Thursday, October 15, 2009

what i learned from teenagers this week

i am a youth leader of sorts. i assist with a state wide youth group that does a lot of activities (in congruence with the aforementioned location of my perfection)...in craig co, va...

so i spend a significant amount of time with these youngsters and each time i leave them i find myself feeling a little selfish. i mean, they could not have possibly gotten as much out of our experiences together as i have. there is NO way.

these kids are brilliant. they are so mature (kinda waaay more mature than i am at 29). they are witty. they have goals and dreams and an amazing outlook on life. so i obvi learn tremendous lessons while in their presence. some i knew before but having them remind me is quite helpful...here are a few:

1. keep things fun at all costs
this is definitely not something i skimp on. i like things that are fun. i like making things fun. but when faced with making things (namely, sometimes boring service projects) fun for teenagers i am tested. keeps me on my toes.

2. if you don't listen to people-they will zone out
duh. but this applies to everyone. it is easy to see when others zone out on others...not so easy to see sometimes when others zone out on you. self awareness is crucial.

3. teamwork is good
sometimes i isolate myself from group activities...because i find my irritated beyond belief and i just want to go home and be alone with my dogs lest i freaking strangle someone...excuse me. although time is often well spent in solitude, it is important to join to team on a regular basis. sometimes people are really not that bad and it is just you. get over yourself.

4. don't take anything too seriously
FOR REALS. there is nothing like hearing someone stressing over a chemistry test next thursday to put life into perspective. sit back and decide if it is really worth your sweat before you sweat it.

5. if possible, under any and all circumstances: SING OUT LOUD
'nuf said.

No comments:

Post a Comment