Month: October 2024

Olivia Alberton (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

They say that you should enjoy your youth, because it goes by so fast. They say to stay young because getting old is hard. They say these are some of the best years of your life, so enjoy it. You are in the physical prime of your life, when there are no aches or pains in your body, nothing is sagging, nor do you have a grey hair in sight.

You can do anything you want, because time is on your side. You should take risks and not think too much, because you can afford to make mistakes. Being young seems to be equated with having fun and being carefree. Yes, there can be moments of fun, spontaneity and pleasure, however, this should not discredit the fact that much of one’s youth can also be filled with stress, loneliness and confusion. We must acknowledge the truth, that youth is not all it is cracked up to be. 

One of the hardest parts of being young is trying to figure everything out. It starts in high school, when the guidance counsellor talks to you about what you want to do for the rest of your life. You select programs and make your decision, hoping you made the right one. Your brain is not even fully formed, and yet you have to make this big decision. It is unfair and unrealistic to place that burden on someone so young, but it is done anyways.

You go through your program and graduate, and everyone says you have entered the “real world” now. You apply to jobs because you now must establish yourself. Not only must you establish yourself, you also are trying to find your purpose. Yes, you are young, but it feels as though you are in this race where you should hit certain goals in your 20s—graduate by a certain age, start your career, move into your own place, get a partner, get engaged and, of course, get married—unrealistic yes, but hard to ignore. One can say that you have the freedom to forge your own path, but that in and of itself can be frightening when there are so many different options; you wish someone had a crystal ball to tell you what to do, because the endless choices can be daunting.  

While you are trying to establish your career, you are also trying to discover who you are as a person. We change so much in our youth, from high school to post-secondary, to early 20s to late 20s, that it can be overwhelming at times. With this change and growth, we can lose close friendships that are difficult to move on from. Or other times, you sadly just lose touch with someone without meaning to. On a random Tuesday, you will think about them and want to reach out, but are not sure if there is a point because too much time has elapsed. Sadly, your youth can be a very lonely time when you find you can only rely on yourself.  

There is also a lot of pressure that one contends with in their youth. The ones described already, of course, include pressure to sort out your career, pressure to figure out who you are/want to be in life and pressure to find your purpose. In addition, there is also the pressure to make sure you are enjoying your youth, because you are constantly being told that you will never be this young again. When you stay in on a Friday or Saturday night, there can be a sense of guilt because it feels like you should be out, either on a date or with friends, anywhere but on your couch. If by chance you do not have anything planned, you feel guilty because it feels as if you are missing out and you are wasting this precious time. All in all, the pressure to enjoy your youth can be overwhelming. 

George Bernard Shaw’s well-known idea that youth is wasted on the young comes to mind when discussing youth. Of course, it is only as we age that we gain the experience and wisdom to reflect on things we wish we did differently or worried less about. However, when you are in the thick of it, you are just trying to make it through, day by day. We cannot know if what we are doing is right or if we will come to regret it because, sadly, life does not work like that. Sadly, we place these misguided but hard-to-ignore expectations in our youth, which can make things difficult. Therefore, youth is not all it is cracked up to be, however, we should try to believe that everything will be okay. 

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Olivia is a McMaster University graduate with a combined honours in English & cultural studies and history. She loves to read, write and, of course, drink coffee.

Sue Turi (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Success in life should be like a mountain, it is commonly thought.

The climb to the summit is steep with occasional resting spots to pause along the way, if you’re lucky.

The goal in life is to reach that pinnacle of ourselves. If not in the form of an athletic, healthy body and good looks, then at least in the form of the accumulation of wisdom, wealth and status.

But what if we were to think of life as a different kind of mountain. It doesn’t have a peak like, say, Everest, or what we typically think of as a “mountain.” In fact, the top of this mountain is flat, like a narrow plateau. It’s like this because it was once the valley of an ocean floor hundreds of millions of years ago. A valley floor of sandstone and quartz that became so compacted that, even when it rose up and out of its bed of sea and soft shale to become a proud mountain, neither eons of incessant wind nor rain could weather it to a lesser, craggier peak.

It is flat-topped because of its resilience to hardship.

To peak in life, though an accepted eventuality, comes at a cost—the weathering of spirit and body to a wick. Mountains that plateau instead of peak have special qualities, like abundant waterfalls that develop rich ecosystems. To hikers, slipping, falling and avalanches are of lesser concern as they climb to its “top,” where a welcome respite from their effort awaits them.

As there is no climactic summiting, there is no anticlimax. But isn’t that what people are looking for: the vertigo of the win, the rags-to-riches story?

In life we can be easily seduced by the extravagant in awe of the extreme, stimulated by an impossible challenge. We feel like progress means going up, escaping gravity and our mortal selves, climbing to dizzying heights and shouting from the top of the world to the less fortunate or talented that we’ve made it.

As triumphant as this feels, extreme endeavors shall always invite equal accounting in a freefall back to reality, as the scales of life search endlessly to balance extremes. For every climb to a heady top, there has to be a descent, which in all likelihood will be depressing: the withering away of ourselves, social isolation and all that it entails on the way down into the abyss. Anyone who has hiked up a steep mountain knows that descending is obligatory and, oftentimes, more difficult.

