Rebirth: Opening our Hearts to the Sun

With Spring's arrival, snow melts, trees flaunt their green buds, succulents push out their miraculous flowers, days claim more light and length, animals share their new families, and humans take a deep, cleansing breath. 

The earth and her gardens call me to come back outside and uncover new growth pushing through dead leaves and sprawling weeds. She says, "Come and see my new life. Come and begin again." She doesn't seem to have any leftover worries about what she endured during the winter or whether her flowers will be colorful enough in the summer. 

Chapter 6 in Things My Mama Never Told Me acknowledges that humans experience stress and anxiety, specifically teen-girl-humans. Do you ever feel so stressed that you think your eyeballs are going to pop out of your head? Maybe you’re worried about school or parents or friends or enemies or money or family problems . . . and sometimes it’s just too much to bear. There is so much to consider every day. It’s overwhelming.

Here are some wise words from teen girls about relieving stress:

• I surround myself with people who love & understand me.

• I try to remember that stress is temporary, but the results of my hard work & goals will bring me serenity & happiness.

• I clean and organize.

• I hug my dog and listen to music.

• I play a musical instrument.

• I say affirmations.

• I look for positive people & try to radiate positivity & strength.

Here are some wise words that I must recommit to as I awaken and open my arms to the sun.

• Eat a little. Some protein in the morning like eggs, nuts, dark green veggies, red or purple fruits can see you through the day.

• Move a little. Try a little more movement in order to feel a little more energetic and a little more satisfied with who you see in the mirror.

• Sleep a lot. Snuggle in your fav blanket and get just a little more sleep.

• Take care of yourself a lot. You are a miraculous creature.

Generalized Anxiety (Stress) Disorder (GAD) affects millions of people in the United States and around the world. Women are twice as likely to be affected, and GAD is common in teens and young adults. All teens have some anxiety. It is a normal part of growing up. But people with GAD experience intense worry and fear that may be greater than the situation calls for. 

If you or a teen you know shows signs of GAD, please take care of yourself by talking to a friend, loved one, counselor, primary care doctor, spiritual leader, or mental health specialist. If necessary, call a suicide hotline (1-800-273-TALK) or a warm line (run by peers) (www.warmline.org). I love you. You are worth it.