Dear Shayna B.,
I feel concerned about the New Year. There are so many unknowns upcoming and I don’t know how I will be able to manage it all. How should I approach these changes?
Sincerely,Fearful Fara
Dear Fearful Fara,
With a new outfit, of course! Just kidding—sort of. Yes, yes, yes, changes can be very hard. There was an experienced wise old man who once said, “Changes are like coins—they are two-sided.” This means you have the opportunity to focus on the good side or the bad side. Why would you pick the bad side?
Imagine you know how to swim, but you never jumped off a diving board. The diving board seems scary, but once you jump off, the swimming is just the same as it always was. A new year is just like jumping off the diving board of life. Some things will feel different, but ultimately most things will be very much the same.
Changes mostly happen slowly. Take it one day at a time. Today is a new day compared to yesterday. Do you feel any different? Did your hair grow five feet longer? Did you grow a foot? I didn’t think so. Even if you don’t want big changes, always remember to at least change your clothes!
Best of luck,Shayna B.
PS: In honor of the New Year it’s time to learn a new language. Let’s start with Hebrew-שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם-to all!
Shayna is a sixth grader and understands what kids in MIDDLE and elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.
