Not Jaded

It's sad and alarming to me how often I have lately heard people claim, "I'm just so jaded." The fact that people are jaded, especially in New York City, does not surprise me in the least. What does surprise me is- 1. the fact that the people saying this are young, way too young to be making this claim, and 2. that when people do make this statement, they do so with a sense of pride, almost as if being jaded is a badge of honor. 

It frightens me that people consider being jaded something they feel the need to brag about. Just to break it down, let's review-- jaded means: dulled or satiated by overindulgence; worn out or wearied, as by overwork or overuse; dissipated. I can't seem to grasp why people would feel accomplished at having become dull as a result of overindulging and wearied by too much work. 

If you feel complacent and dulled, and things that should elicit certain responses are no longer resonating with you, it is probably time to step back and analyze why this is. If you are no longer experiencing life, you should probably either change your perception of things or make a bigger change that will help alter your outlook. There are a myriad of ways to help a jaded person once again find the newness in daily life, and with a little effort, I truly believe that everyone can find something to awaken what may seem to have disappeared from living, but is really just lying dormant. 

Whatever one may choose to make life stimulating again, it is important to remember that it won't happen alone. Even more important, remember that being jaded is not something to be proud of. It does not mean you are more mature, more experienced, or more important than others who seem affected. There is a vast difference between being in control of your reactions and feelings, and being dulled, worn out, and weary. First, figure out which one you are. Second,  decide which one you want to be.