Embracing Imperfection
The author starts by contrasting the curated lives of his generation, Gen X, with the authentic approach of his Gen Z daughters. His generation, heavily
influenced by platforms like Orkut, LinkedIn, and Twitter, built their online presence by removing any rough edges. The author highlights how his daughters prefer unfiltered photos and unedited moments, calling it 'authentic'. This perspective shift initially puzzled the author. The article then turns inward, with the author reflecting on how easily dreams get shelved and selves get reinvented. He then wonders about how to rekindle that youthful enthusiasm and embrace the raw, unfiltered experience of life.
Remembering Early Dreams
The author then reflects on the dreams of his youth. Specifically, he shares his aspiration of becoming a fast bowler, which he pursued with a lot of zeal. Despite a lack of speed and accuracy, he relied on showmanship, convinced that flair was half the battle. He recalls a defining moment when he stopped bowling and also stopped wearing things he couldn’t explain. He then shares a photograph from that time, a memory of a young man, full of defiance and optimism, a steel 'kada' shining on his wrist. It symbolized a period of unbridled enthusiasm and confidence. The author then contemplates whether this younger version would approve of the person he has become today.
Navigating Self-Curation
The author shares his journey into early adulthood. He describes landing his first job as a sub-editor. Earning ₹3,500 a month felt like a major achievement. He celebrated with friends at Gokul bar in South Mumbai, relishing the newfound freedom. However, he later realized he was working long hours. The author reflects on his generation's role in the age of personal digital curation. He considers how they meticulously presented 'Photoshopped' versions of their lives, seeing it as a way to 'win'. This method has become so popular that it has now spread everywhere. The author then wonders what happened to that youthful enthusiasm.
The Rebellion of Authenticity
He contrasts his own curated approach with his daughters' preference for unfiltered reality. Watching his daughters, the author feels he owes an apology to his younger self, who had a passion for trying and was not daunted by vulnerability. The article highlights the trend of Gen Z using digital cameras without applying filters and preferring the raw, unedited version of their life. The author considers the possibility that reality has become something people have to work ‘backwards’ to reach. He then asks a crucial question about why so many things such as passion, failure, flawed dreams, and imperfect photographs are considered 'cringe'.
The Turning Points
The author explains that he stopped dreaming for the same reason he stopped bowling: he learned to be ashamed of trying too hard. He recalls some of the pivotal moments. He remembers a friend, who possessed an eye for seeing light in ways the author never could. He felt that she had no patience for his theatrics. Her art was quiet, whereas his was noise. The author recognizes that the ability to try too hard is often seen negatively. He is now considering how to recover that drive.
Reconnecting With Yourself
The article's conclusion encourages readers to reflect on the aspects of their younger selves they can embrace and restore. It highlights the value of self-reflection and personal growth. The author suggests a way to rediscover one's authenticity. He acknowledges that it's not too late to rekindle those youthful dreams and reconnect with the parts of themselves that they may have left behind. The core message is that people should not be ashamed of trying and should embrace their imperfections and the value of unfiltered experiences.
