The People We Are Becoming

Is there any way to stop this epidemic?

Absolutely! Lying is a learned behavior which means it can be unlearned.

1. Whatever is done in the dark, will soon come to light. Think about all of your favorite celebrities that have lied over the years…eventually someone, then everyone found out.

2. Mistakes happen, that’s what life is all about. It’s very rare that we walk the straight and narrow. No matter what mistake you’ve made – damaging your mother’s favorite table cloth, or getting a water stain on wood furniture, always tell the truth. Parents will appreciate the truth, rather than a lie. You may still be punished, but the consequences are lessened when the truth is told.

Lying grows exponentially.              

Don’t walk a mile to tell a lie when it’s very easy to take a step to tell the truth.

Words account for about 90% of our communication. Words hold remarkable power. Words can be both soothing, and harsh. Sometimes we will hate them, other times we will love them. Words can compel people to commit acts of cruelty, or they can be nourishing treatments for the soul. Words can influence the attitude of ourselves and the community that surrounds us.

We are perceived by the way we carry ourselves. This includes our vocabulary.

Expand your vocabulary. People tend to judge us by the words that we use. We are often taken more seriously when we have an extended vocabulary. In addition, learning new words helps us to not mispronounce unfamilar one.

Swear words are typically used when people are angry. Individuals tend to swear when they want to sound inferior, or to receive an action from someone. This may be the case for some, however doesn’t have to be for all. It is completely understood that there are times in life when someone or something makes us extremely upset. If you cannot turn the check, then understand that swearing is not the root to gaining respect. If needed, you can get your same point across by using a sharper tone, stern look and extensive vocabulary.

Hanging out with your friends and using profanity after each proper word does not make cool. If this is the company you currently keep, and you desire to be different, then don’t loose site of your desire. Instead, carry yourself in the respectable manner, perhaps your behavior will positively influence theirs.

Perception is everything. The young woman in the restaurant came across as crude, obnoxious, and uncouth, however this may not be the case. In fact she may be a very likeable person, nevertheless, perception is everything, and if we want people to perceive us in a positive light we must carry ourselves with that manner in mind. Also, we never know who may be sitting in the table besides us.

Think about this for a moment: You recently submitted your application for a part time job, and you have an interview after school on Monday. Over the weekend you’re hanging out at a nearby family- oriented restaurant. You can admit, you conducted yourself in a very crude way, but it’s the weekend, time to let loose. In a nearby table is a family of four attempting to enjoy their meal. You take notice but continue to carry on.

Monday morning is finally here, time for your interview, and though you may not immediately recognize the employer, they definitely recognized you, in fact, how can they forget. You’re the individual that dropped the swear bomb on all the patrons tables over the weekend.

Becoming the person you are destined to be begins with small steps; one of which is improving your vocabulary.

The price you pay when growing up, I thought. Well, how outrageous. Why can’t you grow up and still have style.

So here’s to all you tween boys and girls that are caught between maturing in age and staying young at heart. Never loose your creative flair. Always have style! If the walls in your room are lacking a little excitement, add your personal genius to it. This doesn’t necessarily mean adding another solid color to all the same four walls of your room. Instead, paint two adjacent walls one shade, and the other two walls another shade. Then, give the walls some knack by adding a little wall décor of stickers, or perhaps splashing a little paint on them. In our case we painted two walls a purple color known as Indulgent and the other two walls a lighter purple known as Free Spirit. We then fluttered butterfly wall stickers on certain areas of the walls and on the furniture to compliment it.

To save your parents grief on having to buy a complete new frame and headboard to match your unique style, purchasing decorative or solid contact paper works wonders. Also if there is a little suede or leather that’s lacking the edge you desire on your headboard, as in my tween… NO PROBLEM! Suede dye is impressive, and with the help of your parents it will look as if it were purchased that way directly from the bedroom store.

In the end, we created an absolute individualistic bedroom for my tween, and saving money is never a bad thing!

 On July 13, 2010 10am -11am (EST) Michelle Obama will speak with AOL Health on her “Lets Move” Campaign.

1) Wake up an extra hour early, 4-5 days a week and go for a moderate run. Make it family time, and invite your parents along. If you’re not a morning person, after dinner gather the family and take a run around the neighborhood or nearby park.Or

2) After dinner, gather the family and head to the backyard to play a game of softball. This will allow you to spend family time, work out, and have fun.

It’s a lot cheaper to spend money on junk and fatty foods vs. organic foods. However organic foods are not the only foods that provide a healthy way of living.   Foods such as bananas, fruits, whole grain breads and cereals and fresh vegetables are just as healthy as organic, and very cost effective. 

3) The next time your parents are at the grocery store, ask them to pick up fruits, yogurt, bananas and fig cookies. Even better, go along with your parents to the grocery store and choose foods that are healthy for the entire family. Make healthy eating a lifestyle not a temporary diet.It’s important to eat healthy meals each day, but certain schools may not provide this lifestyle. Help your parents prepare a healthy school lunch, and be creative!

4) Prepare a healthy creative lunch!

- Chicken with pasta & a lemon slice to squeeze over the pasta

- Edamame

- Sliced Tomatoes

- Trail Mix

- Veggies and Dip

- Rice Cakes with Peanut Better

- 2 Oatmeal Cookies

- Skim Milk or Fruit Drink 

Lets take a stand and ALL assist in becoming a healthier nation!

Check out Michelle Obama’s interview with AOL Health on Tuesday July13, 10am-11am (EST) at www.aolhealth.com, and visit www.letsmove.go to learn fun food tips, and much more!

This is Anaya Bailey, Becoming Me’s February 2010 extraordinary youth, showcasing her talent and passion for running! Anaya Bailey is 10 years old, and states,  “I love to run, but most importantly, I love to train. Training builds strength, endurance, and courage.” 

Becoming ME looks forward to seeing this extraordinary youth of today, continue on her journey of becoming an extraordinary youth of tomorrow!