Filed under: Mean Stinks
I consider myself to be Quote Enthusiast-a.k.a., I'm obsessed with quotes! In my free time between school, studying, and cheerleading practice, you can find me on Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram, searching for the most uplifting quotes. I love quotes because they're a visual reminder to make the most of each day. My junior year of high school, I stumbled upon one that changed my life: "Life isn't about finding yourself; it's about creating yourself." It became my daily mantra and reminded me that I'm the one person in control of my attitude and actions.
I was inspired by that quote and started writing about advice I'd give other teens on how to build self-esteem and follow their dreams. What started out as a journal entry evolved into my book, "Live High on Life for Teens." Just like my friend and fellow Cambio blogger Emily-Anne Rigal, I believe that the best way to combat bullying is by building positive self-esteem. When you have a positive relationship with yourself, you don't feel the need to bully. In my book I offer fun and simple ways to build self-esteem and of course-in true Quote Enthusiast fashion-I made sure that "Live High on Life" was jam-packed with positive quotes. Inspirational quotes helped me get though some of my toughest days in middle school and high school, especially when dealing with the negativity of gossip and bullying. Here are some feel-good quotes bundled with my advice to help you boost your self-esteem and combat bullying:
1. "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of our love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." - Buddha
Chapter One in my book is called Loving Yourself First. You can't be happy in any other area of your life until you build a strong relationship with yourself. If you want to contribute to the world to your fullest potential, become your own biggest fan.
2. "Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher." - Oprah Winfrey
I know it's not always possible to avoid people who may bring you down, but do your best to immerse yourself in a positive environment with positive people. Find friends who lift you up and bring out the very best in you. That's what true friends are for!
3. "It is better to have one true friend than all the acquaintances in the world." - Anonymous
When you're going through a tough time, remember that all you need is one person who's there for you. I used to think that I had to be everyone's friend, but that got me nowhere. You don't need ten best friends; be happy to have one person who makes you feel better.
4. "Beauty is not a state of body; it's a state of mind."
I saw this quote on a bathroom mirror a few weeks ago and I totally agree with it. The way you feel on the inside reflects on the outside. Strive every single day to block out any negative thoughts about your appearance. Society may place pressure on us to be "perfect." Some people want us to feel like we need to be "fixed." You don't need to be fixed; you're beautiful the way you are! Anytime you have a negative thought about your body, turn it around and think of something positive. Over time, you won't just think those thoughts, but you'll actually believe those thoughts.
5. "I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to." --Anonymous
Don't contribute to the drama, gossip, and hatred. Adding fuel to the fire only makes things worse. It may seem tempting to get involved, especially if your friends are, but just remember that your friend group doesn't define who you are. You can be a trend-setter and a role model for others by rising above the negativity.
6. "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." --John Wooden
Stay positive. Have an uplifting place to turn to on days that you're feeling low:
Keep a box of positive photos, quotes, or notes and label it "Uppers for a Downer Day."
Start a Pinspiration board on Pinterest. Here's mine: www.pinterest.com/beccawertheim/pinspiration/. When you find positive images, pin them to that board so you have positivity in one place!
7. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." --Leo Buscaglia
Do good things for others. It's a simple tip that goes a LONG way. Of all the self-esteem advice I offer to teens, this is my favorite. Doing things for others is totally win-win, because you make someone else feel good while making yourself feel good at the same time. The possibilities here are endless: leave a sweet comment on someone's Facebook photo, volunteer at a local food bank, compliment a friend, or thank a teacher or parent.
8. "All the wonders you seek are within yourself." --Thomas Browne
Quote yourself! When I was searching for the best quotes to put in Live High on Life, I realized that almost all of them were from famous people. But you and I have pretty good wisdom to offer to the world, too. If you could be remembered by one inspirational quote, what would it be? Let me know: tweet @livehighonlife with hashtag #QuoteYourself and I'll RT. One lucky tweeter will receive a FREE personalized copy of Live High on Life!
For a daily dose of inspiration, follow @livehighonlife on Twitter and Facebook: www.facebook.com/livehighonlife.
For more self-esteem tips, check out "Live High on Life," available at www.livehighonlife.com.
Live the life you've imagined!
--Becca
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