tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79878436860799297092024-02-20T00:45:18.757-08:00Teen LinkTeen Link is a confidential and anonymous place where teens can call or chat with other teens about real issues in their lives.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-14574863414702708102014-07-02T17:36:00.002-07:002014-07-02T17:36:24.146-07:00Starting College in the Fall? I have just the TV show for you<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With summer starting off in full swing, I can’t help but think of the inevitability of the falling golden leaves of fall; for many teens, fall symbolizes the start of something: the first day of middle school, high school or senior year. Having surpassed all these bittersweet “rites of passage” I now come upon the most daunting of them all: college. In a few months I will be heading off to college and living away from home and out-of-state for the first time. I have some worries and if you are in my boat, I bet you do too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily enough, I have found a both comical and enlightening guide to the beginning of college living: Dorm Life.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.dorm-life.com/">http://www.dorm-life.com</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCDFKygKP60lKMlYuCFcz0Pm4WYvuuSVcjGpmh1mkKTNYYtbvzD5piJIAn2OB5NaRRMfBebPEJ4uLeEjyORq2fqxsdGXo9UPwAagTLAiuDJgT8Fikt75Xw9IeyKgs-F3z7zpaZ4m3oSo/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCDFKygKP60lKMlYuCFcz0Pm4WYvuuSVcjGpmh1mkKTNYYtbvzD5piJIAn2OB5NaRRMfBebPEJ4uLeEjyORq2fqxsdGXo9UPwAagTLAiuDJgT8Fikt75Xw9IeyKgs-F3z7zpaZ4m3oSo/s1600/header.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dorm Life </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">is a series of
short (4-5 minutes) clips/shows about student’s first year as college students and the
problems that might arise when living conditions are so close.</span></span></span></span> It is seriously one of the funniest shows I've ever watched and it has been a great tool for easing my college bound nerves. </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure to start from the beginning. </span></span> WARNING: Once you start, you can't stop. I literally watched it for 2 hours straight before I finally had to cut myself off. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my biggest worries is getting a roommate that I don’t click with - or who is just totally crazy. Episode one (<a href="http://www.dorm-life.com/episode101.php"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.dorm-life.com/episode101.php</span></a>) eased my worries when students were paired with other kids that seemed rather weird or misfit compared to themselves - but throughout the season they learn to get along, live peacefully together, accept, and even enjoy the other’s quirks and differences.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another one of my worries is fitting in. I definitely have my own quirks and I am worried people might immediately judge me as weird or different without getting to know me. Episode 14 (<a href="http://www.dorm-life.com/episode114.php"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.dorm-life.com/episode114.php</span></a>) has one of the students performing a solo play he wrote, directed and acted and it is very strange, but nonetheless his whole dorm floor comes to support him and gives him a standing ovation - sincerely loving his strangeness as something cool and different. It goes to show, if you surround yourself with the right people, they will love you for exactly who you are.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to talk to another teen about college nerves or anything else that's going on in your life, feel free to call Teen Link from 6 PM to 10 PM any day of the week at 1-866-TEENLINK or at 866-833-6546 or chat with a teen by logging on to the Teen Link website and clicking the "Chat" button.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-84406867371779614522014-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:002014-06-30T16:42:21.668-07:00Imagine A World Where Being "Gay" The Norm & Being "Straight" Would Be The Minority!What if heterophobia was prominent in our society? What if a young girl was bullied for holding hands with a boy on the playground? K. Rocco Shields explores this idea in his short film, <i>Imagine A World Where Being "Gay" The Norm & Being "Straight" Would Be The Minority! </i>The YouTube film, with more than 5 million views, depicts the life of a young girl dealing with the struggles of being heterosexual in a largely homosexual world. Bullying, self doubt, self harm, and suicide are just a few of the relevant issues shown in this film.<br />
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Take a look! Watch 5 minutes or the whole 20 minutes. The link is below.<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnOJgDW0gPI<br />
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After watching, reflect on the way this film made you feel. What are your thoughts about this world where homosexuality is the norm? What kind of thoughts do you have about your own sexuality?<br />
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If you want to talk to another teen about your sexuality, or anything that's going on in your life, feel free to call Teen Link from 6 PM to 10 PM any day of the week at 1-866-TEENLINK or at 866-833-6546 or chat with a teen by logging on to the Teen Link website and clicking the "Chat" button.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-22590323964967755052014-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:002014-06-20T14:20:14.154-07:00Asexuality! The "Fourth Sexuality"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The GLBTQ (...+ many other representative letters) acronym is usually shortened to about these 5 letters, which represent the most commonly known non-heterosexual orientations, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or sexual, and Queer or Questioning. However, a joke that I've heard many times about the GLBTQ community is that this acronym should really just be made of the whole alphabet because there's at least one different kind of sexuality represented by any given letter. The A, for example, has at least three. I used to think that it stood for Allies, but it can also stand for Agender or Asexual. <br />
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I, personally, didn't even know that Asexuality was a thing until one of my close friends came out to me as Asexual and brought its awareness into my school's Queer Straight Alliance. Though it seems pretty clear to me now, I've realized that a lot of people still really don't know about asexuality and that there are a LOT of misconceptions about it. I've recently come across a video on Youtube, by Laci Green, that talks about asexuality and breaks it down for those of us who've never heard of it before, and so I'm sharing the knowledge! Laci Green is known on Youtube for her sex positive channel that is geared toward providing humorous sex education that covers topics that aren't usually covered in most high school programs. </div>
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The video on Asexuality is linked <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77o83_U8O5o" target="_blank">here</a>, and I encourage you to check it out as well as the rest of Laci's channel! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-1507086986958098332014-06-16T09:17:00.000-07:002014-06-16T09:47:35.502-07:00The Struggle to Find Non-Binary Health Care<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Geneva;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’m not crazy, just </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">non binary</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">At
one point in their life, most people have to find a primary doctor. This may
come when you move to a new city, when you gain access to insurance, or when
you’re just too old to be seeing a pediatrician. I’m about to be too old to be
seeing my pediatrician.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/mdtobe/files/2011/03/Pediatrician-resized-600.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/mdtobe/files/2011/03/Pediatrician-resized-600.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Several
years ago I found myself using one of Teen Link’s “Where To Turn For Teens”
guides, I was able to find a counselor in my area. Accessing counseling has
been a bit of a breeze for me, but the thought of finding a new doctor was
somehow different. In my mind, my mental health and physical health can be
related, but require two different doctors. So here came my dilemma; I have
always seen this doctor. All of my siblings have seen this doctor until they
were too old as well. And at my last check up, I sat awkwardly next to a play
area with toys for toddlers and was jokingly handed a sticker on my way out. I
knew that I needed to find a doctor of my own, but the thought loomed over my
head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Since
the check up, I have seen half a dozen doctors looking for, what my mom has
been calling “the right fit”. Each and every time I walk down those sterile
hallways with a little less optimism, because I know that sooner or later
someone will hand me the form.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.deque.com/wp13/wp-content/dquploads/chrome-req-attr-radio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.deque.com/wp13/wp-content/dquploads/chrome-req-attr-radio1.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;">So
far most of the doctors that I’ve seen have boasted safe space emblems. Yet every
time I have been handed a form that inquires about gender, when giving only two
options: male or female. This is where the conversations begin to go south.
Either the doctor or a nurse will try to return the form, thinking it was a
mistake. I’ll grit my teeth, and explain that my gender does not fit in either
of the two options provided, and they will lean back in confusion. I may live
in the progressive city of Seattle, but people are still being diagnosed with a
mental illness for being trans*. Believe it or not, the diagnosis remained in
the DSM when it was last updated in 2013. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Geneva;">There
seems to be confusion between identity and mental illness in the medical
community. While I do not think all medical professionals are transphobic, I
believe that identities are being silenced all too often from the fear of being
stigmatized. Having to fight to separate physical health from mental health
care can be really disempowering, and being nonbinary is only one of many
factors that can provide barriers to accessing healthcare. Over the years, I
have found incredible support from a variety of agencies in the field of mental
health, and almost all have been incredibly supportive of my gender identity.
My current task is to find a physician that is as open as them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Geneva;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjBDYBuwQXgvp8F3xE3Wmemrr8UYYR8J0e0RHbplNjGUxfeL4uMF9UVGvceTXIGNWxxyPqZ2ium4QgaPg3uq7s574y-bzxZY6CYqOFGBPPoas5A0nW4FP_gAj2Q3gaF4aprGgCyyrNvI/s1600/q+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjBDYBuwQXgvp8F3xE3Wmemrr8UYYR8J0e0RHbplNjGUxfeL4uMF9UVGvceTXIGNWxxyPqZ2ium4QgaPg3uq7s574y-bzxZY6CYqOFGBPPoas5A0nW4FP_gAj2Q3gaF4aprGgCyyrNvI/s1600/q+card.jpg" height="116" width="320" /></a>One thing that has really helped me in my process of feeling more comfortable with a doctor, has been the Q card. The Q Card was developed to help empower LGBTQ youth to become more active participants in their healthcare and to start real and important conversations with health care professionals on how they can better support queer youth with their medical/mental health needs. The card has a tri-fold design with blanks for people to fill in their
name, pronouns, sexual orientation, gender identity, and list any concerns or questions they have for their health care professional. It goes over youth rights of confidentiality and gives providers tips on how they can provide better, more inclusive, and supportive care to queer youth. I filled mine out and just gave it to my doctor when she walked in. It helped get a lot of unnecessary and triggering questions out of the way and we were able to talk about how I wanted to be treated. To
learn more, check out the <a href="http://www.qcardproject.com/home" target="_blank">Q Card Project</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Geneva;">Finding
a doctor or counselor can be stressful. </span><span style="font-family: Geneva;"><span style="font-family: Geneva;">Luckily, Teen
Link has many resources for youth serving agencies in the King County area. </span>If you want more information about
counseling or local public health clinics, or just want to talk it out, you can call or chat
Teen Link any night of the week from 6-10pm. Teen Link is anonymous,
confidential, and nonjudgmental. Anyone who answers calls or chats is a local
teen, and no problem is too big or too small. The number is 866-TEENLINK and
our website is <a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/">www.866teenlink.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Geneva;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-76517308348951410322014-06-10T14:12:00.000-07:002014-06-16T12:35:37.631-07:00Repairing the Damage of Reparative Therapy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
“But I’m
a Cheerleader” - the campy lesbian cult-classic of the 1990’s - tells the
satirical story of Megan Bloomfield, a cheerleader who gets diagnosed with
homosexuality by her friends and family and sent away to camp be cured of this
embarrassing malady. The movie portrays the “pray the gay away” facility that
Megan is sent to as a ridiculous collection of clearly closeted instructors
forcing gay teens into absurd gender-norm role plays in an attempt to illustrate
the absurdity of trying to cure someone of their sexuality.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nUQCAZ_wijzPb4x8-Rd44vjZsXzVGpb78nVch0B0NqSGfKDtodvUNt76vK2TH8Fc_Y97FBCCq5N5aYYEaep0TZVZc2QSvB5VOVVUylis4zVp9drBBdKYNfOgwbHatj7T7g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nUQCAZ_wijzPb4x8-Rd44vjZsXzVGpb78nVch0B0NqSGfKDtodvUNt76vK2TH8Fc_Y97FBCCq5N5aYYEaep0TZVZc2QSvB5VOVVUylis4zVp9drBBdKYNfOgwbHatj7T7g" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); border: none;" width="502px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i>Lesbian teens practice stereotypical feminine tasks in an attempt to rid<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i> themselves of their homosexual urges in “But I’m a Cheerleader”</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Watching
this movie as a 13 year old who was coming to terms with my own sexuality, I
was exposed to the concept of conversion therapy (correctional therapy with the
intention of changing an individual’s sexuality) for the first time. I was
horrified that such a thing actually existed, but the satire and playful tone
of “But I’m a Cheerleader” made me feel like this so-called “ex-gay” therapy was
safely in the past; that the reality of anyone trying to “fix” someone’s
gayness was as archaic as it was terrifying. And while it is true that extreme
methods such as using electroshock therapy on gay teenagers in an attempt to
straighten them out are not as prevalent today as they were in past decades,
the unfortunate truth is that conversion therapy still very much exists all
over the country. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Only a few months ago, lawmakers rejected a bill that would have made conversion therapy
illegal for patients under 18 in the state of Illinois. In fact, only two U.S.
states have laws banning conversion therapy for minors (California and New
Jersey), meaning that in any other parts of the county this kind of damaging
treatment is entirely legal. These therapies often use methods such as
nausea-inducing drugs, spiritual intervention, and psychoanalytic therapy, all
of which have been rejected by all creditable mental health professionals.
