This week's Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Things You Would Say If You Gave a Commencement Address. I listened to at least five speeches at Justin's commencement on Saturday, and in honesty, found them a bit rambling, and maybe even...boring. That may have been because I was anxious to get to the good part (Justin walking across that stage!), but I did do a bit of daydreaming during the speeches, thinking about what I might say. I know none of my pronouncements are unique (and could maybe even be boring to listeners!) but here they are:
- You will fail, possibly spectacularly, at some of things you attempt. Reassess, learn from your failures, and keep trying.
- Find and nurture your support system, as the people in it will be thrilled when you succeed and necessary when you fail.
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it or squander it away without thought.
- Work hard, but also play hard and love well. Your work is not who you are.
- You've learned quite a bit, but you are not going to get far based solely on what you already know. Keep learning, always.
- You may not be able to plan the impact you are having in the world, and you may not even be able to recognize it at the time. That is why you always need to do your best and pay attention.
- Know that life is not fair.
- Your ideas of what success is will change over time, just as you will change over time. Make this growth positive.
- Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Be completely honest!
- Your dreams are important, and your actions even more so.
Great list and definitely some similarities to mine. I think #7 is very important to remember.
ReplyDeleteYour two cents comes from experience which is priceless.
ReplyDeleteWhat an EXCELLENT list, Bonny. Really wonderful advice for a new graduate just launching the next phase of life. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful list!
ReplyDeleteI love the whole list, but #6 is so true!!
ReplyDeleteI love your list. Brought me to tears actually! Here's to the future!
ReplyDeleteYes, if more people got #7 I think things would be much different
ReplyDeleteI wish I had #7 on my list!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for adding me on GoodReads. :-)
Absolutely the toughest thing to learn is that Life is Not Fair!
ReplyDeleteA great list! I plan to send my graduate over to these prompts…lots of good advice and food for thought!
ReplyDeleteCheers~
love that smile on Justin's face! and your speech resonates with me...especially the part about life not being fair and about change. (I have a real appreciation for those who give excellent commencement addresses...it's a gift!)
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