From the Chief Editor

Change your thoughts, Change your world!

Rene Descartes, a French philosopher, wrote, “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am). Whether you believe it or not, we are the product of our thoughts. In fact, we are born with a blank mind. Our parents and teachers have taught us what to think and how to behave in a way they thought best. Many of us continue to live according to what they have taught and groomed us to be. Many religious leaders whom we esteem have also influenced us to mould our thoughts. Books and media, especially social media, also dictate our thoughts, opinions and conduct. In short, somebody is thinking for us and controlling our thoughts as we have given them the power to bridle our thinking.

Our thoughts have tremendous energy and they have the power to make or mar us. For example, if a student has failed in the final exams, he/she may think that his/her life is totally ruined and may decide to end his/her life as the result of such thinking. However, if that student thinks that failures are a part of life and his/her life is not over with one failure or repeated failures, and as a result he/she resumes his attempts, then that student’s thinking will build his/her life meaningfully and make it worthwhile.

As you begin your academic year after the summer holidays, it is wise to take charge of your thought patterns to make your lives meaningful and successful. The greatest discovery today is that a person can change his future by changing his thought patterns and acting accordingly! Our set ways of behaviour have been formed by our thoughts and beliefs. We are creatures of habits. A new type of thought pattern can set the stage for new habits that can empower and fulfil our life. Now, if you are serious about achieving your goals then you have to change your thinking patterns to have a new type of life that you have decided to live.

Therefore, change the focus in your life. The more you train your thoughts to focus on something, the more likely you will be able to achieve it. Set meaningful goals to achieve it. Then, harness your energy to achieve your goals that are beyond the ordinary, that which are enduring and valuable. Consider setting your focus on goals that would help not only yourself but also the overall happiness and welfare of everyone connected to you.

This year, 5 June marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. The degrading quality of life is a great threat to our existence and survival on earth. We have offered a few articles in this issue dealing with the subject, including an article on a few steps to minimize plastic pollution. Can you think and take steps to make our ecosystem more safe, supportive and sustainable?

Vincent Carmel is the Chief Editor of The Teenager Today. He brings with him years of experience in working with young people. He was actively involved with the Indore-based Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) for over three years. A great lover of the North East, he was the Director of the North East Social Communications (NESCOM), organising motivational programmes for the youth of the region.

Vincent Carmel

Vincent Carmel is the Chief Editor of The Teenager Today. He brings with him years of experience in working with young people. He was actively involved with the Indore-based Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) for over three years. A great lover of the North East, he was the Director of the North East Social Communications (NESCOM), organising motivational programmes for the youth of the region.