My Generation

I don't have any kids (phew!) but I do have a lot of younger cousins so I often find myself thinking about the state of this great nation that we live in and what it will be like for them as they grow into adulthood. (This is all assuming that the Myans have it wrong and the world isn't actually ending in 2012, but that's a whole different deal.) As I was saying, I do think about these things and had a really great conversation with a buddy of mine recently regarding it and how we felt so I figured I'd share some of those ideas with you guys. Take all this however you like, personally I wouldn't take it too seriously considering I'm not an authority on anything outside of which bar in St. Cloud has the best tap OJ. (The Tav)

It seems as though in this day and age too many people look for an easy out and have a "do me" mentality. By that I mean that they're always looking for how they can directly benefit and are only looking out for #1. Do you realize how something as simple as holding the door open for someone, saying "thank you", shoveling a neighbors sidewalk, etc can have such a great impact? One simple, courteous act could change the course of that person's day for the better and I believe that the start to any sort of social change is rooted in deeds like this. You don't need to go out and make some grand world changing gesture, you just need to make small, conscious decisions to be a decent human being. It really just comes down to being the change that you want to see in the world (thank Gandhi for that one). There is absolutely no reason not to do the right thing in virtually every situation.

Also, I hear a lot of talk about "I wish I was around in such and such generation when things were easier and life was so much better". That's bullshit. Every generation has its problems and probably said the same thing. Hey, at least we're not hiding under school desks thinking it will protect us from nuclear warfare. If a simpler life is what you're looking for then create it. Believe it or not every single one of you influences the people in your life in one way or another. If you start to act or behave in a certain manner chances are that it will spread throughout your social circle and beyond. So, quit whining and do the work. I think our generation has an incredible opportunity to create drastic positive change. When I look around at all the people I know in my age group I see an enormous amount of under utilized talent. Guess what folks, life wasn't meant to be lived in a bar bitching about the state of the world. Get out, start a business, create art, donate your time or talent, write a book, climb a mountain, do something! I've personally taken a lot of risks over the last year and I've been scared a couple of times but it's paid off so far. Plus, if it blows up in my face (insert rim joke here) at least I can say I tried. So, I would suggest that you quit worrying about what things used to be like and instead work on making today better.

So, there you have folks. Go out and make some waves, create some positive change that will benefit future generations. It really isn't that hard, just remember to take pride in whatever you're doing and do it well.

I guess I just really feel like people have become too complacent and only complain about change but refuse to work towards it. Having a great idea and not doing anything with it is completely worthless. I thought about riding my motorcycle to NYC a lot and last summer I finally did it. Someone asked why I finally went and I said because I don't ever want to tell my grandkids that I had a great idea about riding to New York. So, put the rubber to the road and make a difference.

Or, print this post off and burn it, I don't really give a shit either way.
Jon