I’m a Baby Boomer. Honestly, as I look back over my life and into the near future, I must admit I’m glad I am a member of the boomer generation. It’s not because I believe my generation is superior to other generations. Nope, every generation has strengths and weaknesses, heroes and villains, huge accomplishments and failures. I like this period of time, when I’ve roamed the Earth from 1955 until this gig ends, because it’s all I’ve known.
It’s only natural that everyone, from time to time, will have a propensity to compare their generation (especially the older ones) to previous or succeeding ones. We might proudly say, “My generation is the best, better than any other generation! The others don’t know what they’re doing!” Of course, anyone who says this publicly should be spanked. It’s perfectly fine to share what has made your specific generation tick but never imply superiority over another. Each generation is special in its own right.
Instead, what I think is most important is that you are comfortable in your own skin, and that there is peace in your soul with yourself and your Maker, or whatever has been your guiding light. You see, it’s not so much about what’s going on around us; it’s all about what’s going on inside us.
If you’re a person who gets disturbed or irate when someone benignly relates things about their experiences while being a member of a certain generation, you might be too thin-skinned. Many times, and I say this as someone very comfortable in his boomer skin, we honestly believe we are sharing great wisdom, born of decades of trial and error, for the listener’s benefit. Most of us do not set out to intentionally denigrate other generations, even if it comes off that way.
I say to the younger generations: Have patience with older generations. We’ve handed the world over for you to run. Please let us reminisce about our past, which is very valuable to us. We want you to know what foundation you’re building upon! And it gives us pleasure to be living history.
But, if you’re intolerant of older generations for whatever reason(s), then I suggest you look inside yourself and ask, “Why is this bothering me? If I’m happy with my life, and I believe my generation is superior to the ones that are dying off, why is my disdain for them so great?”
Can’t we all live in peace and accept each generation for what they’ve accomplished for this country and planet?
Lastly, and this is eternally indisputable, Star Wars can never hold a candle to Star Trek! Smile, please, and relax, because…
“What’s there to show for a lifetime of work,
a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone?
One generation goes its way, the next one arrives,
but nothing changes—it’s business as usual for old planet earth.” (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 MSG)
a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone?
One generation goes its way, the next one arrives,
but nothing changes—it’s business as usual for old planet earth.” (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 MSG)
Brian Murphy
— About me —
Brian was lured to New Smyrna Beach, FL, in 2004 by the promise of small-town seaside charm and sunrise walks on a tranquil, dreamy beach. But he discovered much more! Read More...
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