In English, to plateau does not typically inspire positivity. It’s considered stagnation rather than stability. In economics, a thriving economy is considered a growing economy, and like a plant, this means up and up, exploiting resources, minerals, water, sun and space. But, then exhausted, it collapses towards the earth to attempt another ascent, but this time, with less energy. 

To peak in life is ultimately a mirage, as it assumes that we only have one life, one shot at success before we die. Like a spear, the peaked mountain pierces the, attempting to defy gravity, and thus mortality. But paradoxically, this aspiration also assumes that we have no souls and are finite. It denies such notions such as reincarnation and karma.

Peaking in life as an obligation requires stress and tension: the pressure to overachieve, stay young, climb the status ladder and exploit others in the process. Its arrogance makes it blind to the quality of the journey, to the acceptance of failure and defeat.

Instead, I prefer to think of life as that flat-topped mountain. A place wide and long enough to accommodate everyone: where the clouds bring rain to sustain life, where the reward for effort is stability. Where there is no requirement to ascend so high so as to fall to your peril.

Life is challenging enough without making extra demands to be the best, instead of being good enough. 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Mountain 

https://www.thetablemountainfund.org.za/why-is-table-mountain-flat/

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Sue Turi is a writer, illustrator and painter living in Montréal, Canada with a degree in fine arts. She began her career as a production artist for design studios and ad agencies, before deciding to devote herself purely to self-expression through writing and painting.

Jason Allatt, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Please note that this article discusses alcohol abuse.

A little while ago, September 10th   2024, marked the eight-year anniversary of my father’s death. I was 23 when he died. When I was 15 my father fell off the wagon, hard, and started drinking like he was making up for lost time. From the moment he started drinking again our family dynamic changed. He was constantly depressed and self-medicating, and when he received a cancer diagnosis, he did not have the strength to fight. He had given up on life long before the terminal diagnosis was given. 

From the time I was 15 until he died when I was 23, our relationship eroded. As an angry teenager, it seemed like he had given up on us, like he was doing this to hurt us and if he wanted to live this way (or more accurately, die this way) than fine, just leave me out of it. 

My home life for eight years was essentially going to school, being told I needed to do better, and watching my parents not communicate and build resentment while my father pickled himself with alcohol.

Eight years have passed since then. A longer time period has passed than the eight years of living like that. After all this time has passed, I finally feel like I can move forward into another stage of my life, the stage of being an adult that I thought was lost. I always feared that with my father’s death, my mother would be in a state of arrested development, that we would always be children that needed to be protected, a feeling I’m sure all parents feel but, as a child, one I didn’t empathise with. In the eight years since then I have struggled with my familial relationships, feeling like my opinions and feelings are that of a child, and children should be seen, not heard. I empathize with my mother for feeling this way. She was in an emotionally abusive relationship and once it ended, she spread her wings and experienced some real freedom, and the relationship she wanted from me was seemingly very different from what I wanted as a now-adult. We argued, a lot, about what family means and what it means to be on someone’s side, but it’s finally dawned on me that I don’t need to argue anymore. I accept my mothers feelings and opinions, and though I probably don’t agree with her most of the time, I support her. It’s been a long time of serious, therapeutic, mindful reflection on both our parts to realize that having boundaries does not mean pushing someone away, it means growing together. I used to hate these things about my mother, but I see it now as strokes on the canvas that coloured her into what she is today. It’s not good or evil or something worth hating her over, it’s just life. People are different, and though I may not be the idealized version of the child she thought she would raise, I’m proud of the person I have become.

I used to think that my father’s death meant there would never be a time where my mother and I could both be adults, and my angry young mind self-sabotaged and through this lens made all my relationships more difficult. But I have a new lens now, one that took a long time to put together. A lens that looks at people with empathy and acceptance, and comes with the understanding that everyone has moments and interactions that shape them

I truly believe I have grown. When I was younger, I was consumed by resentment and brooded on all the poor choices my parents made. Is that anger still a part of me? Unfortunately, yes, it’s a part I struggle with constantly, but a lot of therapy and a loving partner have really helped me take these negative emotions and feelings and but them in a box on the shelf so I can live my life. 

Am I my mother and father’s perfect ideal child? Absolutely not, something that was pointed out often to me. But I truly believe I have moved to the next stage of my life, being my own man surrounded by the family I chose: the people who love and support me. 

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Leave your thoughts for Jason in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it and wiser than the one that comes after it.” – George Orwell

Ever felt like you’re speaking a different language when talking to someone from another generation? You’re not alone! Generation gaps have been around forever, but they seem more noticeable now than ever.

Nothing highlights the diversity of human experience like the differences among generations. Every age group brings its own unique perspectives, habits and lifestyles. Yet, these differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and gaps. How can we bridge these gaps and foster meaningful connections across ages? This article delves into ways to connect across generations, the importance of bridging these gaps and practical strategies for doing so effectively.

What Causes Generation Gaps?

Generation gaps don’t just appear out of thin air. They’re the result of various factors that shape each generation’s experiences and worldviews. Generation gaps happen for all sorts of reasons, like different life experiences, changing technology, shifts in social norms and varying economic conditions.

There are common misunderstandings between generations. Sometimes, it feels like we’re worlds apart based on our work ethic debates, communication style differences, views on social issues and attitudes towards technology.

Bridging the Gap

Change can be uncomfortable, regardless of age. When trying to bridge gaps, be patient and understanding. Change takes time, but with persistence, it’s possible.

