Recently, I had a conversation with a girlfriend about kids in high school in relation to what age you learn or decide what kind of friends you want or things you won’t put up with.

Oddly enough, at a time that most kids try to fit in or experiment because other kids are, I had already decided that rebellion was something I didn’t understand, and honestly, looked down on and turned my nose up at.  I thought it was ridiculous to try and look cool, it symbolized to me that others needed to accept you, something that you should look inwards for, not outwards and rely on this acceptance from others.

I did think that attempts at fitting in, made someone look more of a fool.  I definitely came off as a goodie-goodie, but you couldn’t convince me that others were better than me (in terms of learning and growing into who I am meant to be).  I could read people and pick up on any fake-ness.

Of course, I had insecurities.  Plenty of them.  Things like wishing I was prettier or smarter or more outgoing.  Because I was so shy, I didn’t want to be part of anything social, haha.

I was trying to think back to how I learned or felt these strong opinions about what I definitely consider to be a strong sense of self worth.  I have determined I can thank my parents and grandparents for this.  I was and am enough.  There was open dialogue (despite being fairly sheltered) on the effects of (bad) choices.

The children’s stories that I have written carry this theme – of self worth, not the part about being snobby towards rebellious acts.

I think feelings of self worth also have an immense impact on mental health.

There will be multiple conversations and dialogue on this with my boys as they grow older.  I want them to have the tools to believe in themselves as well.  What do you think?

Tot Straks / Until Later,

Devon