As the sun rose in the very early 70s, I took my first breath in this life, part of that
resilient GenX brigade that faced the world with grit and tenacity. Back then, we
didn’t have the technology and social media barrage that engulfs today’s youth. We
were the kids who rode bikes without helmets, dared to venture into cars without
seatbelts (often the cars from our friends’ parents as we did not have one in our
household), and let the wind breeze through our hair as we stuck our heads out the
window while cruising. Our world was simpler, or so it seemed.
Sure, the conveniences of modern technology have made life easier, but as I look
back, I can’t help but wonder if we’ve lost something along the way. This isn’t a
lament, though; it’s an exploration of how the past moulded us.
Born in an era where the music, especially in the ’80s, seemed to hit the right notes
and a moral compass that guided us, I can’t help but question if it was an illusion, a
sheltered existence, perhaps. Back then, news took its time reaching us, confined to
the 8 o’clock evening news broadcast or the newspaper the next day. It wasn’t
instant, thanks to the absence of social media, and, honestly, I was too busy living
my best life to care much about the news.
Fast forward to today, everything moves at a lightning pace, and so do our lives.
When do we pause and smell the proverbial roses or enjoy that cup of coffee? It’s a
question worth pondering.
My childhood had one parent working, while the other stayed at home. Despite
financial challenges, I never felt we were poor. We simply worked with what we had,
surviving on hand-me-downs and the support of family and friends when necessary.
It wasn’t about wealth or possessions; it was about making life better.
I started part-time jobs at the tender age of 14, an accepted part of growing up. My
resilience was honed by necessity; we had to be tough. In our world, there were no
participation trophies or pats on the back for effort. If you weren’t first or second, it
meant you had to try harder.
It’s tempting to look at today’s world and say the younger generation is softer, lacking
our “tough it up” attitude. But it’s a different kind of challenge they face. The world
has changed, and they must navigate a landscape filled with more mental health
issues and a constant negative narrative.
As the world evolves, so must we. Adapting and developing new skills and mindsets
are crucial. The youth of today need more support and understanding than ever
before.
And as the story of life unfolds, generation after generation, it’s vital to remember
that we’re not here to compete or battle with each other to determine which
generation is the best or the toughest. It’s not about drawing comparisons; it’s about
understanding that life changes, and with each change, we must adapt and grow. It’s
about embracing the beauty of different eras and experiences, recognising the
strengths and challenges that make each generation unique. After all, in the grand
scheme of things, we’re all riders on this ever-changing journey of life.
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