It's rare to hear anyone say they loved middle school. Even people with positive memories never tout it as the best years of their life.
Simply put, it's an awkward season. It's a time of constant changes, social shake-ups, swinging emotions, and intense pressures. If I've learned anything from working with adolescent girls, it's how hungry this age group is for comfort and reassurance. I hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes whenever I speak to a group, a look of searching and a longing to hear something -- anything -- to help them make sense of things.
Please tell me it gets better, their faces silently plead. Tell me this isn't it.
Well, middle schoolers, I assure you that life picks up. There's a bigger, more promising world beyond this rite of passage. In the meantime, I have 10 truths to center you. I hope they bring you peace and a little friendly guidance.
Truth #10: Today's most awkward moments will be tomorrow's funniest memories. Keep a sense of humor whenever possible.
Those braces on your teeth that collect food? That acne on your face that miracle creams can't cure? That giddy rush you get when your crush walks by, and you can't think, talk, or see straight? One day these things will be really funny! They'll be the memories you rehash again and again with your siblings and oldest friends.
It takes time, but as you gain confidence, your awkward moments become fun to share. You'll readily admit yours and laugh at the comedy and conversation that result.
Eventually you'll have a dazzling smile, clear skin, and someone to love. Your current problems will have closure. So stay mindful of the big picture, and remember that even your worst experiences will pass.
Truth #9: You don't want to peak in middle school (or high school or college, for that matter). The worst goal you can have is popularity. Because what often makes adolescents popular -- running with the fast crowd, dominating your peers, living a superficial lifestyle -- eventually leads to problems.
A truly successful person gets better with time. You go from being version 1.0 of yourself to version 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and so on. But when you chase popularity, you peak early. You stop growing and improving because you're stuck in instant gratification mode, looking for quick fixes to satisfy your needs.
Make it your goal to peak later in life. Make good choices that set you up for a bright future. If you're not a superstar now, that's OK. This simply means there are better things ahead as you continue to evolve and learn.
Truth #8: Technology makes it easier than ever to ruin relationships and reputations. We live in an age where people post everything online -- feelings, emotions, and pictures. I love technology when it's used wisely, but too often, it's used impulsively. We let our fingers jump ahead of our brains, and within seconds, we can trigger hurt, misunderstandings, and serious issues.
So please, think twice before texting, emailing, or posting on social media. Cool off before giving someone a piece of your mind, venting, jumping to conclusions, reacting out of jealousy or anger, embarrassing someone, or sending an inappropriate photo. Use the Internet for good, not as a dumping ground.
And when you have an issue with a friend, call instead of sending texts. It's easy to put in writing what you'd never say in person, or to interpret a message the wrong way, and the tension this adds to a relationship is hard to recover from.
Truth #7: Surrounding yourself with good company is imperative. There's an old saying that's particularly relevant to your age group: "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."
Yes, you're called to love everyone, but not everyone deserves a place in your innermost circle. Some people you love up close and personal, and others you love at arm's length because inviting them into your life invites disaster.
Sooner or later, a bad influence will rub off. You'll either make choices against your better judgment or wind up in a predicament. As a mom I know told her daughter, she once went out with a guy who was very sweet to her but also wild. She didn't see the issue until they had their first date -- and he took her to a drug dealer's house.
She told her daughter, "Even though I was innocent, I would have gone to jail if the police had come. I was guilty by association just by being there."
Good friends lift you up. They don't put you in risky or compromising situations. To become the best version of yourself, you need friends who hold themselves to high standards and want you to reach your full potential, too.
Truth #6: What makes you different is what
Simply put, it's an awkward season. It's a time of constant changes, social shake-ups, swinging emotions, and intense pressures. If I've learned anything from working with adolescent girls, it's how hungry this age group is for comfort and reassurance. I hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes whenever I speak to a group, a look of searching and a longing to hear something -- anything -- to help them make sense of things.
Please tell me it gets better, their faces silently plead. Tell me this isn't it.
Well, middle schoolers, I assure you that life picks up. There's a bigger, more promising world beyond this rite of passage. In the meantime, I have 10 truths to center you. I hope they bring you peace and a little friendly guidance.
Truth #10: Today's most awkward moments will be tomorrow's funniest memories. Keep a sense of humor whenever possible.
Those braces on your teeth that collect food? That acne on your face that miracle creams can't cure? That giddy rush you get when your crush walks by, and you can't think, talk, or see straight? One day these things will be really funny! They'll be the memories you rehash again and again with your siblings and oldest friends.
It takes time, but as you gain confidence, your awkward moments become fun to share. You'll readily admit yours and laugh at the comedy and conversation that result.
Eventually you'll have a dazzling smile, clear skin, and someone to love. Your current problems will have closure. So stay mindful of the big picture, and remember that even your worst experiences will pass.
Truth #9: You don't want to peak in middle school (or high school or college, for that matter). The worst goal you can have is popularity. Because what often makes adolescents popular -- running with the fast crowd, dominating your peers, living a superficial lifestyle -- eventually leads to problems.
A truly successful person gets better with time. You go from being version 1.0 of yourself to version 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and so on. But when you chase popularity, you peak early. You stop growing and improving because you're stuck in instant gratification mode, looking for quick fixes to satisfy your needs.
Make it your goal to peak later in life. Make good choices that set you up for a bright future. If you're not a superstar now, that's OK. This simply means there are better things ahead as you continue to evolve and learn.
Truth #8: Technology makes it easier than ever to ruin relationships and reputations. We live in an age where people post everything online -- feelings, emotions, and pictures. I love technology when it's used wisely, but too often, it's used impulsively. We let our fingers jump ahead of our brains, and within seconds, we can trigger hurt, misunderstandings, and serious issues.
So please, think twice before texting, emailing, or posting on social media. Cool off before giving someone a piece of your mind, venting, jumping to conclusions, reacting out of jealousy or anger, embarrassing someone, or sending an inappropriate photo. Use the Internet for good, not as a dumping ground.
And when you have an issue with a friend, call instead of sending texts. It's easy to put in writing what you'd never say in person, or to interpret a message the wrong way, and the tension this adds to a relationship is hard to recover from.
Truth #7: Surrounding yourself with good company is imperative. There's an old saying that's particularly relevant to your age group: "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."
Yes, you're called to love everyone, but not everyone deserves a place in your innermost circle. Some people you love up close and personal, and others you love at arm's length because inviting them into your life invites disaster.
Sooner or later, a bad influence will rub off. You'll either make choices against your better judgment or wind up in a predicament. As a mom I know told her daughter, she once went out with a guy who was very sweet to her but also wild. She didn't see the issue until they had their first date -- and he took her to a drug dealer's house.
She told her daughter, "Even though I was innocent, I would have gone to jail if the police had come. I was guilty by association just by being there."
Good friends lift you up. They don't put you in risky or compromising situations. To become the best version of yourself, you need friends who hold themselves to high standards and want you to reach your full potential, too.
Truth #6: What makes you different is what