First of all, it’s America….not ‘mercia. It’s time to quit short cutting things and chopping up the English language. That which is acceptable for social media is NOT always acceptable in mainstream life.
We are embarking upon Summer break for our youth and I noticed that it seems to be a very trying time for them. Tempers seem to be flaring. Patience seems to be thin. Heck even the mood swings from my own youngsters is working my patience.
This moment begs for a pause.
I want the young people of America to stop a minute.
Realize that things today probably don’t really matter in the end. Sadly, these fellow students you are exchanging ugly words with or allowing to create drama in your world, will soon be a thing of the past. What upsets you today might be the only memory you have of the person tomorrow or next week. When you find TRUE friends you won’t always get along; but you will grow together and one day laugh about those spats.
Acceptance of others needs to return to our behavior. It is said that “God created each of is in his image”, therefore, NONE of us is better than the other. Social media buzzword “bae”, meaning before anyone else, comes to mind here. {Phonetically, it as “bay” when talking to others. Again, acceptable in social media NOT in verbal communication.} Who really should be your “bae”? Some say God. Some say boyfriend. Some say girlfriend. I say…YOU! Put no one before you. Your happiness is important. It allows you to be a productive member of society. Don’t allow others to treat you any less than you treat you! In other words, as a wise friend taught me this year, “…you have to allow someone to bully you…”. It took me a while to process that thought. Ultimately, that is true. There are still people who will be “bullies” looking for those who “allow themselves to be bullied”. It’s not a fix to the epidemic we have in today’s youth. It is a beginning. People have a right to defend themselves. Thus, not allowing themselves to be bullied. Ultimately, putting themselves before anyone else.
Open your heart. Maybe that guy or girl you think shouldn’t be a part of your “click” or your boy/girlfriend should be. People cross your path for a reason. There’s nothing wrong with getting to know someone. We all have qualities that make us valuable as a whole…because we can’t do everything alone. Now I won’t get into the whole “race”, “religion”, “political” or “sexual orientation” debate, we all have beliefs and I’m not debating mine here. I will say, think of your future. Think of what your family values are. Your choices carry huge consequences. I have “friends” from ALL walks of life; ADD, ADHD, rich, poor, middle class, Christian, wanna be Christian, leaders, followers, gay, straight, bisexual, skinny, plump, average, black, white, Asian, German, Italian, Hawaiian, redneck, Yankee, bikers, tattooed, pierced and everything in between and beyond. They make my life complete; because I have no reason not to be acquainted with them. There’s boundaries and friends don’t push them. We respect them. I consider myself open minded. Our youth today seem very closed minded. They tend to shun people quickly. Yet, they want to be allowed to express themselves.
BOTTOM LINE to my ramble is…our youth today beg for their elders to accept them and their individuality. They wish to be expressive. They wish to freely explore themselves sexually and spiritually. They want everyone to do things now.
HOWEVER they are not so good at taking that advice…as they tend to judge their peers more critically than they are being judged. They don’t accept their peers as easily as they wish to be accepted. Society cannot survive under this form of socialization. Accept and use the word “no” because rejection builds character. This new age belief that we have to make everyone feel good about themselves has created a LOT more problems. Ironically, the youth today are the reason for a “no child left behind” society. Yet, these same youth are the most judgmental and unforgiving of others than anyone.
Teens today should take a minute to practice what they preach!!
CLIMB ABOARD MY SOAPBOX 