We have become a society that sensationalizes pessimism. The local and national news grabs our attention with depressing or shocking stories. Controversial headlines lace the front pages of our favorite internet search engines. Political progress has been bogged down with threats of crisis and doom. Even childhood nursery rhymes have been turned into dark movies and TV shows. All of this negativity is damaging to our psych – It infiltrates our consciousness. [I personally sleep much better since I have made the decision not to watch the late night news.] Many times even when we speak we use language that is discouraging or fear-induced. For teens in foster care who are already struggling with fear, disappointment, or abandonment, being bombarded by negative messages can further hinder their emotional growth.
Music can uplift and inspire but much of the music our teens enjoy is filled with violence, sex, and substance abuse – it glamorizes destructive behaviors. The song I want to dedicate to teens in foster care today is “Competition” by my favorite group ever, New Edition. The song might seem (or sound) a bit corny but our goal is to open up minds and welcome them over to the “light” side. The life skills question that precedes the song is “what is the best case scenario” for your life.
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COMPETITION
I keep dreaming
That one day the whole world will be together
Will be together as one
And there’s nothing I can do
But pray that It comes true
And keep on searching for that miracle
That some say will never be
Competition, is the world summarized
In just one word
And you know what I mean
Friends competing with friends
Will it ever end
I’m losing all of my patience
I need a way out, and soon
Time and again we are fighting one another
Hurting our sisters and hurting our brothers
It’s a shame, why do we play these games
But there’ll come a time when we all will be together
Living as one in harmony forever
You and I, we will light the sky
If we’re ever gonna be as one
We’d better make some changes and fast
And this time make it last
‘Cause if we all just take the time
I’m sure that we will find
All of us shed blood of the same kind
And that’s the bottom line so
Time and again we are fighting one another
Hurting our sisters and hurting our brothers
It’s a shame, why do we play these games
But there’ll come a time when we all will be together
Living as one in harmony forever
You and I, we will light the sky
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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