What do you think of when you hear the term, modern day hippie?
Society has developed many stereotypes of what it means to be a modern day hippie. Some believe it's how you dress, what you eat, what music you listen to, how you style your home décor, or how many plants you have.
However, there's so much more to it than the physical items you have, or your taste in music.
Here are five myths about being a modern day hippie.
It's not all rainbows and butterflies
Many believe that being a modern day hippie means you're happy 24/7. However, in this day in age with constant information overload, it's not realistic to be happy 24/7. Understanding that emotions come and go, and that everything is temporary, can help prevent any unrealistic expectations of yourself. Flowing through the day and allowing yourself to feel what you need to feel is so important. There's no need to put pressure on yourself to try and be happy 24/7. As they say, "Everybody wants happiness, and no body wants pain, but you can't have a rainbow without a little rain."
It's more than what you wear
Social media has played a major role in promoting hippie fashion trends. However, being a modern day hippie isn't about what you wear. It's a mindset. Cute hippie clothes are just an added bonus! You don't have to dress like a hippie every single day to be considered, or to prove to anyone, that you are a modern day hippie.
We're still human
Associating with the hippie community can sometimes feel like an added pressure to always be positive and carefree. As mentioned in the first myth, it's not realistic to constantly feel one emotion. We're still human, which means we will make mistakes, hurt people, hurt ourselves, feel stressed to the max, and have bad days. That's a part of the human life cycle. What matters is dusting yourself off after a bad day, or moment, and allowing yourself to be human.
Not all modern day hippies do recreational drugs
Another stereotype about being a modern day hippie is that recreational drugs are always involved in the lifestyle. However, this is far from true. There is absolutely no requirement to partake in recreational drugs, and if someone gives you a hard time, that's their issue, not yours. Never feel any obligation to do something you're not comfortable with just because society has associated recreational drugs to the hippie lifestyle. Sober living (and following the law) is truly rad!
You don't have to listen or know every song from the 60's-90's
One of the silliest expectations (in my opinion) about being a modern day hippie is having extreme knowledge about music from the original hippie era. If you're into that type of music, that's awesome! (Comment your favorite band or song below) But if you prefer modern day music, that's also awesome! There's no requirement that you need to listen to a specific type of music to be a modern day hippie.
Personally, my range in music is either belting Taylor Swift lyrics or jamming out to The Ultimate Hippie Playlist on YouTube Music.
At the end of the day, being a modern day hippie is a mindset just as much as it is a lifestyle. It's about waking up every day with the intention of spreading peace, love and happiness wherever you go. It's about making lifestyle choices that help the environment, promotes personal growth and spreads positivity.
What a great way to live, right?
Until next time...☮️💖🌞
"Go ahead and let them call you crazy... Then you are free to do whatever you want."