The first step to understanding each other is really listening. If you put away distractions, ask questions directly to clarify your doubts and show genuine interest in others’ perspectives, this can help to build a bridge across generation gaps. This means really paying attention to what others are saying, without interrupting or judging. Try to understand their perspectives, even if they’re different from your own.

We’re more alike than we think. We all have shared values like family, friendship and respect, and some common interests like music, sports and food. We all share universal experiences like love, loss and growth, which makes us similar in many ways.

The Boom of Technology

Tech doesn’t have to divide us. Have you ever noticed how older generations prefer phone calls, while younger folks lean towards texting? This difference in communication preference is a classic example of a generation gap. We can teach and learn from each other; we should use tech to stay connected, and find apps and games to play and enjoy together.

Everyone has something valuable to offer. Older generations have their life experience and wisdom, and younger generations have new ideas and adaptability.

Practical Tips for Connecting

Interacting with people from different generations can broaden our horizons and help us see things from new perspectives. It’s a fantastic opportunity for personal growth!

Younger generations need to be patient and respectful; they should seek advice from older generations and show appreciation for their experiences.

At the same time, older generations need to stay open-minded to new ideas and avoid “back in my day” comparisons. They should recognize the challenges of growing up today are not the same as before. Older generations can pass down cultural traditions and history, ensuring they’re not lost over time.

Older generations can share their life experiences and wisdom, while younger generations can teach about new technologies and trends.

Each generation has its own slang and communication style. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. It shows you’re interested and just trying to connect with people from other generation.

Conclusion

Bridging generation gaps is not just about resolving conflicts or improving communication. It’s about creating a more inclusive, understanding and collaborative society. By embracing our differences and finding common ground, we can learn from each other and create stronger, more resilient communities.

Every interaction is an opportunity to bridge a gap. Whether it’s having a conversation with an older neighbor, mentoring a younger colleague or simply being open to different perspectives, we all have the power to make a difference.

It isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. By trying to understand and connect with people of all ages, we create a richer, happier world for everyone. Next time you meet someone from a different generation, remember: a friendly smile and an open mind can go a long way!

And the next time you find yourself frustrated by a generational difference, take a step back. Try to understand where the other person is coming from. You might be surprised at what you learn—and how much you have in common.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

 

Grace Song (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

As a pharmacist, I realize that longevity is not just about living a longer life. It is more about increasing our healthspan—the period in our lives when we are healthy and vibrant. We are not just interested in adding years to life, but adding life to those years! This pursuit, for me, has been deeply personal as I have had the opportunity to treat many patients with various acute and chronic medical conditions during my hospital residency. Though I am not always perfect, I do believe that I have developed a foundational approach on self-awareness and proactive health practices. Let me share some of the most important lessons that I have learned along the way and perhaps they can help guide you toward a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life. 

• Move intentionally

One of the simplest, yet most transformative shifts in my daily routine was a commitment to consistent movement. This really is not about punishing workouts or unrealistic goals. Instead, I embraced what I call “functional movement.” Instead of taking a three-minute bus ride to get to the hospital from the SkyTrain station, I opt for walking 10 minutes. When I have the opportunity to walk up flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator, I will do so. That is not to say that these changes are the only form of movement that I commit to on the quotidian, but I believe that they can help you move more than you otherwise would have, with minimal change. Many small changes can have a large impact.

Moreover, I once over-prioritized high-intensity exercise, thinking it was the key to my new fitness lifestyle. But after experiencing frequent knee injuries and burnout, I realized that personal balance was crucial. These days, other than dancing, I have incorporated more low-impact activities, such as at home pilates and walking. Sometimes joint-friendly, low-impact movement is the way to go to be sustainable, and it is appropriate for all ages and health demographics.  

• Prioritize sleep like your life depends on it (and it truly does)

I cannot tell if this is a consequence of being in my mid-20s, but sleep is a necessity. In the whirlwind of modern life, for most of my friends and colleagues, sleep often feels like an indulgence, something to sacrifice in the name of productivity. But I can no longer cut corners on sleep. If I do not sleep adequately, I come face-to-face with its effects—grogginess, daytime fatigue, irritability and, worst of all, a creeping decline in my focus and productivity, especially as it pertains to patient care. There are also long-term negative health outcomes like lowered mood, impaired cognition, reduced immune system function and even shortened lifespan. 

Ultimately, instead of seeing sleep and approaching it as a negotiable, I treat it as a sacred to-do. Through trial and error, I think I have perfected my 9-10 P.M. sleep routine—winding down with some stretching, dimmed lights and my nighttime daily devotions. 

The key takeaway is quite simple: respect your body’s natural need for rest. Adequate sleep is foundational to physical and mental health, influencing everything from hormone balance to cellular repair. It is called beauty sleep for a reason!

• The power of nutrition and hydration

Nutrition is the cornerstone of health. After years of experiencing on-and-off digestive issues, I pondered the idea that I might have food sensitivities. This wake-up call prompted a re-evaluation of my diet, pushing me to transition toward more nutrient-dense, whole foods when possible. What I found was that highly processed and salty foods such as instant ramen decreased my digestion rate, leading to indigestion, bloating and nausea. I made the shift to incorporating more whole foods, emphasizing foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy proteins and fat. This change has made me feel more stomach-comfortable. 

