New Year, Do You!
January 2023
Happy New Year! We'd like to start off the year by focusing on the most important person...YOU! This year, make a resolution to be yourself, your "AUTHENTIC SELF." Research suggests that authentic people are well-liked, and they benefit from social support and the many other positive outcomes associated with enjoying close relationships with others. Here are some tips provided by Brainz Magazine to help get you started.
Accept Yourself
Self-acceptance is a journey and will evolve as you do. It means allowing all parts of yourself to be seen, the good, the bad and the ugly. Being comfortable in your own skin means accepting that you aren't perfect and that your quirky personality is what makes you who you are. When you embrace yourself just as you are, you are giving permission for others to do the same.
Live By Your Values
Being authentically you means living and breathing your own set of morals and beliefs. Identify your values by thinking about the times when you are most happy and when you feel most proud. In these moments you will find key values that make you feel good; family, achievement, honesty, working as a team, are just a few examples.
Bring the Fun Back to Your Life
Allowing yourself to have some fun is the quickest way to feel like yourself, now. Do something you love just because it makes you feel good. Dance around the kitchen. Go for a walk in nature. Subconsciously you are telling yourself that you're worth it, you deserve it and that is the key to knowing that you are good enough, just as you are.
How to Raise an Authentic Child
When children act like their true selves, they experience increased happiness, improved self-esteem, and better relationships. Here are just a few of the positive traits of authenticity in kids:
- Forming relationships grounded in real connection
- Standing up for yourself and others, even in the face of peer pressure
- Taking advantage of your own talents and gifts
- Acting with self-confidence, creativity, and self-expression
Here are some helpful tips from the Parents website:
https://www.parents.com/health/healthy-happy-kids/how-to-raise-an-authentic-kid/
Choose Your Word for the Year
Instead of making a New Year's Resolution, choose a word that resonates with you, that you can use to direct your energy and accomplish your goals. This word will help you focus on what you want to work on for the coming year. This website will help guide you through this process and you can download the worksheet below.
This newsletter is a joint collaboration of the DOE Central District's School Social Workers and Human Services Professionals. The purpose is to highlight information that you may find useful, and does not serve as a comprehensive list. We do not endorse any specific organization. Mahalo!