Whenever someone says “year-end reflection,” most teens imagine sitting with a notebook, staring into space, and suddenly remembering every awkward thing they did since January. Some imagine a teacher saying, “Write five goals for the new year,” and instantly feel the urge to sleep. Others picture a motivational video telling them to wake up at 5 am, drink green juice, and become a new person on 1st January.

This article is not going in any of those directions.

Reflection does not have to feel like homework or emotional pressure. It can actually be gentle and even slightly funny. Think of it like a small puzzle where you are not trying to solve your entire life. You are only picking a few pieces and noticing how they fit into your year.

Here is a calm, step-by-step, overthinker friendly guide to looking back at your year before 2026 arrives.

Step 1: Small wins only rule

Most people begin reflecting by thinking of everything they did not do. Did not top the class. Did not keep up with morning workouts. Did not stop procrastinating. Did not magically become less awkward in front of a crush.

Here, we ignore all of that. We focus only on tiny wins that actually happened.

Maybe you finally cleaned your school bag after months of pretending it was fine. Maybe you survived a group project without fighting with the bossy classmate. Maybe you remembered to drink water on your own. Maybe you learned how to do something small that used to scare you. These small wins are important because they show real growth, not social media style achievements.

Reflection becomes more enjoyable when the goal is simply to notice the little things that made your year feel brighter.

Step 2: The three moments of choice

You do not need to choose your best memories or your most productive ones. Just three moments that stayed in your mind.

Maybe you laughed so hard with a friend that your stomach hurt. Maybe you cried but felt supported afterward. Maybe you ate something so spicy that you questioned every life decision. Maybe someone said something kind that you still think about.

These small pieces of the year tell a much more honest story than big achievements. They remind you that your year was full of feelings, experiences, and moments that made you a little more you.

Step 3: The one thing you learned by accident

Life teaches you things even when you are not trying to learn. These lessons do not need to sound smart or deep.

It could be something as simple as realising that sleeping at 2 am every day is not a personality trait. Or that you do not need to reply to every message instantly. Or that some friendships feel lighter when you stop trying so hard. Or that getting a dramatic haircut during exams is never a good idea.

Even one simple lesson can make your year feel meaningful.

Step 4: Something that felt heavy 

Every year has something that feels heavy. Maybe it was exam pressure. Maybe it was a friendship drama. Maybe it was stress at home. Maybe it was loneliness. Maybe it was just the feeling of being overwhelmed for no clear reason.

Naming the heavy things is not about reliving them or trying to solve them. It simply helps you recognise what used up your energy. Once you see it clearly, you walk into the new year with slightly more understanding of yourself.

There is nothing to fix here. Only something to gently notice.

Step 5: Something you want more of

This is not a goals list. This is not a resolutions list. This is not a punishment list for everything you failed to do.

This is one quiet question. What do I want more of next year

Maybe more sleep. Maybe more laughter. Maybe more calm mornings. Maybe more confidence in speaking up. Maybe more time with people who make you feel like yourself. Maybe more kindness toward your own mistakes.

Choosing what you want more of is a softer and kinder way to guide your next year.

The grand finale

Some years are for thriving. Some years are for learning. Some years are for surviving. All three deserve recognition.

School, friendships, exams, crushes, moods, expectations, disappointments, and unexpected joys all happened in one year. And somehow you moved through all of it. That is not a small thing. That is something to celebrate quietly and honestly.

Reflection is not about being perfect. It is not about proving anything. It is simply about noticing your life. You do not need to enter 2026 as a completely new person. You can step into it as the same person you already are but with a little more understanding, a little more softness, and a little more space to grow at your own pace.

Amogh shares a page of his diary as he prepares to change schools. Again. A difficult goodbye or the chance for a new beginning. Find out in this edition of Dear diary. 

Dear diary,

“You’re joining a new school!”

These five words (or six, if you count “you’re” as “you are”) basically shake up everything in your existence when you’re a kid. And I really mean everything. 

