It’s Graduation Season once again and even though our ceremonies look a bit different than they used to, this annual ritual is a much-needed celebration and a special time to honor the achievements of the next generation.
While this time of year has always been exciting for me, this year it’s even more meaningful as my oldest son Dylan just graduated from College last weekend. As my wife and I watched him walk across the stage, I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotions. It’s hard to make sense of the feelings of joy, excitement, and being so proud, yet also a sense of loss and sadness, and that nostalgic felling of wondering where all the time has gone.
I realize that this is such an old cliché but enjoy your youth and your young because we know that is all goes by much too fast.
With that in mind I thought I’d share a letter to all the graduates out there this year, modeled on the one I wrote to my son.
To the Graduate-
Graduation Day is a day to celebrate everything you’ve accomplished and know that we are all so very proud of you for what you’ve achieved and excited for what lies ahead of you. As you make your way into the world and prepare to put you own personal stamp upon it, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Be Bold
You have your own thoughts, and your own ideas so take a stand for what you believe and don’t ever compromise those values.
Take Some Risks
You are young and at this point in your life you don’t have that many obligations. Now is the time to take a few risks and see how they work out.
Don’t Afraid to Fail
Most of the best lessons learned in life will come from those times things didn’t go the way you planned- failure isn’t fatal and a necessary part of the path to success.
Follow Your Heart
It’s easy to go astray sometimes, and there are many times you will be forced to make some tough decisions. When those times arrive listen to that voice inside of you and trust that things will work out.
Go After What You Want
The most expensive thing in life is regret. If you truly want something and you are passionate about it, then go after it with everything you’ve got. The obstacles you encounter along the way are meant to be hard, and everything you want in your life is on the other side of hard.
Love Unconditionally
There are a few people in this world that you may choose to open your heart to. When this happens, do it fully and without conditions or expectations. Give that person the best of you and see where that leads.
Don’t Forget to Call Your Parents!!
Yes, you’ve moved on, but your parents love you as much as they did they day you were born. While you may have frustrated us at times, we love you and want to hear from you… a lot.
Parents are for life. Plus it’s a good way for you to stay indefinitely on our cellular plan J!
Wherever you go and whatever you may do, know that we are your biggest fans and will always be out there in the stands cheering for you.
Congratulations to all the Graduates
Today isn’t the ending, it’s the beginning.
Thoughts for the week:
Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead- Nora Ephron
The only impossible journey is the one that never begins- Tony Robbins
Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else- Judy Garland
Be who you are because those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind- Theodore Geisel
You will succeed you will indeed, 98 and three quarters percent guaranteed.- Dr. Suess
Looking forward to our next connection
Coach Tim
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