2015 has brought on an uproar within the people. People now, more than ever, are standing up for cases that have lived long behind curtains of prejudice and oppression. Protests, rallies, trends and almost every social aspect of our community is being shaped by this collaborative voice. Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, and even general intolerance is condemned on every level. But, that's what's happening as a collaboration, a joint effort.
Yes, situations are improving, but are humans?
With every step we take in this new world, it's becoming more and more challenging. Increasing rates in population, disparity in incomes, beauty standards and expectations just casually kicking insecurity in the balls and so on.
Life's moving too fast. There are too many races we need to take part in, too many trophies we need to win and, too many people we need to show these trophies off to. It's all about the bling now baby.
Are individuals even human anymore?
Well, I intend on saving at least some of my humane bits before an inevitable alien invasion or vampire love fest breaks out. (Seriously, pop culture get your sh*t together.) And this is how I plan on hunting the f*ck out of my demons.
1. Take a break from social media.
If you're anything like me, a typical 18 year old potato, you'll know what I mean when I say that I'm happy for my friends (when I see their posts), but good Lord why couldn't all that awesome stuff happen to me? It's generally depressive to see all these people so happy. Yeah, they have their sorrows too, but I'm not mature enough to realize that. X went to Greece and Spain? Well, I'm broke! Y got into Stanford? Congratulations, but I'm crying on the inside.
I am happy for you, but instead of this being motivation to get up off of my a**, it just pulls me down a dark road of whining and self loathing.
2. Say 'sorry', 'thank you' and 'please' more and mean it!
I'm big on accumulating good karma. And yes, you found the Hindu. So, in order to fulfill my selfish motive, I generally tend to help people out here and there—helping with laundry, holding the door open, taking care of them when they're sick or acting dramatic, etc.
What I've come to realize is that seeing someone smile at me, one that reaches their eyes, and say 'thank you' makes my day. Or even when I mess up, which in my case is a regular phenomenon, a simple heartfelt sorry changes everything? Holy cow.
Happiness is infectious. Making someone happy is literally like guaranteeing your own happiness. And a little selfishness of this sort never hurt anyone.
3. Say goodbye to the plastic in you.
This one is probably one of the hardest things I've tried implementing in my own life. It's so much easier to just lie.
The many faces you put on are now adept at playing the social game. On this battlefield, manipulation, betrayal and over all nastiness are the only weapons one uses. This ain't the place for honesty, son. What do you think I am? A truther?
Well, hell to that! It's time we put our granny panties on and grow up. You hate someone? Stop pretending to like them.You want to say something to one person but you've never had the courage to? GET UP AND DO IT.
You want to ask someone why they're white if they're from Africa? Do—no...don't do that. Karen, don't.
Cause honestly, someone's going to b*tch about you anyway. Might as well slay em' with your honesty.
4. Love everyone the way you love food.
This world needs more love. It needs more lives to matter. Over the course of these last few years I've realized that I dislike so many people. And for no reason at all!
"That b*tch once stole a grape off of my plate. I hope she burns in hell."
Aashna, noooooo. Stahp. Or just stop.
Love's a wonderful thing, especially loving more people. It entails more presents, more birthday parties, more friends who actually attend classes...and if you guys love each other, they'll have to share their notes.
Plus, snuggling with a hot piece of a** (because once you love someone, attractiveness stops running skin deep) when you're single is always appreciated.
5. Stop hating yourself and start hating the envy.
I think I wrote this entire article just to establish this one point.
I'll share something with you. I haven't managed to harm this demon much. It's still looming like that Bathsheba person, from the conjuring, over my head. (Oh God, I just googled 'Bathsheba Conjuring' to recheck the spelling and I forgot the image search bar was in use...what have I done.)
Anyway, I think it's important for you, and me, to remind ourselves that loving your own body and mind isn't a crime. It won't happen suddenly. You're like Rome, baby. Can't be built in a day.
There'll always be something smarter, prettier, richer, and also someone who doesn't chew their nails. You will get jealous and maybe even feel like you're a garbage bag for dead fish. Just turn on "Firework" by Katy Perry, look at some of your hot selfies and just breathe.
You're worth loving. And if anyone ever tells you otherwise, punch that motherf*cker in the boob and cackle away.