The words sink in, and suddenly, you realise what this means: this is the last time you see your friends. The last time you see your teachers. The last time you’re going to walk the familiar hallways, the last time you enter through beloved gates, the last time you enter homeroom. Think about it… the place, the people you spent 8 hours every day with? You might never see them again. It genuinely feels like all that you loved, lived and laughed for is just…ending. Ok, so it’s probably not that dramatic. But still. 

The feeling is complex. It’s a mix of shock, excitement, stress, melancholy, and basically everything in between. I’ve moved schools and moved countries 3 times, and yet, the idea of moving schools still catches me completely off guard. Well, I’m shifting schools. Again. Fourth time’s the charm?. And those five words still spark some sense of how I felt moving schools for the first time, back when I was 6 years old. My father had just gotten transferred to New York, and we were leaving the country in a month-and-a-half. And everything I said about moving schools in the second paragraph? Well, all that is compounded to the power 8 when you’re moving to another country. 

Back then, I didn’t really know what to feel. To be honest, I was more like: “Well, what am I supposed to do? New York? What’s that? Huh? Lego? Wait… can I have a Lego for my birthday? Please… Lego Star Wars? Darth Vader? Kylo Ren? Wait… the Force Awakens is in theatres? Papa? Can we go watch?” So, I really didn’t feel too much. 

As little kids, I guess we’re more optimistic, because I didn’t really care about the fact that this was the last time I’d probably see most people around me at school. I didn’t feel most of the melancholy. All I really cared about was the new Lego AT-AT Walker set which was releasing in New York a lot earlier than it was in India. 

But fast forward two years, just as I’m completing third grade in New York, I hear those five  words again. Followed by “We’re moving to Dublin, in Ireland!” Initially, I’m dumbfounded. Which Dublin again? And after I’m done pondering about how I’m going to shift all my Lego sets to Dublin – the one in Ireland, I realize what’s going to happen. And an uneasy feeling hits me. So the next day in school, I tell all my friends that, in a month, I’m probably never seeing them again. Every day, I get more and more anxious. I had finally started to feel comfortable in New York, and now we have to move again? I’m helplessly crushed, and I have no idea how the heck I’m going to survive in Ireland.

The time finally comes. The first day of school in Ireland. Gotta remember to call soccer football again. After 8 long hours, I’m like: Well. It wasn’t that bad. Maybe I can get by. 4th grade goes by, and so does 5th grade, and 6th grade, and finally, I’m nearing the end of 7th grade, when I’m bombarded with another announcement. “You’re going back to India. We’ve enrolled you in a great IB scho-” 

What?! This time, I feel like I’m going to go crazy. Once again, just as I was finally enjoying my life in Ireland, I got the news that I’m going back. So, everytime I laugh at my friend’s joke, I think maybe this is the last time. Every time I take a bite out of my lunch, I think maybe this is the last sandwich I eat in this country. Maybe the last St. Patrick’s day parade… 

Fast forward again, this time to 8th grade. I’m in India, and life is good. I have a bunch of friends, and I’m enjoying playing cricket and competing in chess tournaments. The year goes by fast, and 9th grade comes by. I’m feeling great. I’m enjoying my life, and the only thing that can upset me is if someone reminds me that India lost the 2023 Cricket World Cup. But, otherwise, I’m having a blast. And then… the day comes… again…

A different school. A different country. Different people. The last time I’ll play football with my friends. The last time I’ll go to the second floor bathroom. The last time I’ll go to the first floor bathroom. The last time I’ll go to the third floor bathroom. All these thoughts, and more, keep replaying in my head during the last day of school. To be honest, I really don’t know what to feel, once again. 

But maybe that’s fine.

Someone wise once said “change is the only constant”. So I guess this is just “change” reasserting itself into my life. Because moving schools might mean the end of one experience, but it’s also the beginning of another. Because for every last day of 9th grade, there’s a first day of 10th grade. Maybe it only gets easier when we embrace the change. When we normalize it, instead of resisting it. Because… without change, we really wouldn’t be here. 

