HealthFlex
×
  • About
    • About Mike
    • About KaleidoEye
  • Services
    • Individual
    • Education
    • Business
    • Athletics
    • Keynote
  • Testimonials
    • Education
    • Athletics
    • Professional Reference
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Connect

13 Reasons To Live

May 2, 2017Mike SisselBlog4

IMG_8125If you work with pre-teens or teens in any capacity, it’s a safe bet you’re aware of a controversial web television series titled 13 Reasons Why.  Based on a 2007 novel by the same name, the series revolves around a teenage suicide, influenced by a series of demoralizing events involving select students at the victim’s school.  The story chronicles a box of cassette tapes recorded by the victim prior to her suicide, detailing thirteen reasons why she ended her life.    

Given the work I do, I completely understand the need for meaningful dialogue on the topic of suicide.  However, I’m not sure a movie such as this is the appropriate means by which this conversation should start.  Note that I chose the word start.  I’m not condemning those who’ve watched the film as it may very well serve as a great source of discussion with kids. 

My biggest concern is the way in which it’s portrayed – a revenge fantasy of sorts.  If the goal of the film is to increase awareness on this topic, then it’s been a huge success.  However, if the goal is to address the root cause of most suicides, mental health, then it’s failed miserably. 

If you’re an average teenager watching this show, do you walk away from the series feeling empowered or equipped to tackle the countless social and emotional challenges of the teenage years?  My guess is you may feel educated, but not empowered or equipped.  In fact, I would argue that many teenagers may use the film as a means of justification or fuel for a victim mentality.  In other words, instead of looking inward for the true source of change, their focus will remain on what others have done. 

Regardless of your opinion of the film, I think we can all agree that there are more than 13 Reasons Why everyone should live. 

My sincere hope is that the following list will serve as a source of empowerment (or hope) for anyone who finds themselves in a dark place.    

13 Reasons To Live

Reason #1 – You are a miracle.

The odds of you being born in the time, place, and circumstances under which you were born are 1 in 400,000,000,000. Your name should be Miraculous Me.

Reason #2 – Someone needs your gifts.

Each of you have special gifts that are uniquely yours. Step one is to uncover your gifts and step two is to share them with the world, regardless of others opinions.

Reason #3 – Your smile can change the direction of someone’s life.  You matter.

Smiles are contagious and spread just like sick germs. When you smile, you shine your light.  Whether you realize it or not, you make a tremendous difference for others.   

Reason #4 – Your value doesn’t change based on someone’s inability to see your worth.

If you wrote down the largest dollar amount you can think of, then multiplied it by one million, you wouldn’t even come close to your value.

Reason #5 – God started something good in you and the rest of the story is yet to be written.

Don’t stop on Chapter 2 when future chapters contain breakthroughs that will take you places you never imagined.

Reason #6 – Your feelings aren’t a good indicator of reality, but rather a gauge of your perceived reality.

Anger and sadness are natural human emotions, but they don’t have to influence your choices. Let your values be your guide.  When you change your lens (perspective), you change your life.   

Reason #7 – No one has the power to make you feel a certain way, unless you give them permission to.

Your mind is a beautiful 5-star resort. There is no vacancy for negativity.

Reason #8 – Your brain tends to dwell on the past or fear the future, but the only time you really have is right now – the present. It truly is a gift.

Stop what you’re doing right now and look at the people and things around you.  Listen to the sounds in the air.  They’re all gifts. 

Reason #9 – You ‘re not alone.

There is someone else going through a similar circumstance at this exact moment. Be vulnerable enough to share your story. There are people who are willing to listen and understand.

Reason #10 – Suffering leads to strength.

You will suffer. We all do. However, you’re not defined by your suffering. In many cases, suffering happens for you, not to you.

Reason #11 – Change doesn’t happen overnight.

We live in a world of instant gratification. We want things to change and we want them to change now. Remember, it’s THY will be done, not my will be done.