</div>
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ckPOA8f2vZkkkbndSB/mA261T3vsXcNOtpcpFb3Jh7WHsSrdnDjuCVG/eOSTyjJO/rDvPZnfIlzawiKS0nuYZcvO5nCRlebPMuGJCDxzt40AFkPtOtJHlV1kSGKKOdriRR2JSYIYhnJPOxbAUjJKN5V0s9M0rUrd3ijglikcNJyjsyZVHd7XHKwcBujb96s407gq9givFa2lfsp7R4lyrdtbWs0hCp3u8eRgcH/4qPr6Tw6eGvYo0bUL1JWjbmtnKRFmb3hgxWIsFjwFwV5idzQBplz7L7ZpWkSW6jWR1kkijmIidlKndTn8IG3gKqb72No6xf1l2dLprhpZEUtIkhRpImCcoOTGp5vDcYxQvqPEItdLQaTJN213K0pVJGujbpCoWUIxUl4wVA5j+InO1e+M/aJewixltpnCy2QnaNYEl7+2WlY9EPQkfd8jmlyAScQcM6mZtSlt+wY3ccUEP2rK8UCK4fqv3yWz16sfKhew4SuLKLUoJrWSeNrZTAyQhkNwE7PMaKSQ+JMFgMkRknoKONF4lvJdTSBvdjB7pFcSFAxYNICvKj82GHOpPTpXHWfakbe7uoBZTTJbdkHkikQtzTDK/ZHBx1GQTjG4FAAX/AEHBayaN2duwuXjNzNG6MMzRWeV7pGz9pGTjrkZprbjfUJrJ1S6LzGS07OdY1j5Li5fElo45cNyDfpkePhW4KcgHHrv1Gap+IeEba9VFuoywjbnTld4yr/iBjYb0aAGcD8Z3F5qPK7kRx2rG6hKqEhuo5ey7r45hzBWbBPQ+ldOEZRd3VzqLH9sTDag4BFrCcFlHXDuCT8qj8W8PpYLOli0gudXlWHlJBWJe8ZZFGzABWc5yTlhQ3pmoWlhqkb2yzzW3KbYyOrskMwYBexlbblLd0gbCpfPQzXNV95W0kNkIzOBlBLzchI6g8u+cZx64rnwLxAbywhmkIMjArKAvJyzISsich3BBB/WhGX2pyKlrOYo4YfentbuN35poGBIjbbCgYHMeu3TPWhTiG2iXUr5rScmTso7+zELO8faAh515IzysZAucnwbNVFcCZvNMTQ9p+u3Upsz7myRzxs87O4V7ZgvMimM7tzHbwIzvjGKIKTAVI0qVSMCfaNGYGtdQQZ91k5ZsZ3tJyElzj8J5W9MGp+v2KvAHjx3e8CPFW6/yPyq/v7FJonilAZJFZGB8VYEEfQ0G8A3LCKawuCWlsnMRLdZLdsmB/gUIH+7UyXlHCovGVFWfD+piCUswJBGNuo3G+PGoN1blHZD+6SPiPA/TFKzi5nVSQuTjJ6CsUW4y4NcsaNNhlDAFSCD4jemrhptgIYwikn1Pmevwpq9ZPjk89lHxJAgfK/eO7D9D+VVKir7iQKcd4Bh+7jc59aH+lYbV+7Ndf8nK78Kj11uJQcYriDWdnVHrFUeth7maPT7duWScZlcf3NsPvv8AE/dHxqw1bVEt4XllOFQZ+J6AD1JwPnVz7MeG3iie7uh/Wbsh2HjHFj7OIZ6Y6n/4rtVHXrOdksWBdpunpBEkUKhUjUKqjwAqVWYe0r2lyW80dvY95o5I2uZAvOsas4CwscEKzeu+NhuaMOOtaltNPnuLfsueJQ2JgxUjI5hhSDzEZxv1rVhmCEUqzzR/a/G0Mr3UXIYzB/Z3FysguSRHyFcHmHK2VIzt40Q6dx/ZTRNKJhGqv2TduDARIVDcmJAN8HNPACKkK8RTKwDKQwO4IOQR5gjY17oEPmnzXmlmgByaWaalQAsV4lhVhhlDDyYAj6GvdKgZRTcD2TA4t448xtDmIdkRE5yVBTGBnPSqK69kNq3J2c13DyRdh9nOd4ckmM82cqSd16bDajqlQIz2/wDZfMj82m38lqDFDAVKCT7OAAJyuCGB6k+fMaiXHs8uhqnvXLZzo9ykrSOrrPDHGFAWMhuU7KPnWm0qNAampzQx7QuIWtLFzDvPKRDAvi00p5Vx8BlvlSGUOkSe/arcXnWK1zaW/kXBzPIM+p5cjwFR39lc7QNZJeLHYs7OIxAGlAZufk7QtjAY5zjO1FHCmgraW0NunSNQCR+853dvmxJolhTAqU+eAYMp7M7AsjzwLcShAjSy94ylRy88qDuM+P3iM0RWunRRACKNECgKAihcKuwUYGwHlUjNLNdBDYpq9ZrxUsB6alSqBioC4zzaX1tqC7Rswtbr1ilYCKQ7/uP8dmo8Jqn1nS0ureWCXdZUZD5jI2I9QcEfCmhlLxVZ4dZB0bY/EdPqP0qiXrVpwhdNc2L205/rFoxt5M5yWi/Zyb9Q6hTnxyarCMHB2I6/GslsfGRprlqDPhTUi6mNjkruufw+XyP60qp+F2PvKY8Q2fhj/XFKt1Em4Ga1ZIt+I4e+D5j9KpTV3xBfIyhVOWB38h51Q71nuzy4O1fRANOKeUd41V6/dOqxwwb3F0xjgX1H7SVvJUU5+PzrhGLk8R1bxaLQ9M/pPUO9vaWTDm8probhD5qmxPqa1mqrhnh+OytY7eLog3Y9Xc7u7epOTXXVuILe1UNdTxQg9O0cLn4A7np4VtSSWIyN69I+t8J213G8c0Yw7KzFCY2Zk3Ul0wSR61y4p4TS/jijlkkVI5EkKqRyy8hzySqR3l/nvXG39o2nOwVL23yegMgXJ8stjeiFXBAIIIPQjcEehpiMxv8A2Uz+5vbwSW+PfTcohV4lMRB5ImaPvAqzHBB2A2xXHUeCb27jsbO8iVYllleae3kDFESNlgBaXLOxyQWIPhWrU9NMDGOI+BLqzaGLThdyJGqG2dZFCxXTTlpmuFGByNG2BgY2x4nMLhfWJm1smO6kS3mu54wvOzgusXNy9k52Vi2VPhyY22rdKjXOmRSOjyRo7xnmRmQFkY+KkjIPwqhAFwbcalJfXCm8Se1tpzE5kjQSPiNW7jRgDq3j0xRHxvxtHpkMcssbydpIIwqFQc8rNkliABhasdI4ct7UyG2iWLtTzPy5wzDxwTgdT0qr434HTUkiV5Xi7Jiw5VRwxZSp5lcEHYn60gK3T/a/Zysqss8TP2HZq6DMvvBIXswrEsAQQTjHlmizU9agtwpuJooec4XtHVOY+S8x3ND1jwMYr20mDq0VpbG3QOuZixwOdn6HYHwGN/PaH7VtOkuLeKGK0e55pEZ2Ts/s40dGdQXIILgY28jmjADOK9jYgI6MSOYAMDlfMY6j1rvWDcV8JSwTXEdja9nbukFohkieQsZZWlaSKRSeQK/KSzbbKB4VY2WrPJrU1sL2e1jjKW8YWVAWMMYX9jOrc5Zs4YeGM560YBtFKuN1crGjPIQqICzMdgFUZJJ+FZtoXtdklsb24e3Uvbcsior8ge3lY9mWPe5WABz8PCkBp9NQhpHtNt5YZ5LhXtfduz7UScrACYAxlWQkNnPTrRZFKGUMpBVgCCOhBGQR8qBno1n0knv2tFusGnDlHk13KDzeh5Ex8CaJ+MeIBZWU053KrhFG5aRyFjUAebEfnVPwRoBtbONH3mkzLO3i00veckjrjZfkKiTxDCazXx86ng1HhWulEeEDOtI15BpZqtJwRNKlSqdGKlSpqQzzKdqjqtSXri0nlTACeLIjYXcepJtE3LDeqB1iJxFN8UY7nyNc9bdTOxj6HByNwSRkkehowvbVZo3jlAZJFKsp6FWGCKynh6NoZZLGbPPbHlQn9+3OeyfyzgYOPKudq2J0reM0Pg+y3aQ9Mcq+p8f+/WlRHZwhY0CjAAG3ypVqrh4xw4zlr0D9TkHbPjcBiPp1/Oo3NSJyzZ68x/WugQBWd2CRoCzyMcKqjckmsD1s19IgX8qRq8sp5Io153byA8B5segHiTU3gXQneQ6hdLySSIEt4T1t7bqAc/3j/eb6VA0XTH1SSOeVWj0+Jg8ELZD3cinuzzDbEQxlU8c5NaLXeMPFHCUvIDePeLHhaO0s2UXc4yGIDC3hBw0zL4nqFB2JHpWPRSsl+xkJmk947AtPG0jOjKWD9sSUU5x9mB0OelGmoZfV9QklUv2ZhiUjYxx9nzr08y5Pyoc4rSKJHuBNIO+sgh2w9yilY3wdwQM55fAV6NdOQU0Y52bJwCFNOiYFTFGfxRsqsPzFetMvH0krLC0jWJYCe3YluwDEDtYie8FHiucbmgLSrwWkhk51YRKUaWFmlW7mk5XVCH7oKqGyw8hVnD7R5JmaF7dDDOjRNGpZpOV1YM6yDbu5LEYGMdRXS2yucOVjIhCcZcPUfQ6OCAQcggEEdCDuCK9g0O+z2Vm0qyLEk9hHuepwox+VENed0bD3SpgaemAqVKlQAqVKmoAeot3pcUrI0kaO0bBkZlBKMM4KnqDufrUmnoAp+KuGkv7V7eSSWNXxlomCsQDnlOQQVPiMUGax7JXCXq2EkMKXYt17IxlVVIQ3OuY/xkg5xnr6EaXSo0RjPtB4RuQogsrKNbSKM3EwiBVbi5KlQFRMuxTqq9PPwrR+BlYaZZhwwYQRhg4KsCFAIKncHar0moOtasltbyzynCxIzn15RnA9SdvnQ2MDeIn9+1eG1G8NkBcz+IaZsi3Q79Ru+9GEK5OaEvZ9prpbmebPb3jm4lznK9puib7jlXAx4b0bW8eBXJ8sZ2UV6FeaWasD1SpUqkBUs0xauJk3oA6k0hTE15aTbaqA9GuDCgHWfa4ltfTWz20zJABzTIcnndVKgoQAqHmADMw39N6qtR9sjvkWds5V1VI53zypdP3QkgwUwGIH3vXpRjA06WdVxzsq5OBzEDJ8AM9TQF7TtLeN4tQgXme3HLIowDJAT3l3OWIzzAeGDXTVeF5NUsIHvB7reRYIZ8MiuGQu3Zq3LhuTY9Rmmv8A2hW8MAgaU6hcqoV+wjyrP0Jcp3E6Hx2pYNB5w9rcd1bpLC3MrAfXApUA+x5bhZbodhHBayN2iRCXnaCQ4ym/VDu22wNNXePKObWMt+IEW2aR5SFi3fnPQKev0NVumaQ2rFJLgGPT0PNFaH79yynuy3P+TbIj9Rn1NeK9NWa0mV1B7jHcZ6DJGPIjb51l+mWlzY/aadIGQje0ny0eNiRE+cx9D5jes7ShL/p15kjXlUAYGwHQDoB6V6oF0/2rwDC38Utk5wDzqZIsn8M8YK49WxRhYanFOoaCRJVPRkYMN/hVEgFxR/VNYWVsLDewrEWP3feIWYqrHoCyttnxBrPuJHdNQlePa4VlS1tmhLpKkigO6E7BwSxJ8AMVvGuaJFdwNDcLzI3yII3VlbqrA7gigObh7UrPCwqmoRrtGzSCG6VfJ2buSAbb7GtELOPFnKUefJEbR+CIVsktZYldVOW5gcmX95weoPXp0G1R+INDtYlFjp9vH73dqY8quWigbaWWR+oUKT475qzSTV5/s1so7PPW4lnSYKP8sUZyW8s7bUUcJ8IxWKuwLTTynM1zJgySHyz+6g2AUbbVdlscyJEK5brLrT7NYYo4k2WNFQfBQAP0rvTBqVZDQPmvQavFKgR0zSzXjNPzU9A9Uq85pc1MD1mlmvOaXNSA9Zpia85pqNAfNZp7TdbR7uxsH/ZzTRvPjfuhx2KMPJ3H/LWh3t2sUbySEKiKWZjsAqjLEnyABrCdUuJJop73+9mdLlAf3Ybd+a2Qfhyiljj8fypNpcspLeja43A8KskG1VGkTrPDDMhykqJIPg6hh+tXFSlghZpi9PXOWqA6hxS56jZp6QHtz614Jqm1zjC0sx/WZ0Q+CAlnPTpGuWPUeFCF77WJJDiws5HH+LcHsY/iE+8w+lA0jSOaoOo6zBbrzTzRRDzd1X6ZNZVeX+oXH7e8eNTj7O1XsR8O0yXP1qHFwzCDzGPtH6l5cysSP8z5rm7Yo6KtsI9V490szvNHHLdyNH2DCOJ2ikjDcwVuYcj4Pjg4zVDfcQXFx2YgsLW1SJueJpFVmR9u+sajAbYb+gqaluegXHwGK7RWDHrgf9+lcne/iLVSXZS3GmyXBzfXM1yfwFikXntEpx9au9D4dLlY4Iwq9Mhe6vqcUX6XwCpRXeQ5YA45emRnzon0nSFt1KqxIO+DjY+mK6RqnN/t0S7IxX6nPQdBS1j5V7zHdnIwWP8AIelKrSlW5RUViMze8s5zrlSPMEfUVlTX3ZjlZGBXbcY6fGtYxQpqXCckkrsrRgMcgHP+lZ74OSWHWqSXYHPqKkYK5HkQCPpVDd6HbmTtIkML/jiYxNk+RjIrRhwTL+KL8/8Aprk/AEhOS6fVv+msyhaujs5QYAdpfqFEWoTkL0Evf+rDDH5k1LtuL9Xi/vLWceUiOpx/Ep/1op1PhQwJzOVOTjALH+WKpP6Nz0P1pOc4vGNRjLolW/tWnX+0aexH4reZX/5X5TU6H2wWn99FdwerwFgPnGWFUraW3p9a5GwceFNXP6ifUvjDHT/aZpsxAS7iDHoJOaI5PQfaAZNEVtfI+8bo4/ysG/SsjudIDjEkYYeTKD+tVj8KwcwZY+zYdGjJjYH0KEYqldH6S6n8N37SnBrErdbuL9jf3ajydllH/Opqxt+NNUhI5jbXSjqGQwufgykr+VWrIP6S65I12qXiHjG1sTGLuXszKSE7rtnlxzElQeUDmG586FrX2vIMC5tLqLzZVWZB80bm/KqrirVdL1b/APbiWZIZo4UnBjRZZSuHbnAIYcgA/Suq5IZq6uCAQcg7gjxB6GnrF72fUtP04rJeww5lU279o02Y1jcvEJXQ/vBSARvuM1d2PtFvTeadBJbhUuIo3mkMcm7SISeTGyYYAYOevhRgjTaVU3FGty21s0kFu1w4z3AyoFAVjzuzEd0Y3xk7104V1Zrqyt7iRVVpokdlXPKCwztnfFIC2pUqYnHWgYC+1C/LJDZIcG6YmUj920iw05z5kYUeeTQrOQxOwAOwXwC4wFHoBgfKuyX3vlxc3eeYTN2Nv07lrbth2XH+JKCflUiawGO7/wDdZr5c4vhoqjxpbeyDU82r2znv2srxgE7mInmjPqOU4+VaBzViNrPc2V3JPapExlQK6zFlAZCeVxy7nYkYq7utZlnH211cesVsEt0PoZO9IR8CK6+yOa2cnW9xGianrcNuvNcTRxL5yOF6/Ghs+0y2fazjubwg4/q8LFc/7V+VPzoTtLGKNueK1h5+vaSIZpM+ZkmJOfWrOW+uHGHlYD8KnlH/AArgVLuiilUzvqPGV+chLe3tP/6Je2kxjwhgOB/vMPhQ/dJeXP8AaLycr+CHFunw7veI+LGrOO2ArrXJ3SfXB0VaXZUafwxDEcpGobxbHM5+Lnc1ZiADwrpSrk232dEsGC09KlipGKpelWnazIngTv8ADx/KovLVloDYuI8HG/x67VcF+yJl0zQkGBgeFeqYU9eweeKlSpUAKlSpUAKmp6VAA9xi2IR3sZI7u3e/ntQdBRPxuf2fzoXg61513Nhrq/k7Uqc0x8K5F6IUzID1APxp/GkKQaR209T5iubaYD+8fpU2mNGB5Ff/AEV/m/KuFxoQcYYIw8mGf1FW9OaEh6CZ4ce271pNJbZOSqMGjLeZhcFfCrWz481OH9olvdrjwzBJ8/vLVnKoIORn41RMO8av2Sj/ALJ8IsnaxxvY38Xu9973YEn75yi55SD9qnMrLudmGDtRdwVZokES29971FGrKAOyYFe4IxzIMjkCkADrzHPQYAygIwQCPI71nfGDG3mV7Y9i/wCKL7Nv+JMGu9dnnwcpw8T6ooI9qnEnYWnu8J+3uj2KYO6K4PaSHxAC5+ZFSvZ/eySaerSO7tj7zMWPQeJ3oF1882t2/N3vsXO++/MBnerbwhLS00qxEcahRgABVHkqjA/1qdT01Yn/AJNXQjvXW3smb9mhP8K/zFXPDNurHvKp+IB/Wi1Vx02rRXT5HGVmAVDwpM3UKv8AEf5DNThwOMbyHPou365opp60KiCOXtkwFuuD5l+7yuPQ4P0P+tVM9k6ftEZfiMVp5ryVB2O48jXOX40fnBSvf0yzFNRFxRbqrjlVV69AB+lDzdaxTj4mmMtGr0teTXa2XelFaDlh4qXpL4njI/EP1q10m1QnvIp+Kg0V29sqgcqqPgAP0rRCrX2c5WcEgU9MKevRMgqVKlQB/9k=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2A1swx1h02uQeu4Cly51eXaaveQ13DYyfT2_XvV9CJte0329Ov4EaNDJRG36D4PedmyaPJsdTKlCNTWRc4_ZWgmC8fENtl6BEFzfnh2JMJ_sOMtj90oEPuNdlqAK6czZvvnOtRJlVH8/s1600/reparative+therapy+hurts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2A1swx1h02uQeu4Cly51eXaaveQ13DYyfT2_XvV9CJte0329Ov4EaNDJRG36D4PedmyaPJsdTKlCNTWRc4_ZWgmC8fENtl6BEFzfnh2JMJ_sOMtj90oEPuNdlqAK6czZvvnOtRJlVH8/s1600/reparative+therapy+hurts.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a>There are
many problematic aspects of the methods used in reparative therapy and the
motivations of those promoting it, but the core of the damaging nature of this
type of conversion therapy is the idea that being queer is a mental disorder.
Not only is this idea not scientifically supported (the APA officially
declassified homosexuality as a disease in 1973), it is extremely damaging to
teens and young adults who are struggling to justify and accept their own
sexualities. It is easy to think about conversion therapy as an outlier that
only affects a small percentage of queer youth, but this extreme example is a
big part of creating a culture that regards LGBTQ people as sick or broken. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Speaking
as a queer teen, the idea that it is legal to tell young people all over the
country that their sexuality is something that needs to be fixed is terrifying. It only reinforces the destructive influences that I internalized growing up. I’ve
had to fight continuously against a bombardment of societal and media portrayals
