Generation Y, the "technology" age, we'll never know what its like to "blah, blah, blah." That's typically what our elders love to say. Just admit it, we're the coolest generation so far for a multitude of reasons. We can start movements on social media, we can record our every move for the world to see and our money can be accessed from pieces of plastic. OK, so all of those things sound cool, but are they really? A lot of the advancements that have been made in the world are amazing but they can also be enabling. Some of us have taken things way too far and have forgotten how to be down to earth. Everything won't come as fast as you want it too or turn out as perfect as it is in a photo. Here are some things you may have forgotten amongst taking all of those selfies.
1. Putting social media first
I love social media just as much as the next guy but Generation Y we have got to learn to put the phones and laptops down. Going out to lunch with friends has become "text on our phones and pay for food". Life is passing us by quicker than we realize, don't allow social media to suck you in, take time to enjoy something that doesn't require technology.
2. Comparing yourself to the pictures on your Instagram explore page
Instagram is exactly what it says it is "INSTAGRAM", not real life. We live in an age where imperfections are now easily hidden. Photos are photoshopped and filtered to perfection and perfectly timed before posting for more "likes" and attention. Don't let the BS fool you, no one and i mean absolutely NO ONE that you see on your social media pages is perfect. We are all humans that have flaws and make mistakes. So stop comparing every single piece of yourself to someone or something that isn't even real in pictures.
3. Not enjoying the little things
Lately, it seems as if many of my peers seem unsatisfied with life. As if "Money, b*tches, cars and clothes" is a real lifestyle with substance. You don't have to be at every party scene or have the coolest car to be a dope person. Don't let the fake rap lyrics or tv lifestyles make you ungrateful for what you do have. We don't own all the problems in the world and if you have access to reading this article you definitely should not have much to complain about.
4. Idolization of material items
I can't lie lipstick and shoes make me a VERY happy woman but nowadays it hurts us more to get a crack on our phone versus what is happening in the world around us. When did material items become living and breathing people? There is no reason to cry because you missed the release of Kylie Jenner's new lip color. Who cares? You could be somewhere making a difference or learning something new. Try exploring nature instead of looking at pictures of it on your explore page
5. Wanting to be like your favorite celebrity instead of yourself
You wanna know the secret to being Beyonce? It's being Beyonce. Instead of worrying about what others are doing or what others think she's focused on herself and her family at all times. Putting on five layers of makeup doesn't bring you closer to a better life, or "fame", working hard does. Being yourself really is the key to a happier you.
6. Allowing the opinions of others to shape your perceptions and choices
The opinions of such and such have nothing to do with you. Just because someone you know or care feels a certain way about something doesn't mean you have to do the same or feel the same. Our different opinions and outlooks on life is what makes each of us unique. Do your research before forming premature opinions about something. Sometimes it helps more if you listen instead of speaking.
7. Not asking enough questions
So many different issues, opinions, outlooks, and voices on certain issues can become overwhelming. This is where asking questions becomes even more important. It's almost like when the professor asks if anyone has any questions and no one raises their hands but EVERYONE has a question. Don't be in the dark about things that are important in your life. Asking a question can change something completely.
8. Living life without knowing your REAL history
Nothing is truer than "not knowing where you are going unless you know where you come from". It is your job as a young adult to figure out not just who you are but where you come from. Learning the true history of your culture and the cultures of others is so important. It helps broaden your knowledge base and can open your mind to the possibilities that you never knew of. YOU ARE YOUR HISTORY.
9. Not facing your fears
Your teen years and young adult years are the perfect time for exploration and facing your fears. Our frontals lobes are so small anymore and we can think a lot clearly about certain things. Life shouldn't be lived with fears, it should be lived fearlessly.
10. Hating instead of supporting
Haters;they're everywhere and unavoidable. We will all come across a hater or two in our lifetimes. They help us learn and grow, but if you find yourself constantly on the other side of some drama, maybe you are the hater. Karma is a real force of nature, what you reap is what you sow. Promote positivity and supporting others instead of bringing others down, there is nothing to gain from that. People will eventually forget about their haters but they'll never forget who supported them.
