Written by Kristin Larmore, Relate Intern

Let’s think about how many times you’ve heard your parents tell you “It’s all going to be ok,” that “You’ve just got to love yourself for who you are and that’s always good enough.”

For some, this is an uplifting revelation that seemed to be hidden under some distant cloud of thought, enough to pull them from lowest points. But for others, the looming question is always, “Well, how would they know? They’re not me.”

Truly, parents mean these words from the heart; they’ve been there, so they know. But sometimes, you’ve just got to go through it yourself to understand or receive encouragement from someone your own age. To you, they can relate more than anyone else.

Chantel Christie, daughter of NBA athlete Doug Christie, certainly doesn’t lead the most “normal” teen life, but she’s still very much in touch with what teens go through, being one herself. A youth spokesperson for the YMCA and the US ambassador on HIV/AIDS awareness, she truly cares about talking to youth of all ages.

In addition to being a singer and ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness, she’s actually an author. Her book, I Want to Live!:A Teenager’s Guide to Finding Self Love is a testament to what teens go through, addressing topics like food choice, exercise and self-confidence.

(Photo by chantelchristie.com)

It just became available September 10! Be one of the first to check it out.

To learn about Chantel’s music and more, visit her website at www.chantelchristie.com.