Opinion by J1 Reporter Hannah Taylor

“Was it ever that serious?” is a comical phrase often used to label a situation that never held much weight in the first place. While this is an easy way to deescalate a situation, it actually has an important meaning. In a world full of negativity and drama, it’s important to “take a chill pill” and remember that it really was never that serious.

So, why is everything so negative? Well, that can’t be attributed to just one factor. However, the rise of social media, the climate of global politics, and-of course-the timeless experience of being a teenager, are all factors. 

Social media’s presence in today’s world gives people the ability to quantify and micromanage their social life, and it can often feel omnipresent and create a hyper awareness of one’s perceived social status. In conjunction, the use of text, private stories, Snapchat (one of the world’s biggest evils…), new slang coming out seemingly everyday, and the overload of information at all times can make everything seem magnified. 

In the world at large there is always negativity. Especially with news cycles being 24/7 and a constant drone of the world’s deteriorating condition, it seems everywhere you look is negativity. Global politics seem to always be trying to do something more radical and destructive, and polarizing supporters only fuel this fire.

We can’t forget the time-old dilemma of just being young either. It seems generation after generation, teens and young adults go through the same burdens of wanting to fit in, keeping their grades up, buying the newest trend, and being “in the know.” While this concept may be completely imaginary, it is very real to young people and creates an environment of negativity and “crashing out” in friend groups, schools and the world. So yeah, the world can be a pretty negative place. 

But, in the face of this adversity, you should choose not to feed into this negativity. Whether in a spiritual way or not, it can’t be disputed that what you put into the world is what you will get out of it. Even being able to read this article is a privilege (maybe not the quality of the writing itself but at least the technology to see it…), and little things like that matter. When smothering yourself in negativity, you often lose sight of the little beauties and graces of each day. 

As you look for more things to be grateful for, the more you will see them. It’s like when you look for yellow cars and all of the sudden, there seems to be an irregular amount of them. This in turn can help you think more clearly, have more motivation to get the most out of your days, and experience life to the fullest. 

So, how exactly do you stop being so negative? Well, I have some simple tricks to help foster a gratuitous mindset. First and foremost, find at least five things you are grateful for everyday. It might be something seemingly silly, like the ability to breathe or the water you get to drink. Or, it can be the overwhelming love of friends, the ability to receive a good education, or the fabulous Christmas presents you received. In any case, this slowly rewires your brain to look for the positive rather than the negative in situations, people and life. 

Second, stop being embarrassed. I know it sounds weird, but genuinely the most freeing and happy moments of my life have been when I could be myself. The concept of “cringe” is holding you back from doing things that really make you happy! What’s the point of “fitting in” if it’s not really you? Trust me, being yourself makes life so much easier, and don’t worry, just being yourself will help you find your people. As my brother always said, “embarrassment is something you can control, if you feel embarrassed, just stop”- thanks David. 

Now lastly, YOLO! Being young and even alive is finite and fleeting, so enjoy every moment you have. Whether it’s grueling notes or prom night, know every moment is singular, and that there is so much beauty in that. The past and future you can’t control, but you can control right now. You never know if you’ll have this life and its beauties tomorrow or even in an hour, so cherish the time you are given, and you will start to see that the world is actually a very bright place to be. 

Be yourself with as much love and passion as you can, and believe me, it will all fall into place. Because, it really was, “never that serious.”