With so much negativity in the world and all of the doubt regarding the future of our country and our world, it's easy to lose sight of what humanity is doing right. The world is undoubtedly changing and though in some ways it appears for the worse, there are plenty of advances being made for the better. Here are just a few.
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness, the practice of being in the present moment, is making its way into everyday life across the board. It allows us to better deal with stress and tension and realize the insignificance of what we see as problems. In three of my classes the past week, we began with a mindfulness meditation. Last semester, my best friend took an entire class on "the science of happiness" in which she learned to do just that: be happy. I think it's amazing that this technique is being popularized and even making its way into schools and universities and for that, world, I congratulate you.
2. Health/Fitness
Though obesity is a rising concern, it seems like health-consciousness is more in than ever. There's juice bars, HIIT studios, and all kinds of new fitness crazes (think hot yoga, pure barre, Soul Cycle). Clean eating is gaining ground and people seem to be interested in the idea of health even if they aren't entirely healthy-it's the thought that counts, right?
3. Coffee
If there's one thing we're culturally doing right at this point in time, it's got to be coffee. Nitro brew? Cold brew? Aeropress? Almond butter lattes? This is a world I can get behind. There's options for all kinds of people, even non-coffee drinkers. There's nothing more refreshing than ordering a cortado without being questioned about what it is.
4. Food
Let's talk for a minute about my favorite thing: Food. I'm constantly in awe at the new food trends that pop up. We have ice cream... that you roll... and then eat?! We have poke bowls, donut burgers, donut ice cream sandwiches, mac and cheese pizza, sushi burritos, smoothie bowls, cereal milk ice cream, and so much more. There are restaurants dedicated to grilled cheeses and others that put ravioli on top of pizza. I mean, come on, what more could you ask for? I'd say this one stands alone.
5. Connectedness
Though I understand the negative side to technology, social media, and the strides we've been making in fields related, there's no doubt that our world is more connected than it ever has been. We are able to learn anything we want at the click of a button, and we can spread news and trends within minutes, if not seconds. Our world's knowledge on current affairs is constantly increasing, allowing us to say more, do more, and be a part of something greater than ourselves.
6. Engagement
To go off of point #4, with the connectedness we also experience a greater sense of engagement. Through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Stumbleupon, Pinterest, Reddit, and so many more, we are able to not only see other peoples' thoughts, but share our own as well. I am fortunate enough to engage in my own community at VCU and share my thoughts and writing through Odyssey, and without the Internet I wouldn't have the ability to reach out to others in this way.
7. Entrepreneurship
Millenials have gained a reputation for being lazy when the truth is, we would rather not work for somebody else. Renowned for innovative ideas, there has never been a greater group for creation. Have you ever wanted to create and mix your own candle scent? Now you can. How about make a career off of social media? That's also possible. The possibilities are endless.
8. Aesthetics
(This was above the bin to put your dirty plates in at a vegan joint in Cincinnati.. See what I mean?)
The inner mom in me loves all things cute, for lack of a better term. When I moved to Richmond I was amazed at how different of a city it was with all of its street art, hip coffee shops and high-end vintage shops, only to realize that this is becoming a norm in our culture. Visit the Shaw neighborhood of D.C. and you'll find just the same. Travel to Portland, Cincinnati, Denver, you name it, and you'll be able to find hip spots all over. Personally, it warms my heart to know that we're moving in this artsy direction.
9. Attitude
This point is closely related to point #1. It seems to me, at least, that our collective attitude is shifting from "go-go-go" to a more relaxed, laid-back one. Perhaps this is all in my head, but it appears that we are starting to slow down and focus on the important things and take them one at a time. We are beginning to understand that all work and no play drives us into the ground, when we need to stay focused on what matters and make the best of it if at all possible.
10. Acceptance
As a second-year college student, I realize I've done a lot of growing up in recent years. I came from a privileged area where I rarely experienced people different from myself and though I was brought up to accept all people as equal, I was never really able to put that philosophy into action. Living in a more diverse area has strengthened the philosophy my parents implanted in me and helped me realize that we are all human, regardless of how different we may be inside or out. With this, we are slowly backing away from the idea that tattoos make somebody a bad person. I hope to see the day where self-expression and competency are never put in the same category. Despite the terrible things being said by a certain presidential nominee in the news, I like to believe that as a whole, our nation is moving towards understanding this fact and loving all people regardless of sex, gender, race, religion, culture, etc.
11. Celebration
These days, we seem to have a festival for anything and everything. Chicken wings? Check. Apple cider? Check. LGBT pride? Yep. Music of all kinds? Of course. Beer? Yes. Cherry blossoms? You know it. The list goes on, and on, and on. We always find something to celebrate and bring us together and for that, I applaud not only our generation but our nation as a whole. If nothing else, at least we know how to party.
