STEP FOUR: Focus on What You Can Do

What are your strengths or talents? Do things that allow you to explore your interests and maybe even show off a little. When you focus on what you can do, you'll have a better chance of staying positive and bouncing back when things don't go your way. If you're feeling down, helping someone else or doing things in your community just might make you feel better. Try the following:

• Get involved with a school or community service club or a hospital volunteer program.
• Work with others to address problems in your school or community.
• Start a program in your school or community to teach others about your disease or disability.
• Help an elderly neighbor plant a garden.
• Offer to babysit for a working mom.
• Do some odd jobs around your house.
• Find a new hobby or interest.

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From Young People and Chronic Illness: True Stories, Help, and Hope by Kelly Huegel.
©1998 Free Spirit Publishing, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.