Last night was a night to remember for all the high school seniors that graduated. It was also a night to remember for all the parents, family, and friends. It is an extremely emotional transition into life as an adult. Two of my own graduated last night so I can definitely vouch for this!
I feel like I need to give some advice for the graduates, but I just can't find the right words. Each time I type something out, it sounds cliche and honestly does not feel like something I would truly say. So after I type out these words of wisdom I just erase them and walk away. Graduation was last night and yet I still find myself wanting to give them some advice. But how, when I can't seem to find the genuine words to summarize my thoughts?
I finally realized that I am better at writing lists than writing a summary. So I came up with a list with five words of wisdom for life after high school graduation.
1. Some friends will drift away. As you advance through your life you will realize that friends come and go as you change classes, jobs, careers, etc. It is just the way it goes. We need different friends in our life at different points in our lives. The people who are worth keeping around, will always be there when you need them to be. Personally, I've had several good friends throughout my life. I have a small handful of true friends that are always there for me. We don't talk every day. We might not even talk for an entire month. But when I need them, they are always there for me. THAT is a friend.
2. Money suddenly has more value. When you were in high school, your parents probably bought most of your stuff - clothes, shoes, cars, etc. For example, when I take my kids shopping for shoes I always hear, "but they're only $80." Somehow $80 seems like a lot more money when you realize you've had to work for 9 hours to make that much money!
3. Stay healthy. Your body is the best it has ever been at this point in your life. Stay healthy! Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain your health. It is so much easier to stay healthy rather than make a move to a healthy lifestyle change later on in life.
4. Being "grown-up" is not all it's cracked up to be. Now that you've graduated, you will begin taking on many responsibilities. With this comes the responsibility of bills. The bills come week after week, month after month, and year after year. I am now 38 years old and the bills have yet to stop coming! There are many perks to being an adult. One of them is not bills.
5. LIVE! Live your life to the fullest! Don't rush into marriage and a family. There will be plenty of time for that, I promise. Take time to do all the things that you want to do. Travel with friends. Go to college. Start a career. Live your life. Fly! Take this time and just do you!
Congratulations to the Class of 2017! I wish you all the best in all that you do!
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”