Water does not always get the recognition it deserves. Hydration is another game-changer—to the point that I drink 4 L per day. Drinking water has significantly improved my skin and has also kept me more alert and less fatigued throughout the day. Not everyone requires 4 L per day, however sipping on water allows you to be well-hydrated and can reduce unnecessary cravings for sugar-dense beverages. 

At the end of the day, it is not about following a rigid or restrictive diet, but about making informed choices that can help lengthen the quality of your life. What we put on our plates plays a direct role in how we feel and how we will age in the future.

Longevity is not about one magic bullet. It is a holistic approach that integrates movement, rest and nutrition, to mention a few elements. We may not be able to control every aspect of aging, but by prioritizing our healthspan, we can ensure that the years we do live are filled with vitality. My journey continues and I have learned that it is about the progress. Each day offers new opportunities to make choices that support my long-term health.

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Leave your thoughts for Grace in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

Mherah Fatima, Volunteer Writer

We live in a society clouded by unrealistic expectations and standards, especially for women. It is not easy to defy a society that works day and night to enforce age-related expectations. The media and the big industries work together to market youth and portray aging in a negative light. Nevertheless, it is even more crucial today to push this negative mindset out of our brains

Embracing the aging process

To resist these expectations, we must learn to embrace the aging process itself.

Pamela Anderson, the 57-year-old actress, said, “Chasing youth is just futile. You’re never going to get there, so why not just embrace what’s going on? And since I’ve really just walked out the door as me, I feel a relief, just a weight off my shoulders. And I actually like it better.”

This perspective reminds us that aging is a known and inevitable process everyone will have to go through. No product or device can stop the natural phenomenon from occurring. 

Importantly, growing old does not mean we have to restrict ourselves from certain tasks. The notion that growing old means to stop exploring or doing what you enjoy is a social construct. On the contrary, we must never stop exploring or doing things we like, because that is what makes us content with life. Women like Iris Apfel, the fashion icon, known for colorful clothes and oversized glasses, embody this notion. She got signed as a model at the age of 97, proving that age is not a barrier to success in fashion. Similarly, Lynja, the popular TikTok chef, started creating humorous cooking videos on TikTok in her sixties, and gathered over 20 million followers. These women are proof that aging is never a restriction, it is only the beginning of a new chapter.

Redefining aging

Often, people associate the word “aging” with negative connotations. We must change our mindsets and think of aging as a way of moving forward.

In a classic 1995 study, for example, scientists at Fordham University categorized more than 32,000 Americans into age groups and found that 38 percent of seniors, aged 68 to 77, reported being “very happy,” whereas younger groups were significantly less likely to report such positive feelings. The study dispels the  myth that associates aging with sadness and decline. 

Diana Nyad is another example of someone who defied age-related expectations. At the age of 64, she swam a remarkable 180 km, from Havana, Cuba to Key West in Florida. She famously stated, “Never ever give up. You’re never too old to chase your dreams.”

Another inspiring figure is Ernestine Shepherd, who in 2012, at age 77, was the oldest competitive female bodybuilder. What’s even more astonishing is that she never started bodybuilding until she was 56. She said in a BBC interview, “Despite how important it is to me now, I haven’t always enjoyed exercise. In fact, I didn’t set foot into a gym until I was 56. I was always too prissy to work out—and you couldn’t get me away from chocolate cake.”

These inspiring women demonstrate that age does not define capabilities nor passion. The stories of Iris, Lynja, Diana and Erenstine remind us that there is no age limit to pursuing dreams. It is high time we shift our perspective on aging from a negative to positive one and continue to empower people, regardless of their age.

References

Meet the 81-year-old woman who can bench press 115lb. (2018, March 19). BBC. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/bbcthree/article/bb27dc63-acda-4bb8-981f-988866ace2fd

Zaraska, M. (2015, November 1). With Age Comes Happiness: Here’s Why. Scientific American. Retrieved October 4, 2024, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/with-age-comes-happiness-here-s-why/

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Leave your thoughts for Mherah in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

Maya A., Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

As a young girl playing in the fields of my native Punjab, I always dreamt of moving out. I would see tall, shiny New York buildings in magazines and on television and always wished to grow up fast and move there. There was no financial or materialistic wish behind these pipe dreams, but rather a wish to break away from what I used to consider “old ways” of life.

Women in my village dressed modestly and were industrious and dedicated wives. I did not want to grow up to be someone’s devoted wife. I had big dreams for myself. I would think of ways to break free of this life. I wanted to become a “city girl.”

All of this was not just my far-fetched dreams, but also part of social conditioning and mainstream media, where the “city girl” was a desirable aesthetic. While cleaning my room yesterday, I found my journal from years ago. The writing was as comical as delusional. The entry vividly explained how older me would have a palatial house one day.

At that moment, I wondered: if I had a house like that today, would I still want it for myself or want to donate it to fundraise for the cause of Palestinian kids? Could I even afford a house today?

After high school in a strict catholic school in the city, the time came for me to move to the city for college. I moved out, and with the help of my dad, I rented a small apartment. Life was lonely. I was in a pre-med school, and life was nothing like what I had imagined it to be. I thought I ‘d make friends and live every bit of life. But turned out it was the complete opposite.

During my teens, I always hoped and believed that my 20s would be the “it” years of life. At 27 today, my 20s have flown by in the blink of an eye. They are nothing like what I imagined them to be. I thought I would have had a high-powered career by now, bought a place for my parents and been in a loving marriage with my high school sweetheart. None of which have occurred.