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

​​Advika: Hey, that picture you posted yesterday, you looked amazing! Loved the dress.

Charu: Thanks… but honestly, I might delete it when I go back home today.

Advika: Why? What happened?

Charu: When I look in the mirror, I just… I don’t like what I see. Like, everyone around me looks so perfect all the time. And it’s like no matter what I do, I never feel enough. Like, why can’t I just be okay with myself, the way I am?  I wear baggy clothes so no one notices me but even then I feel like I’m not good enough. Like, no matter what I do, it’s never it.

Advika: Why do you feel that way?

Charu: Recently, I posted a pic in this dress the other day, it was kinda bold for me, but I actually felt good for once. And then I saw the comments… people calling me ‘flat’ and saying I look like a boy. or ‘where are the curves?’ Honestly, why do people have to ruin everything?

Advika: I’m so sorry you had to read those things about yourself. That’s just awful.

Charu: It’s not just that one post though. It’s happened my whole life. People keep saying things like “You should eat more,” or “You’ll fly away in the wind,” as if it’s harmless fun. But their words deeply affect me and make me feel uncomfortable in my skin.

Advika: I wish people would understand the impact their words can have on others. A joke for them can become an insecurity for someone else.

Charu:  And what stings the most? It’s not just strangers. Sometimes it’s the people closest to me. Like the other day, my aunt just casually goes, ‘Real women have curves.’ Like… so what am I then? Fake? 

Advika: Oh Charu, I’m so sorry she said that. That must’ve really hurt. It’s so unfair how people say stuff like that without thinking. You shouldn’t have to laugh it off just to protect yourself.

Charu: I know. I guess I’ve just spent so many years hearing things like that, it’s hard to shake it off.

Advika: I get it. But listen, try looking at your so-called flaws not as things to hide or fix, but things that make you you.  Who even decides what ‘perfect’ looks like? To me, it’s when someone’s just being themselves. That’s way more powerful than any filter or body type. 

Charu:  Of course it’s tough. I’’ve been hearing this stuff for years. It’ll take time to unlearn it, but even just talking about it like this? That’s a brave first step I feel.

Advika: Totally. And for your next step, try and be your own cheerleader. If others are putting you down, you’ve got to lift yourself up. Maybe write down one thing you love about yourself every day-just one. Your confidence should come from within, not from what other people say.

Charu: Hmm, okay. I’ll try. It’s just so easy to believe the negative stuff.

Advika: It’s so messed up how we’re made to believe looks = worth. But girl, the stuff people actually remember? It’s how you made them laugh, how you listened when they needed someone, not whether you had perfect skin or a ‘model’ body.

Charu: You’re right. I’ve never really looked at it that way before. Maybe I am already enough… I just need to remind myself more often.

Advika: Exactly! And I’ll remind you too every single time you forget.

Charu: Thanks, Advika. Talking to you makes me feel a little lighter. Maybe I won’t delete that post after all. 

Advika: That’s the spirit. Keep showing up as you. The world needs more of that. 

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

A few days ago, I was on my way home from office, sitting quietly in the metro. That’s when I overheard a girl talking to her friend. She said she wasn’t happy with her skin colour and wanted to try some new products to fix it. And just like that, it hit me – I’d been in that exact same place once. But my issue was different. It was my height.

I’ve always been on the shorter side – just a little over 4 feet. And honestly, it was like the only thing people ever noticed about me. My family used to stress out so much about it. “Shaadi kaise hogi iski?” was the usual background music at home. And just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I got glasses. Yup, now I was short and wore specs. The name-calling began – “chashmish,” and a bunch of other weird stuff. Some even came from my own family.

