worksheets and resources for all ages. These materials can support social-emotional development in classrooms, homes, or workplaces. Our resources include:

Emotion Recognition Worksheets: Help individuals identify and label different emotions.

Conflict Resolution Worksheets: Guide individuals through steps for resolving conflicts peacefully.

Goal Setting Worksheets: Assist individuals in setting and achieving personal and professional goals.

Mindfulness Exercises and Guides: Provide instructions for practicing mindfulness techniques.

SEL Curriculum and Lesson Plans: Offer comprehensive SEL programs for schools and organisations.

Integrating SEL into Everyday Life SEL isn't just about completing activities or worksheets. It's about incorporating these skills into everyday interactions and routines. Here are some tips for integrating SEL into your daily life:

Practice active listening.

healthily express your emotions.

Show empathy and compassion towards others.

Resolve conflicts peacefully.

Make responsible decisions.

Practice self-care and stress management.

Set and work towards personal goals.

The EduFrienz Commitment At EduFrienz, we're passionate about promoting SEL and helping individuals of all ages develop the skills they need to thrive. Our mission is to create a world where everyone feels empowered, connected, and capable of achieving their full potential. SEL is the key to unlocking that potential. We encourage you to try these SEL activities and explore our resources. By investing in social-emotional development, you're investing in a brighter future for yourself and those around you. Remember, SEL is a lifelong journey. Start today and discover the transformative power of social-emotional learning.