Es la segunda noche del viaje and we’re parked in a parking lot just outside of the Twin Cities, MN. It’s snowing out and falling to melt on the panoramic glass in our 2nd van in beautiful sparkles. A perfect offset to the illuminated Walmart billboards stealing half the view.
Had a pretty incredible day- woke up to a beautiful free breakfast, met some excited students and profs, and hosted a little concert and interview in the bus with a pair of talented singer/songwriting brothers.
I’m feeling great about the impact we’re having on the people we meet; we’re getting lots of heartfelt responses from people about some of the important but often un-talked-about aspects of life such as the pressures people feel from culture and when and how they’re following their true aspirations.
Today one theme in particular came out three times completely independently. The feeling of people that they get talked out of doing the things they really want to by their parents, and feeling guilt/responsibility tied to their parents supporting them. I think this is a really common feeling amongst young adults trying to figure out what to do with their lives.
It’s tough, because we’re all only human and each generation grows up with a different view of the world and what’s important. It’s a parent’s role to teach their children how to survive and guide them to be successful- but it’s really difficult to know how to do that, especially in a world where everything is changing so rapidly.
Many of the people we talked to today felt their parents wouldn’t give them enough responsibility or were ‘old-school’ and thought that only academic or financial achievement mattered. And they referred to that as the reason they chose to get a ‘real’ job instead of following a dream such as living abroad or spending more time making music.
Parents, on the other hand, know from experience that making choices that lead to security ends up opening lots of doors that might not be easy to see as a younger person caught up in fantasies. Maybe some of the parents who read this can add to this- I’m not one so I can’t claim to know what it’s like.
Still, I think blaming one’s parents is a cop-out of sorts. It’s up to each of us to make our own choices, and part of having the freedom to make them is establishing healthy, honest relationships with the people who care about us. That way they can understand where we’re coming from if we do something they think is crazy. Plus, if the communication remains open, we can actually benefit from advice rather than rebelling purely for the sake of independence
OK, it’s freezing (literally) and I’m gonna bundle up and get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow heading into Minneap for the first time. So much more to talk about, will update again soon, love to all of you.
Mike
Oh and thank you so much Mom and Dad for helping me follow my dreams, you are amazing.