The “height problem” obsession

There was this cousin whose daughter was also short. Her family was struggling to find a match for her. So, naturally, they turned to the Internet and ordered some height-increasing medicines. And guess what? My family copied them and handed me the same meds. No doctor, no questions. 

By then, I was already tired of the stares, the jokes, and the “friendly” advice. So I didn’t even think twice. I just started taking those pills, secretly hoping I’d grow taller overnight. For a week straight, I took them without missing a day. But instead of growing taller, my body started reacting to it.

When things went downhill

Sticky liquid started coming out of my breasts, and soon after, I got my first period -way earlier than expected. That was scary. Then came the tiredness, mood swings, loss of appetite. I was cranky all the time. Basically, I was falling apart and had no idea why.

Finally, my mumma took me to a doctor. The moment he heard about the meds, he said, “Stop them. Now.” He told us those medicines were messing with my hormones and could cause long-term damage. 

Lesson learned the hard way

That experience taught me a big lesson: never mess with your body just to fit in or meet some random beauty standard. So what if I’m short? That doesn’t make me any less cool or capable. I don’t need to change to please anyone.

Today, I own my height. I rock my glasses. I love my body, just the way it is. No filters, no fakeness. Just me.

And honestly? That’s more than enough.

What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is when someone encourages your behavior through praise, rewards, or support. Basically, when your parents cheer you on for doing something good—whether it’s working hard on a school project or helping a friend—they’re reinforcing that behavior. Over time, this shapes how you think and feel about yourself!

How does it help your mental health?

Let’s break it down:

1. Confidence boost

Imagine you auditioned for a school play and didn’t get the lead role. But instead of saying, “Maybe next time,” your parents tell you, “We’re so proud of how bravely you auditioned!” That’s positive reinforcement. It helps you focus on effort, not just results, making you more confident to try new things in the future.

2. Building emotional strength

Ever felt like giving up on a tricky math problem? If your parents say, “You’re really trying hard, and that’s what matters,” you’re more likely to keep going instead of quitting. Encouragement like this helps you develop resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges—which is a superpower for mental health.

3. Stronger parent-child bond

A high-five, a warm hug, or even a simple “I’m proud of you” creates a sense of security and trust at home. This makes it easier to share feelings, talk about struggles, and ask for help when needed. And guess what? Having this kind of support reduces anxiety and stress in the long run!

4. Handling setbacks like a pro

Nobody enjoys failure, but positive reinforcement makes it easier to learn from mistakes instead of fearing them. If your parents say, “It’s okay, mistakes help us grow,” after a tough test, you’ll start seeing setbacks as part of learning rather than a reason to feel bad.

5. Better social skills

Ever been praised for helping a friend or being kind to your sibling? When parents acknowledge kindness, it encourages you to keep being a good friend. This makes social interactions smoother and helps you build strong, meaningful relationships.

6. Less stress, more positivity

Getting a “Nice try! You’ll get it next time” instead of criticism reduces the pressure to be perfect. This lowers stress and makes challenges feel manageable, helping you stay positive even when things don’t go as planned.

7. Encourages creativity & curiosity

When parents say things like, “That’s a brilliant idea!” it boosts problem-solving skills and confidence in your own thoughts. This makes learning and trying new things way more fun and rewarding!

What does positive reinforcement look like?

It’s not always about big rewards—sometimes, it’s the small gestures that count! Examples include:

• A thumbs-up for completing homework
• “I noticed how kind you were to your friend today.”
• Extra playtime for finishing chores
• Celebrating small wins with your favorite meal
• A fun movie night for consistent effort in school

Final thoughts

Positive reinforcement isn’t about fake compliments. It’s about recognizing real effort and progress, which makes you feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. So next time you feel stuck, remind yourself: progress matters more than perfection!

And hey, if you see someone trying their best, why not cheer them on? A simple “You’ve got this!” can go a long way. 

Stay curious, stay awesome, and keep learning!

Do you have anything on your mind? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember not to put any personal information in the comment box.

