My newsfeed is blowing up with graduation announcements and pictures. As I reflect on so many kids who have touched my life, I started thinking about the advice I would give them as they venture out into the world, if I could gather them all together. Im just an average schmuck who will never make a commencement speech, so here are my thoughts... An open letter to the Class of 2014... There are as many pieces of advice as the idiots who try to bestow their knowledgeon others. Take what serves you well, and ignore the rest. This apples to my ramblings as well. Here are my six simple rules to a happy life. 1. Know yourself. This means having a truthful understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, your goals and your fears. Create a mental inventory of the items in your personal toolbox: your skills, your abilities, your personality and your interpersonal skills. Armed with said inventory, you will know what you can do, should do, and also what you still need to learn. 2. Be your own biggest fan. In this life, you will be the one person on whom you can always depend. Others will come and go, but you will live with yourself, your choices, and your actions for the rest of your life. Believe in yourself, and the toolbox youve created. Celebrate who you are, be proud of all that you can and will do, and never give up on yourself. 3. Dream big. Set goals and go after them. Knowing what youve got in your toolbox, and believing in yourself, are all you need to make plans. Surround yourself with others who share similar dreams, who have a toolbox that complements yours, who share your passion. Everything is possible, if youre willing to work for it. 4. Learn from the things you cant control. Change, disappointment, hurt, and setbacks are all part of life. But if you adjust your attitude to the situation, in time, you can learn and grow from each. That which does not kill us, makes us stronger is my mantra for such times. In the moment, it is difficult to find the positive in not-so-positive circumstances. But, with the right attitude, you will eventually be able to learn from each experience. And, usually, those are new things to add to your toolbox. 5. Improve the things you can. You do this by following all the fables and cliches youve heard throughout your youth, youll accomplish a lot. If you remember to truly live in the moment, make the most of every day, treat others as you wish to be treated, take turns, share with your friends, and never take things for granted, you can go far. But, if you sincerely try to make each experience better, you will evolve through every moment of your life. You will develop a genuinely positive attitude, and you will make your life and the world a better place. 6. Have fun. Find the things that make you happy, and pursue them. Fill your life with joy, and share that with others. In closing... Have fun, be proud, and make it better. Live.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:19:14 +0000
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