On Facebook, I received this note, “Hi Mr Hershey! Friday I graduate from High School and to tell the truth I am terrified of the big world. Do you have any words of wisdom to help get me through this transition in my life.”
This is an honest young woman. I am sure I was not that self-aware at her age.
I do understand though. The life can be scary part. In fact, I know from experience. There are times when it feels like life chews us up and spits us out. Of course it doesn’t help that we exacerbate the problem by “seeing what we want to see.” There was a study conducted, where people where asked to guess the number of violent crimes committed every year in the United States. Are you ready for this? Those who watched news daily guessed high. In other words, guessed a number greater than the actual reality. Why? Because their minds had been fed violent images. . .regularly, and sooner or later it rewires the way you see the world.
Here’s the deal. We all need sanctuaries that allow us to pause, be gentle with ourselves and feed the soul. . .a place (in the words of Nietzsche, to become who you are). . .places that nurture courage and hope and trust and love and community. I hope you have such a place.
As to advice for the young woman? Well. . .here a few things that matter.
Life is sacred, live on purpose
Be intoxicated with this world and astonished with the world you imagine
Growth is a journey and success doesn’t require arrival
Want what you already hold
Give no place to public opinion
Delight in your friends
Practice the art of doing nothing
Embrace moments of grace
Give the child in you a wide sky
Understand that laughter is prayer
I asked her why she never told us about the Ten Commandments & she said she wasn’t ever that good with numbers so she loved everything as best she could & I remember thinking who needs all those rules anyway with a mother like her around. Brian Andreas
Most people don’t know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don’t get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life. Brian Andreas
One Comment
Terry, I saw this young woman’s post on your Facebook Fan Page, too, and was stunned. The humble poise to even ask. I like your response. Especially the part about having a place, a sanctuary, where you can become [or re-become] who you are.
Here’s another bit of advice that made me smile, around the time when I had graduating from college and was making my way in “the real-world”. Back then, it was circulated all over the Internet, billed as “Kurt Vonnegut’s Commencement Address at MIT.” But that attribution is false. It’s actually as a lovely, short poem by Mary Schmich, that has been since published.
http://www.davidpbrown.co.uk/poetry/mary-schmich.html