A virtual bouquet for the graduates as they begin their grownup adventures. I am very excited for both of you. You're going to learn so much and meet so many interesting people and go so many places where the rest of us may never go. You're young and healthy, and you can really do anything you want. So very exciting!It's hard to believe (it always is), but 10 years have already gone by since I finished high school. People will give you lots of advice, some of it good, some of it terrible. Everyone wants you to be happy and fulfilled, and with each new generation, we hope they can unlock the secret of true happiness and fulfillment.
Chances are, Scott and Paul will probably choose somewhat different paths to what they think of as happiness or contentment. These paths will be illuminated for you by whatever your values are - whatever seems really important to you, whether it's seeing the world and experiencing its many cultures, or climbing the way to the top of your vocation, or simply being a wonderful, kind, loving person (which is really neither simple nor less important).
Along the way, you will be tempted to stray from that path because there will always be an easier option, or an option that pleases the other people in your life more than yourself. And at the time, you may not even think, "I must stay true to my values." People just usually don't think that way. But eventually, it will occur to you that maybe you've strayed from the things that were truly important to you as an idealistic young person.
And so my only piece of advice is... keep a journal. It will help you collect your thoughts and rehash what's going on in your life. When you don't write your thoughts out, they swim around your mind aimlessly like a fish in a bowl, going nowhere, and often you may find yourself mired in thoughts that are, frankly, just not that important. Also, the past piles up pretty fast, and memories become distorted. Writing helps unlock your mind and set your thoughts free. What is really important to you seems to naturally manifest when you lay out your thoughts in linear fashion. It's the cheapest therapy, a perfect way to check in with yourself.
And then, when you're old, you can get a kick out of reading the journals of your riveting youth once again.
So, that is my advice. Keep a journal.
Any other advice out there in the blogosphere?
4 comments:
I would say keep home in your heart. You undoubtedly will go many places, meet many people and in the process become a changed person, but always remember where you came from and know that in both the best of times and the worst of times you have a large, loving family that you can come home to.
good advice but I would say, keep a blog too (or instead).... a journal you share. Congrats to just the latest 2 nephews graduating to life! xxxooo c
great advice cara. you said several things that hit home. i've pondered over this, and it's really hard for me to come up with something that doesnt' sound like a stolen line from a graduation speece - you know...work hard...follow your dreams...live one day at a time(this can be a mistake too ya know)..... truly what popped in my head was "don't worry - be happy". Yes, i know, that's stealing too. jetta gave me a shirt one time a looong time ago that had that one there. it kinda fit the way i want to be. I'd say Scott and Paul - work hard to be happy. it's not easy. you have to go with the flow while sneaking in what you want to do. you have to realize you can't have everythign you want even tho there are inspirational speakers and books that tell you it is possible. but be happy with what you can do, and with what you do have and do not hold on to any old crap that may have happened to you because it will weigh you down and nag at your 'happy'.
one more thing scott and paul and cara and anyone else in this family - you may not realize i love you and that i'd help you any time you ever needed it. love, mo
Keeping a journal is great advice - for young and old alike. Nothing clears cloudy thoughts like putting them into writing (except, perhaps an enlightening dream).
I hope our men of tomorrow take it to heart and always remain humble enough to hear out their parents, aunts & uncles, sisters, cousins, friends, acquaintances, strangers, sworn enemies, crazy old guys swinging on the swings at the park...whoever! Listening can only make you better prepared for all those decisions that lie ahead.
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