“What a boring holiday, we are going to Denmark this summer. Last year we got to go to Thailand!” –Conversation overheard by a colleague in her train commute. It’s not the first time I come across this kind of mentality and even I myself have been guilty of thinking whatever I was doing was not as cool as what I did the previous year or as interesting as what my friends were planning…
But let’s rewind for a sec, back to when flying to another country was not as affordable as (or even cheaper than) a pair of shoes. Back in the days, most families got to go on holidays once a year, after a long period of hard work and savings, and more often than not to a national destination, close to the seaside at best, and close to a river at second best. Getaways were not a spur of the moment sort of thing, but a carefully planned and much anticipated break from the working rut that inevitably ended up with you and your family visiting an overcrowded coastal location at the end of August (maybe only in Spain?), because let’s remember that work flexibility was not a given back then.
Some adventurous families would dare to plan cross-border holidays, an operation so meticulously put together that many military strategists would be proud of: packing the car according to Tetris rules; selecting the route to include a fair amount of scenic views, but enough highway that the driver could see the light at the end of the trip; identifying the pit stops in worth-visiting locations; designing an entertainment strategy that could keep the kids busy in between meals and naps. If you haven’t been in a road trip and felt like killing your sister/brother after a few hours of confinement, you don’t know what patience really looks like. I mean your parents’, whose last resort is to threaten you both with leaving you by the roadside if the fight doesn’t stop at the count of three. Oh, the good ol’ days! 😀
When I say we are a spoiled generation I refer to the fact that sometimes people (and in particular younger people) don’t seem to really appreciate all the advantages of this globalised world, either because they have forgotten how things used to be or because this is the only reality they have known. A trip to a different country each season, a new smartphone each Christmas, a new shirt every month. Literally the world at our fingertips.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for how easily accessible the world is now. I thank low-cost airlines for fulfilling my wanderlust without breaking my bank account, I buy in to the latest fashion trends and love how social media helps you connect with wonderful minds at the other end of the planet.
However sometimes I let my nostalgia take over and then I remember how things were before, in a slow-paced era, when holidays were so much anticipated and then thoroughly enjoyed until the very last minute, without the pressure of having to share them on social media; when receiving a handwritten post-card from a relative or friend held such a magical power over us; when living in the NOW was not something you had to be constantly reminded of because pretty much everyone was good at it…
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts, glamistas! Do you guys think we are a bit of a spoiled generation or completely disagree?
Hope you are having a fantastic Sunday and summer so far!
Peace&Love
Saida
{Primark Rust tee} {H&M high-waist skinny jeans} {TKMaxx Chunky Sandals}
{Crochet bag made by my mama as well as this one} {HEMA geometric earrings} {ASOS sunnies}
brazilianflare
4th September 2017 at 2:54 amI completely agree with you! It is sad to see what the world is becoming. People are unable to appreciate the simple things in life, and are becoming more selfish and spoiled and think they are entitled to everything. I feel that many young people don’t want to work hard for a goal and expect the good things to be handed to them. Technology has made the new generation socially inept, they are only able to communicate through social media and their phone. But put them face to face they aren’t able to socialize because they are used to communicating through a screen. In a way technology is making them more lazy and less intelligent because they have a computer or the internet to think for them.
Really good post, glad I stopped to read.
Kim
9th August 2017 at 3:09 amThis was a very thoughtful post! Honestly, I don’t know what to think. I definitely know that I am spoiled, but I always try to be appreciative when I can.
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
Steal4Style
8th August 2017 at 4:20 pmDesde luego! Hay gente que no aprecia las ventajas con las que contamos ahora. Y a la vez creo que cada vez se le da más valor a viajar por el mundo. Las redes sociales están llenas de eso: fotos de aeropuertos, looks para viajes largos en avión, y mil paisajes de todo el mundo. A veces da la sensación de que no hay límites, de que podemos hacer de todo. Y realmente nuestro límite es el dinero, porque por mucho que podamos conseguir un vuelo barato, también hemos de poder permitirnos la comida, el desplazamiento, y el turisteo en el lugar de destino. Son gastos que una familia de 4, por ejemplo, podría pagar sólo si han ahorrado suficiente durante todo un año, y a lo mejor se quedan en números rojos. Así que sí, creo que estamos un poco mal acostumbrados y que todos pecamos un poco de querer eso que vemos en las redes. También del “doble o nada” somos culpables: si este año nos vamos a X ciudad, el año que viene tiene que ser algo mucho más glamuroso jajaja. Yo por mi parte no he tenido la oportunidad de viajar mucho después de independizarme, pero espero poder hacerlo cada más.
Por cierto! Me flipa el look, la cadena y los pendientes le dan un toque chic perfecto! Un besazo, Saida!
