When I think of Youth Day, I think of how resilient the young adults of our country have been since the start of the pandemic! So much as changed! How we learn, how we interact, social events… everything. Everything has changed.
In the middle of last year I had to go to the university in my area to drop off paperwork. My heart was broken. It looked like a ghost town. I thought back to my student days and saw shadows of the past, remembering how it was when I was a student… Social groups on the lawn chatting and eating their lunch, corridors abuzz with students rushing to get to their various classes on time…
Back to reality… quiet. Just the squeaking of my shoes on the sparkly floors as I made my way to the relevant department with only the occasional student that walked past. Unsure if they were smiling behind their mask, we greeted each other and continued. I remember thinking that day… how are these poor young people supposed to find the love of their life at ‘varsity, when they can’t even see each other’s faces… (there goes love at first sight). I giggled as I imagined all students walking around with a QR code, to their social media handles, hanging around their necks… (OK it was a long corridor… too much time to think).
It has been hard, but we always need to look for the silver lining, as most South Africans are able to do in the hardest of times. I would like to commend the youth of today for their resilience. For being masters of their own destiny. For accepting the things they cannot change and making the most of the opportunities that come to light.
Anna Louise Pickens compiled a list of Positive Affirmations. We should imprint these in our minds, and the minds of the younger generation:
“I am capable.”
“I am intelligent.”
“I am innovative.”
“I am brave.”
“I am confident.”
“I stand up for myself.”
“I can do hard things.”
“I am in charge of my own identity.”
“I have faith in myself.”
“My ideas are powerful.”
“I am allowed to change my mind.”
“This is my time.”
“I am articulate.”
“I know myself.”
“I am an independent person.”
“I am good at many things.”
“Anything is possible in my life.”
“I have faith in my own abilities.”
“I am qualified to be where I am.”
“I make good decisions.”
Wake up “Everyday” and know that you are of “Premium” quality. Your “Destiny” is not written for you, but by you!
Until next time
Sr Jessica Bredenkamp
(Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)
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