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  , 2026



ISBN 978-5-0070-4264-2

     Ridero







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Dealing with stress at school


It was Monday morning, and I already felt tired before the day even started. My alarm had gone off three times, but I kept pressing snooze because I didnt want to get out of bed. I had a math test first lesson, a history presentation after lunch, and on top of that, I hadnt finished my homework for English. Just thinking about everything made my stomach feel tight.



When I finally got to school, the corridors were noisy as usual. Everyone was talking, laughing, running to their classes, but I felt like I was moving in slow motion. I tried to open my math notebook, but the formulas looked confusing, although I had studied them the night before. I started to panic a little because I couldnt remember simple things that usually felt easy.



During the test, my mind went completely blank for a few seconds. I looked around and saw other students writing quickly, which made me feel even more stressed. I told myself to breathe and focus on just one question at a time, so I started slowly. It wasnt perfect, but at least I was writing something instead of freezing.



At lunch, my friend noticed I was quiet. She asked what was wrong, and I told her everything. She laughed a little and said, You always do this before tests, but you always pass them in the end. It sounded simple, but somehow it helped. Sometimes we forget that stress makes things feel worse than they really are.



After school, I stayed a bit longer in the library. I broke my homework into small parts instead of trying to do everything at once. It felt easier that way, because I could actually see progress. I also realized that I often make things harder in my mind than they are in reality.



On the way home, I listened to music and watched people walking in the streets. I thought about how stress doesnt really disappear, but it changes when you learn how to handle it. Some days will still feel heavy, but maybe thats normal.



When I got home, I didnt rush. I made tea, sat down, and opened my notebook again. This time, it didnt feel like a fight.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

snooze the alarm   

feel tired before the day starts       

on top of that    

stomach feels tight     ( )

noisy corridors   

move in slow motion      

open my notebook   

look confusing   

go completely blank     

at a time    (  )

freeze under pressure    

feel stressed out    

in the end    

break something into small parts     

make things harder in my mind     

in reality   

handle stress    

stay a bit longer    

feel easier that way    

listen to music   

take your time   



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I felt ___ because ___    () ___   ___

When I finally ___, I ___     ___,  ___

It made me feel ___      ___

I tried to ___, but ___    () ___,  ___

Instead of ___, I decided to ___   ___   () ___

It felt easier when I ___    ,   ___

I realized that ___    (),  ___

On the way home, I ___      ___

I told myself to ___    ()  ___

At first, I couldnt ___, but later I ___      () ___,    ___



Now think about your own experience:

When do you usually feel stressed at school?

What subjects make you feel more pressure, and why?

How do you behave when you are under stress?

Do you talk to anyone when you feel overwhelmed?

What helps you calm down during a difficult school day?

Have you ever surprised yourself by doing better than expected under pressure?

Do you prefer working alone or in a group when you are stressed?

What small habits could help reduce your stress?



Here are some possible answers:



1. When do you usually feel stressed at school?

I usually feel stressed before exams or presentations because I worry about making mistakes. For example, before a math test I often feel nervous and overthink simple tasks.



2. What subjects make you feel more pressure, and why?

Math and science make me feel more pressure because there are clear right or wrong answers. I sometimes feel stressed if I cant solve a problem quickly, although I know I just need more practice.



3. How do you behave when you are under stress?

When I am stressed, I become quiet and try to focus on my work. I often break tasks into small parts because it helps me feel more in control and less overwhelmed.



4. Do you talk to anyone when you feel overwhelmed?

Yes, I usually talk to a close friend because it helps me relax. Sometimes just sharing my thoughts makes the situation feel easier and less serious than I thought.



5. What helps you calm down during a difficult school day?

Listening to music and taking short breaks helps me calm down. For example, I go for a short walk or just sit quietly for a few minutes to clear my mind.



6. Have you ever surprised yourself by doing better than expected under pressure?

Yes, sometimes I think I will do badly, but in the end I do better than expected. It shows me that stress is often worse in my head than in reality.



7. Do you prefer working alone or in a group when you are stressed?

I prefer working alone because I can focus better and manage my own pace. However, sometimes group work helps because other people can explain things differently.



8. What small habits could help reduce your stress?

I think planning my time better and not leaving everything for the last minute would help. Also, sleeping well and taking short breaks during studying could reduce stress a lot.