Steal4Style.com
Anastasia Burmistrova
6th August 2017 at 9:30 amReally cool look!
You look pretty!
http://www.anastasiaburmistrova.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:42 pmThank you Xx
nikkilivinglife
4th August 2017 at 3:11 pmHi Saida. I think it is a combination of things. I do agree that sometimes we take things for granted and we end up acting like spoiled brats. So our generation gets a bad rap for that. I also think that it a generational thing as well. With our parents, their emphasis was more on settling in a career, making a home, marriage and family. The priorities have shifted with this generation. There is definitely more freedom to move around freely or leave if not satisfied.
This stems from being raised thinking “we can” do anything we set our minds to. We have grown up with the Internet and having instant gratification. The world is at our fingertips. So we’ve become restless.
I did not grow up with all of the privileges that I do now so I take nothing for granted and appreciate everything that my parents worked so hard for. Thank you for this post and giving us food for thought. I love your pictures and your blog.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:45 pmThanks for your insightful comment Nikki, I couldn’t agree more with all your points. There is nothing wrong with making the most of what we have at our disposal nowadays, but simply with not taking those privileges for granted and understanding that not everybody actually has access to the same possibilities might help put things into perspective and appreciate them even more. Hope you are having a fantastic weekend, dear
ee0926
3rd August 2017 at 8:26 pmYes! I am not even sure it is a generational thing, I think everyone spanning different generations are spoiled now. Almost entitlement. Great post.
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:48 pmOf course, the more accessible all of the perks of the western world become the more people will easily get used to them 😛 it’s a natural thing, I guess, but I like to remind myself to be grateful for all of it and share it whenever I can
Rachel
3rd August 2017 at 2:06 pmSuch an interesting post! Looks great!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 4:03 pmThanks Rachel
Daniela Santos
3rd August 2017 at 2:14 amNice laidback outfit!
Kiss*
Daniela Santos Blog | Instagram
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:45 pmSo kind Daniela, thanks
Missy May
2nd August 2017 at 10:22 pmYes I surely agree with you. We’re a spoilt generation! We take things for granted – Not grateful enough and so so careless because things are cheap and at our finger tips. Especially us in the western world. I’ve been on a journey of living and not taking things for granted. Very important!
You look beautiful. 🙂
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Saida
6th August 2017 at 4:03 pmDear May, thanks for your sweet comment. It is true that we value things less because they are easier to get and replace, but I still believe we can exercise an appreciation sense that helps us make more human connections and less material obsessions…
Amy Arnold
2nd August 2017 at 9:38 pmI think we are definitely guilty of taking things for granted, myself included. Love your black and burgundy.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Saida
6th August 2017 at 4:00 pmIt’s the common sin of modern society, Amy, I also do very often, so it’s good to stop and say “thanks” sometimes 🙂
Shanice
2nd August 2017 at 9:26 pmSo true! I think to be grateful for what you have, is not really common these days. It´s all because of excessive consumerism, so for me it´s so important to stop buying new things and focus on what I have. Because let´s be honest most of us have way more than we need already! We are so lucky of the high standard of living we have! 🙂
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:59 pmYou are totally right, Shanice, I do think consumerism is not helping here but making us even more spoilt because now we can have things delivered to our doors in 24 hours. Now it’s a real effort to actually stay focused on the important things in life and block out the noise… Thanks for reading, gal!
Glowyshoes
2nd August 2017 at 2:48 pmThis generation is indeed spoilt…. it seems like everything we need is at our beck and call that we firget to be appreciative and most especially be humble.. would you like to follow each other let me know on my blog
Glowyshoes’s blog
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:57 pmThanks for dropping by, dear. Hopefully we can all be a bit more appreciative and accepting of things that don’t go according to plan 😉
theluxilook
1st August 2017 at 10:48 pmAh, you are sooo right and this post is so accurate. We take things for granted and are certainly entitled at times! I hate to think of our generation as spoiled, but we really ought to be more grateful for the opportunities we have! Thank you for this gentle reminder to be more grateful and aware of my situation :).