Being a full-time student while working and living independently was never in the cards. I was sure I would complete all my major goals by 26 or 27. I don’t dare to dream of buying a house now. Much of  Gen Z is in the same boat as me. In an economy like the one we are in right now, every day feels like a challenge. Inflation has driven up the cost of living through the roof. Young people like me find it so hard to pay bills and save up something for the future. Frankly speaking, saving for the future is out of the question.

The pandemic hit us in the face in 2020. Millions of people lost their lives, businesses were affected, people had to isolate themselves. We lost almost two years in the process. Now we’re left with gloomy prospects for the future, images of kids and women hit by bombs in Palestine in the media, capitalist cronies sucking the life out of common people, and on top of that, social media. We’re updated with what’s happening out there every second. 

Today’s world is incredibly uncertain, and moreso with the added mix of social media. When a 20- year-old scrolls on Instagram and sees influencers claiming to make a six-figure income and living a flashy lifestyle, it makes you question what you are doing in life, and I am guilty of doing that.

It feels like today’s younger generation is under a lot of pressure. Along with all the major wars occurring, political crises and climate change, the world is not a happy place. Not to say it ever was or will be, but it certainly feels almost uninhabitable now.

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Leave your thoughts for Maya A. in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

 

Rowan Sanan (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I think it’s fascinating how much and how quickly the world has changed in the relatively short time I’ve lived in it. I’m 19, and yet I’ve lived through so many historical events that I feel much older than I should! I’ve watched as all the people and places around me have shifted and changed, some things from better to worse—or vice versa, of course. I think the most notable thing has been the internet and media in general, and how we as a society are able to see so much more than we used to at all times. 

The internet and social media are multifaceted. On one hand, I’ve seen its unifying nature in so many ways. Long-lost friends reunited by a Facebook post. An Instagram story garnering donations for a family halfway across the world. Communities of people bonding over fandoms and sharing what they love—and hate—through places like Tumblr or Reddit. It’s an incredible place full of information, entertainment and friendly folks who just want to help each other out. 

On the other hand, I’ve seen the internet and social media slowly but surely shift into something much more sinister. Instagram and TikTok algorithms have become designed to inflict people with what are essentially content addictions. Children and teens are being exposed to inappropriate content far before they’re ready to see it, changing how they develop and interact with their friends and families. Places and companies find ways to silence their people and workers without fail.

Now that media is so heavily connected to the world, it is so important that we are careful with how we address and use it. It’s terrifying how quickly something so incredible and innovative can become something so dangerous. It is only made worse by the fact that, since COVID, more people are reliant on their devices than ever. It’s easy to reach millions of people with a funny meme or an inspirational message, but it is just as easy to spread hate and vitriol. 

Speaking of, another thing I have seen change with the world around me is, in general, how people interact. Since media has become so prevalent, it seems like people my age and younger simply don’t know how to interact with each other. Friendships start to blossom much faster through online spheres than in real life, which I find is especially true in the university setting—nobody wants to chat after class, so they just exchange social media handles and leave it at that. Joining clubs can work, but when everyone in the club is already in their own clique, how is anyone supposed to integrate? Honestly, that very well could be a me problem, but it still speaks volumes. Finding a romantic relationship is even harder—dating apps are like a crutch that nobody wants to use, but they have to because meeting anyone organically is a nightmare. 

Interactions outside in public have also changed. When I was a child, I’d be used to walking down the street and waving at everyone I came across. I’d receive a “hi,” a “hello” or even a “have a good one.” Now, I find myself worried to even give strangers a smile in fear that they’ll give me a weird look or become intimidated/concerned. People don’t even honour lineups to board a bus as much as they used to, nor do they understand that people with invisible disabilities do indeed need the priority seating. And, with the emergence and rise of self-checkouts and automated ordering systems, it feels like the entirety of society is actively trying to avoid each other. While I’ll admit that some of the changes have been due to COVID fears, I’m not sure how healthy it is for us as a society. 

Now, that’s not to say that all the changes I’ve seen have been completely negative. It wouldn’t be fair of me to list all these negatives and not share some of the positives! Just like I mentioned before, social media can be dangerous, but it can also be incredibly helpful. I find that I learn so much from the internet, especially when it comes to world events, politics or activism. I follow so many fascinating people who do really impressive and inspiring things, simply because they want to. It has taught me so much more about myself and has given me resources to further my career and education. Being able to reach so many people is a blessing too—I’ve seen many people change their minds on political and societal issues. 

I also think there are some positives to how we as people interact now. A lot of people are actually more blunt, which doesn’t always seem like a good thing, but in this case, it is. People often won’t stand for mistreatment and will be vocal and fierce in their opposition of what they believe is wrong.

It is incredible how these things are so interconnected in every way. I believe that the world will continue to grow and change, and we will grow and change with it. Whether these changes will be positive or negative remains to be seen, but it’s only natural for the change to occur in the first place. 

After all, if humanity was stagnant and never-changing, would we really get anywhere at all?

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Rowan is a university student who loves to write books and poetry, read all kinds of books and spend time with his family and pets.

