OPEN YOUR EYES.
Simple right? Not so much. I think we all walk around thinking we are completely aware of what is going on around us. But we are foolish and naive to think that because we are beyond oblivious. I mean sure we could probably answer questions about pop culture and maybe some political and world issues but that's as deep as we go. We ignore the world itself. We ignore the arts. We ignore the things we really want. Why? Because society and our parents tell us that it's not okay to have our own thoughts or dreams or opinions. No. We have to fit this perfect little mold in order to be successful. We have to pick the right major that has the most job security regardless of if we love it or not. We have to finish in four and get a well paying job and raise a family and live this perfect little 'American dream' life that is so outdated we don't even bother to break out of it.
OPEN YOUR EYES.
People listen to music but don't understand it. People watch dances or look at pieces of art but are confused and don't like it. Why? Because society thinks the arts and the people who create things are misguided and that it's just a hobby. They don't understand that the arts give us life, they keep the world spinning. Imagine what life would be like without music. It would be quiet. Rhythm would be lost and time would drag on. Imagine the world without art. It would be boring and colorless. There would be no excitement. Imagine if dance was no more. A form of expression would disappear and with it the very soul of what it means to have a body and to move. The arts are dying and the number of people who love them are growing fewer and fewer. This is one of the worst things that my eyes have been opened to in a long time.
OPEN YOUR EYES.
Are you getting this? Do you understand? Do you remember reading about the 60s and the 70s when our parents were our age and they made history? Woodstock and things like that. Do you know how they did that? THEY STOPPED CARING ABOUT WHAT SOCIETY SAID THEY SHOULD DO WITH THEIR LIVES. No really, that's what they did. They said screw the system, let's make beautiful things and so they did. That's where the great oldies music came from. That's where the birth of the awesome music festivals we all know and love today stem from. You want to do what you love? Then do it.
OPEN YOUR EYES.
Stop caring. Within reason of course. But really. Stop caring what your parents want from you, they won't always be there. Don't get stuck doing something you hate just because you don't want to step on any toes. Stop caring if society thinks your career choice is stupid. Stop caring if people hope this is just a phase or a hobby. If you have dreams, reach for them and achieve them. Don't stop because someone tells you it's dumb. You want something, you freaking get it. No excuses, no regrets. We need to be the next generation of hippies. We need to make sure that the generation behind us doesn't feel like they have to do something they hate. We need to break the mold. The best way to start?
OPEN YOUR EYES... and take in the world around you. Find inspiration in everything and find something beautiful in every day. Go above and beyond. Respect people and what they love. Preach and practice love not hate. Be honest in everything you do and say. Be a leader but learn to follow first. Rejoice in even the littlest of victories and learn from any and all mistakes. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, it's where the magic happens. But above all this. Stay true to who you are and what you love and no one will be able to stop you, not even yourself.
-C