Complete the sentences:

Before exams, I often feel ___ because ___

Instead of panicking, I try to ___

When I feel stressed, I usually ___

It becomes easier for me when I ___

On busy school days, I need to ___




Feeling confident or insecure


It was a normal school morning, but for me it didnt feel normal at all. I was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting my shirt for the third time. I checked my hair, my backpack, even my shoes. Nothing looked wrong, but I still didnt feel ready. Today we had to present a project in front of the class, and just thinking about it made my hands a little cold.



On the way to school, I kept imagining different situations. What if I forget my words? What if people start laughing? What if the teacher asks a difficult question? I knew these thoughts were not very logical, but they kept coming back again and again. At the same time, I noticed some classmates walking confidently, talking loudly, laughing without hesitation. It made me compare myself to them, and suddenly I felt smaller, like I didnt belong.



In the classroom, everything felt louder than usual. Chairs moving, pages turning, people whispering. My heart started beating faster when my name was called. I walked to the front, holding my notes tightly. My hands were shaking a bit, but I tried to smile. I remembered what my friend once said: People dont see your fear as much as you think they do. That thought helped me start.



At first, my voice sounded strange, but after a minute, I got used to it. I looked at my classmates and noticed that most of them were just listening quietly, not judging me. That surprised me. I had expected something worse, but reality was calmer than my imagination. I still made a small mistake, but nobody reacted in a bad way, so I just continued.



After the presentation, I went back to my seat and felt a strange mix of emotions. I wasnt fully confident, but I wasnt as insecure as before either. It was like standing somewhere in the middle. My friend gave me a small thumbs-up, and that simple gesture made me relax even more.



During lunch, I thought about confidence. It seems like some people are born with it, but maybe thats not true. Maybe confidence is something that grows slowly, every time you do something even if you are scared. Insecurity doesnt disappear completely, but it becomes quieter when you dont listen to it too much.



On the way home, I noticed myself walking more naturally, not overthinking every step. I still had doubts in my head, but they didnt control me as much as before. And for some reason, that felt like progress.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

adjust my shirt   

for the third time    

feel ready    

in front of the mirror   

on the way to school     

come back again and again     

feel insecure   

feel confident   

compare myself to others     

stand in front of the class    

heart started beating faster     

hold my notes tightly    

get used to it    

look at my classmates    

be just listening quietly    

expect something worse   

reality was calmer    

make a small mistake    

go back to my seat     

a mix of emotions   

in the middle  - 

give a thumbs-up    

grow slowly   

listen to it    ( )

take control   



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I felt ___ because ___    () ___   ___

I kept thinking about ___     ()  ___

What if ___?     ___?

I tried to ___, but ___    () ___,  ___

It made me feel ___      ___

At first, I ___, but then I ___    ___,    ___

I noticed that ___    (),  ___

It was worse in my imagination than in reality     ,   

I wasnt sure, but I ___     ()  (),   ___

That small moment helped me ___       ___



Now think about your own experience:

In what situations do you feel confident?

When do you usually feel insecure?

Do you compare yourself to other people? Why or why not?

What helps you feel more confident in school?

Have you ever surprised yourself by doing something you were afraid of?

How does your body react when you feel nervous?

Who or what gives you confidence?

Do you think confidence can be learned, or is it natural?



Here are some possible answers:



1. In what situations do you feel confident?

I feel confident when I know I am prepared, for example before tests when I studied well. In those moments I dont overthink and just focus on what I need to do.



2. When do you usually feel insecure?

I usually feel insecure when I have to speak in front of many people. I worry about making mistakes, although most of the time nothing bad actually happens.



3. Do you compare yourself to other people? Why or why not?

Sometimes I compare myself to others because it is easy to think they are better. But I try to remember that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.



4. What helps you feel more confident in school?

Being well-prepared helps me feel more confident. When I study in advance, I feel calmer and less worried about unexpected questions.



5. Have you ever surprised yourself by doing something you were afraid of?

Yes, I once gave a presentation even though I was very nervous. In the end, it was not as bad as I expected, and I felt proud of myself.



6. How does your body react when you feel nervous?

When I feel nervous, my heart beats faster and my hands sometimes shake. I also find it hard to concentrate at first, but it gets better after a while.



7. Who or what gives you confidence?

My friends and small successes give me confidence. Even small achievements remind me that I can handle difficult situations step by step.



8. Do you think confidence can be learned, or is it natural?

I think confidence can be learned because it grows with experience. The more you face difficult situations, the easier they become over time.