 

 

Moses Lookman Kargbo, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Maturity is one of those concepts that’s often talked about, yet somehow remains difficult to define. Many of us grow up hearing, “Act your age!” or “Be more mature!” but what does that even mean? Is maturity simply a matter of age, or is it about experiences, emotions and how we handle life’s ups and downs? For me, maturity isn’t just about growing older; it’s about growing wiser. It’s about learning, unlearning and evolving. Maturity, at its core, is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of the lessons we’ve learned, the humility we’ve developed and the empathy we’ve cultivated along the way.

Understanding Maturity

We often equate maturity with being “grown up,” but maturity is far more complex than that. I used to think that turning 18 or hitting certain milestones like graduating from school, getting a job or paying bills signified maturity. However, as I’ve gone through life, I’ve realized that these markers only scratch the surface. Maturity is less about these external achievements and more about internal growth. It’s about how we manage our emotions, how we respond to life’s challenges, and how we treat others and ourselves.

One of the biggest revelations I’ve had about maturity is that it’s not linear. Just because you’ve reached a certain age doesn’t mean you’ve automatically matured. I’ve met people much younger than me who display incredible emotional depth and wisdom, and I’ve also encountered older individuals who still struggle with basic emotional regulation. Maturity is not about age; it’s about attitude, experience, and learning from those experiences.

Maturity and Self-Awareness

For me, one of the most important aspects of maturity is self-awareness. It’s the ability to understand yourself on a deeper level: your strengths, your weaknesses and your emotions. A mature person doesn’t just react impulsively; they pause, reflect and try to understand why they feel or act a certain way. Self-awareness allows you to identify patterns in your behavior, recognize triggers and take responsibility for your actions.

There was a time when I would get easily frustrated with people and situations. If something didn’t go my way, I’d become defensive or lash out. Over time, I realized that my reactions weren’t productive and were often rooted in my own insecurities or misunderstandings. With self-awareness came the realization that I could control my reactions, and this shifted my perspective on many things. Maturity means acknowledging that you don’t have control over everything in life, but you do have control over how you respond to it.

Maturity in Relationships

Another significant part of maturity for me is how we manage our relationships. Whether with family, friends or romantic partners, maturity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, fulfilling connections. When I was younger, I often viewed relationships through a lens of expectation. I expected people to act a certain way or fulfill specific roles in my life. This led to a lot of disappointment when those expectations weren’t met. Over time, I’ve learned that true maturity in relationships is about acceptance and understanding.

Mature relationships are built on mutual respect, communication and empathy. They’re not about trying to change the other person or expecting them to meet all your needs. Instead, they’re about accepting each other for who they are, flaws and all. Maturity means recognizing that every relationship has its ups and downs, and it’s how you navigate those challenges together that truly matters.

I’ve also learned that maturity in relationships means setting healthy boundaries. This was a hard lesson for me, because I used to think that being a good friend or partner meant always saying “yes” and being available at all times. But as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and, ultimately, leads to healthier, more balanced relationships. It’s about knowing when to give and when to prioritize your own well-being.

The Role of Empathy

Empathy is another cornerstone of maturity for me. The more I’ve experienced in life, the more I’ve come to understand that everyone is fighting their own battles. Maturity means recognizing that we all come from different backgrounds, and we all carry our own unique set of struggles. Being empathetic allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, to offer support without judgment and to be a source of comfort in times of need.

In my younger years, I was quick to judge people based on their actions, without considering the context behind them. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that things aren’t always as black-and-white as they seem. People make mistakes, and we all have moments of weakness. Maturity is about giving others the grace to be human, just as we would hope others will extend that same grace to us.

Empathy has also taught me the importance of listening. When you truly listen to someone without thinking about what you’re going to say next, it fosters understanding and connection. Mature communication is not about winning arguments or proving a point; it’s about seeking to understand the other person’s perspective and finding common ground.

Maturity and Personal Growth

Finally, maturity, to me, is synonymous with personal growth. Life is a continuous journey of learning, unlearning and evolving. A mature person doesn’t view mistakes as failures; they see them as opportunities for growth. They are open to feedback and are willing to change their perspectives when presented with new information.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that maturity means being comfortable with discomfort. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, facing challenges head-on, and learning to navigate uncertainty. A mature person understands that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. It’s how you adapt and move forward that counts.

Personal growth also involves humility. As I’ve matured, I’ve become more comfortable admitting when I’m wrong and being open to learning from others. Maturity means recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and that there’s always room for improvement. It’s about striving to be a better version of yourself each day while also accepting that perfection is an unattainable goal.

Maturity is an ongoing process, not a destination. It’s not something you achieve once and for all, but rather a continual journey of self-discovery, growth and learning. For me, maturity means embracing life’s challenges with grace, cultivating empathy for others and striving for personal growth. It’s about being self-aware enough to understand your own emotions and humble enough to recognize when you need to change. Ultimately, maturity is about becoming the best version of yourself, not for anyone else, but for your own peace and fulfillment.

And while I’m still on my own path toward maturity, I’ve come to realize that it’s not about how many years you’ve lived, but about how much you’ve grown in those years. Each day offers an opportunity to mature, learn something new and become a little bit wiser.

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Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I suppose, for me, “staying young at heart” is easy, considering my chronological age is only 30 years. But it’s so much more than just that, and I’m happy to share why I feel this way.

