Although I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - “No one can make me feel inferior without my consent" - I must say that teen girls are struggling right now and need help.

In 2023 a large study, The Girls’ Index⁠, reported compelling data on girls in the U.S. It was the largest national survey of its kind, with 17,502 girls participating. Researchers collected data for the first time in 2017 and then again in 2023. They explored things that would help anyone who influences girls (e.g., parents, family members, teachers, coaches, religious youth leaders) better understand girls’ thoughts, experiences, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. The researchers partnered with schools nationwide to survey girls in 5th through 12th grades. The results linking confidence and social media are convincing., and I share those and other thoughts in this episode. Listen in!

Resources:

The Girls' Index: https://www.rulingourexperiences.com/research

A Future Only God Can See for You (chapters on confidence and social media): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-R.-Madsen/author/B001JSJNK0?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

For this last episode of 2024, I wanted to talk about how expectations for ourselves and others sometimes need to shift and that's okay. I share some personal examples, while also discussing how our definitions of "success" may also change. I'll get back to sharing some research next year but wanted to end the year with some personal reflections and experiences.

When we consider how we want to use our time in better ways in 2025, I've been thinking of the time we sometimes spend being offended, and why we take offense. I walk through a recent experience of where I temporarily took offense and analyzed why I did, and how I worked quickly to get it out of my system. I also wrestle through how we can overcome feelings of offense as well. Listen in!