Embracing Joy: Overcoming Cringe in Life's Journey
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Chapter 1: Understanding Cringe
The concept of "cringe" was introduced to our family by my eighteen-year-old daughter several years ago. My thirteen-year-old "edge lord" son actively participates in keeping this term alive in our conversations.
Even if "cringe" weren't a popular term, its meaning is universally understood: feeling embarrassed for oneself or for others, especially when it comes to someone's actions, art, or expressions.
For instance, I find the older works of Eminem—specifically from the time of "8 Mile"—to be somewhat cringe-worthy. I perceive it as overly commercialized rap, particularly aimed at a mainstream audience. Nonetheless, I appreciate rap music, and I recognize that my tastes have matured beyond tracks like "Lose Yourself." Ironically, that song promotes themes of embracing one's talents and cultivating self-confidence, resonating with many, even if I find it cringe-inducing.
Interestingly, many African American rappers hold Eminem in high regard, despite my belief that some of his work leans towards a particularly "white" perspective.
I once told my son that I missed our outings for chicken sandwiches. His response was a typical teenage retort: "Great word choice, cringe," as he objected to my description of our fast-food meals as "dates." This reaction is characteristic of a 13-year-old boy, of course.
To clarify, "edge lord" is a term that encompasses phrases like "little badass," "too cool for school," and "acting tough." Cringe signifies a sense of cynicism, where one perceives something as hopelessly uncool or finds someone embarrassing themselves.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I began my life with a heavy dose of cynicism. I genuinely believed that people were joking about enjoying their lives. Even as a child, joy seemed like a far-fetched idea, one I doubted I would ever experience.
Over the years, I have gradually learned to suspend that disbelief, allowing myself to relish experiences and overcome the instinct to view life as merely suffering. I have come to believe that life possesses a purpose beyond just hardship and can be, in fact, enjoyable.
That said, I still struggle with country music because I am convinced that the kind of love described in those songs is fictional.
Conquering cringe and allowing both myself and others to find joy has been crucial to my personal development. I often feel tempted to cringe at the fact that I penned a self-help book, revealing many personal insights in the process.
Moving past cringe signifies growth; embracing emotional vulnerability is a hallmark of maturity. It’s a challenge to shed cynicism.
The world is rife with individuals who criticize others for their positivity. Today, tomorrow, and in the days to come, I choose to embrace joy.
In the video "Cringe Memories that Keep Coming Back: How to Let Them Go for Good," viewers are guided on how to release past moments of cringe and embrace a more positive mindset.
The second video titled "How to Stop Cringing at Your Embarrassing Past" offers strategies for overcoming feelings of embarrassment and finding peace with one's past.