To The Graduating Class of 2024 (and Future Classes)

I wrote the following back in 2009 when I had cousins graduating from school. Now, I have cousins whose kids are graduating this year. I don't know if they'll read it, but it's something I felt younger folks need to hear. Basically, it's some things that I wanted to hear from my graduations ages ago. 

I tweaked it a bit, but it still resonates for anyone who wants to listen to a little life advice.

Enjoy:

I’ll never admit to being a sage or someone who actually has his act together, but I can offer some words of advice. Things folks told me on this long road called life and things I wished people told me. A wise person once said never be afraid to give others advice, even if they didn’t ask for it, so here’s me offering some words for those that want to read it.

Find your place in the world and enjoy this life. It’s the only life you have (at least the one you can remember coherently).

Never stop learning because new things happen every day, and you’re not as smart as you think you are. You don’t know everything because somewhere, someplace else, someone’s making something you’ve never heard of.

Don’t let people tell you that you can’t or it’s impossible, because you can, and it is possible.

Understand there will be moments of doubt and fear, but also understand that those moments will pass.

Eat a slice of pie at least once a week, the world’s most perfect dessert. Or a slice of cake, the world's second most-perfect dessert. Either is good for the soul. But don’t overindulge on them. 

Don’t be afraid to take that first step. You may walk proudly. You might trip on your face. But don’t be afraid to take that first step.

Take care of your back and knees. 

Drink water every day. Your body will thank you.

Take and heed the advice of those that came before you and then give it back to those that will come after you.

Do no harm. Not to others, and not to yourself.

Don't spend your life hating things and people, and don't be known as that guy whose only contribution to life and the world is hating things and people. Enjoying things that you like is a better use of that limited time on this blue rock. You're free to do that.

Rock to whatever music moves you.

Create something every day. An idea, a place, a thing, or, if the moment arises and you and someone you truly love are inspired to do so, a person.

Relax, but don’t be lazy. Work, but don’t extend yourself too much.

Chew gum while you can, preferably bubble gum. And stay away from fake sugar. 

Wear sunscreen. A lady named Mary wrote that a long time ago. Guys named Baz, Lee, and Quindon recorded it as a song. Give that song a listen if you have the chance. Everybody's free to do that too.

Love this life, it’s the only one you’ve got. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating.

Don’t fall into trends; they’re not forever. Also, in contrast, don't get stuck on nostalgia. The more you long for the past, the more depressed you'll become knowing you could never go back. 

Spend time with your loved ones and listen to what they have to offer you. Their time here isn’t promised either.

Laugh at yourself. You’re not perfect, and besides, you need to be humbled once in a while.

Last, but not least, never forget who you are, where you came from, and the people who created half of what you’ve become. Believe it or not, you’re on a path towards completing and presenting yourself to the world. You’re just starting.

Enjoy it all and keep creating.