The Work of Adolescence

Adolescence is serious work. The quality of the product is proportional to the value we place on it.

This stage of life requires that we question the legitimacy of the adult world we stand to inherit. A person of integrity cannot simply accept values and practices without qualification; they must be examined and tested. In this search for answers we rebel, we test boundaries, we reinvent the wheel. If the adults in our lives react defensively we sense a weakness to be exploited. If they react with understanding, consistency and Patience some of the chaos is quieted.

In these years we become aware of our own magnificent power, the strength of our talents and inversely glimpse our own imperfection, mortality and sense the great responsibility we will soon bear. We struggle to shape an identity independent from our family and seek approval for our work. Inherit in these actions is the desperate question; " Will you still love and respect me if I am imperfect? “.