I think it’s hilarious that people in their 30s refer to themselves as geriatric and old. My grandmother who is 92 is actually geriatric and she still gets up every day, pushes herself around the wheel chair and gives her caregivers what for.
As an Xer, I can relate to feeling left behind by technology - I didn’t own a computer until my senior year in college (and it had dial up Internet). I didn’t own a cell phone until my late 20s and I’ve only logged on to Tik Tok like twice. Sorry, I just don’t get most of it but I really appreciate the creativity.
But time and life experiences have given me another perspective.
First, life is not a contest.
If you’re spending time constantly worrying about whether you match up to others, that might be a place to start reflecting. Seeking validation externally is a bottomless pit.
No one is behind and no one is in front.
Especially American culture worships the young, new and innovative. But like with all fads, what was once new, quickly fades to be replaced by something else. As you get older, you’ll care less about the newest gadget, slang term or shiny object and more about having deep connections with people in your life.
As far as the decisions previous generations, including my own, have made about our culture and our planet, it’s easy to cast blame and some of it is well placed. I also appreciate your acknowledgment that intrenched societal systems are so large, no one generation will be able to fix everything at once.
We could however, stop bickering about which generation is best and row the boat together — at least those who are ready to collaborate. Each person doing their small part in their tiny corner of the world, to make things just a little bit more peaceful, equitable and healthy.
You still have 2/3 of your life to go.
Yes, it’s challenging raising the next generation, but your kids will be grown in a flash. You don’t have to wait until you’re an empty nester to pursue your dreams.
Any day, you can wake up, decide to re-invent your life, make different choices, strike a positive attitude and contribute.
Want a better future?
Take action, stop waiting for another generation to hand it to you.