of queerness as sick or broken in order to accept all the different parts of my
identity. In this age of growing acceptance and respect for LGBTQ people and
communities, outlawing conversion therapies is an important step towards
creating a safer country for queer youth and making it clear that our
sexuality and our identities are no less healthy than those of our straight
peers. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">There are many preconceptions in our society that seeing a counselor is a bad thing, or means that you are crazy or broken or weak. None of these are true!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.15; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Counseling can be a fantastic way to learn how to cope </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline;">with stress and deal with day to day problems, as well as a great place to talk through anything that's going on in your life. Counseling isn't for everyone, and if it turns out to not be for you that's okay too. Just know that all sorts of people reach out f</span><span style="line-height: 1.15;">or help around everything from social skills or relationship issues with family or friends, to self-harm, depression or suicide, and those same </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">counseling</span><span style="line-height: 1.15;"> resources could be just as helpful for you. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.leahnewmancounseling.com/uploads/1/9/7/5/19757659/7272042_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.leahnewmancounseling.com/uploads/1/9/7/5/19757659/7272042_orig.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline;">Parents can be a very valuable resource when seeking counseling and can be a support system for you through the process, but r</span><span style="line-height: 1.15;">eaching out to your parents to let them know you want to see a counselor is often not an easy thing to do. Here are some general tips on how to </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">start having a conversation with your parents about looking into counseling:</span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"> <b>1. </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"> Set a specific time and place for this conversation</b></h3>
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<ul><ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Having a time set aside will make sure you are able talk about everything you want to cover and aren't cut off in the middle</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It's also important to find somewhere private and with minimal distractions so that everyone feels comfortable throughout the conversation</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"> 2. Make sure no one is under the influence </b></h3>
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<ul><ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It is important that everyone involved be mentally present throughout this conversation and be able to take it seriously</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"> 3. Tell your parents you wish to get some objective, outside help </b></h3>
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<ul><ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Let them know that you want some help and support around some things you are going through and you want it to be from an adult who can be completely objective to the situation and has specialized training around mental health issues/coping strategies.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">Coming from the </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.25px;">standpoint</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;"> of wanting an unbiased, outside perspective can help clarify why you want to see a counselor versus simply talking to your parents about the situation.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;"><b> 4. Reassure your parents you are not in immediate danger (if this is the case)</b></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.15;">Letting your parents know that you are not in danger will help ensure the conversation is calm and productive</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</h3>
<h3>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"> 5. Try to choose a counselor or therapist ahead of time </b></h3>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">This will make it possible for you to discuss specifics</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with your parents, which will give you concrete things to focus on if they have concerns</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">In most cases you can also set up a time for your parents to meet with the therapist you have looked into if they have questions</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">However, if you are over the age of 13 you have the right to decline having your parents involved in the counseling process and your counselor legally can not talk to your parents without your permission and a release of information form </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">You can learn more about choosing a counselor right for you <a href="http://counselingmn.com/how-to/how-to-find-a-good-therapist/" target="_blank">here</a></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;"> <b>6. If your parents do not respond well, end the discussion for the night</b></span></span></h3>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">Getting in a fight can make the situation worse, so bringing the conversation to an end before it gets to this point is a good idea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">Helpful phrases are things like: </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">“I need additional support from another adult” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">“You did nothing wrong as my parent. I just need some additional help to get through this” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15;">“I need a space that allows me to discuss private things”</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;">Having had personal experience seeing a counselor and receiving support from my family through the process, I encourage you to give seeing a counselor a shot if you think it could help and provide you with needed support.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The information show above was collected from <a href="http://counselingmn.com/parenting-teenagers/how-to-tell-your-parents-you-want-to-%20see-a-counselor/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">this article</a> </span><span style="line-height: 1.15;">(feel free to also use it as a reference).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not all parents are supportive around counseling; if you do not feel safe discussing the possibility of counseling with your parents, or they react badly to this conversation, there are lots of resources for teens to get counseling without their family being notified (though it is much more difficult). If you want information about these counseling services, or if you just want to anonymously talk about whatever you are struggling with, Teen Link is always ready to offer some help. You can call (866) 833-
6546 any day from 6-10 pm or chat through www.866teenlink.org </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-45372899668349089612014-05-16T10:07:00.001-07:002014-05-16T10:07:27.487-07:00My Experience with Counseling<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">When I was at my
end a few months ago, I had nowhere to turn. I felt alone and afraid. I did not
want to die, but I did not see any other options either. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9sTtMOSAl7wRSm1VCEgeyF30WK-FJCNF4RN_g0Cp9bMYI1HwJqLJN3fOaJFsYb4whCaN-nPOmPJd7bNXNH5qEA1N1OGNA1WbNPiiS4XPakdFTCFqAmgO2KK-vk7-i0ObTrn8GbEMrWs/s1600/pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9sTtMOSAl7wRSm1VCEgeyF30WK-FJCNF4RN_g0Cp9bMYI1HwJqLJN3fOaJFsYb4whCaN-nPOmPJd7bNXNH5qEA1N1OGNA1WbNPiiS4XPakdFTCFqAmgO2KK-vk7-i0ObTrn8GbEMrWs/s1600/pills.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Finding out that the guy I was
with was also with one of my close family members was too much; I already have
trust and physical contact issues.</span>A</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">bout ten Advil into trying
to kill myself, I took a moment to think- to breathe. I am a person. I have weaknesses, but I have just as many strength. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I stopped taking
the pills then. I thought it through. In this new-found clarity, I decided I
needed help. I have always been self-sufficient and I sought out help on my
own. I tracked down a free/low cost counselor and began seeing him twice a
week. I started out uneasy, getting to a place where you are comfortable to
divulge the secrets you would not tell your best friend is difficult for
anybody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QoO8t5nWcJQ-WaU1MGMy1xT-_pxrTJmCghLT9PHXU0kI0nXh6tJ3WeNrHBd4lpyrYCPY5oIax6uifn2BHnCgQyg8SRuBfF4XNGcSWD7j2lk30HrFyndpxcrwFR-j5gY_TfkjBbI7vn0/s1600/counselor's+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QoO8t5nWcJQ-WaU1MGMy1xT-_pxrTJmCghLT9PHXU0kI0nXh6tJ3WeNrHBd4lpyrYCPY5oIax6uifn2BHnCgQyg8SRuBfF4XNGcSWD7j2lk30HrFyndpxcrwFR-j5gY_TfkjBbI7vn0/s1600/counselor's+office.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Luckily, the
counselor had no problem getting me to talk, nor in making me feel comfortable.
