Yesterday.
There is that seemingly ubiquitous saying, “I am enough.” Adults zealously exchange this phrase with others and so, to no surprise, this same claim has now found itself marketably displayed in variously creative ways within home decor aisles or sites.
I think, “Why must we remind ourselves of this?” Even more, “Why have we come to this need to make such assertion?” Furthermore, “When did we begin to feel we weren’t?” Disconcertingly, “Whom has been given power to make us question we were not enough in the first place?”
To be validated for one’s existence and level of importance in this world may well be or lead to a persecution complex. Why else would we need to remind ourselves we are enough while simultaneously making such affirmation for others to take note?
While each of us are a masterpiece in the making of our greatest potential, we undoubtedly need reminders. Shouldn’t such self-assertion be inward, however, not outward? Still, are we nonsensically regarding someone else’s stance as our marker, forgetting that two cannot stand in the same spot or wear the same shoes at the same time? Have we generationally caused a perpetual course of action that sadly has become a feat we subconsciously are uncertain to arrive to? You ARE enough. Is this not enough to believe?
We tell our children to stand up for themselves and never change for anyone, that they are just fine as they are. Just as our lips speak the words, they hear or see us battle with the world of who we are, trying to ascertain our own level of significance.
While our intentions may be “self” serving, are we possibly sending the message to the next generation that in actuality, we work to meet the needs of others instead of our very own? As we speak strength into our children, are our own actions suggesting fear and uncertainty? Do we really have it together ourselves? So, as they turn to their peers and social media, have we taken time to ponder as to why? After all, is your very level of leadership, influence, and collective being not enough to serve as ultimately the end-all answer to what IS enough? Or, are own actions turning the next generation to look elsewhere for a sense of completion?
Let’s take a moment to examine some of what this generation fight against.
This generation must fight labels.
A sense of belonging is a challenge if there is no knowing where one belongs. Affiliations can create quite a stress for one who would like to be able to find their own individuality amidst a group they would just like to get to know. Begin to mingle with a group or just the desire to be around the likes of several or all, the risk of being labeled as such can be the cause. How have we contributed to any confusion of belongingness?
This generation must fight historical truth.
Inarguably, some of our history is still being repeated today. There has been good history worth repeating. And yet, we keep pushing for change. This entails we have yet to agree on what is right. What type of change now can interestingly be skewed if we don’t even agree on what change is best. Imagine the challenge of the next generation to try and understand all our viewpoints to get right what we haven’t fully succeeded in getting right just yet. How have we contributed to this confusion?
This generation must fight social media.
Whether one is a follower of some social media sort or one creates a media platform for others to follow, the world of watchers while being watched has been entered. And while there may be safety in being behind a phone or a computer, the mind is the freely accessed, subliminally being breached into the very depths of even the protected. How have we contributed to the likings (or dislikings) of media in the social network realm of life?
This generation must fight their own “self”.
Those thoughts and voices that say to go this way while another voice says to go that way or do it this way and not that way- who iconically out there within the premises of this world would we all agree is walking in all the right ways and doing all the right things? Such innumerable mixed messages and pressures of what is correct leadership are incessantly heard of if not seen. How have we contributed to the fight to find the “self” that is within?
This generation must fight the good fight.
Amongst all those above, this generation must fight the good fight while trying to stay focused and clear on what actually is good. They must stand strong for what they possess from within that is being shattered or shredded by what is outside. Their mind, heart, body, and spirit must stand firm. Their armors, shields, and swords must be ready for whatever attack come their way. And still, the stealth and slickness of deceit and confusion create difficulty in protecting their walls. How have we contributed to the wear and tear of such fortification?
You ARE enough. And yet, who is to blame for when one questions such claim? How have we contributed to any false precept that we never were or never will be? If and when we declare without doubt that we indeed are not only enough, but have always been enough, think the confidence we will have created for this new generation who must look at those very same home decorations. If we don’t believe we indeed, are enough, how much more doubt have we cast for the eyes following our own?