Complete the sentences:

I feel confident when I ___ because ___

Before speaking in front of people, I usually ___

I sometimes compare myself to ___

One thing that helps me feel secure is ___

At first, I felt insecure, but then I ___




Making important life decisions


It was late in the evening, and my room was unusually quiet. I was sitting at my desk, staring at two papers in front of me. One was a list of schools I could apply to next year, and the other was a simple notebook page where I had written pros and cons. It looked simple on paper, but in my head it felt much bigger than that.



I had been thinking about this decision for weeks. My parents had their opinions, my friends had theirs, and even my teachers sometimes gave advice without me asking. Some people said I should choose a school close to home because it is safer and more comfortable. Others said I should try something more challenging, even if it feels scary at the beginning. And I was stuck somewhere in the middle, not fully sure what I really wanted.



At first, I thought making a decision would be quick. You just compare options and choose the best one, right? But in reality, it doesnt work like that. Every choice seemed to have both good and bad sides. If I chose comfort, I might miss opportunities. If I chose challenge, I might feel lost or stressed. So the more I thought about it, the more complicated it became.



One evening, I went for a walk to clear my head. The air was cool, and the streets were calm. I noticed how people were living their normal lives, not thinking too much about big life decisions in that moment. That made me realize something: maybe not every decision needs to be perfect. Maybe some decisions are just steps forward, not final answers.



When I got home, I started writing again. This time, I didnt just list facts. I wrote how each option made me feel. One school made me feel safe, but a little bored. Another made me feel nervous, but also curious. That word curious stayed in my mind. It felt like a small sign.



The next day, I talked to a teacher I trust. She didnt tell me what to do. Instead, she asked me questions like, Where do you see yourself growing? and Which choice feels more like you, even if it is harder? I didnt answer immediately, but those questions stayed with me.



Later that night, I realized something important. I was trying so hard to find a perfect decision that I forgot decisions are also about learning. Even if I make a mistake, I can adjust later. Life is not one straight road; its more like many small turns.



I still didnt have a final answer that day, but I felt a bit lighter. The pressure didnt disappear, but it changed shape. Instead of fear, there was a quiet feeling that I could figure it out step by step.



And somehow, that was enough for now.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

stare at something     -

pros and cons    

make an important decision    

in front of me   

think for weeks   

have different opinions    

feel stuck     

in the middle  

on paper   

in reality   

clear my head   

take a walk    

calm streets   

normal life   

step forward   

make a choice   

feel nervous but curious     

stay in my mind    

talk to someone you trust    ,  

ask questions   

grow as a person    

final answer   

make a mistake   

adjust later   

quiet feeling   

pressure changes shape     

figure something out  

step by step    



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I had to decide whether to ___ or ___       ___  ___

At first, I thought ___, but then I realized ___     (),    ()

It felt difficult because ___    ,   ___

I wasnt sure what to choose, so I ___     ()  (),   ___

One option made me feel ___, but the other made me feel ___      ___,  ___

I talked to someone who ___    ()  ,  ___

It stayed in my mind      

I realized that ___    (),  ___

Instead of rushing, I decided to ___      () ___

In the end, I felt ___      () ___



Now think about your own experience:

Have you ever had to make an important decision? What was it?

Do you usually decide quickly or think for a long time?

Who helps you when you are unsure about something important?

What is more important for you: safety or new experience? Why?

Have you ever changed your mind after making a decision?

Do you trust your own decisions or ask others first?

What makes a decision good in your opinion?

How do you feel when you finally make a difficult choice?



Here are some possible answers:



1. Have you ever had to make an important decision? What was it?

Yes, I had to decide which subjects to focus on for my future studies. It was difficult because I had different interests and I wasnt sure what would be useful later.



2. Do you usually decide quickly or think for a long time?

I usually think for a long time because I want to understand all options. Sometimes this helps, but sometimes it also makes me more confused.



3. Who helps you when you are unsure about something important?

My parents and teachers help me when I am unsure. They dont decide for me, but they give advice that helps me see things more clearly.



4. What is more important for you: safety or new experience? Why?

New experience is more important for me because it helps me grow. Even if it is scary at first, I think I learn more from challenging situations.



5. Have you ever changed your mind after making a decision?

Yes, I have changed my mind before because I realized my first choice was not the best for me. It showed me that it is okay to adjust plans later.



6. Do you trust your own decisions or ask others first?

I usually ask others first, but I try to trust myself more. I think advice is helpful, but the final decision should be mine.