I still remember the first time I had to speak in front of my class. My teacher called my name, and suddenly, my hands turned cold, my heart started beating like a drum, and my brain went completely blank. My mind screamed, Why me?!

I wanted to disappear. But instead, I walked to the front, stared at my classmates, mumbled something, and rushed back to my seat, hoping no one would remember that embarrassing 30 seconds.

If this sounds familiar, trust me, you are not alone.

The science behind stage fright

It turns out, what I felt that day was completely normal. Our brains are wired to react this way when we feel like we are being judged.

There is something called the fight-or-flight response—it is the body’s natural reaction to danger. Even though standing on a stage is not exactly life-threatening, our brain treats it like a survival situation. It releases stress hormones like adrenaline, making us sweat, shake, and forget our words.

Even top Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan and cricketers like Virat Kohli have admitted to feeling nervous before big performances. If the biggest stars can feel stage fright, then what we experience is completely normal. The trick is to manage it.

So how do we overcome it?

After years of avoiding public speaking, I finally decided to face my fear—well, more like my mom decided for me. She coaxed me into joining a theatre class, saying it would help. At first, I wanted to run away, but surprisingly, it changed everything. Here are a few things that actually worked for me: 

1. Prepare, but do not overthink

The more prepared I was, the more confident I felt. But I also realized that memorizing every word made me more nervous. Instead, I focused on understanding the main points and speaking naturally.

2. Practice in front of a mirror (or a pet!)

I started rehearsing in front of my mirror, imagining my audience. Sometimes, I even practiced in front of my dog—he never judged me. It helped me feel more comfortable hearing my own voice out loud.

3. Breathe to calm your nerves

Right before speaking, I took deep breaths—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 4. This stopped my heart from racing and helped me focus.

4. Fake confidence until it feels real

I once read that standing straight, making eye contact, and speaking slowly can trick your brain into feeling confident. So I tried it—and guess what? It actually worked.

5. Remember, no one is waiting for you to fail

Most of the time, people are not judging us as harshly as we think. I used to believe that if I messed up, everyone would laugh. But in reality, most people are just focused on their own thoughts (or even checking their phones!).

What happened next?

The next time I spoke in public, I still felt nervous. But instead of letting it control me, I used these tricks. I took a deep breath, smiled, and started speaking. Was it perfect? No. But did I survive? Yes. And the best part? It got easier each time.

So if you ever feel nervous before speaking, remember—even the biggest stars feel the same way. You just have to push through it, one speech at a time.

And who knows? Maybe one day, we will be watching you giving a speech on TV. 

Do you have anything on your mind? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember not to put any personal information in the comment box.

Dear diary,

Ugh, acne strikes again! Just when I thought my skin was clearing up, BAM! This morning, there it was—a massive zit right in the middle of my forehead. I stared at it in the mirror for a full 10 minutes, trying every filter of my mental Instagram to see how I could hide it. Spoiler alert: Nothing worked.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “It’s just a pimple. Big deal!” But here’s the thing—it feels like a big deal. All I could think about was walking into school and everyone staring at my forehead like it was glowing neon. I could already hear the comments:
“Oh, did a mosquito bite you?”
“Why don’t you use some cream?”
“Wow, that’s… prominent.”

And let’s not forget the dreaded: “O my god, tere pimple hora hai!” Really? Thanks for the reminder, Sherlock.

I almost convinced myself to fake a headache and skip school. I just didn’t feel like facing anyone today. But then again, this wasn’t going anywhere in a day, and mumma won’t just let me skip school for a week!?

So I tried makeup. It helped, kind of. Except now I was paranoid about it melting off halfway through the day. What if someone points it out? Or worse, what if it makes my acne worse? Suddenly, it felt like there was no way out. Why is this one pimple controlling my entire day?!

Reality check

Then it hit me:  when was the last time I remembered someone else’s pimple? Exactly—NEVER. Why would anyone remember mine? And even if someone does notice, so what? They’ll forget in a day, tops.

