You are in an exciting phase of life.

You’ve probably been told expressions like “the world is your oyster” and “you have your whole life ahead of you”.

Hopefully you’ve been given this encouragement because it’s true!

And if you haven’t, you deserve it!

What must be confusing and even overwhelming at times is with all this uncertainty about your future, there are so many questions, and you may not feel you know who you are, at all.

And that’s scary!

No one expects you to have decided in crystal clear terms who you are and your future at this age. But there’s no reason why you shouldn’t step into the door of uncertainty and try and find out! That is what it means to come of age, and it takes time and effort.

Young people throughout all history all around the world have been through the same process.

Once it was made simple through rituals and traditions.

In this modern world of Facebook and skyscrapers, it is not as clear what you’re meant to do.

You’ve got some vague ideas about a job, and being a good person, and probably a few key beliefs you’ve inherited from your parents. Maybe you’ve got some idea what you want to do, maybe you don’t! Yet you can be sure that someday you will be clear on who you are.

Look at all the adults around you and those who have changed the world. You will get there too! It takes years, it takes some knocks, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.

This is your time to explore and find out.

It’s important to make use of this time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and hide behind the excuse that it’s all too much.

Do you dare disturb the universe?

After all, you will see through the media great tragedies around the world. You are beginning to understand how complex the world is and that there’s a lot of suffering out there.

You’re starting to see the flaws in the adults around you, and maybe you’re seeking new role models. The important thing is, talk it out!

Take some risks and share your views, whether they are uncertain, controversial, or very personal, with friends, family, and those around you. And let yourself learn more!

You may think you won’t change your beliefs, but that is what you said a year ago. And look at who you are now!

You’re expanding your identity as a young person all the time.

It’s a magical time.

Set sail!