Monday, May 15, 2017

Dear Graduates


Dear Graduates and Class of 2017,

This past weekend you have put on that robe and walked across a stage in front of all your loved ones who supported you through your journey.  Your time spent studying books taught you lessons that will help you in your life.  The real lessons, though, are learned through the people who have come in contact with, the stories you have been privileged to hear.  The lessons about life are learned through taking it one day at a time and asking lots of questions.  So much has been taught to use by simply using trial and error and trying to figure it out.

You are probably faced with the endless questions from others asking what are you going to do now?  Your eyes race to their faces hoping they don't see the panic in you when you tell them about moving to a new city, trying to find a place to live, getting a job [or not even having one yet!]  Let me tell you; it is okay not to know.  It is okay to be learning every single day after graduation.  It is okay to ask for help and admit you have absolutely no idea what you are doing.

Money will come.  Bills will be paid. God will provide for all that you need.  Your job is to enjoy the ride.

Be present in every single moment. Don't act like you know what you are doing and try to do it all alone.  You need people.  You need to go out on a work night and be there to cheer on a friend who is celebrating.  Find activities in your life that bring you joy and go do them.  As much as people are important, be okay with doing things alone, you never know what that will bring.  Be comfortable with who you are and simply be you.  Your path now is not going to be like anyone else's; even if you were in every single class together since freshman year! Don't pass up any travel opportunity that is thrown your way.  And if you find yourself in a situation that you need to get out of - trust yourself.  You can always go back to school.  You can always find another job. You will spend every day of your life still asking yourself "what am I doing?".

You were put here for a reason.  Be kind to everyone.  Pay attention.  Cherish and take care of the world we are blessed to live in.   Smile.  Laugh.  Cry.  Scream.  Feel.  Fight for what is right.  Practice self care.  Learn to have empathy. Be yourself.

Enjoy your new adventure & congratulations! 

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