Looking around at my generation here in Sri Lanka right now, I honestly feel a mix of sadness and relief. 🇱🇰💭
It feels like so many kids my age are lost in a cloud. Whether it’s cigarettes, bidi, alcohol, or the latest vapes, they think this is what living looks like. They think holding a vape makes them look mature, but when I look at them, I don't see freedom. I see people who are missing out on the actual good stuff in life. 🚫🍺
The Missing Spark ✨
I’ve noticed that something is genuinely missing in kids my age. It’s not just about the bad habits, it’s about the mindset.
They seem to lack real happiness, genuine family connections, or the ability to just enjoy a simple moment. Can you listen to a song and just vibe with it? Or do you need to be high to feel it? 🎵😕
I used to hate responsibility. I didn't want the burden of being the good kid. But recently, I had a realization that changed everything. My parents are lucky to have me, but I am even luckier to have them. We have a connection that most of my friends have completely lost with their families. 🙏❤️
The Good Difference
There was a specific moment that really hit me. We were at a party, surrounded by noise, chaos, and people trying too hard to be cool. My father pulled me aside and said something I won't forget.
He looked at me, then looked at the other kids my age, and said:
"I compare you and your friends, and I found a huge difference in you. A good difference."
He noticed that I could actually enjoy the moment for what it was, while others needed substances just to get through the night. That simple sentence from him felt better than any peer approval ever could. It made me realize that staying clean isn't boring, it is powerful. 💪🔥
The Bad Boy Myth vs. Reality
It’s funny, though. In this generation, it often feels like the bad boys get all the attention. 🤷♂️
You see it everywhere. Girls and peers seem to gravitate toward the guys who are reckless, the ones with the dangerous vibe, ignoring the guys who actually have a vision and a future. It used to bother me. I used to wonder if I was doing it wrong.
But now? I don't think about it much. I’m staying quiet. I’m staying in my lane. I know that cool doesn't pay the bills in ten years. 📉
| The Trend 📉 | My Focus 📈 |
|---|---|
| Vaping and Bidi 🚬 | Clear Mind and Health 🧠 |
| Seeking Attention 👀 | Earning Respect 🤝 |
| Bad Boy Image 😈 | Visionary Son 🦁 |
| Temporary Thrills 🎢 | Long Term Wins 🏆 |
| Wasting Parents Money 💸 | Planning to Pay the Bill 💳 |
💭 My Honest Opinion
Personally, I think the biggest flex at 16 isn't a bike or a brand new phone. It’s independence.
I have a very specific goal. It might sound small to some, but for me, it’s everything. I want to take my family, my Mom, Dad, and Sister, out to dinner. And the most important part? I want to pay the bill with my own hard earned money. 🍽️💰
I want to look at the receipt, pull out my own cash, and know that I provided for the people who provided for me. That is a small goal, but it means I’m building something real. I can be proud of myself.
So, to anyone else feeling like the odd one out because you don't vape or drink, don't change. The world has enough bad boys. We need more men with vision. 🚀
At 16, you don't need to be popular. You just need to be prepared. ✨