7. What makes a decision good in your opinion?

A good decision is one that helps you move forward, even if it is not perfect. It should feel right for you and match your goals.



8. How do you feel when you finally make a difficult choice?

I feel relieved but also a bit nervous. It feels like a weight is lifted, but I also think about what will happen next.



Complete the sentences:

I had to choose between ___ and ___

At first, I thought I should ___

It was difficult because ___

I talked to someone who ___

In the end, I decided to ___




Overthinking and anxiety


It was already midnight, but I was still awake, lying in bed with my phone in my hand. The room was dark and quiet, but my mind was anything but quiet. I kept thinking about everything that happened during the day and everything that might happen tomorrow. A simple conversation with a classmate suddenly felt like something important I needed to analyze again and again.



Earlier that day, I had answered a question in class, and I wasnt fully sure if my answer was correct. At first, I didnt think much about it. But later, the thought came back. What if I was wrong? What if the teacher thought I wasnt prepared? What if others noticed my mistake? These questions kept repeating in my head, even though no one else probably remembered the moment at all.



This is what usually happens when I start overthinking. One small situation grows into a whole story in my mind. I imagine different versions of reality, most of them worse than what actually happened. I know it doesnt help, but stopping it is not so easy.



The next morning, I felt a bit tired because I hadnt slept well. On the way to school, I noticed I was already thinking about things that hadnt even happened yet. What if I forget my homework? What if I say something wrong in front of the class? It was like my brain was trying to prepare for every possible problem at the same time.



During the first lesson, I tried to focus, but my thoughts kept drifting away. I looked at the board, but I wasnt really seeing it. At some point, I realized I had missed part of the explanation. That made me feel even more anxious, and the cycle started again: I was behind, I was not focused, I was doing everything wrong.



At lunch, I sat with a friend and finally said what I was feeling. I expected her to say something complicated or give me advice I wouldnt understand. But she just listened and said, Youre thinking too much about things that havent even happened. It sounded simple, almost too simple, but it made me pause.



She told me that when she feels anxious, she tries to focus on one small thing she can control. Like breathing slowly, finishing one task, or just paying attention to what is happening right now instead of everything at once. I didnt think it would work for me, but I decided to try anyway.



Later in the day, I caught myself overthinking again. Instead of letting it grow, I stopped for a moment and focused on what I could actually see and hear. The sound of people talking, the feeling of my pen in my hand, the words on the page. It didnt make everything disappear, but it made the thoughts a little quieter.



On the way home, I realized something important. Anxiety doesnt always come from real problems. Sometimes it comes from imagining too many possibilities that never happen. And overthinking doesnt solve anything  it just makes the present harder to live in.



That night, I still had thoughts in my head, but I didnt follow all of them. Some of them I just let go, like clouds passing by without needing to hold onto them.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

lying in bed    

anything but quiet     ( )

think again and again     

a simple conversation   

come back to my mind    

overthinking    

small situation   

grow into a story     

in my head    

worse than reality  ,  

stop it is not easy    

feel tired   

thoughts drifting away   

miss part of the explanation    

feel anxious   

cycle starts again    

talk to a friend    

something you can control  ,    

focus on the present    

one small thing    

catch myself doing something     -

make things quieter    

on the way home    

real problems   

imagine possibilities   

let go of thoughts   

cloud passing by  ,  



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I kept thinking about ___     ()  ___

What if ___?     ___?

It made me feel ___      ___

I tried to focus on ___    ()   ___

My thoughts kept ___     ___

Instead of ___, I decided to ___   ___   () ___

I realized that ___    (),  ___

It didnt disappear, but it became ___    ,   ___

I could only control ___    ()   ___

I let go of ___    () ___



Now think about your own experience:

Do you often overthink small situations? When does it happen?

What kind of thoughts make you feel anxious?

How does your body react when you are stressed or anxious?

Do you find it easy or difficult to stop thinking about something?

What helps you calm down when your mind is too busy?

Do you focus more on the past or the future when you are anxious?

Have you ever realized later that you were worrying too much?

Who do you usually talk to when you feel overwhelmed?



Here are some possible answers:



1. Do you often overthink small situations? When does it happen?

Yes, I sometimes overthink small situations, especially after school. I keep replaying conversations in my head and thinking about what I could have said differently.