I sometimes act like I’m still a young teenager because a big part of me is still holding on to the days when I felt more at ease with certain things. It almost seemed more acceptable to be giddy and immature, to laugh at stupid and silly things, to be nervous about talking to your “crush” or love interest, having slumber parties or staying up until the early hours of the following morning. I reminisce because life as a teenager seemed much easier and more fun . . . for the most part. I didn’t have to pay a mortgage or worry about any bills related to being a homeowner, I wasn’t in charge of buying groceries, I didn’t have to make big decisions or whatever else I now have to deal with as an adult.

Being a teenager wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, either. I experienced a lot of bullying and harassment in both physical and emotional forms, so having to deal with that was a total nightmare! I struggled a lot in school thanks to my unrelenting anxiety. I was also diagnosed with chronic migraines at a very young age, so that took a toll too. There were many situations that made being a teenager difficult; we weren’t quite mature enough at that age to know how to respond appropriately to challenging situations, nor were we ready to rely on ourselves for everything. It was clear that mom and dad’s expertise was still the best by far!

Anyway, do you remember using MSN? I used it frequently, since it was an instant messaging platform, much faster than email. Although I did have a cellphone, there was something about logging into MSN that was just so exciting.

I also miss the days where I’d get dropped off at the mall so I could use some of the money I had to buy cool things. Your definition and my definition of “cool things” might differ drastically, but nonetheless—it just doesn’t feel the same now that I’m an adult. I say this because I think I’m still processing the fact that I’m not a teenager anymore.

I absolutely hate to say this: however, if you’re constantly getting stuck in the past, wishing you were still there, then that means you’re missing out on the present and not looking forward to the future, with potentially more possibilities than when you were a teenager. It’s a sad reality, so it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but I’m currently in that predicament.

I sometimes wish I could alternate between being a teenager with no responsibilities and being an adult without needing permission to do anything or go anywhere. But, as a teenager, it was comforting to know that you needed parental guidance and/or approval before doing anything or going anywhere. It opened up your eyes to the fact that your parents were steering you in the right direction and making you their number one priority. It may have taken you a while to come to terms with that, but as you get older you realize that your parents may have also been doing that as a way to preserve your youth. It was their way of ensuring that you remained their little boy or little girl . . . their prince or their princess . . . no matter how far into adulthood you were. A parent’s job will always be to protect their children and take care of them, even when they’re old enough to take care of themselves. A mother and/or father’s love is the most powerful of things.

I often feel as though I still need some reassurance or guidance, and I think this might be because I relied so heavily on my parents for everything. They were my safety net and my security blanket.

I try my best to “live in the now,” but it can be challenging because I’m always looking back and comparing my teenage years to my adulthood . . . evaluating where I went wrong, what I could have changed, and how it has impacted me today as a 30-year-old woman.

I stay young at heart by doing the things I’ve always enjoyed doing. I truly believe that a happy and healthy mind means a happy and healthy heart, and vice versa. Nature plays a big role in your overall well-being . . . sunshine for the soul, the moon for the mind, a hike for the heart, planting for positivity and everything in between! We can harvest the healing properties that exist among us.

Allow yourself to dance your way through life, whether it’s rainy or sunny, cloudy or clear, hot or cold, or even a mix of all four seasons in one single 24-hour period. Life is constantly changing. Our spirit can be static and steady despite everything around us being so dynamic and different all the time. The wheel of life keeps turning and our bodies are helplessly following in the footsteps of the inevitable as we age. I believe that our hearts are stuck in a time machine and constantly replaying all of those memories created by the kindred spirits of our youth.

Staying young at heart is pure bliss.

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

 

 

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Trauma. It’s a word that wasn’t on my radar until I started counselling seven years ago. Or rather, I had heard the word but never given much thought as to how it applied to me. I’d never considered how it had impacted my relationships with myself and the people around me. 

Most of my trauma history comes from the bullying I suffered from the age of five to sixteen. My mom has told me that I was outgoing as a kid, but I guess after awhile, the bullying affected me so much I withdrew into myself. 

This, along with my reputation of being kind and gentle, made me an easy target. It wasn’t until I got to university that I began to come out of my shell. 

So, how did being bullied have a traumatic impact on me? I’m distrustful of people, and I don’t like to let too many get close to me. I always think that people have a hidden agenda, and for the longest time I would continually look over my shoulder. If I saw the people who tormented me, I would head the other way so I didn’t have to talk to them. 

Nobody ever wants to talk to their bullies, whether they are former classmates or teachers, and I have avoided both whenever I see them. I’m a nice person, but I have a dark side and get angry just like everyone else. 

My experiences of being bullied have contributed to me developing a vindictive streak, and it comes out when I see or hear about someone who has wronged me in the past, or even recently. When I hear of their misfortunes, I find it difficult to have sympathy for them. I feel like they deserve whatever’s happening to them.

People always remember the way you made them feel, and ever since I started counselling, the memories of how those people made me feel burst out of where I tried to hide them. Before I began therapy, I was notorious for stuffing things down and never dealing with them. I thought if I acted like they didn’t exist, I could forget that they happened. 

But our bodies have a way of remembering trauma, and it affects us mentally, emotionally and physically. I may have started addressing the trauma in counselling, but it wasn’t until I started pole dancing again that I had an emotional outlet. 

Writing about your feelings is only one piece of the puzzle. I have found that journaling, counselling and the creative cathartic outlet of pole dancing have all played a role in helping me unknot the web of trauma that has been wrapped around my soul for years. 

