Wonder Day 8.20.15

I want to be better than what I was before and show respect. - intermediate student, Michigan USA

Wonder Day 7.20.15

I would like to eliminate the need for intense perfectionism. My life currently revolves around achieving perfection in every aspect of everyday life.

I beat myself up when I don't reach my ridiculously high goals. I constantly feel like I am not good enough. I want to overcome that feeling and like myself because I don't think I ever have. 

As I get older, things get harder and my expectations of myself just get higher, but I seem to fail to meet them more and more. As this happens, I beat myself down more and more and hate everything about myself. 

I want to love myself. How can I do this? I don't know. I think I have to take a step back and reflect from a logical point of view, trying to understand what really makes sense. Maybe I'll take the summer to work on myself. - high school student, Florida

Wonder Day 7.13.15

One positive change I would like to make in the future is to improve my self-image. I have a bad habit of comparing my achievements to others, which is detrimental to my overall mental health. I don't specifically have a plan in mind, but I hope as I grow older and experience life, I will be able to conquer my inner demons and love me for me, and not for my grades or achievements. I know there will be several obstacles, such as attending a highly competitive college, but if I could only achieve one thing in life, it would be to be less insecure about myself and my abilities.  -high school student, Florida

Wonder Day 6.15.15

I am happy to say that I have nearly reached a point of self-love, and of the highest self-esteem I have felt in a long time. I've struggled with an eating disorder that makes an appearance every now and then in some little nook and cranny in my brain, but after some self-reflection and the help of loved ones, I have managed to discover both my physical beauty and my beauty from within.

I also thrive on the positive energy from others, which has led to my goal of being a positive influence on other people. Every day I see people caught up in their own suffering, and I know what it's like. To be able to somehow impact others in times like these would have such a positive effect on my life as well. I would like to reassure people of their beauty, of their potential, and of their ability to overcome their flaws and imperfections. Everyone deserves to be made aware of their brilliance and place on this earth, and my goal is to be that force.

I have always been considered the "therapist" both in my circle of friends, and my family, for I have developed skills over the years for making the best of situations and overcoming obstacles. I wish to take this to another level, not only to help others, but to learn more and to improve myself (because I am not perfect). - high school student, Florida