2. What kind of thoughts make you feel anxious?

I feel anxious when I think about mistakes or possible problems in the future. For example, I worry about forgetting something important or not doing well in school.



3. How does your body react when you are stressed or anxious?

When I am anxious, my heart beats faster and I feel tense. Sometimes I also find it hard to relax or concentrate on one thing.



4. Do you find it easy or difficult to stop thinking about something?

It is difficult to stop thinking about something once it starts. My thoughts often repeat themselves, even when I know they are not very helpful.



5. What helps you calm down when your mind is too busy?

Listening to music or taking a short walk helps me calm down. It helps me focus on something simple instead of many thoughts at once.



6. Do you focus more on the past or the future when you are anxious?

I usually focus on both. I think about past mistakes and also worry about future problems, which makes me feel even more stressed.



7. Have you ever realized later that you were worrying too much?

Yes, many times I realize that my worries were unnecessary. Most of the things I was afraid of never actually happened.



8. Who do you usually talk to when you feel overwhelmed?

I usually talk to a close friend because it helps me feel more relaxed. Sharing my thoughts makes them feel less heavy.



Complete the sentences:

I often overthink ___ because ___

When I feel anxious, I usually ___

My thoughts start to ___ when ___

Instead of worrying, I try to ___

I realized that I was worrying too much about ___




Motivation and laziness


It was Sunday evening, and I was sitting at my desk with an open notebook in front of me. I had planned to study for at least two hours, maybe finish my homework, and even prepare a bit for next week. That was the plan. But in reality, I had already been sitting there for twenty minutes doing almost nothing.



My phone was next to me, lighting up every few minutes with new messages. I told myself, Just five more minutes, but those five minutes kept repeating. I opened my textbook, looked at the first page, and immediately felt tired. It wasnt real tiredness, more like a strange resistance to starting anything.



This is what happens when laziness takes control. It doesnt always look like doing nothing. Sometimes it looks like cleaning your desk, checking your phone, or thinking about studying without actually doing it. And the more I delay, the harder it becomes to start.



Earlier that day, I had felt motivated. I made a list of things I wanted to finish. I even imagined how good it would feel to be free in the evening, without homework hanging over my head. That feeling was strong but it disappeared quickly once I sat down.



At some point, I stood up and walked to the kitchen. I wasnt hungry, but I still opened the fridge. Nothing interesting was there, so I closed it again. I laughed a little because I realized I was doing everything except what I was supposed to do.



After a while, I went back to my room and just sat there. I told myself I needed motivation, but maybe I was waiting for the wrong thing. Motivation doesnt always arrive first. Sometimes it comes after you start, not before.



So I decided to do something small. Just ten minutes of studying. No pressure, no big plan. I set a timer and opened my book again. At first, it still felt boring, but I kept going. Ten minutes turned into fifteen, then twenty.



Something interesting happened. The more I worked, the less lazy I felt. It didnt become suddenly easy, but it became easier than before. The resistance in my head started to fade, like a heavy door slowly opening.



Later, I finished most of my homework without even noticing how time passed. I wasnt suddenly super motivated, but I was already in motion, and stopping felt harder than continuing.



Before going to bed, I thought about the difference between motivation and discipline. Motivation is like a spark  it appears quickly and disappears quickly too. But discipline is more like a habit, something that stays even when you dont feel like doing anything.



I still have lazy days. Everyone does. But now I understand something simple: waiting for the perfect moment doesnt really work. Starting is usually the hardest part, but also the most important one.



And sometimes, five minutes of action is more powerful than hours of thinking about it.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

sit at my desk    

open notebook   

make a plan   

in reality   

check my phone   

just five more minutes    

take control   

feel tired instantly    

resistance to starting   

take over   

do nothing    

clean my desk   

delay something   -

make it harder to start   

feel motivated   

make a list   

hang over my head     ( )

walk to the kitchen    

open the fridge   

do everything except ___     ___

sit there quietly   

start something small    

set a timer   

no pressure   

keep going  

in motion   

fade away   

finish homework    

pass time   ( )

discipline vs motivation    

start is the hardest part      



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I planned to ___, but I ended up ___    () ___,    ___

I kept telling myself ___     ()  ___

I didnt feel like ___     ___

Instead of ___, I started ___   ___   () ___

It felt easier after I ___     ,   ___

I decided to start with ___    ()   ___

The hardest part is ___       ___

I realized that ___    (),  ___

Motivation comes when ___   ,  ___

I kept going even though ___    (),  ___



Now think about your own experience:

When do you usually feel most lazy?

