May 25, 1999

Words I Needed to Hear (Originally dedicated to the class of 1999.)

Acknowledge simple pleasures. After all, fields of clover are the reason to walk the gravel-strewn path of life without shoes. When you feel sad, turn your smile upside down; attitude is everything. And laughter will carry you farther than worry.
Keep a journal. You are creating your own literary masterpiece where you can be the hero. It's your personal history and by reading it, you won't be doomed to repeat mistakes. And others can learn about life through your lessons. Some of the hardest things to learn are the least complicated. For example, station in life has little to do with strength of character.
Keep your morals high. View them as the string that doesn't just hold the kite down, but the reason it stays up. Recycle. Fight against things that damage the environment. The earth is the only one we have, and it will have to last for more than your generation. And the older you get, the harder it is to breathe.
Cultivate a sense of family. Look to trials with optimism. After all, a diamond is nothing more than a lump of coal under pressure. Listen. Many answers can come from the mouths of others. Everyone you meet has something to teach and a story.
While academic education is important, it is not the only source of knowledge. Read. Books will not only keep you company, they will reveal the wisdom of souls who have lived on the earth before you. Travel. There is more to this world than just your backyard and current circle of friends. Don't listen to loud music. As a grandparent, you will want to hear your grandchild's first words.
Seek out what makes you unique and develop it. Enjoy your youth.
While people with money in their pockets are wealthy, time makes people truly rich. Don't worry about what the cool people thought. Cool has an entirely different connotation when not in its high school context. Don't look for role models. Envision your own best self and strive to achieve it.
It's never too late to become the person you desire to be.
Get a car that gets good gas mileage. You'll go farther and see more for your money. Fast, pretty cars are like fast, pretty people. While often good for short distances, they have a hard time making the long haul. Believe. Doubt is often the reason for failure. Don't be afraid to let your hair down and run down the beach. Sometimes sudden bursts of spontaneity will help your focus on other life pursuits. Brush your teeth. You only have one set and when they're gone, they're gone.
Remember fast food jobs are only the means to an end, and not the end. Keep focused on your long-term goals. Money can never compensate for the peace of mind felt when you are doing a job you love. Preserve your passion. True passion cannot be faked. Find a career that lets you utilize your talents. It's better to be the best at something that earns an average wage, than be mediocre and earn much.
Go to the park and swing. It's therapeutic and will remind you of your youth. Watch clouds. Stargaze. Escape from the noise of the world. Learn to appreciate silence. It's easier to hear what you're truly thinking. Communicate with the Divine.
Express your feelings to others. A moment's embarrassment is easier to cope with than a lifetime of regret. Never stop searching for your soul mate. Be faithful and true to your spouse. Ask your parents for advice. Even if you don't take it, it will do wonders for your relationship.
Live so that if somebody talks behind your back, nobody would believe them. Do your best in life the first time around. There are no reruns. This is dedicated to the graduating class of 1999.