In an age
where technology appears to rule the day and the sky is virtually the limit in
what we can achieve, I often find that many of our youth seem to have the most
difficulty adapting to their new roles in life. They are often overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainty
of the times, so much so that I have observed that many of them don’t even
try. They have become complacent
and easy to lead. It is easy for those of us, ripened with time and experience,
to wonder how these feelings of lack and overwhelm can be so prolific in our
youth.
Ever heard
that old adage about earning a degree at the College of Hard Knox? Those are
some of the best life lessons well spent. For those of us who have been there,
we might have some words of wisdom to share. We have seen and experienced what
curve balls life can throw our way. Because of the encounters that many of us
have experienced in the past, we just might be the perfect mentors to our youth
during these difficult times if they are willing to listen to our words about
the life lessons that we have faced. I am sure there are many wise people who
have sound advice to offer those who need it the most.
So how do we
help them create an attitude of gratitude even when the chips are stacked against them? Though it
is an easy question to ask, the answer is not always so straightforward. That
is when your life lessons can come in handy. In a lot of cases, you or someone
you know may have faced a similar situation when the burdens of life just
seemed too much to bear. How did you or another individual make it past the
hurdle? What mental and proactive strategies did you employ to overcome these
trials? Remember, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers…only suggestions to
help mentor those who need it. Teaching an attitude of gratitude – no matter what the circumstances may
be – is the definitive sentiment to encourage in these desperate times.
Timing is
also always the key. Knowing when to say something is equally as important as
lending the guidance
itself. Obviously, you need to search for body signals to determine the most
appropriate time to speak with the young adult(s) in your life. Deep inside
that mind is a battle of the wits. S/he is still trying to gain her/his footing
as to where s/he is, where s/he wants to be, and ultimately, how s/he is going
to arrive there. If you jump too quickly, you may feed them fear. If you wait
too long, they may simply give up.
Wait for an
opportune time to share your own life stories – not to dismiss the real
emotions and experiences of the young adult in your life – but to make them
aware of the fact that s/he is not the only one going through such adversity
and tough times. Help the youth understand that there is light at the end of
the proverbial tunnel; and that no matter what life hands her/him, that person
will come out of it okay if s/he is willing to go the distance and appreciate
the blessings that have been placed in front of them.
In the end,
we are merely the watch tower in the bay. We can offer light and a pathway. The
journey, however, is for the young adult alone to pave. These will be their
life lessons well spent with gratitude.
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