The office had toys, games, candy, and a chair where the counselor sat with a
patient smile and kind, waiting eyes. I gave my secrets in return for
validation that I wasn't crazy, that I had reason to be upset, and that I had
made the right decision in staying alive. I was fitted with an armory of ways
to communicate better, relieve stress, and handle difficult situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Counseling was
never something I wanted to do, but it helped me. And I know it has helped many other people in my life. I
recommend it. Try it before you do anything else. There are always good days
and bad days, but I know where I am going and I know where I have been. I am
not apt to repeat a suicide attempt. Counseling helped me find clarity and relief. Suicide seemed like the only answer I had at the time, but now I know I'm not alone. It is okay to seek out help. Don't just try to suffer through it alone. It doesn't make you stronger. If anything it makes you more susceptible to depression, helplessness, and isolation. A counselor is a great asset; a person on your side, for you, helping you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">In my search for
a counselor, I found out that there are many resources available in the King
County area, including free and sliding-cost counseling services. The easiest
way to find these is to call into Teen Link, as we have a huge database of
resources that can be catered to when you can schedule a visit, how much you
can pay, and where you live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CUoTPcNp5e_3A1PrsVv6yY2SIFva82WdmFm44RmNfszz5u9d1jiLhPpDeEqMNN6OD7gA5JnOYj8QvnSum8Baz5We0JHuV_Xre3Uos9e4pdkecHAEWusIWNsF-3WbXTwi9dmdT3UArMQ/s1600/teenlink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CUoTPcNp5e_3A1PrsVv6yY2SIFva82WdmFm44RmNfszz5u9d1jiLhPpDeEqMNN6OD7gA5JnOYj8QvnSum8Baz5We0JHuV_Xre3Uos9e4pdkecHAEWusIWNsF-3WbXTwi9dmdT3UArMQ/s1600/teenlink.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Teen Link<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Anonymous,
confidential phone and chat line for teens to talk to teens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Open 365
days/year, 6-10 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">www.866teenlink.org<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1-866-833-6546 (Teen Link)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-4055122884370491792014-05-09T13:37:00.001-07:002014-05-09T13:37:21.119-07:00Mental Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin <i> The swing set cast long shadows on the abandoned shovels scattered among the wood chips and shards of plastic. It seemed like any other ordinary day at recess: me and my best friend were playing witches just like always. But today a hazy cloud of anxiety floated above me, engulfing me. No matter how many deep breaths I took I could not shake it. The tears began to well up in my eyes, and just as we lined up at the wrought iron fence I broke down crying. I felt like a plastic mannequin on display as all the kids in my second grade class stared at me distantly and uncomfortably. For some reason I was convinced that my mom wasn't going to be there to pick me up from school, even though in my rational mind I knew that she would be there smiling and waiting for me promptly at 3:15, just like always.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
<i>Every day for the rest of second grade I continued this routine. I was scared out of my mind, convinced my mom would leave me at those dreaded concrete stairs. Unbeknownst to me, this was the beginning of my struggle with a debilitating anxiety disorder. Just like everyone else, I got nervous about tests, first days of school, and going new places, but for me these things were much bigger and scarier. I was like a little kid afraid of the monsters under the bed while everyone was like an adult and knew they were just dust bunnies.</i><br />
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<i> In seventh grade this all came to a peak when my teacher shared extremely personal information about me with others. I became petrified of her - just the sight of her walking down the hallway was enough to bring me to tears. I sat in the principal's office every day, rocking back and forth and crying hysterically. The teachers hid me away, warning the kids not to go near me as if it was contagious or I was some sort of vermin. They never even phoned my parents to inform them of my violent anxiety attacks and vivid flashbacks. Looking back, I realize that if I had been suffering from anything else they would have told my parents, but because it was a mental health issue it wasn't treated with the same seriousness as a physical ailment would have been.</i><br />
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<i> After months of this same routine and days that seemed filled with nothing but tears and terrifying anxiety attacks, the principal finally informed my mom and I was enrolled in therapy. </i><br />
<i> I sat in the bleak and aesthetically unappealing waiting room, shaking slightly and utterly horrified by the thought of someone I knew seeing me there. Now when I sit in the waiting room I don't care who sees me or if the nurse calls my name too loudly, because honestly, it's nothing to be ashamed about.</i><br />
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<div>
Therapy is a long and sometimes unrelenting process that constantly reminds me that for some reason I am meant to be here. It took copious amounts of time and sessions for me to face the monsters and to be able to see them as dust bunnies. Through this experience I have learned a lot about stigma and judgement. To be honest I don't blame the kids that ran away or the teachers that were too consumed by their own bias and stigma to fully understand the depth of the situation. Prior to this experience I too probably would have shared their judgements. Some people look at having a "disorder" as a negative thing. But that is only a social construct, and because our society perceives it that way. However, through this experience I have become a much more tolerant, self-aware, and accepting person. That is the silver lining in my dark cloud.<br />
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This year I embarked on a six month long project about mental health in young people and have just recently completed it. I have also realized that I want to become a psychologist so that I can help people the same way that others helped me. Finally, I started a GSA in my school to help make it a more inclusive and tolerant place. I know what it's like to be stigmatized and treated like I'm contagious and I don't want others to feel that way. I spend much of my time volunteering for Teen Link, talking about mental health, and working to make my school community a better one. Now and again I still have anxiety over tests or new things, but I have come to realize that they are not big scary monsters, just dust bunnies that need to be swept away.<br />
<br />
If any of this sounds familiar to you Teen Link is a great resource if you want to talk about it. Teen Link is a anonymous, nonjudgmental and confidential helpline. It is run by teens for teens. It is open every night from six to ten or there is chatline if you don't feel comfortable talking about it over the phone. No problem is too big or too small. The number is (866) TEEN LINK and the website is www.866TEENLINK.ORG<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-92118016451358949232014-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:002014-05-02T20:31:15.560-07:00Poetry Therapy<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Sample of Poetry
Therapy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Journey<o:p></o:p></div>
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by Mary
Oliver<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One day you
finally knew<o:p></o:p></div>
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what you had
to do, and began,<o:p></o:p></div>
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though the
voices around you<o:p></o:p></div>
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kept
shouting<o:p></o:p></div>
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their bad
advice-<o:p></o:p></div>
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though the
whole house <o:p></o:p></div>
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began to
tremble<o:p></o:p></div>
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and you felt
the old tug <o:p></o:p></div>
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at your
ankles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mend my
life!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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each voice
cried.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeWvb73Xla0iSL2blPm6TSmYp-x9WNmKR8uYknLsySgy5e6rtgDx_wexiTYVreLZLvlYdza2byuSMFwlaBW-mgmA1sxfYMdMDDCXKNVqiyM3YhS1XgTQ7MWT0RFmg-rb3VMCSK6oX_V8/s1600/tears4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeWvb73Xla0iSL2blPm6TSmYp-x9WNmKR8uYknLsySgy5e6rtgDx_wexiTYVreLZLvlYdza2byuSMFwlaBW-mgmA1sxfYMdMDDCXKNVqiyM3YhS1XgTQ7MWT0RFmg-rb3VMCSK6oX_V8/s1600/tears4.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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But you
didn’t stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You knew
what you had to do,<o:p></o:p></div>
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though the
wind pried<o:p></o:p></div>
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with its
stiff fingers<o:p></o:p></div>
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at the very
foundations,<o:p></o:p></div>
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though their
melancholy<o:p></o:p></div>
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was
terrible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was
already late<o:p></o:p></div>
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enough, and
a wild night,<o:p></o:p></div>
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and the road
full of fallen<o:p></o:p></div>
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branches and
stones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But little
by little,<o:p></o:p></div>
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as you left
their voices behind,<o:p></o:p></div>
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the stars
began to burn<o:p></o:p></div>
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through the
sheets of clouds,<o:p></o:p></div>
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and there
was a new voice<o:p></o:p></div>
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which you
slowly<o:p></o:p></div>
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recognized
as your own,<o:p></o:p></div>
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that kept
you company<o:p></o:p></div>
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as you
strode deeper and deeper<o:p></o:p></div>
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into the
world,<o:p></o:p></div>
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determined
to do<o:p></o:p></div>
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the only
thing you could do-<o:p></o:p></div>
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determined
to save<o:p></o:p></div>
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the only
life you could save.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Exercise:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Read the
poem, “The Journey” by Mary Oliver a few times and let your mind be open to
what comes up for you from your own life experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After
reading the poem, think back to any time in your life where you had a similar
experience of knowing, “what you had to do;” when you allowed yourself to take
a step, even though there were other voices shouting bad advice, and there were
things blocking your road, and it was late enough, but you heard your voice and
strove forward anyways. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In your
journal, describe this experience to me. This is a time when you listened to
your own voice and marched through the darkness into the light. It could be as simple as a change in a job,
entering or leaving a relationship, or just one of those ideas that pushed you
to a new beginning, and new clarity. These
are the stories of our voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Consider
these details:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where were
you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How old were
you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who else was
around you at that time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Were there
people giving you other advice?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What were
the roadblocks in your way?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How did it
feel to honor your voice and take that step?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is an
example of Poetry Therapy. Poetry opens emotional and intellectual doors for
adolescents. The act of writing helps young people express thoughts that were
previously bottled up inside. Poetry can also lend to artistic growth and deep
expression of thoughts or feelings that one might not want to share with a
friend, family member, or counselor. If talking to someone isn’t always an
effective way to communicate internal conflicts, you may consider Poetry
Therapy by answering probing questions or writing a story, diary entry, or poem.
These exercises can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s conflicts,
stresses, anxieties, or fears without sharing deep secrets with a listener. A
piece of paper is nonjudgmental so don’t be afraid to express yourself.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">If
you are in need of support, Teen Link is an anonymous helpline run by teens from 6 PM-10 PM every night of
the week that is here to talk. Feel free to call Teen Link at 1 (866) 833 –
6546. If Teen Link is not available to talk to you, you can also call the
Crisis Link at (206) 461-3222. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-86478453252996285872014-04-30T11:31:00.000-07:002014-04-30T11:31:58.393-07:00Teachers aren't paid to care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The average teenager goes to school about 40 hours a week.
We carry our books and backpacks from class to class and listen to teachers
talk at us for about 6 to 7 hours a day. They teach us about history,
pre-calculus, the periodic table, and the hidden meanings buried in works of
literature. But how often do they actually ask us how we are doing or how our
day, week, life is going? If your teachers are anything like mine, your answer
is probably “never” or “rarely.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get that their job is to teach us, but isn’t there more to
teaching than lecturing and assigning homework… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kids and teenagers are also not just students. We are a many
parts of a complicated whole. We have feelings, thoughts, ideas, hardships, families,
and lives outside of our text books and homework. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was younger I remember watching movies where teachers
would change kids’ lives by just paying attention and engaging with their
students on a real level. I believed these movies were real, because most of my
elementary teachers actually did seem to care. Then I got to high school and I
realized that these movie teachers did not exist. In real life, high school
teachers aren’t paid to care. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least that is what I thought until I actually had one who
did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7987843686079929709" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>My school has many electives, but one of the best ones we to
offer is called Interpersonal Relationships. For the first time in my whole
school career I felt like I belonged. A lot of that had to do with the teacher,
because, for once, we didn't just have to sit and listen, we got to speak our
minds. We were able to express how difficult life was for us without judgment.
