Dear Amazing Teens of Our Parish,
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, which holds deep meaning for believers in body, mind, and soul. In this pastoral letter, I want to discuss the importance of finding balance in your life. Your body is an incredible gift from God, like a high-tech gadget with amazing features. Just as you take care of your phone or game console, you should take care of your body. It involves more than just eating veggies and exercising; it also means avoiding things that can hinder your body’s functions. Just like loading your phone with too many apps slows it down, filling your body with junk food or harmful substances can slow you down too. Treat your body like the super gadget it is and make smart choices to keep it running smoothly.
Your mind is like a superhero headquarters, where all the action takes place. Just as superheroes need to train and stay focused, you need to keep your mind sharp. Instead of spending all your time watching silly videos, engage in activities that stimulate your mind. Read books that spark your imagination, listen to podcasts that teach you new things, and surround yourself with friends who inspire you to be your best self. Your mind is your greatest superpower, so use it wisely!
Now, envision your soul as a treasure chest filled with the qualities that make you who you are. Just as a treasure chest needs precious gems, your soul needs things that bring you joy and make you shine. Be cautious of sneaky villains like jealousy, anger, or holding grudges, attempting to steal your happiness.
Fill your treasure chest with acts of kindness, moments of gratitude, and quality time with uplifting people. Your soul is your most valuable treasure, so protect it fiercely and let your light shine brightly!
Abraham L. Feinberg shared ten helpful tips for self-care and happiness: 1. Don’t worry excessively; it diminishes life’s enjoyment. 2. Start each day with prayer or a positive thought for strength. 3. Maintain control over your eating habits to avoid feeling sluggish. 4. Understand that everyone has limitations, and it’s okay not to excel at everything. 5. Avoid wasting time and energy on jealousy towards others. 6. Trust in people and believe in their goodness instead of being cynical. 7. Find a hobby or activity that brings you relaxation and calmness. 8. Read a book every week to expand your imagination and knowledge. 9. Spend time alone to find peace and rejuvenation. 10. Appreciate what you already have instead of constantly wanting more.
I encourage you to keep these valuable tips in mind to achieve balance in your life. Remember, awesome teens, being a strong teenager is about more than just being physically fit. It's about taking care of your whole self and finding strength through prayer and thinking about your life. Strong teens face their fears bravely and walk with confidence, knowing that God has their back. True strength isn't just about your appearance, but about having a kind heart and seeing challenges as opportunities to grow, believing that every obstacle you overcome makes you even stronger.
With love and blessings,
Fr. Linh Nguyen
