Our Reality

Our generation has been deemed lazy and incapable ever since we moved from childhood into adulthood. From our political beliefs to the way we dress, we are criticized and chastised. We are required to raise our hand to use the bathroom, then thrust into making a choice that will affect the rest of our lives mere months later. All throughout high school, they shoved the idea of college down our throats and then made it so expensive, that we literally drown ourselves in debt. Then we work one, two, maybe three jobs to be able to afford health insurance we’re forced to pay, car insurance that’s ridiculously expensive, and so many other necessities of life. Given these obstacles, you could very well say there’s a lot of pressure. Still, though, that’s nowhere near the pressure we put on ourselves.

Ask any student, college or high school, if they have ever been stressed, and they will most likely laugh at you. What people do not understand though is how tired we are. It is not the kind of exhaustion that can be cured with a good eight hours of sleep if that was even an option half the time. No - it is the kind of exhaustion that settles deep within your soul. Where you just sigh at the very thought of compelling yourself through another day. But you have too.

If you don’t go to class, you could miss critical notes for that test next week. You’ve got to go to work, that water bill is due soon. Don’t forget volunteering/participating in extra circular activities. Without those, how will you one up that other student desperate for that internship you’ve been after?

Every day is another frustrated struggle to compete in a world that is hell bent against us. We’re doing it though. What that means though is majority of us have felt the suffocating grasp of depression and the paranoia of anxiety. Some of us can’t sleep for what seems like day while others never feel awake. We’re starving ourselves and putting ourselves in hospitals. Failure is not an option though. Is our definition of failure even right?

Failure isn’t a cheat date during your diet. Failure isn’t going to bed a little early instead of cramming for that test. You’re not a screw up for taking a day to just relax and read a book or watch television.

It’s okay to splurge on yourself and go out and buy that new makeup palette. If you can’t make it on your own and have to go home, it’s okay. You tried and that’s enough. You haven’t given up.

Every day you get out of bed is a victory. And the days you can’t? That’s okay too.

Life’s completely and utterly exhausting, but you’re doing it. Each moment you’re closer to your dream job. Closer to weekend’s off and worry free grocery shopping. Closer to looking in the mirror and liking who you see. You just have to keep trying. You just have to keep doing it. You can’t kill yourself in the process though love. You need to be strong inside and out. But you’re doing great love. Keep on Keeping on.