Lost in The 21st Century

Today has been one of those days where I found myself lost in the complexities of the 21st century. The pressing question that continually lingers in my mind is why this generation seems to be constantly pressured and burned out. It's hard for me to comprehend the underlying reasons behind it all. Everyone looks fine as they converse and laugh to each other, but deep inside they were all the same: pressured and burned out for whatever it is that doesn't even seem like something to be pressured and burned out about.

As I navigate through the fast pace of this era, I witness countless people struggling to keep up with the demands of society. They are chasing dreams, ambitions, and success, all while sacrificing their own well-being. All they could think of was success. Their goal was success, but they have the mind of an idealist, where their mind is so focused on the goal that they forget the journey to get there. They forgot that success tastes the sweetest when you constantly fail through the process. It leaves me puzzled, pondering whether it is collective ambition or societal expectation that leads to such pressure, and now it is clear that both contribute to such pressure.

What confuses me even further is how easily people in this generation get attached. Not only to relationships but also to material possessions and societal labels. It seems as though external validation carries significant weight, greatly affecting our self-worth. The need for acceptance and approval becomes a driving force, often overwhelming our individuality and personal growth. But isn't it funny? This generation easily gets attached emotionally, yet news of cheating always makes the news because it has almost become the norm.

Moreover, I find it rather perplexing how people in this generation can be quick to point out the mistakes of others yet fail to acknowledge their own, and the funny thing about that is that these are the same mistakes that they made and point out to others. It's as if there is a perpetual cycle of hypocrisy where blame is shifted from one person to another, and most especially, the blame for one person is shifted to a group that identifies the sinner. We have become experts at pointing out flaws, often disregarding our own fallibility. I struggle to comprehend how this pattern perpetuates itself, affecting both personal and collective growth.

In my journey to understand these phenomena, I remind myself that every era has its own unique challenges and complexities. Perhaps the interconnectedness and constant exposure to information contribute to the pressures. The advent of technology has brought advancements that, on the one hand, have made life easier, but on the other hand, have blurred boundaries and intensified the pace of life, where everyone is eager to cope or even everyone is determined to be first as they comprehend this pace as a race.

However, amidst all the confusion, I also witnessed resilience and strength. I see individuals pushing boundaries, questioning societal norms, and striving for change. It reminds me that there is hope and potential for a better future and a better generation, where I think I'd finally belong. A future where people won't base everything on how they feel. A future where people who deny changing to please the crowd wouldn't be looked at as someone who is different.

Regardless of whether or not I understand the reasons behind this generation's pressures and attachments, I remind myself to approach each day with empathy and an open mind. We're all just trying to find our way in this increasingly complex world, trying to make sense of it all.