A Song for Thanksgiving

In regards to the title of this post, I will not be writing my own song. This is a reflection on a song that my friends and I very strongly believe will be the tune that defines our generation. Whether the song writers meant it or not, the song "We are Young" by F.U.N. has assumed deep meaning with the people in my circle. If you have not heard the song, I suggest giving it a listen - I will not be writing out the lyrics here.

My generation grew up with these things on the lighter side:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/things-you-will-never-see-again-in-your-life
(and hand-drawn cartoons in general)

On the heavier side, we grew up hearing about genocide in Rwanda and in the Former Yugoslavia whether our parents tried to block us from knowing about it or not, we heard these things. We were youth or young teens when the US was attacked abroad and at home. Our perspectives on the world were being shaped while our nation was involved in two wars. Right as we were mid-college or about ready to leave high school for college, the economy went haywire and jobs became scarce. We've been scraping the bottom of the barrel and we've been doing what we have to for rent, so when this song became popular in my circle over summer, nothing felt more right. I'm not suggesting that we all do exactly as the song says, but every now and then indeed we need a night to just be young. To enjoy the lighter things. I'm a huge believer in the blessings that little things bring. Look at the kitten I rescued. She is the best gift I've received this year - if I did not have her, my life would be a lot more studious and dry, but she is constantly reminding me through her rompings around my room that life is meant to be enjoyed. Life is meant to be carried joyfully, even if that joy is brought about by something as simple as a shoelace (we are talking about a kitten, after all).

So in this week when we are surrounded by family and old friends, set aside a moment to realize how good we have it. Take a deep breath and take a moment to be young. No matter how old you are, find your fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Your humble writer,
S. Faxon