Becoming

Having Courage to be Me

Think of your identity like a treasure map – it’s a guide to discovering who you are and what makes you special. As a teenager, you might be figuring out your likes and dislikes, your strengths and abilities, and the things that feel important to you. That process of discovery is necessary to grow into the unique person you are, and no one has that figured out from the start. It’s also a process that’s discovered through your experiences and not in your head. All of your experiences (good and bad) provide the chance to know yourself better and move you closer to the treasure at the end of the map.  

It might feel tempting to follow someone else’s map to fit in and get other people to like you, but that’s the quickest way to getting lost… really lost. Being true to your identity is like using a secret code that opens doors to your happiness and confidence. Your code won’t work for others, and theirs won’t work for you.

Following your treasure map is an exciting adventure. You will face challenges, learn important lessons, and become stronger with each step. So, even when things get tough, owning your identity gives you confidence in your choices and the freedom to find where you fit without having to become someone different than who you are.

Controlling My Emotions

Controlling your emotions is like having a superpower that can make your life better in so many ways! Imagine you’re playing a video game, and you need to stay focused to win. Well, in real life, your emotions are like the buttons you press. When you can control them, you can think more clearly and make smarter choices, just like a skilled gamer. If you’re feeling upset or angry, taking a deep breath and calming down can help you solve problems without making things worse. Plus, when you’re in control of your emotions, you can understand others better too. It’s like being a ninja of feelings, and it’s a super valuable skill that can help you succeed in school, with friends, and in everything you do!

When you’re a teenager, your emotions can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster that’s going way too fast. But learning to control these feelings is like adding a brake pedal that helps you slow down the speed of that rollercoaster yourself. When you can manage your emotions, you’ll find it easier to deal with tough situations and make decisions that you won’t regret later. Imagine your favorite book or movie– the main character doesn’t let their emotions run wild; they think before acting. That’s a bit like what happens when you control your emotions. You become the hero of your own story, making choices that help you reach your goals and keep your relationships strong. So, remember, even though it’s not always easy, practicing controlling your emotions is like building a powerful skill that can make your teenage years a whole lot smoother and more awesome!

Managing Self-Talk

You know how sometimes you talk to yourself in your head? Well, that’s self-talk. And guess what? It can totally affect how you feel and what you do. Imagine you’re about to take a big test, and your self-talk is all negative, like “I’m gonna fail this for sure.” Well, that’s gonna make you super anxious and might actually make you do worse on the test. But if you manage your self-talk and say things like, “I’ve prepared for this, I can do it,” it can boost your confidence and help you perform better.

And it’s not just about tests; it’s about everything in life. It’s estimated that each of us experiences 40-50,000 thoughts a day and 80% of them are negative. If you keep telling yourself negative stuff, you’ll start believing it, and it can hold you back from reaching your full potential. But if you practice positive self-talk, like giving yourself pep talks when you face challenges, it can totally boost your confidence and help you tackle anything that comes your way. So, managing self-talk is like having your own personal cheerleader in your head, and that can make a huge difference in how you handle life’s ups and downs, especially as a teenager!

Facing My Fears

Facing up to your fears is like unlocking a secret power that can change your life in amazing ways. Imagine if you could conquer that fear of public speaking or the anxiety about making new friends. The fear of the unknown is like standing at the entrance to a dark, creepy tunnel. No matter how long you stare at the darkness the fear never lets up. But when you summon the courage to step toward that fear rather than staying put, something incredible happens. It’s like carrying a torch in your hand and stepping forward into the darkness. Each step forward reveals the things that are real from the things that were only in your imagination. Conquering your fears gives you a rush of confidence and a sense of accomplishment. When you confront your fears, you gain confidence and discover that you’re stronger than you thought. It’s like leveling up in a video game; each fear you face is a new challenge that helps you grow and become a better version of yourself.

But it’s not just about feeling more confident. Facing fears also opens doors to new experiences. Think about all the adventures and opportunities you might miss out on if you let fear hold you back. Whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking up in class, or pursuing your dreams, facing your fears is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. So, don’t be afraid to confront those scary thoughts and feelings because on the other side of fear, there’s a brighter, more exciting future waiting for you.

Resetting and Trying Again

Resetting and giving things another shot can be incredibly valuable, especially for us as we journey through our teenage years. Imagine playing a video game where you face tough challenges. Sometimes, you might fail or get stuck at a certain level. But here’s the cool part: you can hit the “reset” button and start over. This gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes, come up with new strategies, and eventually succeed. Life works in a similar way. If we encounter difficulties in school, relationships, or personal goals, it’s okay to take a step back and reset. This doesn’t mean giving up; instead, it’s about gaining a fresh perspective, learning from what didn’t work, and approaching the situation with renewed energy. Resetting teaches us resilience and the importance of not letting setbacks define our journey.
Think of resetting as a magical tool in your backpack of life skills. Sometimes, when we’re working on a project or trying to understand a complex topic, things can get confusing. Our minds might feel jumbled, and frustration can set in. Taking a break and then coming back to the task with a reset mindset is like waving a wand of clarity. It helps us see things we might have missed before and allows us to tackle challenges with a clear head. Remember, even famous inventors and scientists often faced failures before achieving success. They embraced the power of resetting, refining their ideas and experiments until they got things right. Everyone who ends up succeeding has rejected a “win or lose” mindset and adopted a “win or learn” mindset. So, as you navigate the exciting yet sometimes tricky waters of being a teenager, keep in mind that resetting is like your secret tool for growth and achievement.

Elevate is a Place

A weekly meeting where a small group of teenagers push forward on the decisions, goals, problem-solving and plans that matter to them.

Elevate is a Relationship

Skilled adults who help young people discover, decide and take their own action steps without judging them or offering unsolicited advice.

Elevate is a Process

One that allows teenagers to assess where they are and gain access to tools and life skills that will help them immediately and provide keys to their success and happiness in the future.

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I thought Elevate was going to be boring, but I still enjoyed it and was satisfied with what they did and how they did it. They were always nice calm and listened to what we had to say. The program was amazing I feel it helped me improve upon myself.

-JP, Highschool Student