I think the Baby Boomers got a good start on this. They were unique, inventive, curious, and did their own thing. But they were probably more focused on the first part, "finding yourself."
Today, the Baby Boomers are older, with the oldest ones in the group hitting 65 and retiring, while the youngest of the group are parents with kids in high school or college.
Their values have been handed down to their kids who have received the baton and are moving forward in a similar direction with some added knowledge and "spice" being sprinkled into the mix.
Spend some time with college kids today and you'll find they are ahead of their parents in many ways. Of course they are adept at technology and their processing powers are off the charts, even the ones with ADHD or other learning disabilities.
They watch TV while working on a computer, texting on their phones, and answering incoming Skype calls. All at the same time without missing a step.
But it's more than that. They have created their own identities thanks to Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and in everything else they partake. They already know who they are. They've moved on to placing their mark on the world. They are practicing step two - "creating yourself."
As parents, we may look upon some of the things our kids do with disdain and think they spend too much time on devices that don't accomplish anything of value. Dig a little deeper and you'll discover that they are doing something very important. They are creating, or maybe even inventing their life, in the light they feel is important.
In reality, we're just jealous that they're doing what we wish we could, or should have done. It's not too late for any of us to take a shot. Stop trying to find yourself and spend a little time creating yourself.
