The Lost Generation
I found out about the following video through a Twitter friend and although it’s a few years old and hugely popular (13 
million+ views on YouTube!!), I had never heard about or seen it before. Yes, we live in the age of information so I should know about EVERYTHING immediately! (Kidding!). Okay, now that I’m done with my exclamation mark obsession for the moment…this is a seriously inspiring video. It doesn’t start out that way, but by the end, I had a little moisture going on around the eyes – no onions in sight.
In all seriousness, though, for me the video was a beautiful reminder of how powerful the spoken word can be and that reversing our negative thoughts and words can give us an uplifting new perspective. This is stuff that inspires…the kind of “shipments” (hi Ivana!), that change the world.
I remember reading Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements” years ago and loving it so much because here were four simple rules I could easily incoporate into my daily life in order to effect the kind of spiritual changes I was seeking at the time (deep reflection and affirmations are great, but I’m a “list” kind of gal…give me a blueprint any day and I’m all over it!). The first agreement, “Be Impeccable With Your Word“, speaks of displaying integrity and honor in all that you say. I don’t know about anybody else, but even outside of the karmic and universal energy that gets sent out with positive words, I just feel better when I’m lifting up, rather than tearing down.
I choose my words carefully when I’m around my kids and I endeavor to show them the traits that I wish had been demonstrated to me more consistently in my formative years. Yes, I recieved love and compassion in no small doses, but equally important and often overlooked is showing children how to live with intention and maintain a deep sense of awareness about the marks that our words leave on the world around us. To take responsibility not just for our actions but for using the “power of our words in the direction of truth and love.”¹
And yes, sometimes I fall down on the job, but it’s reminders like “The Lost Generation” video that always help to get me back up.
¹ “The Four Agreements”; Don Miguel Ruiz; 1997
From Biz Mommy, post The Lost Generation
Post Footer automatically generated by wp-posturl plugin for wordpress.
15 Comments
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tisha Berg, Tisha Berg. Tisha Berg said: The Lost Generation http://bit.ly/dwTl5j [...]
Hi Tisha,
Thanks for sharing this great find. It’s a big Internet, so you and I will definitely not be the last two people to view this video.
I loved it!
Like you, I’m a lover of words, but I’m not satisfied with just using them correctly. I strive to paint pictures with them. Some advice that I’ve read about blogging suggests the use of simple words, but I choose not to follow that advice because that would be like trying to paint a rainbow with two colors.
I’m always cognizant of the mood I set, particularly in the presence of my daughters. I don’t sugar coat things with them because I want them to be aware, but I do emphasize the positive whenever possible.
I will share your post and this video with them. It’s a potent message and the video delivers it in a unique and interesting way. Ray
I’m glad you liked it Ray. Watching it was really moving for me and at first I wouldn’t let my girls watch it (because I didn’t think they’d get it – they’re 3 and 6), but then when I read your comment about not sugar-coating things with your daughters I thought this would be a great starting point for a discussion with my daughters about how powerful words can be – even if they don’t fully get the meaning now, I truly believe this kind of stuff sets in and reveals itself later on in the things they do and say.
Thanks as always for stopping by!
Hi Tisha,
I could not figure out how to comment at first, so I sent you a message. Thank you for posting this. I have seen it before in different configurations, but it is such a great reminder. We must be very careful about the messages that we send to our children because they seem to be bombarded with bad info all the time. Such a different world than the one that we grew up in. I try to fill my daughters with as much positivity as I possibly can so that they know that there is always hope.
Like you and Ray said, words are very important and we should use them with care. I like the idea of using words to paint a rainbow and agree that constantly trying to keep it simple causes us to neglect so many vivid colors!
Hugs,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Thanks so much for your meaningful comments! I also get frustrated with all the negative information children get exposed to from all the media sources out there. It’s one of the reasons I chose not to have TV in the house anymore. It’s amazing to me that some parents that I’ve met think that no TV is strange and wonder what my kids do to pass the time! I’m certainly not naive in thinking that I can shield them from all negativity in the world and the things that go on out there, and I honestly don’t know how long the ban on TV in my house will last, but I do know that one of the effects of no TV for me personally is that I have never been so productive in my life!
I’m really glad you stopped by Debbie and I hope I’ll see lots more of you…I really enjoy your blog as well; the love and warmth shared between you and your family is obvious and beautiful… And I loved last month’s post about the baby birds!
Hi Tisha, I saw this a while back and, liek you, I was very affected by it as well. Very uplifting.
I echo your sentiments about the power of words. I’m working on writing a piece called Words Are Actions. Because I believe they are. What we say can provoke, inspire and nudge others.
Hey Belinda,
Yes, I feel like I’m the last person on earth (besides Ray!) to see this video, but I’m glad I finally did; if something is inspiring I’ll take it and share it – saturated or not
. Looking forward to reading what I’m sure will be a wonderful article from you on this subject. xo
Hi Tisha! I am a firm believer in positive thoughts and positive self-talk. When we change our thoughts, we change our life. When we change our life, we affect our children’s life. Thanks for this wonderful reminder and sharing this awesome video. I, too, have never seen it either. An awesome inspiration for us adults! Thanks so much for sharing.
Welcome Kristen! Yes, creating change is a chain reaction that definitely starts with the “mom in the mirror” so to speak. I try to remember that when I feel too exhausted to do affirmations or self-development work like meditation. When I am reminded that the trickle down effect is how my kids will experience the world, it helps me get moving because then it doesn’t feel so selfish anymore. You have a great website – what wonderful work you’re doing with moms. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts; I love meeting new blog friends!
Thanks for sharing this great find! I had NO IDEA about this either!
You’re welcome! Pass it on (although at 13 million YouTube hits, I guess most people have already done that!)
Ain’t nobody happy if momma ain’t happy. Thanks for sharing this depressing video.
Hey Cheryl, welcome! This is the first time I’ve heard that reaction here to this video and I’m just curious – why do you think it’s depressing? I’d love to hear a another viewpoint.
great video indeed. Have seen it once already but at that time didn’t feel it was that inspiring.
keep up the good work. Have a lovely day.
Best to you and yours
Thanks for stopping by Balal. I guess the effects of some things can take a while to sink in
Have a terrific weekend!