Everything in this world seems smooth as long as things are moving on their pre-destined track. When children set out in this world to pave their own way, there is bound to be some resistance. And this leads to restlessness, apprehension, fear and anxiety. Anything that they love, things that matter to them; and are important to them, make them worry (what an irony!). And worry is quite an unpleasant emotion. Children enter a vicious cycle initiated by their changing hormones, and worsened by peer pressure and their developing identity.

Needless to mention, in today’s world, stress has become an integral part of existence. The stressed mind urges one to transiently suspend rational thinking, leading to denial of reality and brings in pessimism. This causes the damaging tetrad of negative perceptions, negative thoughts, pessimistic emotions and adverse behaviors that eventually culminate into self damaging lifestyles. When this continues beyond the limit of the defense mechanisms and coping strategies, it may lead to burnout, anxiety problems, depression and in some extreme cases even psychotic phenomena and suicide. A sound mind and rational decision making ability are basic needs to survive and thrive in the world today.

Childhood sows seeds, while teenage sprouts twigs of identity. Emotional responsiveness, personality buildup, habit formation and problem solving abilities get defined. Though it may seem easy, the situation can get chancy. Children may think that they are innately capable of making the right decisions for themselves; but this may not be true. They tend to do defy most of what is told to them. This results in opposition form parents and thus defiance and a development of negative identity. They may end up in an emotional mess and become a source of trouble to everyone around them.

Adolescents need to have the right lookout in life so that they take appropriate steps towards responsible living. It is easy to make wrong decisions. Righteousness undeniably demands courage and it calls for strong will power. At the same time, it is habitual; when accustomed to do only the right thing, the wrong behaviors take a back seat. Criticism can motivate self change if it is given sensitively and taken constructively. Each one of us has self-preserving instincts; everyone needs reinforcers for their behavior when appropriate. Nobody awaits negative remarks and condemnation from others. Children want and need support and guidance, which should be offered to them in a caring manner. The goal is to help them deal with difficulties and conflicts in their lives effectively and emerge as stronger, mature, positive and more responsible individuals.

Stress is an inseparable part of human existence. It is not possible to change the situation in most cases; however, changing oneself is a feasible and suitable option.. Stress acts as a positive response if it drives one to purposeful action. If not, it generates negative thoughts that produce only destructive emotions, which predispose disruptive behaviors. Positivism in all these three: Thought, Emotion and Behavior is the requirement for building hope and finding purpose. We use this workshop to generate rightful and purposeful thinking in the developing mind at the appropriate time. This helps to direct the adolescent mind towards positive and constructive thoughts, behavior and action to ensure a long, healthy, fruitful and positive life ahead. Life is never beautiful or ugly. It is the perception that determines so.