Dear Counsellor:

I get really weary sometimes. I never realise that as an adult you will have to push yourself or reinvent yourself. I find it difficult to motivate myself.

- Marion

Dear Marion:

Life is a daily struggle and you need to set goals, implement programmes and evaluate outcomes.

When we were children, our parents, caregivers or guardians were in control of our lives and would dictate what we ate, what we did and what we thought. As we grow older, we take charge of ourselves and must face the consequences of our action.

We need to have the help of family, friends and peers. We don't know everything, we can't remember some things and life changes rapidly. We need to learn to motivate ourselves by setting goals and rewarding ourselves for making the effort, for being persistent and persevering.

In life, there are trials, temptations and stress. We need to learn to prioritise our activities and implement stress-management solutions. We need to pay attention to our lifestyle, diet and physical activity.

Our lives should be directed by God. Sometimes we focus on our own needs and, at other times, on the needs of others. Helping other people is beneficial in many ways. We get a sense of satisfaction in knowing that we made a difference in someone's life.

There is a saying, 'As a man thinketh, so is he.' We need to think positively and appropriately and be wise in our actions. Don't give way to panic, anxiety or worry. Give God thanks at all times and be a blessing to someone.

Bloom where you are planted. Depend on God to direct your path and to deal with life events. There will be times of stress but there also will be times of relaxation. Life is constantly changing and this generates a level of anxiety in people. Pray for calmness of mind and renewal of spirit. Reward yourself for small successes and celebrate life daily.

Academic success

Dear Counsellor:

My daughter is in high school and I am praying that her academic career is a success. What other tips can you give me?

- Sonia

Dear Sonia:

Students can be academically successful if they apply themselves. Students need to take ownership of their lives and masters of their destiny. Teachers are guides but students need to teach themselves to master schoolwork. Successful students tend to be independent learners and teach themselves the material.

Students need to be avid readers and research a variety of topics. They also need to equip themselves with a lot of general information. Too often students only read what they have written from a lecture and nothing more. Practice is needed with the various subjects.

Good students quiz themselves on the material that is given or that is read. Examination of a topic is helpful towards excellence in a subject. A good student seeks answers to questions and asks the teachers for assistance.

A good homework plan is needed as every day she will get homework from different teachers. Don't wait until the last minute to research a topic and to complete the assignment.

If you need advice about personal or family issues, email Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602 or 791-1778.