3 Top Recommendations for the Graduating High School Senior

Yesterday I've attended the high school graduation ceremonies of the daughters of two good friends. It was a fantastic day of pride, accomplishment, and reflection.

There they were... hundreds of bright beaming faces under a sea of square caps and freshly pressed gowns... the kind of limitless fidgety energy and potential that separate the youth from the middle-aged and the elderly.

I remembered my own and other graduations. Always a romantic time. Closing the door on the past with that strange mixture of sadness and great relief, and... prying open a new door with both excitement and a tinge of anxiety because the future is home to both.

After such jampacked occasions celebrated with great “pomp and circumstance” (both school bands played that famous tune in both graduations) there is no time for any serious talk or uncalled-for advice for the young. Photos are taken for posterity, videos are shot and then it's time to part.

“What would be the THREE top advice I'd give to a graduating high school senior if he or she sought my advice?” was the question that I found myself thinking this morning.

Here is my short list:

1) Never ever do anything in life because you think it will bring money because happiness will never follow. Always do something that you love with a passion because money will surely follow.

2) Share your intellect, your time and your heart, to the best you can. with the others who appreciate your offer. Sharing your spiritual and material wealth with those who know how to appreciate them is the shortest path to a wholesome life.

3) Always be kind, no matter how “uncool” that may perceived to be. Always be gentle, especially when you are angry. The old saying is so true: “Hold your tongue if you can't say a good thing about someone.” Your bliss will be created one kind word and one peaceful thought at a time.

Then, open your wings and fly! Happy flights to you all and many happy landings!

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