We’re living at a time when labeling and defining different generations is more popular than ever. We’re bombarded with opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of Millenials and conveniently put into neat little packages like Baby Boomers, Gen X, Y and Z.
We’re all part of Generation H & N
I got to thinking how, in the greater scheme of things, we are all a part of a single generation. We are Generation Here & Now. Yes, there is value to uniquely understanding some common attributes, motives and characteristics of different groups. I’m in Marketing so I get this for sure. However, as people living our lives together, at this point in history, it seems to me that we could spend more time focusing on creating connections rather than divisions.
It’s easy to get caught up with your own life and experiences and either dismiss or completely ignore the value that comes from, openly and actively, engaging with others at different life stages. For me, I’m part of Gen X but like everyone, I’m surrounded by people from all different generations from my kids who are part of Gen Z to the millenials that I work with to my mom who is part of the Silent Generation.
Differences as a source of strength, not division
Unquestionably, there are big differences. But rather than these becoming sources of division and friction, if embraced, they can be the very source of our strength as Generation Here & Now. Each person who is part of my life can positively impact my journey if I can see our differences as an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute. When I receive what they have to offer where I lack and similarly when they are open to receive what I can contribute, a beautiful, symbiotic relationship unfolds. This enriches those directly involved but also has a much broader ripple effect that brings much needed strength and unity to a world often driven by self and division.
Learning and growing from those younger and older
What this means for me is to take every opportunity to learn from those younger than me who have skills and experiences different to mine and to take time to mentor them in areas where I have experience that they lack. For those older than me, it is important for me to make time, in the busyness of life, to really engage with them. To learn more about what life has taught them and about experiences now only residing in their memories. These are treasures that will be forever lost to us if we aren’t deliberate about making this effort. And these relationships also give me an opportunity to honor those who invested in me, helping me become the person that I am.
Seeing beauty in a cynical world
Despite how it may seem at times, this is a beautiful world, filled with beautiful people. Everyone is dealing with their own bag of challenges and it is easy to let these become the focus of our attention and become cynical and isolated. We are all rough diamonds, some further along in the process of being transformed into something beautiful. There is potential in everyone and we can be an instrumental part of seeing that potential realized for others if we choose to engage positively. And, in the process, we too are transformed. Let’s look up and into the eyes of the person in front of us and we may well find that the very thing we need is sitting right there.
“Lord remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Psalms 39:4-5
