I recently had a conversation with a 20-something who was bemoaning the entitlement that increasingly influences younger people. Who raises these brats, anyway?
Oh... right... my generation. We've trained you to be Barney Believers, to hope in dreams that are way beyond you, to assert yourself and to stomp out any competition to your rights. We taught you that if you believe hard enough, utopia will rain down in sparkling dreams. Now you're navigating a world where authorities aren't personally invested in your tears. If you aren't up to the task, simply believing it will happen will only generate a pink slip. If you don't know what that is, you will soon enough. You'll survive. We all did. Before long, the lies we've fed you will result in all hope being lost. You suddenly realize you're not all you thought you were. We have unwittingly thrust you into depression, addiction and self loathing.
Rather than empowering you, we've robbed you of the ability to push past the tough stuff. Ditch everything my generation has taught you about empowerment. It's a lie. Seriously... it's a pile of garbage. Try this on for size. Life is gonna bash you against the wall over and over and over. You're stronger than you think. Get back up, wipe off the blood and put one foot in front of the other. You will have days that are sunshine and rainbows. Memorize them. They're beautiful treasures that should be kept for a lifetime; just don't dwell there. Take today. Is it an ugly day? You'll get through it if you determine to do so. Is a great day? Celebrate. Now move on.
Finally, yes set goals, but temper your glittering dreams with attainable steps. You'll know when you land on a dream that's worth every bruise and sobbing session. Just... be realistic. For all of the lies that our generation shoved into your heads, we apologize. We were wrong.
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