Finding your true self: a guide for teenage girls

So, you’re going through some changes, huh? Maybe you’re looking in the mirror and not recognising the girl staring back at you. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Your body is changing, your thoughts are racing and it can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster that never stops. But guess what? You’re not alone, and this journey of self-discovery is something that can totally empower you.

What’s happening to me?

First off, let’s get real about what’s going on. Your body is growing and so is your mind. You might feel like you don’t quite fit into the skin you’re in and that’s okay. It’s like you’re a butterfly still in the cocoon, figuring out what your wings will look like. This process can be confusing, even frustrating, but it’s all part of becoming the amazing person you’re meant to be.

The power of affirmations

Ever heard of affirmations? They’re like little pep talks you give yourself. It might sound cheesy, but they’re super powerful. An affirmation is a positive statement that you repeat to yourself, kind of like a mantra. When you say them regularly, they start to sink in and you begin to believe them.

Think of it this way: your mind is like a garden. What you plant in it will grow. If you plant seeds of doubt and insecurity, that’s what will take root. But if you plant seeds of confidence, self-love and positivity, that’s what will blossom.

How to create your own affirmations

Creating affirmations is easy and you can totally personalise them to fit what you need to hear. Here’s how:

  1. Identify your insecurities: What are the things that make you feel unsure? Maybe it’s your appearance, your abilities, or how you compare to others. Write these down.
  2. Flip the script: Take those insecurities and turn them into positives. For example, if you feel like you’re not pretty enough, your affirmation could be, “I am beautiful, inside and out.”
  3. Keep it real: Make sure your affirmations feel true to you. They should be something you can believe in, even if it takes time.
  4. Repeat, repeat, repeat: Say your affirmations every day—when you wake up, before bed, or whenever you need a boost. The more you say them, the more they’ll become a part of you.

Examples of affirmations

Not sure where to start? Here are a few affirmations that might resonate with you:

  • “I am enough, just as I am.”
  • “My body is strong, beautiful and unique.”
  • “I am worthy of love and respect.”
  • “I choose to be confident and fearless.”
  • “Every day, I’m becoming the best version of myself.”

Why affirmations work

Here’s the cool part: affirmations actually change the way you think. They help rewire your brain to focus on the good stuff. When you start believing in yourself, that confidence shines through in everything you do. You’ll notice that you start carrying yourself differently, you speak with more authority and you stop comparing yourself to others because you’re too busy loving who you are.

Embracing your unique journey

Remember, your journey is yours alone. No one else is living your life and no one else can tell you how to feel about your body or your identity. You have the power to define who you are and you don’t need to fit into anyone else’s mould. So embrace the changes, the ups and the downs. They’re all part of what makes you, you.

You’ve got this

You’ve got this. The teenage years can be wild, but they’re also a time to discover just how amazing you are. Use affirmations to build yourself up, embrace your body and step into your power. And remember, you’re not just growing—you’re transforming into the incredible person you’re meant to be.

So, go ahead and start planting those positive seeds. The world is waiting to see you bloom!