All The Things

We often find it hard to come up with words that can describe us. Words can help shape our identity. Sometimes it’s hard to label ourselves, other times it’s easy. Sometimes the words are positive; unfortunately, many times, they are negative.

Growing up, the group you identify with often makes a big difference in your life. My mom always said, “Dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres,” which means “tell me who you hang out with, and I will tell you who you are.” Perhaps the phenomenon of school “cliques” and social circles is a millennial thing. I don’t know how prevalent or important it was in other generations, but to a millennial, they were a big deal.

Millennial. One label that many shy away from. A label that is having its moment. I am a millennial. I know that it comes with many negative stereotypes and associations, but there are so many redeeming qualities and characteristics that can be seen in millennials-creative, inspirational, limit-pushers, inquisitive, hard-working, tech-savvy, team players and passionate. I’m not saying that we are the only generation that holds these qualities or that we are the best representation of them, but for some reason we have become characterized by these qualities. We are a generation that looks at the world with awe, love and wonder. We see the world through “redeeming glasses.” There has got to be a better way. There has got to be. more. Perhaps, this is why we are seeing a sourdough bread trend, a backyard garden trend, a move away and start your own farm and show the world your life on social media trend.

We are the ushers of the Internet and social media, yet we got to grow up playing outside and taking advantage of certain freedoms that aren’t as easy to come by today. I can go on and on about the important life events we have seen or the changes in the world we have endured, but every generation has seen it’s unique moments and has had to adapt to changes. Most millennials are about finding a better way and questioning why we are struggling. Through our struggle, our “grit,” is causing us to grow like weeds through concrete. This is our time to step up to the plate as leaders in our households and the world. I share this label to begin by saying, in many ways, I am a product of my “time” and generation. However, it is definitely not my most defining label by a long shot, and just like you are not just one thing, neither am I. In the next few weeks, as I “relaunch” this blog, I hope to share who I am through glimpses of how I would label myself. I encourage you to think about how you have labelled yourself and why? Perhaps, some labels should be pealed away while others should be added and celebrated.