But convincing myself wasn’t easy. I spent the walk to school debating whether to keep my hair over my face or act normal. Good thing school don;t have mirrors so I did forget about it in a while.

The turning point

Then during break, one of my friends casually mentioned she was trying a new facewash for her breakouts. I decided to share my forehead horror story. Guess what? She just laughed and said, “You’re stressing for no reason! No one notices this stuff. Or remembers it” Another friend chimed in, “Honestly, my skin has been weird lately too. Must be exam stress.”

Turns out, everyone’s got their own skin struggles. The only person obsessing over mine was me.

The solution

By the end of the day, I felt… better. The zit was still there, but my world didn’t collapse. Here’s what I learned (and what I’m writing down for next time):

1. People don’t notice as much as you think. Seriously, most people are too busy worrying about their own stuff to focus on you.
2. Your acne doesn’t define you. You’re more than your skin. People care about your jokes, your kindness, and your vibe—not your pores.
3. Own it. The more you act like it doesn’t bother you, the less others will care. Confidence is a better filter than makeup.
4. Practice self-care. Drink water, eat your veggies (ugh, I know), and try not to stress. Also, stick to skincare products that work for you—don’t overload your skin just because some reels told you to.
5. Find your hype crew. Surround yourself with friends who lift you up. Spend more time with “Chill yar, ignore it, Sabke hota hai” instead of “Haww tere fir pimple ho gaya?”.

Acne happens. Overthinking happens. But I’ve realized that letting a pimple ruin my day isn’t worth it. From now on, I’m going to focus less on what people might think and more on what makes me feel good.

And hey, if someone wants to judge me for my skin? That says more about them than me. I’ve got bigger things to worry about—like my math test tomorrow.

Signing off with a (slightly less stressed) forehead,
Me

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

She stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection, and no matter what she tried, something just felt…off. She had tried on her entire wardrobe, and nothing felt right or good enough. She even considered staying home instead of going to the party. What was the point anyway?

And this wasn’t the first time Sia had felt this way. So taking a break from the “I have nothing to wear” parade, she started scrolling through her Instagram, where she saw a post from Teenbook. It was about something called self-esteem. 

Your inner glow-up

The post explained that self-esteem is basically how you see yourself, and it’s like your own personal battery. It’s what makes you feel valuable and capable, no matter what’s going on in your life. If the battery is low, you might feel sluggish, unmotivated, or more sensitive to criticism, and it might even affect your energy levels. And a full battery will make you feel energized and ready to take on the world. You’re more confident, can handle setbacks without falling apart, and feel proud of your achievements.

The post also pointed out that self-esteem isn’t about being flawless all the time. It’s about knowing you’re still worth it, even when your hair’s a mess or you didn’t ace that test.

 Sia’s self-esteem check

Sia flopped onto her bed, thinking about the party again. “Maybe I don’t feel good because I’m so caught up in what everyone else thinks of me,” she thought. She remembered how Meera always praised her sense of humor and how her English teacher loved her creative writing. But every time someone complimented her, Sia would shrug it off, thinking, “They’re just being nice.”

The post said that building self-esteem starts with self-acceptance. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’m not perfect, but that’s cool. I’m still pretty awesome in my own way.” Sia realized she’d spent too much time comparing herself to others on social media and at school, feeling like she was always coming up short. But what if she just stopped? What if she could be okay with herself, flaws and all?

