As I've been trying to have a stronger social media presence, I've noticed further evidence of a disturbing trend in out culture. We often hear that you can be anything you want to be, and while I don't like the absolute nature of that statement, I largely believe it too be true. However, people today seem to believe that they be can be everything that they want to be, and that small difference in words can cause a great difference in quality of life.
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, etc., have a small place for you to say something about yourself. As I view these profiles, I am amazed at the amount of accomplishments that people have achieved, especially among young people! Just one highschooler's profile might include all of the following attributes: musician, singer, song writer, cheerleader, gymnast, volleyball player, cosplay fanatic, and blogger. I look at profiles like this, and honestly...I feel so much sadness. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to try your hands at all kinds of things to try to find a true passion. However, I believe that there is a line where we go from healthy curiosity into hectic, unhealthy juggling.
I am often known by friends and family to be a rather one-dimensional person. I play music, I study music, I teach music, I read about music, and I listen to a lot of music! However, contrary to popular opinion, I actually do have other interests! I used study American Sign Language a great deal (I never got certified, but I wanted to). I enjoy a good game of tennis. I used to do Taekwondo and reached 2nd degree black belt before moving to another city. I find cooking (especially baking) to be very relaxing. I also love studying Theology. With all of this, my profile could feature all of these: Christian, husband, musician, pianist, violist, teacher, Sign language interpreter, Black Belt, baker, blogger, and theology buff. But...
I'm not all of those things.
Yes, all of those things are things I am interested in. All of those things take up a part of my time. But when it comes down to it, I can only allow a few of those things make up who I truly am. If I tried to pursue all of those things equally, I would go insane! I would also neglect relationships with those dearest to me like my family and friends. There is nothing wrong with having interests, but we must learn to prioritize the activities in our life.
Even more importantly, you don't need to be everything. No one expects you to master every interest you have, and if they do then shame on them. Don't look at those who seem to be great at a million things and be jealous. More than likely you would not really want to be in their shoes. If you are surrounding yourself with people that really love you, then you don't have to pursue all those things to earn that love or admiration. Be yourself. Have as many interests as you want, but choose for yourself which ones really make up who you are.
In short, trying to be everything is really the same as being nothing. Try your hand at as many things as you'd like, but in the end, you have to make a decision about what things you really want to pursue. And don't forget to leave time for friends, family, and good-ol'-fashioned relaxation.
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, etc., have a small place for you to say something about yourself. As I view these profiles, I am amazed at the amount of accomplishments that people have achieved, especially among young people! Just one highschooler's profile might include all of the following attributes: musician, singer, song writer, cheerleader, gymnast, volleyball player, cosplay fanatic, and blogger. I look at profiles like this, and honestly...I feel so much sadness. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great to try your hands at all kinds of things to try to find a true passion. However, I believe that there is a line where we go from healthy curiosity into hectic, unhealthy juggling.
I am often known by friends and family to be a rather one-dimensional person. I play music, I study music, I teach music, I read about music, and I listen to a lot of music! However, contrary to popular opinion, I actually do have other interests! I used study American Sign Language a great deal (I never got certified, but I wanted to). I enjoy a good game of tennis. I used to do Taekwondo and reached 2nd degree black belt before moving to another city. I find cooking (especially baking) to be very relaxing. I also love studying Theology. With all of this, my profile could feature all of these: Christian, husband, musician, pianist, violist, teacher, Sign language interpreter, Black Belt, baker, blogger, and theology buff. But...
I'm not all of those things.
Yes, all of those things are things I am interested in. All of those things take up a part of my time. But when it comes down to it, I can only allow a few of those things make up who I truly am. If I tried to pursue all of those things equally, I would go insane! I would also neglect relationships with those dearest to me like my family and friends. There is nothing wrong with having interests, but we must learn to prioritize the activities in our life.
Even more importantly, you don't need to be everything. No one expects you to master every interest you have, and if they do then shame on them. Don't look at those who seem to be great at a million things and be jealous. More than likely you would not really want to be in their shoes. If you are surrounding yourself with people that really love you, then you don't have to pursue all those things to earn that love or admiration. Be yourself. Have as many interests as you want, but choose for yourself which ones really make up who you are.
In short, trying to be everything is really the same as being nothing. Try your hand at as many things as you'd like, but in the end, you have to make a decision about what things you really want to pursue. And don't forget to leave time for friends, family, and good-ol'-fashioned relaxation.