Turning points
with life coach Randy Nathan

Dear Coach Randy,
It’s the middle of the summer and it’s just not what I thought it would be. I’m bored and feeling down. I’m usually a very happy person, but for some reason I’m in this funk. What can I do?
Sad and lonely

Dear Sad and lonely,
Summertime is often filled with ups and downs. On the one hand, you’re off from school; on the other, you’re preparing for the school year ahead and realize just how quickly time flies. I’m curious to know how long you’ve been feeling this way and what you’re currently doing about it? How does this summer compare to previous summers? What about your friends? What are they doing? Are they home or away?

One activity you may want to consider trying is the “top three things that happened today” list. Starting now, list the three best things that happened to you today. Start with anything and fill in the three slots. At any time during the day when something “makes the list,” place it in its proper order and remove the last item. Continue throughout the day looking for things to make the list. Try this for a week: keep a final “top three” each evening and then comparing them at the end. Make a game of it.

Once you’ve finished, you will likely realize just how many things are going well. Plus, there will be a list to prove it. Looking at the best things that happen to you each day will have a tremendous effect on both your physical and mental well-being. Good luck.

---

Dear Coach Randy,
I’m starting college in a few weeks, and I am feeling very nervous and apprehensive about leaving my parents and family. How can I stop feeling this way and become excited about college?
Unsure

Dear Unsure,
How great it must be to openly acknowledge the role your family plays in your life and the anticipated change that will soon occur. How likely is it that your love and caring for them is stronger than you realized? Not knowing the type of relationship you have with your parents, what do you think is creating this feeling and why?

The big question I have is why do you want to stop feeling this way? Why not embrace this with open arms and find out where it takes you? Some people feel that in order for a person to truly understand happiness, one must experience sadness. How does that resonate with you?

What about writing down your thoughts about leaving, about your parents and family, your future, your past, and anything that comes to mind? Just let your mind loose and discover an inner energy that’s looking to come out of you. Once you’ve had a chance to understand why you’re feeling this way, how about developing a “good-bye” strategy. This way you can share your thoughts and feelings with your parents, and they will be able to see you and your feelings in an entirely new perspective.

I imagine your parents would be very grateful for your honesty and candor regarding this issue. Good luck.