Yesterday evening in the sliver of time between finishing computer work and starting dinner, I read a chat post from Suleika Jaouad. If you do not know who she is then I would recommend checking out her books, art, and more, Suleika Jaouad . The chat mentioned that there is a new phrase on social media, replacing an older phrase. I laughed out loud. The first headline to flash across my mind was “ You are now officially old.” and because out of habit I resist such cultural normative labeling, I rewrote my headline, “ You have officially graduated.”.
I am celebrating today. My graduation day from worrying about what is current or of the moment. To be fair, it was not an arduous journey for me to get here. If my high school had done that ‘Most likely to…’ nominating thing then I would have been the ‘old soul’. My fashion sense is a perfect example, even in 1986 when my other classmates wore princess dresses or goth sheaths to our graduation, I was a linen drop waist dress my mom made with a Peter Pan collar and pleated skirt. It was a classic Albert Nipon design, a Vogue pattern.
Many years ago, in an attempt to follow the marketing trends to grow my business, I signed up for all the social media platforms. It was the only way to be successful, right? I quickly learned the price of this kind of success was more than I was willing to pay. I marvel at people who excel at creating viral content, who understand how to utilize the various platforms, and who seem to be having fun all the while.
Before I get called out for my hypocrisy, I want to acknowledge I have a website and I am posting on Substack. Oh, and I am on LinkedIn. Maybe a more accurate description of my graduation day is an awakening to further embrace what works for me. Finding the balance between loving my ‘old soul’ and not becoming a premature curmudgeon feels about right.
Trends, fashion, popular phrases come and go, and come around again. Similar to the cyclical nature of the seasons, Spring is Nature’s awakening. The new headline in my mind is “ Go outside. Get out of your head.”.
