When I lean against my grandma 

On the green couch 

She talks about things that used to be 

Does that mean 

When I’m her 

My grandkids won’t understand 

How I picked a flower yesterday

I picked a flower it was yellow

Lots of yellow really some random bush

With lots of yellow

Yes I just found it growing

Up out

Of the

Ground

Will they not understand picking a flower yesterday

Up out of the dirt?

How I looked at the stars yesterday

Yes they’re still there

Probably

We just can’t see them

We used to look up it was like

Someone spilt sugar on mom’s indigo apron

We knew a few 

Constellations

Not the way your teachers make you

Memorize them now

There’s happiness in knowing they’re there

Not knowing

What clique they’re part of

But will you only ever know the stars

From VR headsets and oral reports

Will you never understand

Looking up at the stars last night?

Will I want to stand up

Off the couch and scream

I picked a flower yesterday

I looked at the stars yesterday

Screaming willing

It to be true?

Please make it true.

In this time in the world with everything that is going on, we need to find joy in the small things. Your sanity depends on it. If you focus on the bad things, your senses will be overwhelmed and all you will be able to think about is the bad in the world, which, if you are like this for long enough, will break you. 

But if you find the joy in the small things, you can go through life far more happier than someone going through life focusing on the bad. If you find joy in the things you like to do, your life will be even better. If you can fill your life with things you love, you will feel like you are living your dream. 

This is not to say that you can't think about sad or depressing things sometimes, but don't let that consume you and dictate your life. You control who you are and who you can become. Follow your dreams and never give up. I am not saying that you can't take a break, but never stop trying to become who you want to be.

Social media is pretty much everywhere. It’s how we share things we like, keep up with friends, and maybe share things we don't like.  And while it can be fun, I honestly think teens spend way too much time on it. A little is fine, but too much can mess with your mental health, waste your time, and make you miss out on actual life. First, social media can seriously mess with your confidence. When you’re constantly looking at perfect pictures of people with flawless skin, perfect outfits, and what seems like the most exciting lives ever, it’s hard not to compare yourself. You start thinking, “Why doesn’t my life look like that?” But here’s the thing—most of it is fake or filtered. Still, it can make you feel insecure or just bad about yourself for no reason. Second, it’s a total time-waster. You go on to check one notification, and suddenly, you’ve been scrolling for an hour watching videos of people you’ll never meet. It’s also super distracting. I’ve definitely caught myself putting off homework because I was “just going to check my phone real quick.” Spoiler: it’s never quick. Lastly, social media can make real-life moments feel...less real. Instead of enjoying a fun day with friends, people are too busy taking photos or videos to post. It’s like they care more about showing they’re having fun than actually having fun. Honestly, sometimes it’s better to just be in the moment without worrying about getting the perfect post. I’m not saying social media is the worst—it’s fun, and it’s not going anywhere. But I think teens need some limits. Whether it’s setting screen time rules or just making a habit of putting your phone away when you’re with friends, a little balance wouldn’t hurt. After all, life is way more fun when you’re actually living it—not just posting about it