What tasks do you often delay, and why?

Do you use your phone or other distractions when you should be working?

What helps you finally start studying or doing homework?

Do you feel more motivated in the morning or evening?

Have you ever started something small and ended up finishing everything?

What is harder for you: starting or continuing?

How do you feel after you finish a task you were avoiding?



Here are some possible answers:



1. When do you usually feel most lazy?

I usually feel lazy in the evening after a long school day. My energy is low, and I find it hard to focus on studying or homework.



2. What tasks do you often delay, and why?

I often delay homework and revision because they feel boring or difficult. I sometimes prefer doing easier things first, even if they are not important.



3. Do you use your phone or other distractions when you should be working?

Yes, I often check my phone when I should be working. It is a habit that makes it harder to concentrate on my tasks.



4. What helps you finally start studying or doing homework?

Setting a small goal helps me start, like working for ten minutes. Once I begin, it becomes easier to continue.



5. Do you feel more motivated in the morning or evening?

I feel more motivated in the morning because I am more focused and less tired. In the evening, I usually lose energy quickly.



6. Have you ever started something small and ended up finishing everything?

Yes, many times I start with a small task and then continue working. After a while, I forget about laziness and just keep going.



7. What is harder for you: starting or continuing?

Starting is definitely harder for me because I often overthink it. Once I begin, continuing becomes much easier.



8. How do you feel after you finish a task you were avoiding?

I feel relieved and proud of myself. It feels good to finally finish something that I was delaying for a long time.



Complete the sentences:

I planned to ___, but I ___

I usually feel lazy when ___

Instead of starting, I ___

It becomes easier when I ___

The hardest part for me is ___




Self-esteem and comparison with others


It was a normal school day, but I remember one small moment that stayed in my mind for a long time. We were sitting in the classroom before the lesson started, talking and scrolling through our phones. Someone showed a picture from social media, and suddenly the conversation changed. People started comparing outfits, grades, and even plans for the future.



At first, I didnt say much. I just listened. But inside, I felt something uncomfortable. It was like I was quietly measuring myself against everyone else in the room. She has better grades. He speaks more confidently. They look more successful. These thoughts came automatically, without me even trying.



The problem with comparison is that it usually doesnt feel fair. You compare your inside with someone elses outside. You see their best moments, but you know all your own doubts, mistakes, and insecurities. And somehow, your life always feels a bit smaller in that comparison.



After school, I walked home slowly. I kept thinking about why I do this so often. Why do I measure my value based on other people? I know logically that everyone has different strengths, but emotions dont always listen to logic.



When I got home, I opened my notebook and tried something different. Instead of writing what I lack, I wrote what I can do. It felt strange at first, almost unnatural. But slowly, I started listing small things: I can stay focused when I try, I can help my friends, I can improve step by step. They didnt feel impressive, but they were real.



Later, I talked to a friend about it. She told me something simple: Youre not in competition with everyone. Youre just on your own path. At first, it sounded like a clich, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. We all start from different places, move at different speeds, and care about different things.



Still, comparison doesnt disappear easily. Even when I try not to do it, it sometimes comes back automatically. But I noticed something important: I can choose what to do after the thought appears. I can either follow it and feel worse, or notice it and move on.



One evening, I was studying and started comparing myself again. Instead of stopping everything, I just took a short break and focused on one question. Then another. Slowly, my attention shifted from others back to my own work. It didnt feel like a big change, but it felt healthier.



Now I understand that self-esteem is not something you either have or dont have. It changes. It grows when you pay attention to your own progress instead of constantly looking at others. Some days are better, some are worse, but that doesnt define who you are.



On my way to school the next morning, I noticed I wasnt checking others as much. I was just walking, thinking about my own day, my own plans. And for once, that felt enough.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

stay in my mind    

scroll through social media   

compare outfits   

feel uncomfortable   

measure myself against others     

without even trying    

automatically come to my mind     

inside my head     

feel unfair   

outside vs inside    

best moments   

self-doubt    

walk home slowly    

think about something    -

measure my value    

listen to logic   

write in my notebook    

what I lack     

what I can do     

step by step    

own path   

make sense   

different speeds   

come back again   

notice a thought   

move on   

focus on my work    

pay attention to progress     

feel enough    



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I started comparing myself to ___    ()    ___

It made me feel ___      ___

I realized that ___    (),  ___

Instead of focusing on ___, I focused on ___   ___   ()  ___

I often compare myself when ___     ,  ___

My thoughts come automatically when ___     ,  ___

I try to remind myself that ___     ,  ___

I decided to focus on my own ___    ()    ___

It doesnt define who I am    ,   

I feel better when I ___    ,   ___



Now think about your own experience:

Do you often compare yourself to others? In what situations?

