Teenagers in today's world are expected to have angst and sulk the days away. We are predicted to be sullen and moody, and make huge deals out of nothing. We are looked down upon for those qualities. But I'm realizing that most people don't age out of the angst and despair. A lot of adults harbor those same characteristics. So why aren't we being taught how to manage our emotions now and flip our perspective on the world so that life will be more bearable- enjoyable even?
I've just decided that since I am the only person who can determine how I feel, I shouldn't waste my time being mad at myself or worrying about stupid high school drama or feeling socially awkward or missing people who have drifted away.
Certainly, every emotion is valid, and every thought deserves to be honored, but negativity is often amplified to a level that is probably unhealthy. I know that I think myself in circles and get caught up in the complications of insignificant situations. I realize that I let myself get wrapped up in crazy ideas that end up hurting me when expectations and reality don't meet. I understand that a lot of my thoughts and moods are the result of teen angst, but I also believe that's not the only factor. And I know I'm not the only person who sees it that way.
"Pain and suffering are all too often side effects of an intelligent mind and a sensitive soul." Someone very wise said that once. I think that those who are most perceptive or see the most pain in the world around them are often brought down by the sadness. They live in fear and sorrow, whether they realize it or not. I think sometimes we feel as if we don't deserve to think positively. Optimism is viewed as unrealistic or silly, because if things don't work out as hoped, feelings get hurt.
The reality is that people will leave. Promises will be broken. Things will fall to pieces. It's just a fact. And as sad as that is, we can't let the sorrows of the world crush our spirits. I'm just so tired of being down all the time. It breaks my heart to see people I care about hurting. It makes me sad to watch the news or to hear about the pain of other people's lives. And I don't believe that empathy is wrong. It is important to feel the bad things and be there to support those who need you. However, we cannot let the negatives pile up and make it impossible for me to see how beautiful everything else is.
Our society has a way of shaming people for anything. Whether it is for being too sad or too enthusiastic- it is as if feeling has become a sin. But the way I see it, life consists entirely of feeling and the lessons that come with it.
That said, I'm trying to make a point of not letting my thoughts turn sour, because negativity never helped anyone. Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Even when things get messy -especially when things get messy-, I want to be the warm yellow light that washes over the people I love.
Stop resisting the positive just because you feel you don't deserve it. Cheer up, cause in the grand scheme of things, none of these little things really matter. Grades are fairly inconsequential. Some relationships are worth letting go. You have to respect yourself enough to let go of the things that no longer help you grow or make you happy. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, to view their world positively, to be infectiously joyful. We just have to figure out how to manage our outlook.
When it comes down to it, life is hard. Inevitably, bad crap happens. But life goes on, and we can't let the bad stuff pile up. Because while life can be incredibly painful, it is also unbelievably beautiful. If all it takes is a few deep breaths and a glistening sunrise to help you out of a funk, be sure to utilize those. The world is a gigantic, gorgeous place, and light can be found in every corner, even within ourselves. We just have to find it.
Be iridescent.
Stop resisting the positive just because you feel you don't deserve it. Cheer up, cause in the grand scheme of things, none of these little things really matter. Grades are fairly inconsequential. Some relationships are worth letting go. You have to respect yourself enough to let go of the things that no longer help you grow or make you happy. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, to view their world positively, to be infectiously joyful. We just have to figure out how to manage our outlook.
When it comes down to it, life is hard. Inevitably, bad crap happens. But life goes on, and we can't let the bad stuff pile up. Because while life can be incredibly painful, it is also unbelievably beautiful. If all it takes is a few deep breaths and a glistening sunrise to help you out of a funk, be sure to utilize those. The world is a gigantic, gorgeous place, and light can be found in every corner, even within ourselves. We just have to find it.
Be iridescent.
No comments:
Post a Comment