Self-esteem and 5G

Sia learned that having strong self-esteem isn’t just about feeling good for a few minutes. It’s like having a solid 5G network—keeping things running smoothly no matter where you are. Here’s why:

1. You make better decisions: When you believe in yourself, you make choices that are good for you, not just what others want. Like saying “no” to skipping class because you don’t want to fall behind, or choosing a challenging role in the school play because you know you can handle it. It’s like having a strong signal that helps you navigate tricky situations without dropping the call.
2. Handling criticism like a pro: A healthy self-esteem means that when people throw shade, you don’t let it hit you too hard. You’re the network tower; they’re just having connection issues. 
3. Confidence to take risks: Sia realized that her low self-esteem had been stopping her from trying new things. Whether it was asking a question in class or going to a social event, she always hit “pause” on herself. A strong self-esteem would be like switching from buffering to full-speed streaming—no hesitations.
4. Stronger relationships: When you feel good about yourself, you don’t need others to constantly validate you. It’s like both you and your bestie having full signal—everything just flows better when there’s mutual respect and no neediness.

 No more buffering

That night, Sia made up her mind. She wasn’t going to skip the party just because she didn’t feel 100% confident. Sure, she still had some doubts about what she’d wear or if she’d fit in, but that didn’t mean she had to sit this one out. Instead, she decided she’d go and focus on having a good time, not on what people might think.

As she walked to Meera’s house, she still felt a bit nervous. But then she remembered what she had read—every step outside your comfort zone is a win for your self-esteem. Even if she wasn’t feeling totally “Battery fully charged,” showing up was a victory in itself.

When she walked in and saw Meera grinning ear to ear, something inside her relaxed. Sia wasn’t worried about looking perfect anymore. She was just there, being herself—and that felt more than enough.

Sia realized that just like your phone can’t always stay at 100% charged, it’s okay if your self-esteem has its ups and downs too. What’s important is that you don’t let it stay low for too long. 

Just like you’d plug in your phone to recharge, it’s important to do things that boost your self-esteem—whether it’s hanging out with friends who lift you up, achieving small goals that make you proud, or simply giving yourself some love and appreciation. Because when you take care of your self-esteem, you’re ensuring that you’re ready to tackle whatever life throws your way, with confidence and resilience.

To be continued

Sia’s story didn’t end at that party. Self-esteem isn’t a one-time glow-up—it’s more like regular software updates. Some days, you might feel like the software is lagging, and that’s okay. It’s not about feeling amazing every single day, but about trusting yourself, even when things feel slow.

In the end, Sia realized that self-esteem is the ultimate upgrade. It’s what helps you keep your life running smoothly, no matter what kind of connection issues you face. And the best part? You don’t need anyone else’s permission to level up—it’s all you.

So keep upgrading, keep believing in yourself, and remember—you’re more than enough, even on your off days. 

Dear Diary,

You won’t believe what happened today. I received an email this morning, and as soon as I opened it, I started crying. My admission to UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)—my dream dance university—has been confirmed!

A dream delayed

My mind drifted from the present back to the past. I remembered auditioning for one of the lead roles at an international meet when suddenly, I felt thousands of needles piercing between my stomach and chest. It was as if someone had placed a plastic bag over my mouth, trying to choke me. I collapsed to the ground, breathless, and it felt like there was a hole forming in my throat that could be seen from across the room. 

I clawed at my stomach, hoping to ease the pain, but nothing helped. I thought I was going to die. After what felt like an eternity, I finally started to regain feeling in my limbs—but it was already too late. I missed my audition that day because of my health issues. 

Finally, the roles had been assigned, and I was out of the picture. I was devastated. I had spent the last six months preparing for that audition, and it felt like everything was lost.

Emergency surgery revealed I had gallstones, and the next few months were a nightmare, both physically and mentally. Due to medical restrictions, my ability to dance had hit rock bottom. My flexibility, strength, and stamina had taken a massive toll.

Family support

If it hadn’t been for the support of my family and friends, I would have given up on my dream of dancing altogether. After being rejected for my dream role and missing so many classes, my morale was at an all-time low. I was on the verge of giving up. It wasn’t until I talked to my parents that I realized giving up was not an option.

My dad would randomly come up to me and start flossing—it was the only dance move he knew! We would meditate together for 15 minutes every day, which helped me regain my balance. Playing table tennis with him gave me an adrenaline rush like no other! 

