Weekends make me feel good about the world. I am not sure if this is because, for the most part, I have two days to do as I please, or if it is my refusal to read or watch major news on Saturdays and Sundays. Either way, feeling good about the world cannot be a bad thing.
I usually take in a movie or two over the weekend and this one was no exception. Today my hubby and I went to see "Adventureland" at our favorite tiny, mostly independent theater. I really enjoyed this film. It did not have a grand message or a amazing filming techniques but it seemed sincere, or as sincere as a teen flick can possibly get.
One of the characteristics of the film that interested me was the representation of the complete and utter wild abandonment that is embraced by "the young." I say "the young" because most "adults" are unable to embrace that feeling of wild abandonment anymore. Adults have those retched responsibilities - bills to pay, mouths to feed, chores to do, errands to run, jobs to hold. This film reminded of that time when I did not care so much about the things that weigh down my mind these days. It reminded me of my days of wild abandonment.
Now, don't get me wrong. I cannot and will not condone some of the modes of wild abandonment that were present in the film. But, I do think that doing something a little bit freeing every once in a while is good for the soul. Is it going to always have a harmless outcome - absolutely not. But we learn from our mishaps and hopefully this learning process will not produce such an intense feeling of regret.
I know many of you already engage in the wild abandonment that characterizes youth. My advice - be careful, and don't do anything overtly stupid. But, for those of you who have never experienced wild abandonment - and I am not referring to using drugs or alcohol or doing anything that is not beneficial to your body - let go a bit and have some fun. Does this mean you have to put aside your responsibilities? Absolutely not. It means that you have to find time for yourself to do something that makes you feel free and lighthearted. Pull a little Dicaprio/Winslet Titanic moment - you won't regret it.
12 comments:
I agree. Once in a while letting go, having fun, and just being a kid, is what it's all about. Responsibilities are important but if you don't find that balance between responsibilities and having fun you might go insane! Letting go is like a vacation without actually traveling to any far away destination.
Having fun doesn't always have to involve something that is illegal. People sometimes turn towards illegal substances because they are bored or feel that there's no way out. There are other ways to have fun. If you do engage in "wild abandonment" every now and then hopefully you'll learn from your mistakes. Hopefully you also won't feel regretful. Like Mrs. Stoklosa said have a Titanic Moment!!
well i cant say I have been involved in such doings, but I think im starting to. I really want to see this movie. A couple of my friends went to see it but didnt like it that much. But I heard good things too so I will probably end up going to see it. I couldnt go this weekend because I spent most of it with my family and at the beach. Weekends are what make me go through the week. Thank god im not in Italy where they only get sunday off!!
I agree that kids need to time more time for fun. I think when people think about fun these days, they think of something illegal. You can be responsible and still have fun. Just going to the movies or the mall is fun and it allows you to forget about school for a while. You have to learn from your mistakes and you can't avoid making mistakes in life if your living.
Yeah it sucks that you even have to think and have these conversatiosn with yourself. That you have to remind yourslef to have and encourage it because it's a good thing. I guess wejust need to relax and a reminder of why we work so hard. Just like in The Great Gatsby, you lose focus on everything else in life if you focus too much on one thing. It's just the balance we have to find in ourselves.
It has never been my style to be overtly loud or partying with the rest of Cypress Bay, but that's just who I am. I realize I have goals and if I want to get there I need to stay focused on them without losing sight of that. I guess it's just a maturity thing because I see so many kids on this level waste the most beautiful talents on Earth in the name of partying and having a good time. The number one life lesson I think should be taken from high school is that you may remember the parties and such, but the only thing you actually take with you is the work that you have done. Relaxation is not a bad thing but I believe balance is healthy.
The only thing about letting go and just being a kid...some kids, like I am, are on a leash. We have parents that inhibit our wild abandonment. With anything "unusual" that I want to do, I am questioned. I think kids need to have more freedom now so they don't get too wild when we are in college and finally are free. If I want to let go and just be a teenager sometimes...I end up in trouble.
Now is definitelythe time for us (teens)to get this "wild abandonment" out of our systems. As we get older we will be held accountable for actions. I'm not saying that were not now but as adults we won't have mommys and daddys to get us out of trouble. All teens and kids in general deserve to have fun at least once in a while. Adults can have fun too but kids should enjoy this time we have when there is no real responsibilities.
I absolutly agree. Enjoying life once in a blue moon never hurts others or yourself. But of course your responsibilities are extremely important at times. Making the balance between social life and school life are the key.
Having fun doesnt have to involve illegal substances. The use of that is to increase their stupidity and a complete waste of time, space, and air. Letting go little by little without any type of rebellion. Thats the way it should be.
My weekends are very hectic. First, I go straight to my temple after school to work at three. Then I get of at five and drive home to change for Burger King, even though I do not have to work until seven. After that, I dive to work and I get off at 11 to go home and sleep to wake up at six to be in at seven in the morning. I usually get off at three or four and then I go home and for about three hours, I take a nap. When I get up from my nap, I go to my baby-sitting job. After baby-sitting, I go home and go to sleep to wake up in the morning for Burger King once again. I work until about four then I get off, go home, and do my homework. I keep my self-busy to keep me out of trouble. I admit I was one of the teens that got them self is in to the crap no one should get them self into, but I have been lean since January. My life has become much better since then.
WHILE I AGREE THAT WILD ABANDONMENTIA A HEALTHY THING SOCIETY IS MAKING IT HARDER AND HARDER TO DO ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS. WITH SOME MANY PRESSURES TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL MANY STUDENTS ARE NOT AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR WILD ABANDONMENT EVEN ON THE WEEKENDS. FOR ME MY WEEKENDS ARE EQUALLY AS STRESSFUL AS THE WEEKDAYS AS MY TEACHERS ASSIGN A NEARLY ENDLESS AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK. IT’S NEITHER HEALTHY NOR FAIR AND STUDENTS SHOULD BE AFFORDED MORE TIME FOR WILD ABANDONMENT.
It may be totally cliché to say, but I really believe that you have one life to live so you should live it up. I can’t imagine being stuck behind a book my whole life, reading and admiring all the things I never did. I want to be the person that does the crazy things that get put into the book for others to read and appreciate. I’m not having high hopes of being famous or infamous for anything just active in the world. I would love to learn a lot, but learning is not always something you can achieve by problem soling or reading. Sometimes great learning comes in the most unconventional ways.
Haha I saw this movie as well and I have to say I'm a bit jealous of the characters. It's only now that I'm 17, my parents finally cut the umbilical cord (halfway). There comes a time in everyone's lives when the only way to avoid insanity is to let go and have fun and most importantly, not care about the consequences. The first time I went bungee jumping, I knew there was a risk of injury and even death but did I hesistate for even a second to jump? No I did not. That was probably the only time I literally felt like I could fly. That day, the birds were jealous of me.
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