Here is the image that I hold inside:
A young person is held down, under water. They struggle, but only half-heartedly. They keep struggling, getting more and more scared and close to panic. More struggle, more fear, more panic.
They start to get pissed off and more energetic in their effort to escape.
They’re realizing this is not a game.
But, they are still held down.
Their effort increases, as does their aggression. But, it’s not enough.
Finally, when they realize they are about to die, they do whatever it takes to get free.
Their action stops being soft and hopeful, and becomes direct, assertive, and fierce.
Their spirit engages. They realize that they have to fight for something they care about – in this case, their life. And what it takes to have their life is being direct, assertive, and fierce.
It is a moment where they stop living in a considered way. It is a transition away from being soft, indecisive, and soft/nice.
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Today, I am wondering about how to do this with teens in today’s world.
I know many young people who live in a considered way. They feel trapped, want to bust out, want to be courageous, but just can’t bring themselves to do it.
How can we help them?
