Congratulations to all the graduates out there! Lots of visitors in our town this weekend to watch their son or daughter graduate from one of the most prestigious universities in the country. With whatever you do with the rest of your life, from my family to you, god speed and God bless!
I’m proud of all of my friends who have walked across the stage and those that will be doing so soon.
This time of year, everyone is going to be giving you advice on what to do with the rest of your life. You’re in your 20′s, so my advice to you is going to be, enjoy it while you can! Don’t feel pressured to get married or have kids because it’s what your friends are doing or what you’re expected to do. I got married at 21 because it was right for me, might not be the same case for you. Do what suits you and works for what you want to do with your life.
Other advice is as follows:
- Trust your gut. It will very rarely steer you wrong.
- No matter what you believe today, most of your friends will fall away over time. Those who remain for the long haul are precious.
- Honesty is still the best policy especially if it’s delivered respectfully and gently.
- Having a few regrets isn’t such a bad thing; they serve as reminders to do things differently next time.
- Apologize. Enough said.
- If you still don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, don’t sweat it. You can decide later and change your mind often after that.
- There’s just no substitute for taking the high road, having insurance, or speaking kindly.
- Live simply. Less truly is more.
- When the big, bad world gets you down, know that there are many good, decent people out there, too. Life will always be about balance.
- I’ve heard this attributed to Prince Charles, but no matter: Never miss an opportunity to sit down or go to the bathroom.
- When it’s hard to wake up, recall that it’s proof that you’re alive. Pondering the alternative will open your eyes the rest of the way.
- Create bonding rituals with those you love; the strength you gain may be your only sustenance in difficult times.
- People seldom change. If you can’t accept them as they are, spare yourself an ulcer and move on.
- When consoling someone, a simple, genuine “I’m sorry” carries tremendous weight.
- Work isn’t everything. Neither is sex or winning. But holding hands comes close.
- If you achieve just one major goal each year, you’ll have accomplished a great deal by the end of your life.
- Deep down, people just want to feel capable and lovable. If you can make them feel that way, you’ll have them eating out of your hands.
- Four words: luggage with huge wheels.
- Learn to accept a compliment gracefully. A smile and simple “thank you” will do.
- Some people do act like jerks, but it’s probably healthier for you to feel sorry for them than angry at them.
- Go easy on yourself. Some days, you’re the only one who will.
- Cook something the first time according to the recipe. After that, wing it.
- Respect your elders. They really have “been there, done that,” and they’d be thrilled to tell you about it, if only you’d ask.
- Respect cultures, ideologies, and viewpoints that are different from your own. They have a lot to offer.
- Nothing replaces good health. Nothing.
- Not everyone likes you (or me either), but that’s okay. No one’s opinion of you matters more than your own.
- Take care of the earth and those who need your help.
- Good cooking, polished manners, passable golf, and excellent typing skills will still get you pretty far.
- Be who you are. Who else could you be?
- Be present. Be grateful. Be awed.
I remember before I graduated from High School, there was a song that started being played to graduates. It’s not sung, but more of a spoken word to music behind it. So I’m going to leave you with it, as it still puts a smile on my face!