To the Class of 2020
I shared this with my seniors recently. I thought that it might be helpful for some others as well.
No one could have predicted how your senior year would go this year. It has been a difficult challenge to adjust to a “shelter at home” world when you had so many plans for the Spring of 2020. I am very proud of each of you and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you as we all emerge from this crazy time in our lives. Since uncertainty seems to have a hold on our plans for now, I wanted to share my graduation thoughts with you a little earlier than normal. This is for you:
We’ve learned in the last few months that grades are not as significant as we make them out to be. However, we all would probably want to still earn As, given the choice. But for this conversation, I want to focus on Bs. Here are the Bs I hope you carry with you through your whole life.
Be Mindful
Be aware of where you are and what you are doing. Take in the world around you. See the colors in the sunset or in the flower bed. Listen to the sound of the birds or the laughter of a friend. Taste the awesomeness of chocolate chip cookies or the saltiness and spiciness of chips and salsa. Smell the sweetness of honeysuckle or the deliciousness of fresh-baked bread. Feel the wind and sun on your face or the magic of the touch of a baby’s hand. Try to remember that when you are mindful of the environment in which you live, you can experience life in a much richer way.
Be Present
It is easy to be distracted. It is common to ignore people around you. However, if you can, pay attention to the task at hand. I heard someone say it like this: When you eat, eat. When you work, work. When you play, play. Focus on what you are doing at the moment and put your full effort into it. More importantly, be tuned into the people who are with you. Listen to each other. Be attentive to each other’s needs. Help those around you to know that you see them and value them.
Be Open
It’s important to come to realize that you will never know everything. Much of what we learn as we go along is at best incomplete and often distorted. We can build a whole world of thought around a false foundation. Go into all things with an open mind and ask yourself what you can learn from this situation or this moment. If you allow yourself to realize that you are always becoming more, then everything and everyone are potential sources for deeper understanding of this life journey.
Be Kind
When we approach the world with a compassionate heart, we contribute to a substantial force that can connect, encourage, nurture, and strengthen that which binds us together as human beings. Whenever you can, find a way to lift each other up instead of tear others down. Extending grace, first to yourself, and certainly to others, creates space for relationships to grow and thrive. It doesn’t cost you anything to be kind and it pays huge dividends.
Be Thankful
Having a grateful heart is one of the most powerful things you can do for your physical and mental health. Everyday, think about at least a couple of things you are thankful for. Writing them down can be even more transformative. It will help put things in context as well as anything we can do. Even in the most difficult times, we can find a path to gratitude. It isn’t always easy but it can bring healing and restoration.
Be Yourself
More than anything else, be yourself. You are the only you in the world. You are unique. You are essential. You are enough. You are worthy. One of your main goals in this world is to grow the person you are. You are always becoming. Like the massive oak tree that begins as an acorn, you are transforming every day of your life. You just may not be noticing it. It is important for you to continue to seek to find yourself, accept yourself, and give yourself away. In other words, work on getting to know who you are, what strengths and talents you have, and how those fit into meeting needs in the world. Everyone has a purpose. You are no exception. If you put in the time and effort to develop your authentic self, you will find a meaningful life that will equip you to serve and contribute to the world.
When all is said and done, if you take these Bs and integrate them into your life, you empower yourself to live an abundant life. It is my hope that each of you find a good path to travel, find special companions along the way, discover meaningful work on the journey, and create precious memories every day. Don’t forget to plant seeds as you go for those that follow behind you and to leave the path in better shape than the way you found it. And may you always know that you are loved.