Dearest Reader
“Let me take a selfie” has become one of the key catchphrases of the technological revolution and the modern generation, particularly Gen Z.
The idea of a “selfie” brings to mind words like “selfishness,” “ego,” and “arrogance.” “Selfie” appears to reflect the state of the new generation, the “I” generation – a generation that is solely about self promotion, selfish opportunism and selfish agenda.
This is bleak. It is not a generation that I want to be a part of. I detest acting with agenda. I despise selfishness. I hate networking for a selfish cause. And, selfish opportunists make me vomit.
So what then? Is this a reality that I need to simply accept. And if I can’t beat ém, I must join ém?
Luckily, I had an inspiring thought today. Another perspective.
“Let me take a selfie” can also bring to mind words like - “self work,” “accountability”, “self growth”, "mirroring", "reflecting" and “positive change of self.”
I imagine Gen Z, as true entrepreneurs of self, literally looking into the mirror on a daily basis & photographing it”self” – and questioning – “Who am I?” “What do I believe in?” “Where am I?” “What do I want to do?” “What impact can I have on my surroundings?” “How can I grow and change to become a better version of myself?” “What work should I be doing on self?”
“Let me take a selfie” can mean taking stock of myself as an individual among the collective. “Let me take a selfie” recognizes that I can’t change anyone else. I must start with looking at myself, evaluating myself; working on self, and addressing my reactions to others. “Let me take a selfie” evokes the beauty of change that comes through intense effort, self-love and self acceptance; recognizing that mirroring through self-reflection and self reaction, leading to self growth, is what can make all the difference in this generation.
“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age [Riv’s Rivers: or the myth of the technological revolution and Gen Z] – as in being able to remake ourselves.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
So, let us all take a selfie and be bravely honest about who we are and where we are truly at on life’s journey as we peer into our Mirrors of Life. I assure you that photographing & mirroring with integrity will reveal the most beautiful selfies of all, and if we are all responsibly taking selfies in this way, the picture of the world at large will be one of peace and beauty.
This is the progressive generation that I want to be a part of, and that I want my children to be a part of. A generation that recognizes that “the self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.” (John Dewey) We are all a work in progress, and when we are brave enough to look into the mirror & take a selfie, “we step forward into growth” (Abraham Maslow).
Be true to self dear Reader. “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly start remedying them – every day begin the task anew.” (Saint Francis de Sales)
I can’t wait to see the gorgeous selfies & mirrored reflections that are developed in time.
May we hear, hold, heal, help and heart our true beautiful selves, by taking a selfie, and thus embracing the evolution of self through constant hard work, leading to ultimate growth, integrity, reflection & progression.
Until next time….
Riv
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