By opening myself up to these cathartic experiences, I have been on a journey of healing. Instead of shoving things down, I deal with them. I’m more open with expressing my emotions and allowing myself to feel things. Before, I would always shut my emotions off to help someone else process theirs, but I’ve learned it is so much easier and healthier to let yourself feel what you’re feeling in the moment. That, and it’s really cathartic to cry with someone. We can’t be strong all the time, sometimes we need to break down and let ourselves be vulnerable around the people that we feel safe with. 

The combination of pole dancing and counselling has given me the growth I needed to develop confidence in setting boundaries, which is another part of my trauma history. When I was a kid, every time I tried to stand up for myself or say I didn’t want to do something, I was either laughed at or pressured to do it, sometimes both, until I gave in. I was constantly surrounded by people who were convinced that they knew what was best for me, better than I did.

I had a bad habit of being a people-pleaser when I was young, and it’s only been in the last few years that I have grown more comfortable in setting boundaries. In other words, I have become more assertive in sending clear messages to people saying that if they push me, I’m going to push back just as hard. 

The girl I was is long gone and has been replaced by a woman who knows her worth and has a soul of fire burning within. 

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Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, as well as being a major Swiftie and a role model for positive body image. She believes in the value of truth, and that truth matters. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, on the training mats or curled up with a good book.

 

Nei (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer 

The feeling of nostalgia is one of those inexplicable and unique experiences. It is both a yearning for something impossible and a sense of gratitude for what once was. We seem to have a nostalgia-obsessed culture, we romanticize the “good old times” and place a very high value on vintage items. There is a unique joy that comes with the experience of nostalgia, it is a feeling we get from embracing, remembering and re-creating positive elements of the past.

We invite nostalgia into our lives in many ways, through fashion, photography, dance, storytelling and more. For me, music is my solace, and one of the ways I invite nostalgia into my life. Songs are like a time capsule of a moment in time, long gone but still so sweet. The throwback genre in music is the Gen-Z term for the golden oldies, a different name for the same thing. It is a way for us to indulge in the feeling of nostalgia, to time travel and relive our past, guilt-free.

Since I can remember, my parents have played music. We mostly listened to music in the car, but sometimes in the house. At most family gatherings, if there was no singing, there was a CD playing from someone’s car, or more recently, from a Bluetooth speaker. My parents often share stories of their lives before we (my siblings and I) arrived, and whenever they tell a story that starts with “oh that takes me back to,” it is usually inspired by a song. Some stories I have heard so many times that when I hear these songs today, I am transported to 1990-something and I am a fly on the wall. I imagine watching my young parents, before they were mine, living their lives, seizing their days in a time I can never possibly know. 

My parents played music ranging from 80s and 90s RnB to pop, disco and my father’s favorite, house music. My mother once shared with me the story of track number four, a memorable and iconic song among her and her friends. She would say, “Ask your aunt about track number four and see what she says.”  The famed fourth track in question was the hit song “You Put A Move on My Heart” on Tamia’s self-titled album. She told me how they would sing together at the top of their lungs to the lyrics of this deeply moving and profound love song. Tamia’s voice always felt like she was speaking to me, and when she sang, it felt warm, smooth and comforting, much like I felt in my mother’s presence. 

Listening to “You Put A Move on my Heart” today, the lyrics resonate on a much deeper level. Tamia’s voice still appeals to my inner child and soothes and calms her mind, but combined with the lyrics and the timing of her falsettos and the bass and keyboard, I am carried to a place so special and profound. Having felt this new feeling of love, with the butterflies, the heart flutters, the chest pains and the immense euphoria, I can only admire Tamia for the way she encapsulates the feeling.

At the same time, I am transported to 1990-something, imagining my mother and her friends (whom I know well today) doing the same thing. Music is a reminder that there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to the human experience. Everything we feel and will ever feel has been experienced by someone before. It is not to say your struggle or experience is not special or unique to you, but it has been felt before, and there is a huge bank of wisdom in the art we make in the midst of those experiences. While we advance pretty quickly as a society, we do not change much in terms of the deeply emotional, spiritual beings we are.

Injecting a little nostalgia into your day-to-day life is never a bad idea. When you revel in the positivity of a past experience, you only regenerate that positivity in the present. The same applies to negative experiences, and that is the basis of post-traumatic stress. Sometimes what we don’t discuss often is the way that positivity multiplies when we actively bask in the joy of the past. Consuming art from the past is one of the best ways to enjoy what was positive. Or it can be a way of learning how to process and heal in the present. Today, I try to recreate my safe and loving childhood as an adult by playing music out loud regularly when cooking, cleaning and hanging around the house. It is a practice that keeps me grounded and reminds me of who I am at my core. When I am feeling lost or adrift, small practices of nostalgia bring me back to the center, back to the core of who I am, which we all know can be easy to lose in the strife of life. 

Embracing nostalgia can look differently for everyone. For some, it might be visiting old friends or modeling your dress style on a time long gone. Regardless, it is important to plug a little nostalgia into your day from time to time. The good feelings from memories can be regenerated and multiplied to create more positivity in the present.

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Nei is an aspiring writer who finds solace in music, meditation and long walks. With a belief in the power of conversation to make change, she’s on a journey to make her mark, and hopes to share her many thoughts and personal philosophies through the pages of her own books one day.