May 2003
Being mindful of your body's state can help you avoid getting into conflict with your family and friends. Think about it, when you are tired and grumpy because you stayed up too late the night before, you are quick to jump on your little brother for smearing toothpaste on the edge of the sink where it got on your favorite sweatshirt. Also, keep track of your cycle and consider how it impacts your emotions through the month. Don't trash your friend for being horrible to you when you are really just PMS-ing (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, used in the non-clinical sense). Many girls, and their mothers, for that matter, get very emotional in the days just before they start their periods and some, two weeks later as well. Even for girls who haven't "started" yet, this mood swinging can be very pronounced making it seem that your parents are the most cruel and unusual creatures on the planet, when really all they asked is that you take a shower before going to school.
Learning to consider what is going on in your body and how that impacts your emotions can help you keep your feelings in check so you aren't as ready to blame it on others.