To the Class of 2010: Be Your Own Superhero
On June 24, the Grade 12 students of one Churchill High School in Winnipeg, closed a major chapter in their lives and started another. Today’s high school graduates are the greatest and most privileged minds of my generation. Many of these graduates are more independent and “grown-up” than other 18 year olds from decades past. Most of them are incredibly aware of the challenges that lie before them – as individuals and as a community. The stakes have never been higher.
Among those graduates was one young woman I know quite well. And although she probably has yet to realize it about herself – like most of us have yet to realize it about ourselves – she is emerging as a superhero. I have had the privilege to bear witness to her life and this is what I see…
A young woman – just 18 – exercising her free will. She is making choices, juggling responsibilities, seeking out adventures and when needed, learning how to rescue herself.
To the Class of 2010: Be your own superheroes. If everyday you strive to achieve that, you will leave an incredible legacy.
Over a decade has passed since my own graduation and in that time I have learned some valuable lessons in how to be my own superhero. This is nothing more than my own individual experience. I share it with you as much with the intent to offer it as inspiration as with the intent to reflect on lessons learned (and in progress).
Dare to be great. Even if you have only a vague idea of what that means for you. Know this: success is individual. Accepting someone else’s definition of success is apt to leave you feeling like a failure.
Build on what is possible. Start from a position of asset not deficit. In the big bad world, at every turn, you will be tempted to compare yourself to others. Don’t. Inventory the skills, abilities, talents and qualities that you have to offer. These are the building blocks to your future.
Write your own manifesto. Decide what you stand for and carry that with you. Let it be your compass.
Conserve energy. Your own internal supply and that provided to you through the planet’s hospitality.
Set expectations for yourself and others. But don’t use them as an excuse to pass judgment.
Try. Then try again. And again. Persistence and practice will help you learn nearly anything in life. Don’t be afraid of failure or hard work.
Do well. And do good. Ambition and compassion are not mutually exclusive.
Replace fear with curiosity. Go beyond doing the things you know you are good at.
Give yourself permission to change your mind and behaviour. What some call hypocrisy, others call evolution.
Know when to ask for help. But don’t rely on anyone else to rescue you.
Seek out friendships and relationships that are based on reciprocity. And let go of those that are not.
Travel near and far. Travel on your own and with others. Travel with purpose. Maybe you are the type to relax on a beach or maybe you are the type to climb a mountain. Either way, go with the intent to truly experience your destination.
Connect the concept of “home” with people not place. If you do that, you will never feel homeless.
Learn how to say “no”. Use it to help you establish priorities and make time for the things that matter. Don’t use it as a way to shelter yourself from experiencing something foreign.
Beware the bearers of bad advice. An obvious red flag? That its bearer knows nothing about you.
Respect your body like the temple that it is. It is the only one you get. Don’t mutilate it, poison it or deprive it. Instead, nourish it, protect it and love it.
Sit in the driver’s seat of your own life. If you don’t, you may find yourself being taken for a ride.
Don’t panic. Trust that your life experience, ingenuity and values will help you dig yourself out of any hole.
Learn how to be financially independent. Respect your parents and others as more than human ATMs.
Don’t allow your political affiliation to determine what you believe in. Political beliefs are not a package deal. Decide for yourself.
Make generous acts a way of life. It doesn’t take a Herculean effort to create everyday miracles.
Take nothing for granted. But when you do, recognize it and learn from it.
Life is not a straight line. It is a crooked path. Proceed with a direction in mind but give yourself the freedom to detour.
Filed under: Illuminations
inspiring:-)
Deeply moving…and thoughtful. Plus as Kenzie’s dad..it was beautiful to see you honour her in this way…thank you!
[...] thing I know unequivocally – it is that people are capable of both doing well and doing good. Any high school graduate could explain that to you. They know what that means. Capacity accounts for 50% of it. The other [...]