In today's society everyone is so tuned into everyone else's lives. Social media, television, and radio all make communication travel quicker than ever before. With the 24/7 access to practically unlimited information whether it be "what year was Abraham Lincoln born?" or "who is Lizzie dating now?" We can sign on to our phones or laptops and find this information in under 30 seconds. I find this scary.
The need to know everything about everyone has seemed to become the norm. This has increased teen depression due to the fact that kids are now comparing their own backstories to other's highlights and thinking they are equivalent. (Just so you know, they aren't. Most people only post on the internet what they are proud to show off, don't compare your lowest moments to their highest.) I have also found, that when confronted with different issues (such as this past election), people are more apt to call others out on social media instead of face-to-face.
Hiding behind a screen is safe. People can say what they want, when they want, to WHO they want and the rest of the internet doesn't even have to know their first name. But you know what's NOT "safe"? Staring at someone in the face and either calling them out on their BS or standing up for your own beliefs.
It's a scary thought isn't it? Thinking of confronting your co-worker for their unfair, or unnecessary treatment towards you. Or what about standing up to your parents about what your beliefs are instead of just agreeing with what they say. Or even still, what about talking to that "friend" that has continually back stabbed you and your best friend.
You start to play the situation in your head, at first its sounds like a great idea. You get yourself amped up by thinking of exactly what you would say and yelling or calling them out on everything they have ever done to you. You start to think "maybe I should actually do this!" until you start to think of the possible consequences. What if your co-worker bring your boss around and you get fired? What if your parents kick you out? What if that person who has hurt you in the past hurts you in the future? Your heart starts to beat fast doesn't it? Your palms are getting sweaty and you quickly dismiss the scenario from your mind because it's uncomfortable to think about. Failure is hard to undertake.
But what if you succeed?
What if the 30 seconds it takes to spit out your thoughts, IN PERSON and not on the internet changes your life? What if your boss sees that you deserves a raise? What if your parents understand your point of view and become accepting which creates a better bond between you guys? What if standing up to the so called "friend" makes it known to them that they really aren't a good friend causing them to change not only their attitude to YOU but to the WORLD?
Courage is hard. It's the willingness to be afraid and act anyway. It takes real guts to stand up for what you believe in. It's even harder when it feels as if you are alone and there's no one to back you up in your corner. I promise there is always somebody, even if they don't make themselves known right away. Don't worry about social media and everyone's thoughts about your own life. Focus on yourself, have the courage to know what you believe in (but also know that it is completely okay that you can willingly change your mind if you have learned from yourself. Everyone has their own story and we all learn different lessons at different times). Also, don't let others walk all over you. You have a voice, let it be heard.
"All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you, something great will come of it." -Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo
