10 Things I Learned from Working in a Therapeutic Boarding School

We’ve all had jobs that cause frustration. Some more than others. I have spent the last three years working with troubled teenagers at a “therapeutic” boarding school. However much my patience is tested with the little cherubs I’m surrounded by, I have learned more than a few things from them and from my coworkers. Among others, here are the top ten:
1. That voice in your head telling you that you’re not good enough, hopeless, unloveable, crazy, worthless, etc. is LYING!!!! Tell it to shut up!
2. When you feel that someone else is judging you, listen to what you believe they are saying, then refer to above because it’s likely how you feel about yourself….and it’s NOT TRUE.
3. If we could see ourselves the way others see us, we would feel pretty darn good about being who we are.
4. We spend way too much energy complaining about our situations and not enough doing something to change them.
5. In order to HAVE a friend, you must BE a friend.
6. Ask your loved ones what makes them feel loved and show them in that way. Love is a language, speak theirs.
7. Take a step everyday, even a small one, that will get you closer to where you want to be. Baby steps still lead to the same place, even if they take a little longer.
8. Everything happens for a reason. Trust that the reason is for your greater good.
9. What you think about, you bring about, whether good or bad.
10. Give to others what you need, whether that be patience, love, or just a hug.