Why So Serious?!

    Society shames individuality. We are encouraged to be ourselves, but with certain requirements. If our goal is to achieve acceptance, failure is inevitable. When we strive to be accepted, we are essentially demanding perfection from ourselves. By living under these unrealistic expectations, we lose ourselves and become less and less of an individual.
     Realistically, we are shamed for what makes us individuals. In his essay, 'Me Talk Pretty One Day', David Sedaris writes, "How often is one asked what he loves in this world... How often is one asked and then publicly ridiculed for his answer?" (para. 13). In this quote, Sedaris questions the systematics of society's behavior. A feigned interest becomes belittlement. In this response we correct our behavior and seek refuge in popular consensus. An attempt of self- expression results in humility.
     Our reactions to humiliation must be adjusted. As a solution, we must structure ourselves. This can be done through laughter. Yes. Laughter. Why take every opinion so seriously?! By finding positively in discomfort, our skin gets a little thicker. Not only are we able to laugh off the "haters" but we also are able to push ourselves; not to perfection but self-improvement rather. We eliminate the savage desire to fit in by becoming the best versions of ourselves. The best way to successfully maintain individuality is to just lighten up!

Into Adulthood

    The teenage years. You're either too old to participate in the activities you once loved, or too young to  make grown- up decisions. We often feel confined, like wild wolves in a cage-- except this enclosure is actually called high school. Don't get me wrong-- I believe this institution is completely necessary, despite its negative connotations. Becoming a well- rounded citizen determines how we function in society, and helps us to decide which path we'd like to take in life. Our attitude towards life or adulthood itself however yet been matured. Therefore, we must not rush ourselves out of adolescence.
     Our education gives us a taste of what career path we may pursue. With so many options, we stress so much about choosing a career path that we will posses for the rest of our lives. Our provincial mindsets do not allow us to see beyond the false pretense that the "destination" is more important than the journey itself.
      In his article 'Let Teenagers Try Adulthood', Leon Botstein writes, "By the time those who graduate from high school go on to college and realize what is really at stake in becoming an adult, too many opportunities have been lost and too much time has been wasted" (para. 5). In this quote, Botstein claims that in dreaming of adulthood, we are wasting our time. Similarly, I believe that in yearning for the future, we are missing the present. There is nothing wrong with having apparitions, however.
    Because we are young, we have more than enough time to both discover our passion(s) and dream of a life beyond adolescence. We are constantly growing and making new discoveries, therefore learning more and more about what makes us happy. A sheltered childhood acts as a safety net to catch us when we become lost in our pursuit of happiness. Life is truly about the journey, not a destination. If we are not able to recognize this during out transition into adulthood, we will spend our lives in disappointment, always awaiting something more.
     Take what life offers you, and enjoy the ride; beginning to end.