Greetings to Teenagers on this space.

I’ve been reflecting on the pressures teenagers face today.

Society often expects you to act older than you are. And I understand that. You are expected to grow up before you finish being young.

But even at this age, you already know right from wrong. It is true. You already have the power to make choices that shape your future.

One area where these choices matter greatly is what you read. It is true that books are powerful. They shape your heart, your mind, and your understanding of the world. They shape how you see life.

I remember reading novels like Things Fall Apart, Out of His Mind, His Concubine, and other works by African authors in my teenage years. These stories opened our minds, drew us into empathy, taught lessons about courage, morality, and human complexity, and helped us understand life better. They invited us to think deeply and imagine things.

Today, it is different. Many teenagers are engrossed in erotic novels and content that glorify sexual activity before you are ready.
You might think it’s harmless, but these stories can influence your behavior.

Before you know it, you start touching yourself or trying to experience physically what you read in books. Because your mind is being fueled by sexualized content. The next thing, when you see people, you don’t see people anymore—you see them without their clothes. That is sure destination.

I've seen teenagers who look so studious and when you ask to see the book, such embarrassment washes over them.

I recently saw a girl in Church. Now, this is not to condemn anyone. This is a reminder, a warning, to be mindful so you don’t see life from the wrong lens. I saw a girl holding a book that, was not meant for her age.
She was supposed to be reading her Bible, but she couldn't help it. Her brain perhaps depended on it already.

Ask yourself: Am I in bad company? Is this company causing me to do things I’m not ready for? The truth is, you already know the answer. You cannot claim to be good while surrounded by influences that pull you toward things you’re not ready for.

Even if you think you are strong, the wisest choice is to leave that company right now.
And I want you to know: there are good books everywhere. You don’t have to obsess over all those erotic titles—the “rich billionaire and his girlfriend,” the “CEO and his one night stand,” the “luxury romance” books. There are so many good books that will shape your mind, build your character, and prepare you for life.

This New Year, I encourage you, dear teenager:

✓ Choose your circle wisely. Friends shape your thoughts, habits, and future. Avoid friends who have nothing else to talk about except sexual talk or who exhibit behavior that harms your heart.

✓ Filter your media. Ask yourself: “What is this teaching me? How is it shaping my life?” If you know you are not proud of that book in public, don’t read it in private. If it doesn’t help you grow in wisdom, empathy, or faith, put it down.

✓ Read to grow. Pick books that expand your mind, teach empathy, and make you a better person. Not ones that make you touch yourself in darkness.

I will drop some books that you can start off with soon. You will enjoy a wholesome read with no guilt.

I'm rooting for you.

~ Isah Sekinat

#deletepressure

#Teenagers #TeenLife #TeenChoices #GrowingUpRight #MindfulTeens #PositiveGrowth #LifeSkillsForTeens #TeenWisdom #HealthyHabitsForTeens