My mom would appear out of nowhere throughout the day, offering me positive affirmations. We spent time making cookies, solving puzzles, and watching comedy shows, which helped me take my mind off things. Praying with my mom every day brought me peace. 

Staying positive

We even took a trip to Jim Corbett National Park during that time, and it was one wild ride! My friends made sure to visit me, snapping embarrassing pictures of me drooling while I slept and coming up with the most ridiculous pranks, like wearing blankets over their heads to scare kids!

As my mental health improved, I started working on my physical health too. I wrote down everything I needed to improve and mapped out how I would do it. To regain my strength and flexibility, I began with beginner yoga, then gradually moved on to more intense forms of training. I made sure not to overexert myself, listening carefully to my body. The pain wasn’t a weakness—it taught me how to fight. 

New opportunities

Rejection didn’t just teach me how to deal with failure; it showed me that rejection often means redirection. That’s when I decided to apply to universities as a dance major, something I never would have considered if I had cleared that audition. When one door closes, another one opens.

As I reflected on all of this, I realized that everything in life happens for a reason. I felt proud of myself, and grateful for both the good and the bad. Staying optimistic is crucial when chasing your dreams, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up.

Hey Lyla, calm down. So many negative thoughts about yourself in one go! Your boyfriend cheated on you. He cheated. I repeat. He did the wrong thing. Why are you blaming yourself for the wrong thing that he did? And yeh words “ugly” and “not worth the love” – looks like you watched some melodramatic movie? Please do not ever call yourself ugly – never ever. 

I know how you feel. Trust me, we have all been through these heartbreaks. It feels horrible. But, girl,  trust me, it will get better. Abhi bro, you must be feeling that your life is doomed now, nothing good is ever going to happen. But this will change girl if you follow some Disha ka Gyan!  

So get ready for some Disha Baba ke tips on how to handle a heartbreak: 

Tip 1: Don’t fight the feeling

You’ve had a bad thing happen to you, and it will take time for you to recover. Take a deep breath and accept that things will be bad for a while. This does not imply that you must like it or agree with it. It simply means don’t fight something you can’t change. Instead, concentrate on healing your heart. And get this fact straight – it did not happen because of you! You are not to be blamed. So get over the guilt factor. 

Tip 2: Prioritise yourself 

Take care of yourself because you are the most important person in this situation. Eat your favourite foods ( yes, I know you lost that appetite but even for ice cream?), watch your favourite movies, or engage in your preferred activities. Try not to make yourself feel worse than you already feel. Your heart is probably a little bruised, and it doesn’t need any more abuse. That makes sense, right? 

Tip 3: Maintain your composure 

It’s tempting to lose your cool and send angry texts just like people do in movies, but take a moment to calm down before you do anything. It’s not worth it to get yourself into trouble by messing with anyone. Leave the dramatic public displays of rage to the movies and let it all out at your jog, or while dancing to a killer playlist, instead.

Tip 4: Make no decisions based on fear

Should you leave them or stay with them? It’s a tough choice. You must do what feels right. If you want to give a second chance, your choice. If not, it’s absolutely okay too, bro. But don’t let fear make your choice for you. 

It’s never a good idea to stay with someone because you’re afraid of being alone or leaving someone will make you single again. Allow yourself as much time as you need to make the decision that feels right for you.

Tip 5: Take a break from social media

It can be tempting to put your FBI skills to the test by scouring social media for that person who replaced you or to see what your ex is doing – is he happy with them? Are they posing for selfies? But, please, don’t do it. Not only that, but take a break from social media for a while. You don’t need to prove that you’re still living your #bestlife, and FOMO isn’t what you need right now.

Now that I have shared all these Disha ke tips with you, I hope you are going to be able to stick to a few of them at least; especially the last one! I don’t want you to be a broken-hearted girl for a prolonged period! 

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Please post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

Photo: Shutterstock/Person in the photo is a model. Names changed. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.