Generation #nofilter

Can you imagine a world where there was more trust between each other? More genuine care and love? Perhaps that's too far of a stretch to begin with...but it shouldn't stop us from desiring that ultimate goal.

From birth we are thrown into the social circles of our families and communities, observing and learning proper behavior. We start to combine language and actions with meaning, whether good or bad. Welding together friendships and an array of other relationships with people who were once strangers. Deep down we all crave to be liked and accepted by others, meaning the impressions we emit are crucial for both gaining and losing connections with people. However, it's very easy to get carried away with creating a public image that strives to please everyone. (P.S. don't do it, it's impossible and a waste of time - do you boo)

We are in an age where more time is spent per day communicating through screens than actual face-to-face interaction. Don't get me wrong, the technological advances we've had in the past several decades are impressive! But...it's also worrisome. Facebook, Myspace, MTV's "Catfish", Instagram, and many other examples of social media profiles have molded our abilities to distort, manipulate, and fool with the truth. OF COURSE we have a right to keeping our personal life private, but the content we choose to publish to the worldwide web should be pushed further towards honesty. It seems many have become reliant upon, if not obsessed with the social media outlets readily available - a source of entertainment, really. Perhaps it's the escape we all crave?

"Well, if everything goes to s*** around me, at least this filter makes me look happy."

"I'll never be that popular or rich - but I can still post this picture wearing Prada that isn't mine."

In general, people are experts at lying and protecting what is really going on. Even the most depressed individual can put on a happy face to fool everyone (not always, but it's 100% possible). On the contrary, people without mental illness whom experience negative obstacles in life can also hide it - if they want. I'm not saying we should go out and start posting every negative thing that happens in our life for the sake of honesty...I'm saying if you're struggling or hurting, TALK to someone about it. If you're happy with your life, BE A FRIEND for others who need it. Pay it forward, right?

I want to see my generation transform the way we communicate and trust each other. I want to show more love towards others, even if I don't know them well. I want to see more smiles from strangers, and to ask someone I'm not close with how they're really doing...I want it to be normal for us to listen to understand, rather than listening to reply. Naturally, we can't fathom trusting a stranger with our thoughts and feelings, simply because we don't know anything about them...what will they think of me? What will they do with the information I spill? Will they even care?

I'm writing this out, beating myself to the punch before New Year's 2017 when we all feel obligated to create goals - only then. As if we don't have 365 days a year to decide what we want to change!? So, my beautiful people, it is my goal to start opening my arms, ears, and heart more willingly. I can only hope that it may inspire more trust and love for others! :) Speak with #nofilter...Be real.