It may not be the riots of the French Revolution flags but YOLO has taken the world to new social media highs. Its crazy crazy. For those who are not glued to facebook or their social media weapon of choice, 'YOLO' – stands for "You only live once".
While it may be true, this catch phrase has been on tattooed several thousand teenagers and equally intelligent adults. Why wouldn't you tattoo YOLO onto your arm? Literally, I'm convinced YOLO tattooed in italics was a high point for many in 2012. However before I become a complete pessimist in the YOLO campaign I have discovered its merits, personally.
The story so far: My attention to the YOLO epidemic was highlighted as the local census rally begun. The scandalous question of 'Religion' on the Census form has led people to create an extremely note worthy and considered facebook page reporting that 'YOLO' was their religion.
A "You only live once" mantra reporting that "I don't really care". Naturally my facebook feed was YOLO-ing all over the place. Also, my brother claimed he was going to put it on his Census.
This is when I decided it was a revolution. In my curiosity I decided to do a search of my own into this YOLO business. The modern take on "Carpe Diem" has teenagers frothing over its tagline qualities and band aid nature the quote may have. A common thread of YOLO facebook and twitter status's streams through around midday on Sunday, naturally reflecting last night's antics.
Now, no one loves a fun police so I'm going to stop right there. I could examine the fairly grave consequences of living a 'YOLO' life.... "Woops, didn't mean to do that last night...YOLO", "Sorry Bro....YOLO", but the fact is that some people literally do need to YOLO, to learn. They need to realise in their YOLO experience, in fact we do only have one life so we really should decide who and how we want to be to make the most of it.
This is where YOLO gets personal for me. As a classified control freak, YOLO is the stuff of nightmares. The idea of using YOLO as my get out of jail free card sends me spinning; I wouldn't be in jail in the first place. Well hopefully. Everything is planned; I leave no room for a YOLO moment. If there ever lived another Martha, I'm sure we would be related.
Ironically, I am surrounded by YOLO-ers. Not the "Woops I did it again" YOLO kind, but "I literally do only have one life so I want to live it to the best" kind. These people have taught me and highlighted the various commendable qualities YOLO can have.
These people simply live well, once
Firstly, the Good Samaritan effect has profoundly challenged my doings through observing a slightly more YOLO approach to helping a fellow human being out. When your too busy controlling all the possible situations, consequences and outcomes in your life and not having the occasional YOLO you can miss out of the opportunity to be a Good Samaritan, sharing love, justice and grace around.
I was recently in a situation too busy thinking about the possible negative consequences this situation could have and planning my alternative that I missed an opportunity to perhaps to have a Good Samaritan moment. Instead I was wimpy and opted for the slightly less dangerous and far more self persevering choice, a true hero...
Learning to make room for a bit of YOLO and helping out when it is not always convenient but will make a huge difference to someone else. This is merit one in the YOLO revolution. Live a little, it could help someone big time.
Secondly, YOLO has altered my view of the unexpected. As a great believer in being prepared for all situations, I have been known to run myself ragged in self defence mode for whatever may be around the corner. Life is unexpected at times and my type "A" personality has come to learn that some instances cannot be controlled.
Therefore a fair dose of 'unexpected' is bound to come your way. And when it comes, it may not be all bad. In fact, it may be a nice surprise. When I put my YOLO hat on (the genuine making the most of all things) I start seeing the silver linings. I start seeing his glory. I begin to see clearer that his sunshine glory does remain.
And it is definitely a view you do not want to miss out on. YOLO merit two; understanding that when I let myself live to see the unexpected, the view can sometimes be far greater, far brighter and reflect a God who truly does love irrevocably.
So Yolo, it's not all bad huh? While for some it is plaguing the status quo and masquerading as a get out of jail free card for all those 'Woopsies', I've discovered my own spin on the pop culture pandemic. #YOLO, it's what all the cool kids are doing.
Chloe Pryor is a young adult living in Auckland New Zealand. Studying a Bachelor of Dance, in her spare time she teaches young children dance, ballet and jazz, whilst volunteering hours in the youth ministry of her local church. Chloe has a passion for God and serving the local church with a defined heart for women.
Chloe Pryor's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/chloe-pryor.html