Getting Beyond "Whatever": The Guide to Teen Self-Esteem and Happiness

by Preston, Shale, Dr.

• ISBN13: 9781452503523
• ISBN10: 1452503524
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-04
• Publisher: Author Solutions
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Summary

Being a teenager is not easy but it doesn't have to be that way. In this book of transformational wisdom, Dr. Shale Preston shows teenagers how to ditch the "whatever" attitude so that they can find enduring happiness, self-esteem, confidence, success and fulfilment. In an accessible "A to Z" format, Dr. Preston provides tools and techniques to neutralize the damaging power of the word "whatever". Justifiably, "whatever" has more than once been voted as the most annoying word in the English language but Dr. Preston's essential guide to teen self-esteem and happiness carries the potential to blast the negative aspects of this word into oblivion. This is a book which every teenager should read. Powerful, inclusive and inspirational, it enables teenagers to seize control of their lives and discover limitless realms of possibility.

Excerpts

INTRODUCTION "Whatever" The word "whatever" is annoying, so annoying that it has more than once been voted by Americans as the most annoying word in the English language. There is a good reason that "whatever" is not liked. It is a word which conveys a "couldn't care less" attitude and it carries a resounding ring of apathy and indifference. It is also a word which is more often than not associated with teenagers. Some commentators even state that it is a word which has been popularized by unhappy teenagers. This book aims to disassociate "whatever" from teenagers by giving you, the adults and visionary leaders of tomorrow, the means to show "whatever" the door. The Power of Words Words are powerful. They are the means through which we communicate meaning. How we choose to use our words determines whether we create positive or negative meaning. Our words can build sacred sites or vicious ghettoes. We can make the world a better place or a lesser place. The choice is ours. Everything we think or say carries meaning. The words we use can heal or wound, affirm or diminish, liberate or enslave, foster love or incite hatred. If we are self-aware we choose words which enhance situations, people and the environment. This is conscious living. Unconscious living or sleep walking is thinking and speaking unconstructive words. By unconstructive I mean words which do little or nothing to help ourselves and the world around us. It is important here to emphasize the word "ourselves" because if we can't help ourselves then we can't help others. Charity, as they say, begins at home. The kindest thing then that we can do for ourselves and by extension others is to think and speak words which are positive and life enhancing. There should be no half-measures in relation to the words that we employ because half-measures serve no one (least of all ourselves). We need to care about our words as much as we care about the things that are dearest to us. Indeed, we should lovingly clean and polish our words until they shine with possibility. Apathy and indifference should have no place within our vocabulary. Accordingly, the slang term "whatever" should be evicted from our vocabulary because it conveys a lack of caring and it forecloses possibility. Neutralizing the Power of "Whatever" What is the best way to oppose or mitigate the effects of "whatever"? The best possible way is to use words (in your thoughts and speech) which carry no "whatever" connotations. Words which are affirmative and words which seek to create rather than negate. The A to Z list of words on the proceeding pages aims to kick start the process of neutralizing "whatever" and its negative impact from your life. If you commit these words to memory and make them a way of life you will transform your life now and forever. Rather than following a path that is strewn with pollution, weeds and debris you will instead discover a sacred pathway of possibility and beauty. This pathway is waiting for all of us but it can only be found if you commit to caring about yourself and the world around you and caring necessarily means seizing control of the words that you think and speak. How to use this book This book can be used in any way that you choose. You can dip into it when you feel the need for inspiration or you can read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Just as there is no standard pathway for everyone to follow there is no one way to read this book. Your way is the best way and the best way starts with you. The words in this book are designed to provide a toolkit which can assist you on your life journey. They aim to help you get in touch with yourself and in doing so; make the world a better place.