We talked about human issues--From communication, to mental health, to
reproduction—and about how these issues applied in our own lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IWcdV9jZQm9zyeqEFBf0zBHKZjZw7GWF_6zH_NdQWmtQDTk36v1JymUJ8zXBF897B8EnNCOJ8ex-ZnZXX1I2pr5P1b52GHxBRZi1Ejz9sEKhzbJAFgHzDLwu2ehlnZiXxhXcjo5GUnA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IWcdV9jZQm9zyeqEFBf0zBHKZjZw7GWF_6zH_NdQWmtQDTk36v1JymUJ8zXBF897B8EnNCOJ8ex-ZnZXX1I2pr5P1b52GHxBRZi1Ejz9sEKhzbJAFgHzDLwu2ehlnZiXxhXcjo5GUnA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="312" width="320" /></a>Have you ever been in a classroom with a teacher that
actually made you feel wanted and important and loved? Cause that is exactly
what this class was like. My teacher actually wanted to know what it was like
for us and respected what we had to say. What a concept! An adult who actually
wants to learn from a teenager and shows them respect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think our school system has forgotten that learning is
more than just a test score. We all need someone to look up to and someone to
be there for us. If more schools had classes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like interpersonal relationships I think students
would be more engaged in the process of learning and have more motivation to
actually show up to class. Classes like this offer teachers the chance to see
their students as real people, instead of a name on a clip board. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget what I learned from that class. I think
more teachers and students need to experience a real connection to each other--
A space where we can meet eye to eye and understand where everyone is coming
from. Growing up and life aren’t easy, no matter what someone’s age, gender,
race, etc. More people need a crash course on being in someone else's shoes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Classes like this should be more wide spread. We all deserve
the chance to learn in a safe and supportive environment. We are not just a
statistic. We are real people with real issues. Issues that a text book or a
test is going to help us solve. We need teachers who care. We need school systems
that care.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a lot to say, isn’t it time that adults in our lives started
listening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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table.MsoNormalTable
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The room has the conflicting aesthetic of a sterile
professional space that someone has tried desperately to make homey. I am
overly aware of how uncomfortably I’m sitting, but the couch rustles loudly
every time I shift. I tell myself I shouldn’t be here, I don’t need this. But
when I glance<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zmuzV6L4pPQFp9V5RBPApGx05-oFCBYEcoasjXcRvaqxUOFH8bpBFsF2QRvGoMiQtC8vJCFzgsvWv1zain8Xjub70CTni_5V4fa8sfsFart4K0ycN116LjVfpsi1BpHccnASmaquLH8T/s1600/divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zmuzV6L4pPQFp9V5RBPApGx05-oFCBYEcoasjXcRvaqxUOFH8bpBFsF2QRvGoMiQtC8vJCFzgsvWv1zain8Xjub70CTni_5V4fa8sfsFart4K0ycN116LjVfpsi1BpHccnASmaquLH8T/s320/divorce.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a>at my little brother perched awkwardly on the couch beside me, I realize that this goes beyond me and my discomfort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my parents told me
they were getting divorced, I went for a walk around my neighborhood and cried
for fifteen minutes. I decided that when I reentered my house I would have come
to terms with all my negative feeling and would be entirely able to deal with
it. And for a while, that’s pretty much what I did: I mentioned my parents’
separation casually to friends and assured them I wasn’t upset, I told my
parents I understood their decision and had no problem with it, I even
convinced myself that the whole situation was hardly worth thinking about.<br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of my self-perceived fineness, I was indignant when
my parents insisted that my brother and I see a therapist to process the
separation and our newly-formed family dynamic. Though I had friends that saw
therapists regularly and had no issue with counseling on an intellectual level,
misguided pride kept telling me that talking about what was going on was
admitting that there was a problem, and that it meant I couldn’t handle things
on my own. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I maintained this stubborn perspective until I noticed the
way my brother would glaze over when people asked him about the divorce, and his
falsely-confident assurances that everything was alright. Finally I realized
that by thinking of myself as somehow above therapy, all I was doing was buying
into the destructive notion that asking for help and processing things on an emotional
level somehow makes people inferior. Not only was this an unhealthy way for me
to deal with what was happening, I was also enforcing for my brother the
cultural notion that – especially with boys and masculine people – having <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or acknowledging emotions is somehow
correlated with weakness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I am waiting with my brother for our new therapist to
arrive, trying hard to fight my deep-seated discomfort with vulnerability and
finally start to understand the strength that it takes to ask for help. Looking
over at the pale, pimply 14 year old who people always say looks so much like
me, I know that I have a responsibility to be the role model that shows my
brother that being honest about feelings takes a lot more courage than clinging
to “I can handle it.”<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to get in touch with a counseling service or
talk to someone about anything going on in your life, Teen Link is a great
place to start. You can call Teen Link at <span style="background: white;">(866)
833-6546 any day from 6-10 pm or chat through <a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/">www.866teenlink.org</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-24944308420585803082014-04-21T11:47:00.001-07:002014-04-21T11:47:28.697-07:00The Epidemic of College Confidential<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As a typical, angsty teenager
hoping to get into a competitive school next year I spend a lot of my down time
on College Confidential, an online counseling company that offers forums on
topics like admission chances, standardized testing and school life. Yet, while
the website claims to offer “counseling,” the website serves more like a gauge
for the college admission stress level. T</span><o:p style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></o:p><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">he anonymous masses on College Confidential certainly did not invent the anxiety that comes with applying to college, but like a megaphone they amplify it 24 hours a day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CPQJKu423F0sAbJ8gQvhSVIUBCozuwiuFxDaRWYXeF0M3-zVe5M4qAG20QZb5XHxXgMfZTYv_mkIHzXcJ1oXGWcu1gN5TuPsRNp4PDvkQfTPVSdfeY1REcB07bWV37WFthF9CGNjm7M/s1600/College-Confidential-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CPQJKu423F0sAbJ8gQvhSVIUBCozuwiuFxDaRWYXeF0M3-zVe5M4qAG20QZb5XHxXgMfZTYv_mkIHzXcJ1oXGWcu1gN5TuPsRNp4PDvkQfTPVSdfeY1REcB07bWV37WFthF9CGNjm7M/s1600/College-Confidential-logo.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What started out as a wonderful idea- a website offering
free advice and guidance to high schoolers around the world- has turned into a
website where in moderated discussions
strangers belittle each other, put into question the intelligence of
individuals and judge each other based on the schools they get accepted into.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A home of rampant bragging, after five minutes of reading,
College Confidential will leave you feeling completely insufficient. After all,
on College Confidential you will find someone who not only has 20 APs, a 4.0
GPA, a 2600 on the SAT, but who has also ended world hunger over summer break. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCF3W6cBmeeiKVm1swyCFyEdX8kPLtO56WIc1ytprOmP5QeEWrw65yMDFOAwc31g070-FWROIPbGf7MWTuAvzLT8YlNE5bE8VF26vnXVjqoQffdgKospPidhRmULprt7s8DGQVCp38O4/s1600/cc1-530x212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCF3W6cBmeeiKVm1swyCFyEdX8kPLtO56WIc1ytprOmP5QeEWrw65yMDFOAwc31g070-FWROIPbGf7MWTuAvzLT8YlNE5bE8VF26vnXVjqoQffdgKospPidhRmULprt7s8DGQVCp38O4/s1600/cc1-530x212.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite my objections to College Confidential, there is a
lot of value to the site. Apart from the discussion forums the rest of the site
offers a lot of advice for the college search. Sections like “Ask the Dean,”
where professionals in the field are responding to frequently asked questions,
are a great resource to understanding the long and complicated college process.
There is also a substantial collection of helpful articles on subjects like
paying for college and student life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my advice to you is to stray away from the College
Discussion Forums. But if you absolutely cannot resist the temptation of scrolling
through them, wear your thickest skin as chances are only about 1% of the
people posting on the website are telling the truth. Do not listen to the posts
that discourage you from applying to certain schools. And if you will be going
to what is classified as a “crap school” on College Confidential, be proud
because you have risen above hooked masses that only live for name and rank.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make your own decisions and speak with the real college
guru- your guidance counselor. You’ll be amazed by how helpful they can be.<br />
</div>
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If you ever feel like you are being made feel small,
ridiculed or cyber-bullied, Teen Link is ready to help. You can call (866) 833-
6546 any day from 6-10 pm or chat through www.866teenlink.org<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-47537365303233589672014-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:002014-04-11T11:35:14.814-07:00Ordinary People<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/OrdinaryPeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/OrdinaryPeople.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I live on a quiet street where not
much happens. I take out the trash on Tuesdays at the same time that the old
man in the house across from mine does. We are ordinary people doing ordinary
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We come from ordinary families
that live ordinary lives. I never thought that anything could shatter this<i>
“ordinary” </i>bubble of ours. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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My neighbor was diagnosed with
Alzheimer and the same time that my brother was diagnosed with Depression. My
street suddenly went from “ordinary” to “not-so-ordinary”.<br />
<br />
I wonder how it all happened.
How I grew up with so much happiness while my brother, who was never more
than a finger’s reach away, grew up with so much sadness. I feel helpless.
My brother was always the one who fought my battles for me. He was the one who
made the scary dreams float away and the scary girls run away. But I can’t
fight my brother’s battle for him. I cannot save my brother from himself. I can
only offer my bad jokes and burnt cakes to try and ease the suffering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nashville.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/brother-sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nashville.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/brother-sister.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes the loud rumbling of
wheels disrupts the quiet of my street. When this happens I go to my window and
I see my neighbor wheeling his trashcans to the edge of the road. I want to
shout out that the garbage truck came yesterday and that the trashcans are
already empty, but what is the point? I can’t imagine how is wife and
children feel knowing that his yesterdays are disappearing and his tomorrows
are uncertain. But I can imagine that they feel a bit like me.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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While I sometimes wish that I could
rewind back to the long summers spent fishing tadpoles from the pond with a
brother who knew nothing but laughter, I have come to accept that this brother
with all his dark clouds and monsters is the same brother of my childhood. I
have come to understand that he is not “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dis</i>-abled”
because of his illness. He is still just as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">abled</i>
as he was before. Perhaps he is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more-</i>abled
because he can be fighting a battle in his mind and still be living.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Things may be different, but they
are not that different. I still take out the trash on Tuesdays at the same time
that the old man in the house across from mine does. We are still ordinary
people doing ordinary things. My brother is still that incredibly intelligent,
slightly annoying person that I grew up with. My neighbor is still the
reserved, quiet but awfully kind man that brought ginger cookies over for
Christmas. I have come to realize that what makes a person is something more
than neurons, proteins and defective molecules of DNA. It is their soul and
spirit, which cannot be tarnished or destroyed by any kind of illness.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being diagnosed with a mental <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">disorder </i>is like being branded with a
scarlet letter A. Many look at that scarlet letter A and write that person off.
But try to look beyond it. Look at that person in the eye and talk directly to
them. Because after all they are just ordinary people trying to live ordinary
lives.<br />
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If you are ever struggling to deal
with a loved one’s illness or if you are struggling with anything at the
moment, Teen Link is always ready to offer some help. You can call (866) 833-
6546 any day from 6-10 pm or chat through www.866teenlink.org <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aklightingandsigns.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Person-Walking-In-A-Dark-Subway-Tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.aklightingandsigns.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Person-Walking-In-A-Dark-Subway-Tunnel.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-40980365742074353052014-03-28T12:58:00.000-07:002014-03-28T12:58:50.453-07:00Treating Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC8pVTakNeixaZGIwTmvuT3wgQmA2SndWSiSwFgWhMKzvz2y0g7GETbuf67yPPnEExpO3mSqGuK9KXlHcVT0Tbv-LeELrYiOMLKUeFsOdFAUklQzFwuz8rqmGSBOgs3Moy0uKBza9qFw/s1600/self-care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC8pVTakNeixaZGIwTmvuT3wgQmA2SndWSiSwFgWhMKzvz2y0g7GETbuf67yPPnEExpO3mSqGuK9KXlHcVT0Tbv-LeELrYiOMLKUeFsOdFAUklQzFwuz8rqmGSBOgs3Moy0uKBza9qFw/s1600/self-care.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up, we have an enormous burden
upon our shoulders: the daily task of school or work, the balance between our
family and friends, and the amount of obligations we ought to attend to. But as
we busy ourselves focusing so heavily on these things that seemingly need our
attention, we may forget to take care of something even more important:
ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a term rarely discussed, self-care refers
to the actions and attitudes which contribute the maintenance of our well-being
and personal health, or, in other words, the steps one takes in order to better
themselves, from the inside out. Though we often cannot control our own
circumstances, we can decide how we go about taking care of ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Self-care isn’t limited to only one
particular category; we can nourish ourselves in a plethora of ways. Sometimes,
though, we may get caught up in devoting so much of our time and energy towards
only one portion of our lives so that the others areas are neglected. By
working towards rejuvenating ourselves emotionally and spiritually, bettering
our health physically, and expanding ourselves mentally and socially, we can take
tiny strides to help ourselves become more able to take on any challenge or
triumph. The ways to do this differ for each individual, but the first step to
self-care is doing something, anything, that makes you feel good – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because you deserve it</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you ever want to discuss more about
self-care and what it can do for you, or anything else that you’re thinking
about, no matter the topic, give Teen Link a call at (866) 833-6546 any night
from 6-10 pm to talk anonymously with another teen. If you would prefer, you
can also reach us on our Chat, which can be found at <a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/">www.866teenlink.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-79628245723966666312014-03-25T16:12:00.000-07:002014-03-25T16:12:13.611-07:00The Differently Abled in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, there is a lot more respect for the differently abled than there used to be. Especially with the passage of acts such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the United States has become a more hospitable place for the differently abled. While there is still far to go, inroads have been made socially as well, towards acceptance of the differently abled. However, across the ocean in India, many issues currently affect the differently abled.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While about 4-8% of India's population (40-80 million people) is differently abled, it is currently very difficult for them to access facilities in India. For example, even in Delhi, the capital of India and one of its most opportunistic cities, it is almost impossible for the visually impaired in India to perform daily tasks unassisted, due to the roads being very uneven and full of hidden potholes, as well as the high dangers involved with crossing the road. Life is also very difficult for the mobility impaired: many shops require people to go up stairs, and public transport is not wheelchair accessible. These problems affect not only the differently abled, but also the aging population of India. Many of the older people in India are unable to take walks due to poorly maintained or nonexistent sidewalks. These infrastructure problems are further compounded by a lack of public sensitivity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjzFGbuFMwGZBHVIBE3C_zaG38EFiu7VRkcNmIFAdgW21x5KeXfPNvyyN5gw9jWlVPNdILO0DyEUQCccSXebngytGERdssjgv-K1Fuxn8fRjl4HWS4DkaocgEO1K8Lh3hQL4fuOlRTEAnPAONgB3pjQvCykOVvAsrH_82eZcxPCrFesyNQa-FWUVLf3aCM=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://goguava.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/earth-saviours-facebook-banner.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the moment, public sensitivity for the differently abled in India is very low. The situation is such that a lot of people either try to help the differently abled to the point of controlling them or that they ignore them completely. Differently abled children and adults are sometimes abandoned on the road, even those who come from a wealthy family. A lack of sensitivity prevents cities from moving forward with comprehensive accessibility reform, but hope is starting to emerge.</div>
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The above picture is from an NGO started by Ravi Kaira, and is known as the Earth Saviours Foundation. They are committed to such causes as stewardship of the environment, reducing noise pollution, and care of the differently abled. They operate a shelter which picks up the differently abled people who are abandoned off of the road. They care for them by provide shelter, education, and other support. Groups, like the Earth Saviors Foundation are helping to increase the sensitivity for the differently abled in India while providing a safe place for them. These groups receive more and more volunteers and staff each year and signal the possibility of a bright future for the differently abled youth in one of the fastest developing countries in the world, India.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When I was in first grade I was tested to see which reading level I was in, at that time the test was timed, I have major test anxiety, even if the test is on something I know well I still do not do well on it. Because of the results of the test, the teacher told me I was unable to read at the reading standard for first graders and I would have to take a reading class. Which seemed nice until second grade when there was two new students in this reading class and the teacher thought it would be best to start over on how to read from the beginning of how to read. I felt like I was wasting my time because I could have been working on other things instead of learning how to read for the third time. At one point of taking this reading class it was at the same time of day that my regular class was doing the basics of math, so not only was I behind in reading, I didn't know how to do multiplication. Ever since elementary school I have struggled with reading and math, I lost a lot of the confidence I once had, I became very shy because I was struggling with something that everyone could do so easily. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-563eb9cf-c5a3-0bd3-fce7-b4e033ef63f8" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_BNwVnv_RaNvWeDwA90rjGKhqTje3NRxOeTIjNHd9ZIBX6GbqpiCaH5KwV7vrkGoTsTNwaLqPBbsQSc9GhL607b97haAj6-bUwpd3wUiX4Q5tP55jcVvc8yh-siOqe1P2emobq2aVxk/s1600/girl-struggling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_BNwVnv_RaNvWeDwA90rjGKhqTje3NRxOeTIjNHd9ZIBX6GbqpiCaH5KwV7vrkGoTsTNwaLqPBbsQSc9GhL607b97haAj6-bUwpd3wUiX4Q5tP55jcVvc8yh-siOqe1P2emobq2aVxk/s1600/girl-struggling.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In middle school I was incredibly shy because I thought everyone thought I was dumb, I wouldn't participate in class for fear I would get the answer wrong. Once I got more comfortable with my classmates, I started to talk. I was shocked when my classmates were surprised I knew how to talk or I did talk, they thought I was mute. It seemed like no one understood what I was going through, my mom and my school counselor would tell me I was smart and couldn't understand why I was struggling in school. I met a good friend who had always been in honors classes and their favorite past time was reading. She was willing to help me with classes and motivated me to get help in classes and even try hard classes. The best day of my school career was when I received an A in my Advanced Placement English class. The teacher who told me I couldn't read was wrong. I proved to her wrong and I was so proud of the challenges I had overcome.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many schools have a hard time embracing students different abilities. School has transformed learning into a standardized process that limits the way you learn and what you learn about. It can seem very lonely when you feel like you are the only one struggling with something and no one really understands what you are going through. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with school because of learning disabilities, I really encourage you to reach out to the people in your life that you trust, whether that be your parents, your teachers and / or your school counselor, or your friend. Often there can be something they do to help you find a way to learn and succeed in school. If you feel like ever need someone to talk to about what is going on and school and all the frustrations call Teen Link 1(866) 833-65465 or Chat with Teen Link at http://866teenlink.org/, where the volunteer are understanding and are students like you!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-65979887370206920032014-03-19T16:01:00.000-07:002014-03-19T16:01:04.837-07:00The Butterfly CircusTake a minute to picture a crowded street. See the people checking their phones for the time, bustling about to make it to where they're going. See the people who bump into each other and mumble a hasty apology before going back on their way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.safran-arts.com/art/photographs-new-york-crowded-street-48-53-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.safran-arts.com/art/photographs-new-york-crowded-street-48-53-12.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Where are they rushing to? Who are they?<br />
<br />
Few stop to ask these questions because our minds are often busy streets of thoughts keeping us from the outside world. What do I have to do today? What are my friends doing? How come I can't be like other people who have it all together? Why can't I be perfect?<br />
<br />
The world is a crazy place with crazy people in it. No one is perfect, but at the same time, everyone is perfect because we are accumulations of what we've been through. Each person you see has survived all the way until the moment you saw them, and each person has a story of how they did. It's difficult to see a person and understand them without knowing what it's taken for them to get there.<br />
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People become so trapped with what they think that they start spiraling in a cycle of negativity. They go faster and faster until they feel like they've hit the bottom and deserve to be at the bottom.<br />
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But take a moment and breathe deeply. Take in the air around you and look at yourself. Remind yourself that you are layered and complex and that it's okay to struggle. It sucks, it really does, but you never know what could be around the corner.<br />
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"The Butterfly Circus" is a video about struggles and triumphs. It's a video about seeing people beyond the surface and understanding that everyone has a story and an opportunity to write their own.<br />
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The video can be found here: <a href="http://vimeo.com/17150524" target="_blank">The Butterfly Circus</a><br />
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If you have ever felt misunderstood or brushed aside, try to remember that your story matters. You matter. We live in a hectic world that leaves us with no room to breathe--but it's okay to let out a sigh and slow it down for a bit. You can call Teen Link and talk about what's going on. Tell us your story.<br />
<br />
You can call (866) 833-6546 any day from 6-10pm or chat through <a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/">www.866teenlink.org</a>.<br />
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"The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph."<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-2310037923175712042014-03-17T10:59:00.000-07:002014-03-17T10:59:19.070-07:00A shout out to teen moms! What it is really like to be pregnant<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the first things that went through my
head when I found out I was pregnant, besides "Oh no!, what is my mom
going to think?" was "great, I'm going to get fat." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
people say that pregnancy is such a beautiful thing. I believe the fact that a
little person growing inside of you is beautiful, but the many changes a
woman's body endures are not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some things I learned about what it
is like to be pregnant and some lessons for what you might learn about your
body during pregnancy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lesson
1: Babies love pickles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Z1EYEnWBY3UndDeEjdLwhkZRYr9NWMJ8Ct1BhG7N6nuAcQcPbLMnQ3jRQY5JsqYmf0YmvooRCaWBgVAHPfaMAs6RXsyx51iTRsB2OfO3M-r8u_U7OixZRKLj0N0ciEqXRah5spVs8-M/s1600/pickles.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Z1EYEnWBY3UndDeEjdLwhkZRYr9NWMJ8Ct1BhG7N6nuAcQcPbLMnQ3jRQY5JsqYmf0YmvooRCaWBgVAHPfaMAs6RXsyx51iTRsB2OfO3M-r8u_U7OixZRKLj0N0ciEqXRah5spVs8-M/s1600/pickles.png" height="200" width="117" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">For the first 4 ½ maybe 5 months of pregnancy
the baby is still so small that a little “baby bump” is all people see. It is
hard to differ between an actual baby inside of you and a little tummy fat.
Also, the baby needs food! Being pregnant made my appetite increase a lot!
Women often find themselves eating very strange things that they never liked
before just because the baby needs the protein or iron or whatever is in the
food. For me, it was fruit and random vegetables with sugar. It wasn’t normal
pairs though like strawberries and chocolate. I put whip cream on every fruit and
veggie I saw in my house. My favorite was whip cream and pickles. It’s not just
a rumor that pregnant woman cave pickles because I did too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson 2: Must love TUMS </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC462C8AQA1XpaH0053OEf6CC9EJuoQxATNU5fjmvH9M0ebNe0B5gGFQu1h0NyhuVM2OD3h4LO7jiKkrlsOo7iD5dhVLAXUvTNQDDxXOSxq_xsl8FbYIGvhnCToLKgzupkMunD1S7cW_z/s1600/tums.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC462C8AQA1XpaH0053OEf6CC9EJuoQxATNU5fjmvH9M0ebNe0B5gGFQu1h0NyhuVM2OD3h4LO7jiKkrlsOo7iD5dhVLAXUvTNQDDxXOSxq_xsl8FbYIGvhnCToLKgzupkMunD1S7cW_z/s1600/tums.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Some common pregnancy symptoms that I had and
did not enjoy were morning sickness and heart burn. These were not fun! I would
feel completely fine and then out of nowhere get an upset feeling in my stomach
and be rushing to the bathroom to vomit. No matter what I ate, spicy or not I
would get heart burn. I even started carrying around a bottle of TUMS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson 3: Just when you think it can’t get
any worse, it can</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVzPnOA7z0aB4cu8jxDCDA0SAGz9vS3NL__wHG_yrkzpn5DKvxR3KYYTEv4BxnagfdhPlyzGMXIzZ2SjG-nmm7xq5RxopFr4rK4h4aPEl_fRjoKZvvFu9SEsfQNwrNLkY6dHa3z78bXf3/s1600/sleep.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVzPnOA7z0aB4cu8jxDCDA0SAGz9vS3NL__wHG_yrkzpn5DKvxR3KYYTEv4BxnagfdhPlyzGMXIzZ2SjG-nmm7xq5RxopFr4rK4h4aPEl_fRjoKZvvFu9SEsfQNwrNLkY6dHa3z78bXf3/s1600/sleep.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93BmoYI9mpYTT3UoA3euBKVnWJxGeE_1v3w5Ot6ABHzxpRwagRDpSsroRw6XYqDkGthAyXsb_ON71-kiJO7RkQqqHMuuYNWzn5pltgQN5wBptsnJ-olQ3qU3ovftMikvzKjZCIUE_XCUe/s1600/uncomfortable.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93BmoYI9mpYTT3UoA3euBKVnWJxGeE_1v3w5Ot6ABHzxpRwagRDpSsroRw6XYqDkGthAyXsb_ON71-kiJO7RkQqqHMuuYNWzn5pltgQN5wBptsnJ-olQ3qU3ovftMikvzKjZCIUE_XCUe/s1600/uncomfortable.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Later on in pregnancy the weight of the baby
really starts to take a toll on your body. Your back arches like a Pringle and
aches all the time because it is trying to help support the weight of the baby.
Your hips start to shift and become wider. Also, if the baby is carried high, there
is a greater chance of your ribs getting kicked, pushed, and even bruised.