How does comparison make you feel?

What do you usually compare: grades, appearance, skills, or something else?

Do you think social media makes comparison worse or better? Why?

What are your personal strengths that you sometimes forget about?

How do you usually react when you feel not good enough?

Who helps you feel more confident about yourself?

What helps you focus on your own progress instead of others?



Here are some possible answers:



1. Do you often compare yourself to others? In what situations?

Yes, I sometimes compare myself to others at school, especially when I see their grades or confidence. It usually happens when I feel unsure about my own progress.



2. How does comparison make you feel?

It often makes me feel less confident and a bit stressed. I start thinking that I am not doing enough, even if that is not true.



3. What do you usually compare: grades, appearance, skills, or something else?

I usually compare my grades and skills with others. I sometimes forget that everyone learns at a different speed.



4. Do you think social media makes comparison worse or better? Why?

I think social media makes comparison worse because people only show their best moments. It is easy to forget that real life is not always perfect.



5. What are your personal strengths that you sometimes forget about?

I sometimes forget that I am hardworking and can improve if I practice. I also try to be supportive to my friends, which is important too.



6. How do you usually react when you feel not good enough?

I usually feel quiet and start doubting myself. But later I try to remind myself that everyone has different abilities.



7. Who helps you feel more confident about yourself?

My friends and family help me feel more confident. They remind me of my strengths when I forget them.



8. What helps you focus on your own progress instead of others?

Setting personal goals helps me focus on myself. When I track my own progress, I compare less with others.



Complete the sentences:

I often compare myself to ___ when ___

It makes me feel ___ because ___

I sometimes forget that ___

Instead of comparing, I try to ___

My self-esteem improves when I ___




Growing up and changing interests


A few years ago, I would have told you that I knew exactly what I liked and what I wanted to do. It felt simple back then. I had clear hobbies, clear favourite subjects, and even clear dreams. But recently, something has started to change, and its not as simple anymore.



It began quietly. I noticed that things I used to enjoy didnt feel the same. For example, I used to spend hours playing certain games or watching the same types of videos, but now I get bored faster. At the same time, I started becoming interested in things I never really cared about before, like psychology, writing, or even how people make life decisions.



At first, I thought something was wrong. Why was I losing interest in things I once loved? It made me feel a bit confused, almost like I was losing a part of myself. But then I realized that maybe this is just what growing up feels like.



In school, I also noticed changes. Subjects I once found difficult started to feel more interesting, while others that I used to enjoy felt less exciting. It wasnt sudden, more like a slow shift. My attention moved in different directions without me fully noticing it.



One afternoon, I was cleaning my room and found an old notebook from a few years ago. Inside were drawings, ideas, and lists of goals I had at that time. I read through them and smiled a little. Some of those goals felt childish now, but at that moment, they were real and important to me.



Thats when I understood something important: interests are not fixed. They change as you change. The person I was a few years ago is not exactly the same person I am now, and probably wont be the same in the future either.



Still, change doesnt always feel comfortable. Sometimes I miss my old interests because they felt familiar and simple. New interests can feel uncertain, like stepping into something I dont fully understand yet. But at the same time, they bring curiosity, and curiosity is a strong feeling.



I talked about this with a friend, and she said something that stayed with me: Youre not losing yourself, youre just becoming more of yourself. At first, it sounded a bit strange, but later it made sense. Maybe growing up is not about staying the same, but about slowly discovering new parts of who you are.



Now I try not to worry when my interests change. Instead of forcing myself to stay the same, I pay attention to what actually feels meaningful in the moment. Some things stay for a long time, others disappear quickly, and thats okay.



On the way home one day, I noticed how different everything feels when you stop resisting change. The same streets, the same sounds, but a slightly different way of seeing them. And I thought that maybe growing up is not a big moment, but a series of small changes you only notice when you look back.



Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

grow up  

change interests   

a few years ago    

feel simple   

favourite subjects   

become interested in   

lose interest in something     -

feel confused   

a part of myself   

something is wrong  -  

slow shift   

without noticing   

clean my room   

old notebook   

look through something  

childhood goals   

feel childish   

in the future   

feel uncomfortable   

step into something new    - 

feel curious   

stay with me    

lose yourself   

become more of yourself   

pay attention to    

meaningful in the moment    

on the way home    

look back   

small changes   



You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I used to ___, but now I ___    ___,    ___

I started becoming interested in ___    ()  ___

It made me feel ___      ___

I realized that ___    (),  ___

My interests are changing because ___    ,   ___

I miss ___, but I also like ___     ___,     ___

I talked to someone who said ___    ()  ,   ___

It feels like ___     ___

I am becoming more ___     ___

I try not to worry when ___     ,  ___



Now think about your own experience:

Have your interests changed in the last few years? How?

What activities did you enjoy in the past that you dont enjoy now?

What new interests have you discovered recently?

Do you think changing interests is normal or worrying? Why?

How do you feel when you stop liking something you used to enjoy?

Do you prefer stability or change in your hobbies?

What helps you understand yourself better while growing up?

Do you think your future interests will be very different from now?



Here are some possible answers:



1. Have your interests changed in the last few years? How?

Yes, my interests have changed a lot. I used to focus mainly on entertainment, but now I am more interested in learning new skills and understanding how things work.



2. What activities did you enjoy in the past that you dont enjoy now?

I used to spend a lot of time on certain games and videos, but now I dont find them as interesting. My attention has shifted to other activities.



3. What new interests have you discovered recently?

Recently, I became more interested in reading and personal development. I also like learning about psychology and how people think.



4. Do you think changing interests is normal or worrying? Why?

I think it is normal because people change as they grow up. It shows that we are developing and discovering new things about ourselves.



5. How do you feel when you stop liking something you used to enjoy?

At first, I feel a bit nostalgic and confused. But later I accept that it is part of growing up and moving forward.



6. Do you prefer stability or change in your hobbies?

I prefer a mix of both. Stability gives comfort, but change brings new experiences and keeps life interesting.



7. What helps you understand yourself better while growing up?

Thinking about my experiences and trying new things helps me understand myself better. Talking to friends also gives me new perspectives.



8. Do you think your future interests will be very different from now?

Yes, I think my future interests will continue to change. As I grow, I will probably discover new things that I dont know yet.



Complete the sentences:

I used to enjoy ___, but now I ___

Recently, I became interested in ___

It made me feel ___ when I stopped liking ___

I realized that ___

Growing up means ___




Handling failure


I still remember the day I thought I did everything right, but still failed. It was a school test I had studied for quite seriously. I revised the material, made notes, even asked a friend to explain one topic I didnt fully understand. I went into the classroom feeling prepared or at least I thought I was.



When I got the result back, I stared at the paper for a few seconds without moving. The mark was lower than I expected. Not a complete disaster, but enough to make my stomach drop. At first, I didnt even want to show it to anyone. I just folded it and put it inside my notebook.



On the way home, my thoughts were loud. I kept replaying the test in my head, trying to find the exact moment where I went wrong. Maybe I misread a question. Maybe I didnt manage my time well. Maybe I just wasnt good enough. That last thought stayed longer than the others, even though I knew it wasnt really fair.



At home, I didnt talk much. I went straight to my room and sat there for a while, doing nothing. Its strange how one result can affect your mood so strongly, even when its just a small part of your life. I kept thinking that maybe others are better at this than me, and I just dont see it.



Later, my friend texted me and asked how I did. I didnt want to answer at first, but eventually I told the truth. I expected some kind of judgment, but instead she replied, It happens. What did you get wrong? That question changed the direction of my thoughts a little.



Instead of focusing on the failure itself, I started looking at the details. Which questions did I lose points on? Was it knowledge, or was it pressure, or maybe just small mistakes? Slowly, the result became less like a label and more like information I could actually use.



The next day at school, I spoke to the teacher. I expected to feel embarrassed, but I actually felt more curious than anything else. She explained my mistakes calmly and showed me where I could improve. It wasnt as scary as I imagined in my head.



I started to realize something important: failure doesnt feel the same when you stop treating it like the end. It feels different when you see it as feedback instead of proof that you are not good enough. It still doesnt feel nice, but it becomes useful.



After that, I tried something new. Instead of avoiding my mistakes, I wrote them down and focused on one small thing to improve. Not everything at once, just one step. And strangely, that made me feel more in control.




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