On Millennials & Balance

Almost every morning when I log on to Facebook or Twitter, I see some new article about “the millennial generation” and our lifestyle habits and choices. Sometimes I read them, and sometimes I don’t. Between the articles that talk about traveling, seeing the world, making mistakes, not settling and saving the real world and “being serious” for later, and the others that instead preach jumping right in, doing it all, getting serious right away and leaving no time to make mistakes, I feel like I’ve seen and read it all.

If I’m being honest, I have issues with both of these themes. The “real world” can’t always wait. You can’t avoid it for as long as you sometimes wish you could, or even at all. While I understand wanting to have fun and “live life to the fullest,” there’s a limit to how much you can do at one time. If you do everything in your 20s, then what will you have left to do in your 30s, 40s, and the rest of your life? No one wants to do everything they want to do as soon as possible, and then burn out and have no drive to keep working and improving later. Life isn’t meant to be lived and completely fulfilled by the time you’re 25 or 30.On a related note, “being serious” can’t wait, either. While I believe that it doesn’t have to happen all at once, you can’t wait until you’re 30 or older to start living a “serious life.” The things you do in your 20s will catch up to you, sooner or later. Heck, the things you do in your teens will catch up to you, if they aren’t already. Again, while I understand not wanting to settle down right away–romantically, career-wise, or however you want to look at it–you can’t procrastinate life or “the real world.”I believe that if you maintain a reasonable balance of the two themes, then everything will be okay. Too much serious isn’t good for you, and neither is too much carefreeness. Know when each is appropriate and needed, and the rest will work itself out.

I’ve never referenced a Bible verse in a post before, but I’m trying it here. I thought of Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” I have difficulty reminding myself of this, but I’m working on it, and I do feel better when I remember to calm down and be proud of where I am now. Other books, chapters and verses talk about life in moderation from all aspects. Ecclesiastes is packed full of it, but Galatians 22 also comes to mind: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Take of that as you will, but I think it speaks to my point. You can be serious and have fun and be motivated all at once; they’re not mutually exclusive. A life of balance and moderation allows that to happen.

Just relax and be patient. Everything is going to be all right.

 

For another great “millennial” post, check out “I’m Not a Super Millennial (At Least Not Yet)” by Olivia Adams. One of the truest, most well-said pieces I’ve read on the subject.