During the end a woman’s body has already gone through so much, she is
uncomfortable because having a large belly makes it hard to do pretty much
everything even sleep, and she is just ready for the baby to come out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesson 4: It’s all worth it</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">And then there is child birth. I am not even
going to get into the horrifying details of that because I think you all can
imagine how terrible it can be. In the end though, seeing my baby made it all
worth it, because a mother’s love for her child is unlike any other love out
there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">For all of the other young moms out there:
here are some tips or resources for going through the long process of pregnancy:
list 5 tips or resources</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<ol>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Get TUMS</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Paint your toe nails before you get too big or
you won’t be able to reach them</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Take
relaxing bubble baths if you’re feeling uncomfortable </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Give into the crazy cravings</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> or they get worse!</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Call Teen Link if you ever want someone to talk
to or support you. Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous helpline for teens
answered by teens. Once you have your baby it takes up a lot of your time/all
of your time, sleep, and energy, so it is nice to be able to call somewhere and
actually talk to another person who will really listen. To call Teen Link dial
1866-833-6546 or you can also use the online chat by visiting the Teen Link
website www.866teenlink.org.</span></b></li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-84363024813795609102014-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:002014-03-07T15:33:31.216-08:00A Meeting of Teen Minds <div class="MsoPlainText">
The<a href="http://www.childrenandyouth.org/what/sacy/youth-engagement/youth-advisory-council/" target="_blank"> King County Youth Advisory Council (KCYAC)</a> is a youth run council that is designed to inform and advise decisions that are being made about young people. The YAC believes that if decisions are going to be made about young people, young people should have a way to make sure that the decisions being made really do benefit them. Below is an excerpt from the YAC website on how the participants describe themselves.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f5f5f; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"We are visionaries and dreamers. We know what we want. We are diverse- all from different races, cultures, styles, backgrounds- and we are going through similar things. We are young, misunderstood, and judged by our appearances. We are resilient, overcoming adversity and want to succeed. We are strong, revolutionary, and we are fighting. We want change and we want to help. We are doing this for others. We want to be heard. We are breaking the cycle."</i><br />
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Each month the YAC focuses on a specific topic to talk about during their council meetings. These meetings are open to all youth between the ages of 16 and 24 and are designed to create an open dialogue of feedback and ideas from youth all around King County.<br />
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I recently participated in a meeting where the focus was put on efficient ways to spread the word about programs that could help young adults who have dropped out of high school be reintroduced into a education system that works for them. Splitting up into different groups, we were asked to give our feedback on posters that promoted different programs that offered opportunities to get back into school. Through a discussion of ideas and thoughts, we pointed out some of the great and not-so-great factors to the posters. It was great to see so many people from diverse backgrounds come together to talk about issues that they think can be beneficial for their own generation and share many new and innovative ideas.<br />
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You can learn more about the Youth Advisory Council at http://www.childrenandyouth.org/what/sacy/youth-engagement/youth-advisory-council/.<br />
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If you are interested in checking it out, the next meeting is coming up on Tuesday March 11th from 5:30-7:30pm. It will be at the Downtown Seattle YMCA 909 4th Ave, Rm 120. See you there!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-70384015679259269162014-03-01T20:37:00.000-08:002014-03-01T20:37:27.540-08:00See the human Inside<i>"<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #080808; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>human INSID</b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_3_0_2_1305347297516273" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>E </b>i</span></span></i><span style="color: #080808; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><i>s an anti-discrimination campaign which aims to raise awareness of discrimination and hopefully reduce discrimination as much as possible.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #080808; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #080808; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><i>Instead of using people, inanimate objects became the subjects of the photo essays. Each essay tells a story that relates to results of discrimination or how it unfolds." </i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #080808; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #080808; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Through these powerful images and quotes, Faheema Patel demonstrates discrimination that surrounds and affects us all. </span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #080808;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><b>Racial Discrimination</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #080808; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">In 2012, 51 percent of Americans expressed anti-black sentiments in a poll; a 3 percent increase from 2008.</span></div>
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<i style="color: #080808; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"99.9% of the DNA of every person in the world is identical.” – The Human Genome Project</span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">(Faheema Patel)</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #080808;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #080808;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><b><u>Body Image</u></b></span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkY5sKIaWALYoI8wwhi_c_acTMV6337dLf7Gw0KECgPvRHKgDmGT-zlU6245elrjOi1YQHJ2shg_Z6A0WJ6QWCjLZbTLvfJpm3JXyQqgWAutzmGgKzAUgaKhdJsESP14X1dH_8JDji6A/s1600/20cdf7b67d7b48bcaca8760f9e204e94+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkY5sKIaWALYoI8wwhi_c_acTMV6337dLf7Gw0KECgPvRHKgDmGT-zlU6245elrjOi1YQHJ2shg_Z6A0WJ6QWCjLZbTLvfJpm3JXyQqgWAutzmGgKzAUgaKhdJsESP14X1dH_8JDji6A/s1600/20cdf7b67d7b48bcaca8760f9e204e94+(1).jpg" height="640" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">80% of children who are 10 years old are afraid of being fat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Man is the only critter who feels the need to label things as flowers or weeds.” – Unknown</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">(Faheema Patel)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Disability Discrimination</u> </span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKgEOIEL85V9_B_M6Zjs_W3Nsau5ruDwYvX5XYZJhKeHvOPR4q9wJiyhpqhPnA7uxjCjdh6zoFekiohDolBg2ID4Mc_HDCk09t6fUuKOOqwvtuFhi6YGhzjjqQnw3EdDOGiWYnWFupRs/s1600/0b77648146759e3db945e5d482071cce+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKgEOIEL85V9_B_M6Zjs_W3Nsau5ruDwYvX5XYZJhKeHvOPR4q9wJiyhpqhPnA7uxjCjdh6zoFekiohDolBg2ID4Mc_HDCk09t6fUuKOOqwvtuFhi6YGhzjjqQnw3EdDOGiWYnWFupRs/s1600/0b77648146759e3db945e5d482071cce+(1).jpg" height="475" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Just over 1 in 4 of today's 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire. No one is immune, only </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">resilient. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Differently abled not disabled </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px;">(Faheema Patel)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Bystander Effect</u></span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZDohw4v5Ygzwn57U5yYQa5P6H0CAeidQYU54o7c0FuPoYps8bf2wRjz17pZm5tYWGT5PuGhyphenhyphenrhNv8B8uDpsFqlDeJ5IZHJ4KuvmaOAueCKhVIbeAkqba9svLBWco-xsE22KqnoLTpqA/s1600/3c48c0e6cc840234ca1ee75da3e35838+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZDohw4v5Ygzwn57U5yYQa5P6H0CAeidQYU54o7c0FuPoYps8bf2wRjz17pZm5tYWGT5PuGhyphenhyphenrhNv8B8uDpsFqlDeJ5IZHJ4KuvmaOAueCKhVIbeAkqba9svLBWco-xsE22KqnoLTpqA/s1600/3c48c0e6cc840234ca1ee75da3e35838+(1).jpg" height="640" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">In 54% of cases, bystanders reinforced the bully by watching but not joining in. </span></div>
<div>
“Our thoughts are unseen hands shaping the people we meet. Whatever we truly think them to<b><div style="display: inline !important;">
be that’s what they’ll become for us.” – Richard Cowper </div>
</b></div>
<div>
<b style="line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">(Faheema Patel)</b></div>
</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Violence Against Women</u></span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4QMQ8V0Kf7tf5Fv2FItmkcKvIrQjGAH_XbIbHviigbpz6xcjUonB1V2iPQReisW2e8c-NneJhpbtQXs94YwPUUnzoMlkLu5_0mfDtQQaKgoY5hMaTYzBALGwtbs5m_T5l5hgeQQVvO8/s1600/cb6fad15c354e381a344f645668d652a+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4QMQ8V0Kf7tf5Fv2FItmkcKvIrQjGAH_XbIbHviigbpz6xcjUonB1V2iPQReisW2e8c-NneJhpbtQXs94YwPUUnzoMlkLu5_0mfDtQQaKgoY5hMaTYzBALGwtbs5m_T5l5hgeQQVvO8/s1600/cb6fad15c354e381a344f645668d652a+(2).jpg" height="640" width="324" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“6 out of every 10 women worldwide experience violence in their lifetime.” – UNIFEM</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">(Faheema Patel)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Most dating violence incidents are never reported.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help change the facts. Speak up, speak out, and make a difference for victims of dating violence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Religious Discrimination </u></h2>
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL62rtvuGlxRaYS6rGpdNeKBp53N0_YulwOE-T586nQW453dHEMZTFdyO-uHcdAWdbBMAHHXPdMlHvbduT7o1QHawXmMXIgauqljWqrfUxMGBrS2Pl9q9PSjKLZvTdWsQwSXL6peZ-Bk/s1600/b3ae32bf2697faf7c9e2d09c2c380e18+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL62rtvuGlxRaYS6rGpdNeKBp53N0_YulwOE-T586nQW453dHEMZTFdyO-uHcdAWdbBMAHHXPdMlHvbduT7o1QHawXmMXIgauqljWqrfUxMGBrS2Pl9q9PSjKLZvTdWsQwSXL6peZ-Bk/s1600/b3ae32bf2697faf7c9e2d09c2c380e18+(3).jpg" height="640" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;">Nearly 50 percent of countries increased their religious discrimination between 2009 and 2010, and only 32 percent saw decreases.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If religion is not a crime then why are we treated like criminals? (Faheema Patel)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.5px; text-align: start;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Freedom</span></u></b></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYTWgosvsx3O7SgTGH0pmqcc5hEcELbgv-2hBeyhvt9GhKHgMDMs3TeR21CevLuSNjWdNoGB2IQqBkDKUxxG3YxfpZDq92qzmC5iwhgwyPlBZvtdLzv_AFZqQk2smVs5cAAIEj4-Rs-Q/s1600/75f7331df3be6a6e9befe89ef20c1552+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYTWgosvsx3O7SgTGH0pmqcc5hEcELbgv-2hBeyhvt9GhKHgMDMs3TeR21CevLuSNjWdNoGB2IQqBkDKUxxG3YxfpZDq92qzmC5iwhgwyPlBZvtdLzv_AFZqQk2smVs5cAAIEj4-Rs-Q/s1600/75f7331df3be6a6e9befe89ef20c1552+(1).jpg" height="640" width="451" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"WE ALL DESERVE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>...a life of peace</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>...a life of freedom" (Faheema Patel)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teen Link believes in freedom. We provide a place for young people to talk about their struggles with people their own age. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">We believe that through talking it out there can be healing. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teen Link is an anonymous support line, open everyday 6pm-10pm. We have online chat and a phone line open to everyone ages 13-21. You can reach Teen Link at; </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(866)-833-6546 or www.866teenlink.org</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To find more information on the human Inside project visit: <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/human-Inside/1421483" target="_blank">http://www.behance.net/gallery/human-Inside/1421483</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All pictures and quotes belong to Faheema Patel and the human Inside project. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-66366445959655035212014-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:002014-03-17T11:00:33.620-07:00Unity in Diversity: What do YOU find beautiful?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"We often go chasing after ideals instead of accepting life in all of its diversity"</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think of the word beauty, I picture a slim, tall,
light eyed, longhaired Caucasian woman. My definition of beauty is a real-life <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Barbie</i> doll. My definition of beauty is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">distorted</b>.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">97%</i> of women
look in the mirror they experience an “I hate my body" moment. Their definition
of beauty is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">distorted.</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_1_pNnCxbf8Kgn_f4jbotM-UuMVoWAoe8NdEUHH9NEiYL_JokxWsOw0GqyzjOCh-m4jA6Y5LGMDs8sGsSBymnHS9L9S5A_qkINQXs-X_oA7ygUfn8CsfmyVDzOB2pSzvUbFtHPQNVxo/s1600/tumblr_m24aofzNh11qastsxo1_r2_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_1_pNnCxbf8Kgn_f4jbotM-UuMVoWAoe8NdEUHH9NEiYL_JokxWsOw0GqyzjOCh-m4jA6Y5LGMDs8sGsSBymnHS9L9S5A_qkINQXs-X_oA7ygUfn8CsfmyVDzOB2pSzvUbFtHPQNVxo/s1600/tumblr_m24aofzNh11qastsxo1_r2_500.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Society promotes the concept that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect body</i> is the key to being happy in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does </i>this
perfect body look like?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Western culture, the culture I grew up in, the dominant
standard of beauty is contradictory. It tells women to be thin, curvy, muscular
and delicate (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all at the same time). </i>The
funny thing is that out of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">158.3
million</i> women living in the United States, only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5% </i>naturally have the body type portrayed as the ideal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KM4Xe6Dlp0Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> do we set
these unreachable standards?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it is because we perpetuate this image through media
and culture. The Barbie doll that most Western girls grow up with is an
impossibly unreal person.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Research shows that if Barbie were real, her 6-inch ankles
would force her to walk on all fours and her six-inch thinner neck would
prevent her from lifting her head. Barbie in real life is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not </b>what anyone would consider beautiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyknDvCzincYssJRKieZrYjrOwHVD5pahyphenhyphenmxSxcaW4K6e_2hEP0n4amndK4dLguC0VMAQtESemv_Qv5DoXNaok53IAhBQiEGpJHOGVo6VBlMnN25qML1dGI2MsQTO7Gl78oektUKn85nE/s1600/tumblr_mk9t9oTVHq1r2jp4bo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyknDvCzincYssJRKieZrYjrOwHVD5pahyphenhyphenmxSxcaW4K6e_2hEP0n4amndK4dLguC0VMAQtESemv_Qv5DoXNaok53IAhBQiEGpJHOGVo6VBlMnN25qML1dGI2MsQTO7Gl78oektUKn85nE/s1600/tumblr_mk9t9oTVHq1r2jp4bo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> is?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other countries and cultures beauty is perceived in a
very different way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Kayan tribe (between Burma and Thailand) considers
beauty to be “long necks”. Beauty is measured according to the number of brass
rings around their neck. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In India, henna, long hair, fair skin and colored saris is
considered beauty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Mauritania beautiful women are those with big curves. A
“heavy” lady is more likely to get married. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Middle East beauty is not what one sees but what one
does not see. Beauty is not based on what one looks like but how they present themselves and act.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of these ideas of beauty may seem strange and even
unattractive to us. But it makes one thing clear that beauty is dictated by the
places we come from, the cultures we assimilate to and the traditions we
follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSswcPABidv6BNawtLJc6mVq-BYPQi5rqD9iVj9rb__9W1KBsSOwCo-SUBlU7qPFmxnwaNci03OLE7k6FkldicaT-r9ePQjvm__hXrBnJxd2fv6J_nVuzd-ovkzw8qk8XxOBPXPmztTo/s1600/beautiful_body_types_by_isaiahstephens-d6e0dcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSswcPABidv6BNawtLJc6mVq-BYPQi5rqD9iVj9rb__9W1KBsSOwCo-SUBlU7qPFmxnwaNci03OLE7k6FkldicaT-r9ePQjvm__hXrBnJxd2fv6J_nVuzd-ovkzw8qk8XxOBPXPmztTo/s1600/beautiful_body_types_by_isaiahstephens-d6e0dcb.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what is</i> beauty?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beauty is diversity. Beauty is an individual and extremely
subjective perception. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes- there is no
such thing as a good body or a bad body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will always be someone who is <span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">shorter</span>,
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">taller</span>, <span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT Italic"; font-size: 16.0pt;">thinner</span><span style="font-family: "Abadi MT Condensed Extra Bold";">, </span><span style="font-family: "Abadi MT Condensed Extra Bold"; font-size: 14.0pt;">heavier</span>, <span style="font-family: Chalkduster;">younger</span>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook";">older</span></i>, <span style="font-family: "Apple Symbols";">flatter</span>, and <span style="font-family: Braggadocio;">rounder</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there will never be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you.