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:50 pmThank you lovely, I also don’t like to think of our generation as spoiled, and we definitely have such potential to achieve great things! I just think we ought to be aware of how lucky we are and be more understanding and less frustrated when things don’t work out in the exact way we wanted… Xx
Rina
1st August 2017 at 8:56 pmOh boy you hit the nail on the coffin. I totally feel that we are a spoiled generation and sometimes I catch myself saying things that make me take a step back and ask myself if I actually just said what I said. We have everything and anything at our disposal and most of us didn’t need to go through the struggles our parents did. I know my dad had to wake up at 4-5 am every morning to do farm work and milk cows. So many of our problems are first world problems and I have to remind myself of that sometimes. I definitely plan to teach my children the value of time and money as I don’t want to raise any self-entitled brat =P
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:56 pmCouldn’t agree more Rina Samantha! Teaching younger generations the value of time and money is so important to create a more balanced society and happier humans really! I am not saying we should all go do farming work, but it is true that we have it much easier than our (grand)parents and we should be grateful for that! Happy Sunday, beautiful girl
thekaragon
1st August 2017 at 5:22 pmI def think we are a spoiled generation & I think it’s only getting worse, unfortunately. When I see my little siblings or cousins (who are all much younger) Christmas & Birthday list, I’m like whhhhat. These 8 or so year olds all have or want cellphones, ipods, laptops, etc. I’m like wow when I was that age I was just stoked to have Polly-Pockets haha. I definitely enjoy glamorous & luxury things, but my favorite things are the little things. There’s nothing I enjoy more than an evening cuddles with my Husband & our fur-kids, watching a movie. I think enjoying those moments helps me to remember to be more grateful for the people in my lifethan the materialistic objects & such.
Kara Aragon
http://www.thekaragon.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 3:52 pmI hear you, Kara! It starts with the little ones and the values we teach them. If they don’t learn to work for the things they want, to appreciate and share when they get them, etc, we are just raising entitled children who will grow up to believe everything is rosy in life and nothing can go wrong. I also enjoy some cuddles with my boyfriend, a good movie or book and a sunny day 😀 Much love, dear
districtofchic1
1st August 2017 at 3:31 amWell I can definitely tell you that having a child will slow your travel plans down! Seriously though, I totally know what you mean that it’s nice to appreciate travel and how incredible it is. Oh and on a fashion note, I love your sandals!
District of Chic
Maria | Short Girl Long Jacket
1st August 2017 at 12:34 amI think some people are definitely spoiled but it’s possible to take advantage of this new world and remain grateful. Not all trips are equal but I am grateful for all of them, no matter how close or far. I think also because I’m now paying for them with my own money it makes me appreciate them more.
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:12 pmSuch a perfect way to put it Maria, we can make the most of the amazing opportunities we are given while remaining grateful. And paying for my trips definitely makes me appreciate them double, hahaha
DEMELER
31st July 2017 at 11:04 pmSuch a great post!
xx
http://thedemeler.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:17 pmThank you so much for reading, gorgeous Xx
Handika
31st July 2017 at 7:57 pmReally nice post and so interesting I admire your thoughts
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:13 pmdear Handika, thanks for reading and for your nice comment
titritmode
31st July 2017 at 5:56 pmGreat blog post girl ! it’s so important to appreciate what we have and enjoy every little moment !
Have a great day !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:16 pmSo true, dear, thank you so much for the support Nina
yuka
31st July 2017 at 6:16 amI still can’t ever find the time to go on a vacation so I am always appreciative to get away for a second!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:15 pmAh, this year was a bit like that for me and I take in every second I get to travel and disconnect from work. Thanks for reading, beautiful Yuka
Vasundhara Agarwal
30th July 2017 at 11:41 pmSuch an interesting read, it takes a while to come to this realiazation, but appreciating every little thing does go a long way…loved the post dear
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:14 pmIt does indeed Vasundhara, glad you enjoyed this lil read 🙂
carmitive
30th July 2017 at 7:50 pmI really liked this post dear. I think it’s so important to appreciate what we have and enjoy every little moment <3
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 6:14 pmThanks for stopping by, lovely, I hope you are having a great weekend! Xx
Koral · Fábrica de Imaginación
30th July 2017 at 12:52 pmCompletamente cierto! Aunque agradezco enormemente haber podido conocer tantos lugares sin arruinarme, como bien dices y lo que más echo de menos es no tener el constante pensamiento de tener que compartirlo en redes porque si no eso no ha existido, pero eso ya lo sabes 🙂
Saida
6th August 2017 at 4:08 pmYo sufro este dilema casi a diario, hehehehe. Quiero ver y hacer, pero tampoco quiero que se me olvide la suerte que tengo de poder hacer todo eso en el momento que quiera. Lo de las redes es conversación aparte >.<
therealpinkblogger
30th July 2017 at 10:02 amI agree with you, we have become a spoiled generation. I get to travel a lot and I try to remind myself every now and then that I should be thankful for this opportunity. Btw, your outfit is incredible!
Have an awesome day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Saida
6th August 2017 at 4:07 pmThank you Kris, I have had this conversation with my parents many times, as they didn’t get to travel abroad until they were 30 or so and I do feel so lucky to have travelled all the places I have been to so far and so easily! We are also a lucky generation I guess 🙂