Reason #12 – We must fall so that we can learn how to get back up.

You can’t truly understand something unless you’ve experienced the opposite. You can’t know light unless you’ve been in the dark.

Reason #13 – I love you.

Some of you might be thinking, “He doesn’t even know me. How can he love me?” Jesus taught me to love my neighbors and although we may live miles apart, you are my neighbor, therefore, I love you.

If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, mentor, or work in any other capacity with young people, I invite you to use this list as a means of discussion.  While the movie may speak to their heads, this list will almost certainly speak to their hearts. 

P.S.  I’d love to hear your feedback.  I realize there are varying opinions regarding this film.  I’m open to your insights.  Please use the comment section below to share.   

Comments

Genniva Rios Reply
May 2, 2017

Thank you Mike! I read your FB post a few days ago and I agree with you. After reading your FB post I put my cellphone down and asked my 11 year old if she knew what suicide meant, she did not know. So needless to say we started our conversation. So thank you for noting the word start!

Mike Sissel Reply
May 4, 2017

Thank you, Genniva. I’m glad this sparked a conversation that will hopefully empower her in the future.

Blessings,
Mike

Kristin Reply
May 3, 2017

WOW, just WOW! Thank you so much Mike, for tackling this awful subject. This is a fabulous article that all teenagers need to read. 🙂
Love,
Kristin

Mike Sissel Reply
May 4, 2017

Thank you, Kristin. I’m passionate about empowering teens and my sincere hope is that this blog will lead to discussions regarding suicide prevention, not just awareness.

Blessings,
Mike

Add Comment Cancel


Follow Me on Instagram

Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No posts found.

Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

the latest from the blog

  • Different landscape, same mindset Sep 19

    Carpets are cleaned, desks are meticulously polished, pencils are sharpened, and lockers...

  • one or two? Mar 25

    Think back to the last time you had an eye exam.  Aside...

search this site

Connect

[contact-form to="mike@kaleidoeye.com" subject="Kaleidoeye.com web form submission"][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="1"][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="1"][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea"][/contact-form]

From Our Clients

“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”

 

Margo Ingram

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T15:04:38-07:00

Margo Ingram

“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/margo-ingram/
“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the 'game of life'. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the 'gift' that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”

Pat Murphy

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:46:00-07:00

Pat Murphy

“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the 'game of life'. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the 'gift' that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/pat-murphy/
“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”

Christie Winkelmann

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:49:19-07:00

Christie Winkelmann

“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/christie-winkelmann/
“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”

Judy Salinas

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T14:39:25-07:00

Judy Salinas

“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/3596/
“Mike Sissel is an amazing man. With a positive force driving his ultimate vision to help the world be a better place, he reminds young and old what it means to be and do good by finding it in within. His practical steps are accessible to children and admired by adults. Whether he facilitates a retreat, in-service, assembly, or consults, positive and tangible results will be the outcome. I highly recommend him!”

Greg Hebert

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:48:39-07:00

Greg Hebert

“Mike Sissel is an amazing man. With a positive force driving his ultimate vision to help the world be a better place, he reminds young and old what it means to be and do good by finding it in within. His practical steps are accessible to children and admired by adults. Whether he facilitates a retreat, in-service, assembly, or consults, positive and tangible results will be the outcome. I highly recommend him!”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/greg-hebert/
"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”

Jeff DuMont

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:41:45-07:00

Jeff DuMont

"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/jeff-dumont/
“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”

 

Fred Sanchez

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T15:02:28-07:00

Fred Sanchez

“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/fred-sanchez/
“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He's had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”

Kim Roberts-Johson

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T15:05:04-07:00

Kim Roberts-Johson

“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He's had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/kim-roberts-johson/
“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”

 

Sally Moore

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T15:01:56-07:00

Sally Moore

“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/sally-moore/
0
0
KaleidoEye
Copyright ©2019 KaleidoEye