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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So embrace body diversity. It’s what makes us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">beautiful</b>.</div>
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If you ever feel like you are finding it challenging to accept your body or anything else, call Teen Link at (866) 833-6546. You can call any day from 6-10pm to talk to another teen anonymously about what is going on. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-75537126902640317792014-02-17T21:51:00.000-08:002014-03-17T11:01:22.214-07:00"Healthy" Diet Gone Too Far?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.baristanet.com/baristakids-old/orthorexia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.baristanet.com/baristakids-old/orthorexia.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Unprocessed foods. Vegetables. Multi-grains. Pure water. What's wrong with a healthy diet? </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Well, really nothing...until it goes too far. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">When we think of eating disorders, we often think of anorexia and bulimia, disorders motivated by the desire to be thin. However, orthorexia is a bit different. Instead of thoughts like "I want to be skinnier" or "I'm too big to eat," an orthorexic person might think things like "I know better than them" or "They're wasting their bodies."</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">What does that mean?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Orthorexia is an obsession with eating healthy. But not only that, it becomes overwhelming to the point that it is the most important thing in your mind. People with orthorexia are driven by the "perfect diet," making this eating disorder more of a moralistic goal than a purely physical goal. They might think that because they are pursuing this diet, they are purer than other people. They might also think that others are killing themselves by eating unhealthy things.</span></div>
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Orthorexic people take healthy eating to an unhealthy level, withdrawing themselves from social events involving food. If they don't prepare the good themselves, they may not feel comfortable eating it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Even though orthorexia isn't primarily driven by the desire to be thin, it usually results in severe weight-loss and malnutrition. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trying to eat healthy or going on a diet does not mean that a person has orthorexia. However, here are some signs that you or a friend might have orthorexia (see more details at <a href="http://www.timberlineknolls.com/eating-disorder/orthorexia/signs-effects">http://www.timberlineknolls.com/eating-disorder/orthorexia/signs-effects</a>):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, genetically modified foods, fat, sugar, salt, dairy products, or any ingredients that seem unhealthy</li>
<li>Obsessing over the connection between unhealthy foods and medical conditions (i.e. cancer, asthma, digestive problems)</li>
<li>Severely limiting the number of foods that are acceptable to eat </li>
<li>Extreme concern over how food is prepared (i.e. if it's washed enough, if utensils are clean)</li>
<li>Feeling guilty after eating "non-approved" foods</li>
<li>Feeling a sense of pride/superiority from eating "healthy"</li>
<li>Consistently planning out meals beforehand</li>
<li>Feeling uncomfortable with eating out or eating food prepared by someone else</li>
<li>Mood swings, depression, anxiety</li>
</ul>
Remember that it's okay to eat healthy and it's okay to eat not-so-healthy things too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to talk about eating disorders or anything else that's on your mind, call Teen Link at (866) 833-6546. You can call any day from 6-10pm to talk to another teen anonymously about what's going on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Have a delicious day!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-47545419900061886062014-02-14T16:40:00.000-08:002014-02-14T16:40:12.093-08:006 Things to Remember for Valentines Day <div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
As all of you know Valentines day is today, you may dread it or love it but here are a few reminders. </h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: red; color: black;">1</span>. Valentines Day is a Hallmark holiday made to help out businesses make money.</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmat17aV-D7yPtiFpQS04ZGrAKvMP9-iieXp3C2B2P1TQpk7DvRuIPO_gO50tCAl7Gjk0Q1PdpdzdXlGZ_zaN4nqGYyyiqp6PCzZTNs1mdo_6689hZVVKrdlgKLip36TT3jEKGWk4BZw/s1600/geico+valentione.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmat17aV-D7yPtiFpQS04ZGrAKvMP9-iieXp3C2B2P1TQpk7DvRuIPO_gO50tCAl7Gjk0Q1PdpdzdXlGZ_zaN4nqGYyyiqp6PCzZTNs1mdo_6689hZVVKrdlgKLip36TT3jEKGWk4BZw/s1600/geico+valentione.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="background-color: orange; color: black;">2</span>. February 14th is also known as Single Awareness Day</h3>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmi2TTK4E2Ax4MYWmiJIq6xRthXu6IZZyR_r0ksEpx7MN5t1QToYtsLgAiyraEWTUBHhu5PPIKxqvvnqXfR_DpZNq1RHxQEiOBXLyDgumL1T2f733NPPVAKoM2JpXjXtxog9vsNpS4-U/s1600/single+awarness+dasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmi2TTK4E2Ax4MYWmiJIq6xRthXu6IZZyR_r0ksEpx7MN5t1QToYtsLgAiyraEWTUBHhu5PPIKxqvvnqXfR_DpZNq1RHxQEiOBXLyDgumL1T2f733NPPVAKoM2JpXjXtxog9vsNpS4-U/s1600/single+awarness+dasy.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: orange; color: black;">3</span>.If you have a special someone, make smart choices</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfSjaOVb-97A2uXeP94HS_SCnS33CamOw3XPELv4LPIYk1wKtIJbD9NJR10dSW2MW3AhZ7VzUo8nnP5zBrwnQUGz70CBPRaScn0oAoOTyvN8oX47TK14dDMKGSMWVR6OUV8pzExxwcVE/s1600/plannedparenthood65.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfSjaOVb-97A2uXeP94HS_SCnS33CamOw3XPELv4LPIYk1wKtIJbD9NJR10dSW2MW3AhZ7VzUo8nnP5zBrwnQUGz70CBPRaScn0oAoOTyvN8oX47TK14dDMKGSMWVR6OUV8pzExxwcVE/s1600/plannedparenthood65.png" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: yellow;">4</span>. For those who are single - its only one day</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiAKyObt8EvG0cR-cCLa-LcvZvGVOQ3whVfJZXCuO_qoONIBoHpQeL5nGVsQ-EFTTXMgo90dXH2s__3Er65YCvXB-Wk_YtoBcfxTqky1YTSTsRQQ2JeOrHTTRJuGZgU093frXI0nHVpY/s1600/depositphotos_8861338-Calendar-Page-With-a-Heart-On-Saint-Valentines-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiAKyObt8EvG0cR-cCLa-LcvZvGVOQ3whVfJZXCuO_qoONIBoHpQeL5nGVsQ-EFTTXMgo90dXH2s__3Er65YCvXB-Wk_YtoBcfxTqky1YTSTsRQQ2JeOrHTTRJuGZgU093frXI0nHVpY/s1600/depositphotos_8861338-Calendar-Page-With-a-Heart-On-Saint-Valentines-Day.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: lime; color: black;">5</span>. Accept everyone's choice of their ideal special someone.</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7NSReKnxtkrhzSvBg_strL9Hi44eTw0E4agaMShYEkIrEGWAcbkGAcTdaXNMuAWZEj2G-t-Ic1753TkSTLZRBQz2SXsMUSXL-N4EVcB-okcCjvFzi3vc0tzsWlaMKZDJE-7uzLn0P7c/s1600/lgbtq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7NSReKnxtkrhzSvBg_strL9Hi44eTw0E4agaMShYEkIrEGWAcbkGAcTdaXNMuAWZEj2G-t-Ic1753TkSTLZRBQz2SXsMUSXL-N4EVcB-okcCjvFzi3vc0tzsWlaMKZDJE-7uzLn0P7c/s1600/lgbtq.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="background-color: cyan;">6</span>.No matter if you're single or not, know you are cared for and that there is hope for tomorrow</h3>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: black;"></span> </h3>
<h3>
</h3>
If you happen to feel the need to talk to someone on Valentine's day or any day of the year, call Teen Link. We are an anonymous help line for teens answered by teens. No matter the issue, big or small,we are here to listen. Our number is <span style="color: black;">1 (866) 833 – 6546. If you prefer chat, visit our website </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/"><span style="color: black;">www.866teenlink.org</span></a> and click on 'chat'. We are open from 6-10 P.M every night all year. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-52726614053598215752014-02-11T13:21:00.000-08:002014-02-11T13:21:24.962-08:00Julia Bluhm & The Body Peace Treaty<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #666666; font-family: Muli,'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Self image is a big deal. How do you feel when you see a clothing advertisement or a magazine cover with a “sexy” model (according to society)? Their breasts are computer enhanced, they are incredibly and rather unhealthily skinny, their skin is airbrushed to "perfection"--they are considered “perfect” in every way. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #666666; font-family: Muli,'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
How does it make you feel? I know it used to me feel bad about the way I looked...it still does. For the record: I’m relatively tall, not skinny <i style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">or</i> overweight, & I have a ton of giant zits under my bangs. These magazines can make people feel so insecure about their physical appearance. The truth is: you don’t look like a model. You don't need to look like a model. Even the models don’t look like models (hint: most of it is fake). </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #666666; font-family: Muli,'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Last year, a young girl petitioned against one magazine's usage of photo-editing software. Julia Bluhm is the 8th grader who petitioned against the use of Photoshop by Seventeen Magazine and succeeded! I' sure you know what it’s like to flip through a fashion magazine, look at the images of the skinny girls with perfect hair, perfect teeth, acne-free complexions, and obviously edited cleavage. After Bluhm's petition and tireless efforts, Seventeen has agreed to stop photo-editing their models and try to show off “real” girls. If one 8th grader (with over 84,000 petition signatures) can put a stop to this, imagine what we could all do if we told the media how we <i style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">really</i> feel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDs_ug5J8EbC9YhqO8Ok6tSRjR3SiNNWTZTJt8fOFLg8Q7AFsAyn-4OhxQf_HPRyUshNbJDt_VepR71Tz3i4IKeXbyAhNRDWb0pkxSwl7LpSE0GP44nHMon41t2LDiI57KqZVP_n3LeU/s1600/seventeen-jumbo-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDs_ug5J8EbC9YhqO8Ok6tSRjR3SiNNWTZTJt8fOFLg8Q7AFsAyn-4OhxQf_HPRyUshNbJDt_VepR71Tz3i4IKeXbyAhNRDWb0pkxSwl7LpSE0GP44nHMon41t2LDiI57KqZVP_n3LeU/s320/seventeen-jumbo-web.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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“Julia’s message to all her supporters: ‘Seventeen listened! They’re saying they won’t use Photoshop to digitally alter their models! This is a huge victory, and I’m so unbelievably happy. Another petition is being started by SPARK activists Emma and Carina, targeting Teen Vogue and I will sign it. If we can be heard by one magazine, we can do it with another. We are sparking a change!’” (ThinkProgress)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7987843686079929709.post-32561675871758441452014-02-10T12:31:00.000-08:002014-02-10T12:41:55.044-08:00"Your shirts too low."<style>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My boyfriend raises his eyebrows at me, “That shirt is
pretty low,” he says.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>It was my shimmery gold shirt, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The one filled with little red triangles and intricate
designs,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">one of my favorites.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My boyfriend had commented on my shirt being "too low,"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">or my pants being "too tight," before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I laughed the first time he did it,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My mom did too when I told her the story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He’s so sweet and protective of you, honey,” she said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I smiled back up at her, my mom the feminist.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It felt a bit ironic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My mom, the feminist who thinks it’s cute that my boyfriend
comments on my clothing when he isn’t in approval of it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He has the right to tell me if my shirt is too low because
he is just being protective.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Protective of what?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Protective of other guys looking at my chest? Because that’s
what my body is right? Something to be looked at.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">An object that needs to be covered up in order to be taken
care of. An object that’s only purpose is too be looked at.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So why for any reason would I wear a shirt that is a little
lower than usual other than to objectify myself?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just like the shirt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know my boyfriend was just being protective,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But why aren’t I protective of him in this way?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe because masculinity, means me not questioning what
guys wear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But for girls, it seems to be the opposite.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Femininity is ironic, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">it is sexy but innocent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is vulnerable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it must be protected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And society has given men the job of protecting women’s
bodies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s not just my boyfriend who has commented on my clothing,
my guy friends have too, and I see it happen to my other girl friends as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But what guys don’t realize</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is that their ‘protection’ of our bodies,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Takes away our right to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It takes away my right to wear whatever shirt I want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe because I feel beautiful it in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe because I feel strong in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Or maybe, I just really like its gold shimmery pattern that
is filled with little red triangles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am learning to be strong in my own body. To remember that it is my body and no one else's. I have the power to do whatever I want with my body and no one else can have that power over me. I am learning to love my body and respect my body. My body is what I see the world through and through which I interact with the world. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgervhKTxMvBD9iDeEjG9W3XWHDOw8S0YY9-NkpnbJ-ZSWAC1G9nNvZZub29ItCPxR-kC8Nc1c5L4EMFDKU9Zhs9uAt5Tf9NQ7NTOsMZ86eJrVzm1NbiiNR02Ix247SFIoa1rfPvKtLwLw/s1600/10+steps+to+positive+body+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgervhKTxMvBD9iDeEjG9W3XWHDOw8S0YY9-NkpnbJ-ZSWAC1G9nNvZZub29ItCPxR-kC8Nc1c5L4EMFDKU9Zhs9uAt5Tf9NQ7NTOsMZ86eJrVzm1NbiiNR02Ix247SFIoa1rfPvKtLwLw/s1600/10+steps+to+positive+body+image.png" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are ever feeling like you are not in control of your body or struggling with valuing it, you can call Teen Link to talk it out.</span><span style="color: black;"> Just like you can call us for any other reason. We are an anonymous phone line for teens and
answered by teens. The people on the line are there to listen—no matter how big
or small the issue. Teen Link’s number is 1 (866) 833 – 6546. The line is open
every night from 6 – 10 P.M. If you prefer to chat, visit <a href="http://www.866teenlink.org/"><span style="color: black;">www.866teenlink.org</span></a>.
Chat is available all week. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And always remember, you are beautiful. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08177792871686126592noreply@blogger.com2