Don’t Limit your Perspective

Over the past few months, I have been reading a lot of picture books, middle grade books, self-help books, and even some YA books. And I’ve learned some really interesting things about history, had some good laughs, and got to read some of the things that my siblings read and enjoy. And even if the books that I read weren’t the most amazing or memorable, I am so happy that I kept my mind open and made the choice to say “I liked that” or “I didn’t like this.”

Hey, guys, it’s Daijah again, and today, I would like to share a few tips on opening your perspective and keeping yourself open to learning new things. I am a teenager who often has to avoid ungodly messages, and I imagine that you do as well. That can cause us to have to shut ourselves off entirely in fear of making a mistake or wandering into a snare. But you can let go of that fear today, because I have a few things that you can do to avoid those unpleasant circumstances but still have tons of options for media.

1. Listen to your gut. You would be surprised how often your gut is right about things. If you feel a sinking feeling when you open a book or put on a movie, don’t ignore it. (Ask your parents to) Look up a review to see what you are walking into, and if nothing shows up (which it usually does) then skim the book on your own or look on the back to see what authors have reviewed it. If it’s an author you don’t like, be cautioned. Maybe just put the book down and look for a new one. Movies are a little different. You can’t necessarily skim them. But you can ask your parents to look up a review on it. Don’t worry, even if it seems tricky, you’ll find some amazing things.

2. Don’t avoid books with girls as protagonists if you’re a boy and vice versa if you’re a girl. To tell the truth, it really hurts my feelings when boys express disgust toward some legitimately interesting books just because the lead is a girl. Girls can be just the same. I’m not saying that you should read endless books about girls, boys, but at least try out The Night Diary or something. Girls, don’t blow off Hatchet or The Trumpet of the Swan, either.

3. Read picture books. I have been reading so many picture books, lately, because my mom suggested it while I was in a book drought. There are so many fantastic picture books out there: Watercress, Stormy, Thank You, Omu, etc. (I have a whole shelf dedicated to picture books on Goodreads.)

4. Get into God’s word. You can have a more discerning eye when you are filled with God’s word.

5. Watch the first episode of a new show/a new movie with your parents. When you’re trying a new show, it can be hard to spot troublesome messages. But your parents have been around longer than you, so their perspectives will reflect it. If they say that the new show or movie is not very good, or discreetly turn the show or movie off, trust their judgement and try something different.

6. Say yes more. You can miss out on a lot when you say no to your siblings or friends. And I don’t mean like when they’re asking you to do something wrong or dangerous. But if they ask you to practice baseball and you have never played, do it. (Even if you’d rather be writing.) It usually turns out being really fun.

I have to admit that I am still growing and learning to be me. Today, I could be happy, and tomorrow I could feel the world so heavy on my shoulders that I can’t smile. But that’s okay. I’m human. We all are. We all have to fail before we succeed, and we all have to feel sadness before we can feel joy. As Jamie Grace said in “Truth”, “Without pain, I would never understand healing and without being weighed down, I couldn’t appreciate freedom“. Even if you make mistakes, you are still loved tomorrow.

‘K, bye!

#livingfully #readingwell