Every Graduate… GO!

“Oh the places you’ll go!” Every graduate whether from pre-school or graduate school is hearing this poem by Dr. Seuss at this time of the year….

“…You can steer yourself any direction you choose,
you’re on your own and you know what you know,
and you are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

Dr. Seuss hits the nail on the head! He reminds us that our destiny is in fact up to us! Yes, YOU determine what will come of the summer, the rest of the year, even the rest of your life. The choices you make, the risks you take and the people you serve are your destiny.

Along with Dr. Seuss’s brilliant advice, I’d also like to offer my humble suggestion for those graduating this year. It’s weird though… as I think about all the thoughts I would offer I am bombarded with quote images from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sometimes I am not sure what my own thoughts are versus those that have been “newsfeed’ to me. Thus, my suggestion;  know your core self, be anchored in that core, then by making the best choices allow yourself to grow (i.e. change) and share that with others.

One’s core self doesn’t change easily, if ever. It is very different than those things that can and, in my opinion should, change. For example: Hairstyle – not core! Favorite cartoon – not core! Some of you may be surprised that even your favorite drink, be it a cup of coffee, a soda, or a smoothie – not core! I know, I know… If you want to convince me my Diet Coke fixation is part of my core, I’m happy to jump on that bandwagon. Unfortunately, I know it’s not. So what is your core self? You may have just graduated from graduate school and feel as if you still don’t know that answer. Or, you may be a middle-school graduate and know exactly your core self.

May I offer how I learn (yes – still learning) about my core self and offer this as a suggestion to those who are still searching… do a study on yourself. WHOAH! Whoah! I just heard the groan in my own head, “HOW DARE SHE ASK ME TO KEEP STUDYING! Doesn’t she realize I’ve just spent the last XX years doing just that?” Ok, Ok… take a break from studying for a week or two, spend some time on the beach, and when you’re ready… start this research.

How? Look back at your history including your ancestors. Ask questions about where you come from, what struggles were overcome, what defeats were part of the journey as well as the successes. Discover what kept your “roots” strong so that you could be where you are today. Then, don’t forget to go the other direction. Determine what choices you have made that have allowed others to bloom and even suffer in your circle of influence. And, like any good researcher would do, journal it! Write it out for yourself at the very least, and consider sharing it with those you love. Yep, even the suffering – you may find that your struggles have defined your core even more so.

The best thing about this study is that it is ongoing and if you don’t like how it is looking, YOU can change it! Your core is not easy to change, like Dr. Seuss reminds us, you will most likely only succeed “(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)” Ultimately, it starts with the small choices you make on a day to day basis. So get out there make your study fun, fearless and filled with kindness toward all.  We echo Dr. Seuss’s statement… with a little addition, “Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!” And don’t forget to be prepared with your Paked Pikle today!