In 2006, John Mayer released his song “Waiting on the World to Change“. The opening lines of the song are, “me and all my friends we’re all misunderstood. They say we stand for nothing and there’s no way we ever could”. If you’re a millennial you hear this all the time, but crazy thing is John’s not a millennial. Which means no matter what generation you belong during your 20s-30s society will label you in a negative light instead of giving you grace while you figure out life. This Truth Tuesday I want to tell you how I’m NOT waiting on the world to change. In my Baptist preacher voice, I won’t hold yall long today lol.
In this crazy social climate, we must all check ourselves from time to time and not get caught up in all the drama. I’m gonna hit yall with three ways to avoid the drama.
- Sit down and have a genuine conversation with someone who’s different from you! Some of my best conversations have steam from a disagreement. It’s beautiful when opposing sides come together and really hear one another and try to impact change! Before you go jumping off the Olympic sized diving board, start small. Talk to someone that has a common goal as you (ie justice, equal pay), but has different views on how to get to the finish line. Start from there and watch things blossom!
- Tap into understanding, compassion and empathy! Listen, we’re all hurt, but discovering why someone ticks can add a ton of light to any situation. Understanding someone’s pain point can give you a better understanding of them overall. We’re all just a product of our life experiences. Although experiences can’t be erased, we can change our connection/relationship and perception of those events. When Anthony and I went to counseling I really started to understand him better because I had a better understanding of his past. If we come from a place of compassion/empathy, it’s easier to achieve understanding of others and for them to be more open.
- Go out and do some good in the world! I hate to sound naïve, because I know there’s a lot going on in the world. But I do believe doing good deeds and putting out other good vibes can bring about positive change. I’ve written about this on the blog before, but when I get upset or frustrated I try to reuse that energy and turn it into a positive project. Last year, after the election, Anthony and I went out one night, stopped random strangers and asked them to draw a slip of paper out of a box. Each slip had a gift, a hug and hope written on it. Before the people could get their gift they had to give us a hug. We made a difference that night! I know because I saw the smiles on people’s faces and heard the love in their voices. This won’t solve all our problems, but it can definitely serve as a spring-board of change.
What are you doing to change the world? For me, “I have decided to stick with love…hate is too great a burden to bear – MLK
Until next time loves…
Agree with all three, and I especially believe communication is key!
Communication is definitely the key!
I love this. So good. And I’m definitely voting for y’all.
LOL we need the votes
I really want to hug you right now!!!
Right back at you 😘😘😘
I love that you channeled your negative energy after the election into something good. I’m sure you made a difference to those strangers who received your message of hope.
Thanks, I like to think we did
I love numbers two and three. I try my best to understand others more through traveling. You learn so much from other cultures.
Yes, travel is a great way to break down barriers
Having a genuine conversation with ourselves is important. I agree every generation has its flaws it just seems like older generation always wanted to bash younger people “millennials.”
Millennials ruined the world is what they say. I was watching pardon the interuption the other day and both of them were acting like we destroyed sports smh.
Totally agree…communication is key! I love having conversations with others because it gives you a chance life from the view of someone else.
This is so true. I’ll strike up a conversation with a stranger in a minute.
First of all, I freaking love that song and so I need to hear it right now. lol I’m a chatter and I love getting to know people. Especially people who are different in some way from me. I’m certainly a lover and not a hater.
Yes, it’s such a positive change. I can talk someone’s ear off lol.
Even though I am a bit shy, I have especially found it enjoyable to have conversations with strangers. Most of the time this have happened while on vacation. I’ve made some good friends doing so.
Vacation is the best time to make new friends. Everyone is so happy lol.
I’m the millennial in my group of friends. We have all learned something or a few things from each other. We do good and we live good and work on setting the example for our children.
Love it! That’s what it’s supposed to be like.
These are indeed all great tips! I’d like to add one more to that list, #4 know when to walk away. That is the most powerful method for avoiding drama yet.
Yes!!! That’s a great one. Sometimes it’s best to walk away.
Such a well written, well informed and inspiring post. Sometimes waiting is not good enough Getting up and doing can make such a big difference.
Yes, I agree
Simply having a conversation can bring about so much clarity and prevent misconceptions. Great post.
Yes, so simple but powerful
I definitely agree with your third point: doing good deeds will bring positive change in the world. If more people followed this advice, I can only imagine how much more good than bad would be in our world. Love your tips!
Yes!!! Just imagine how great we’d be. Everybody out here winning lol.