Teen Wisdom

Photage 122: Yesterday I went out to Gunn High School and shared my personal story with the Focus on Success students. What an *AMAZING* experience! There is some serious healing power in sharing your story with the intention of inspiring and supporting others. I knew this to be true and yesterday I FELT it to be true. I shared some of the darkest moments of my life and yet, as I talked it was as if each painful memory turned into a jewel of hope and inspiration. I am so grateful to each and every person I connected with yesterday because today I woke up with a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for connecting with me. You guys rock!

**ParenTake**
I connected with some amazing teens yesterday. One of the teens told me that she has been able to relate better with her mom by taking some time to step outside of the roles to gain a new perspective. So instead of viewing her mom as her mom with all of the expectations that can come with, she looks at her mom as simply a woman. This has enabled her to be more understanding, compassionate, and calm.

So all you parents out there, I challenge you to do the same thing. Imagine for a moment that your teen isn't your son or daughter and that you aren't his or her parent. What do you see when you look at your teen and yourself from this neutral, safe distance? I invite you to add your insights as a comment or email me your thoughts at Coach@CassandraRae.com.