In this issue:Back to school • Tap into positivity • Grow pesto • Be a quiet leader • Careers in hotels • Animal moves • Puzzles, colouring and more!
Who doesn’t love cosy? As summer ends, the sky turns golden, toes are curled up in woolly socks, mugs of steaming hot chocolate are being made and pumpkins will soon be carved. As far as Teen Breathe’s concerned, autumn • apart from the odd spooky owl swooping overhead • couldn’t feel comfier.
But have we made up our minds too quickly? About the owl, we mean. Yes, their hoots can sound haunting and they’re often linked to witches, but plenty of cultures see them as clever and wise. First impressions don’t always tell the whole story.
The same can go for people, too. We assume the quiet girl won’t make a good leader (because she’s good at listening, others feel able to speak up), the grandparent won’t know anything about computers (she used to fix PCs for a living), the boy is grumpy because he isn’t smiling (he’s simply thinking about that exam he has next week).
Sometimes, these judgments bring their own kind of comfort. Thinking you’re good at sport could mean you’re more willing to try new activities. But they can hold you back, too. Believing you can’t be a leader because you’re quiet can keep you from stepping out of your comfort zone.
Which reminds us, it’s time to create that cosy corner with candles and cushions. Happy snuggling!