How SoulKids Changed My Life
30th July 2018
Hello, my name is Sashwika and I am 14 years old.
Today I would like to talk about my experience with SoulKids and how it has helped and changed me throughout my growing years. I know that as teens it is crucial to develop a healthy mindset and that is a fundamental step that leads to a happy and successful future.
I began my SoulKids journey at the age of 9. Frankly, at that time I didn’t know what I was signing up for. I was a shy, introverted kid that just did what my mum insisted on. I remember on the way to SoulKids my mother was excited and kept talking about how beneficial this was going to be for me. I didn't really believe her at that time but I am who I am today because of this step my mother took for me and SoulKids really did change my life.
SoulKids has played a significant role in making me into the positive person I am today. The environment at SoulKids was so open, positive and friendly. The mentors were friendly and at the end of the session, you wouldn't want to leave. It was a very safe space and you could happily speak your mind without being judged or feeling shy. At SoulKids, critical life lessons are conveyed in engaging ways. We learn these through many stories and games that are both interesting and fun. SoulKids has been such a game changer in my life and I will now share with you how.
When I had just started SoulKids at the age of 9, I was kind but very shy. I wouldn’t speak my mind and would hide from social situations in school. I wasn’t worried about this until I started to get bullied. I kept questioning everything. Why was I getting bullied when nothing was wrong with me? How come I got targeted just because I was slightly different, I mean wasn’t everyone different in their own way? For a while, I was trying to hold my ground but soon I started to develop insecurities relating to my personality, appearance, and ethnicity. I was so sad coming back from school and I felt like life was so unfair. I would constantly cry and wish I was someone else till I came to SoulKids.
Two SoulKids stories really stuck with me then and continue to do so even now. These stories taught me that my happiness was in my own hands, not in other people’s control. I had the power to make myself happy and no one could take that away from me. This gave me a new outlook on life and I started to consciously make an effort to think positive.
As teenagers, we continue to face challenges in the form of peer pressure or the media. Social media plays a huge role in our lives. Yes, it has its benefits such as the ability to communicate with others and make new friends and catch up but it can have a negative effect as well. It can often set unrealistic standards for both behaviour and appearance which can be quite harmful to a teenagers mental and physical health. Not to forget the bullying that can also happen. The SoulKids lessons have always helped me keep myself in check.
The lessons are deeply ingrained in my mind. I now realize and believe that I am unique and special in my own way and I should love myself for that. The most important thing I learnt was that you should never compare yourself to others because you are you and not them. This has had a great impact on my thoughts and helped me feel more confident about myself. It has helped me focus on everything I like about myself and enjoy doing. I am a happier person now and I am no longer an insecure girl that was defined by others standards. SoulKids taught me to be the best me that I could be and that completely changed me.
As I am only 14, I understand that these aren't the only obstacles that are in my path. There are many more to come but through SoulKids I have the confidence that I can manage them no matter what and keep a positive mind always. Whenever my life takes a turn I always look at it from a different perspective instead of getting flustered, angry or sad. There is always a SoulKids story or lesson to go back to. My method of dealing with issues has changed and I am able to help those around me to be the best people they can be as well. When I look at myself now I realise that I am the confident, positive girl all thanks to my SoulKids experience.
My gratitude goes entirely to SoulKids for helping me become the person I am today. I wish all children could experience SoulKids just like me!
Best Regards,
Sashwika
Sashwika
SoulKids is an award-winning training program of essential life-skills for children.
Read more about SoulKids here www.soulkids.org
The next SoulKids Self-Confidence program is coming up on 6 / 7 / 8 August. An ideal moment for your child to grow self-confidence and have fun during the school holidays at the same time.
For registration, click here.
For all upcoming SoulKids events click http://www.soulkids.org/events
One on One coaching sessions can be booked at your convenience by contacting the SoulKids Manager, Vidhya on soulkids@soulcentre.org
