In 2018, Show Up

2017 was the karma we deserved. 

It sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. Look back at the past year—and really look back at it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

It was the year we were quiet. We protested together, but we didn’t do anything alone. We cried out our pain, but we refused to do anything other than complain to fix it. We were aware of social issues unresolved for years but we refused to do anything other than share some comments and move on with our day. If it didn’t immediately affect us, we really didn’t care.

We hid behind our social media walls. We texted instead of called. We Snapchatted instead of inviting others out with us. We posted the highlights of our day to Instagram but we couldn’t bear to share anything that wasn’t retouched or carefully planned. We were dishonest versions of ourselves but we were offended when others didn’t share anything truthful about them.

2017 was the year we were shallow, vile, and irresponsible. We didn’t take ownership of our actions but rather, we played victims the entire year. We looked for instant gratification instead of working hard for anything. We expected the world to give and give and give and when all we did was take, we were angry that what we took was nothing of quality. We made rude comments to others over the internet but we couldn’t be bothered to say them aloud. We said we supported causes but we made few efforts beyond posting or protesting to make changes.

We were passive, and we got everything we deserved in 2017. 

If you don’t think this is true, look at your life around you. How many people do you know on Facebook but you hardly see in real life? How many times did you make a true effort to get to know others or care about anyone outside of your immediate friend circle? How many social issues did you care about and actually do something to contribute towards finding a cause? How many people disappointed you when you held unrealistic expectations of them? How hard did you honestly work to get a promotion, a raise, a new job, whatever it may be?

So did you actually show up in 2017? Or were you lacking on substantial actions to cause an impact?

Everything that happened in 2017 was a direct result of everything we didn’t do fully or honestly in 2018.

You can truly make a change in 2018 by showing up. Show that you care. Don’t just say it or text it. It isn’t that hard. It’s going to take more effort than posting to Facebook or posing for Instagram. It’s going to take thought, responsibility, recognizing that you are the reason things in your life aren’t going the way you want them to or people aren’t treating you the way you expect them to treat you.

If you want to have an amazing year, be loud. Be heard. Do not wallow inside the internet. Get out and do something, and do it with passion. Prove that you really, completely care. Only say the things you mean. Do not make up lies or excuses to change the way people perceive you or perceive your interactions with them. Be honest. Be vulnerable. Be supportive.

All you have to do in 2018 is show up. 

This is when you change, and this is when the world changes. So be present in 2018. Don’t be quiet.