Graduation means new adventures, new paths, and lots of new choices to make. Whether you're leaving for college or the work force, there are lots of things folks will tell you, attempting to give you 'advice' as you head out for this next 'stage' of your life. It doesn't really matter how old you are, or where you're heading off to. Everyone's going to tell you what to do (and what NOT to do), because they love you or they want to see you succeed, or maybe even so they can live vicariously through you. My guess is all that 'stuff' will come from a place of good intent. (Or whoever paid for your college tuition just wants their money's worth!) Whatever the case, here are some things you probably won't hear from all those 'grown-ups' who mean you well.
1. It's only going to be as hard as you think. It's up to YOU to find what works, not from what anyone else has done. Choose your path by way of your heart.
2. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink. Common sense is not as common as one might think.
3. Always carry snacks. You never know when you might need food to get you through the next few hours. Food is more essential than alcohol (it's true!), but don't underestimate the medicinal properties of a glass of wine. It's part of your fruits/vegetables group. Also, don't over-imbibe as this well cause serious memory loss (which may be the difference between passing and failing that exam!)
4. Sleep is not to be underestimated. Sleep deprivation has been proven to reduce brain capacity by vast amounts, turning even the most brilliant student into an imbecile. Proven fact! (the adage 'I'll sleep when I'm dead" is NOT to be taken seriously!)
5. Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. You can wear the same pair of jeans for days as long as you're also wearing clean undergarments. If you don't believe this, try living with someone who never bathes. This will cause various maladies including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, nausea, chronic discomfort of the olfactory senses and weight loss (it's hard to eat when someone that foul-smelling is in the room!)
6. Avoid green shower stalls. If it looks like there's carpet in the bathroom (and you KNOW it's tile) do not put your bare feet on that floor. Fungi are nasty little organisms that are difficult to eradicate and extremely unpleasant sensory experiences. If all else fails, wear flip-flops!
7. Gym membership is not essential to staying in shape. Your own body-weight will do the trick. Good old-fashioned sit-ups, push-ups and a spirited hike will keep you just as fit as an hour a day in a gym. The added benefits of staying in shape? You don't need to sleep as much! (please refer to item # 4)
8. An email is NOT the same as a hard copy. In other words, drop your Mom a card every now and then. She'll appreciate the time you took to write it (in your own handwriting please!) and drop it in a mailbox. This will result in more 'treats' for you! The next time you bring 3 months worth of laundry home, she'll do it with a smile. Trust me, this works wonders!
9. Always respond quickly when Care Packages arrive. More thank-you notes result in more to be thankful for. In short, gratitude begets gratitude. Be grateful for every little thing. (side effect: it makes you feel good too!)
10. Hats are terrific for all sorts of catastrophies. Bad hair days, dirty hair days, rain, visible roots (color much?), etc. They're also quite handy for keeping those nasty little critters off of you (think ticks...ICK!)
11. Cotton, cotton, cotton! Avoid synthetic clothing. Cotton is more comfortable, easy to wash (even in the dorm sink), dries quickly and wears well. The nearest discount store sells cotton t-shirts in 6-packs. Buy 2. This will give you plenty of time to find someone to do your laundry before you run out. (same with socks!)
12. Say hi to the 'dork'. Just because someone LOOKS like a geek does not mean they don't have a heart. Be nice. You never know who that geek will turn into (think Bill Gates!). Besides, like gratitude, nice begets nice. Ignore the jackasses who think they're better than you. As my daddy used to say, "even the Pope has to wipe his own butt". (not a pretty picture, but you get the idea!) We are all people....and no one is better than anyone else. (it's just that some think otherwise...leave them to their delusions and get on with it)
13. It only takes 21 days to form a habit. Choose the ones that will provide the most benefit, and stick to it. It won't be long before you're the one acing exams and still having time to have fun! You CAN do both. It's all about balance.
14. Phone home. Once a week, call your parents. Just tell them you love them. If you've never done this before, expect various reactions. Do not dismay. This, too, shall pass. One day, after you're all 'grown-up', you'll be glad you did this. Again, you'll have to trust me here. Because they (your parents) won't be around forever...now is as good a time as any to tell them you care.
15. When your cash flow doesn't flow ~ BE CREATIVE. You'd be amazed at the things you can do to make money. Example: go to www.craigslist.org Search under 'Free'. Get free stuff...and sell it. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
16. Volunteer: you will be utterly astonished at how much this will change your life. Find something that inspires you (animal shelters, homes for the elderly, food banks, women's shelters, etc) and donate some of your time. It feels good, and the returns are a hundred-fold. Remember, what goes around, comes around.
17. Listen to your gut. Intuition is a gift EVERYONE has been bestowed. Use it. Often. It will always lead you to your best Self. It's also handy for recognizing the jerk that's hiding behind that pretty face. Trust your gut MORE than your eyes. Seeing is not necessarily believing.
18. There's no such thing as a stupid question. If you don't know, ASK. The only 'stupid question' is the one that goes unasked. Besides, how do you think the greatest minds of our time got their answers? Think Nobel Peace Prize.
19. Education is more than just the stuff you learn in class. It's equal parts mental, moral and aesthetic development. This means knowledge (from books/teachers/labs), experiences (parties, outings, etc.), and exploration. Don't be afraid to try new things. You might be surprised what you'll learn about your Self!
20. S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Both physically and otherwise...STRETCH. Reach beyond your norm and let yourself wander. Stretch your body throughout the day (good for lots of stuff!). Stretch your mind to consider new possibilities. Stretch your consciousness to feel the whole of this marvelous Universe. There is much to learn. Much to experience. Much to live. GO FOR IT!
Here's to your new adventures. I wish you great love, great joy and many wonderful experiences. Blessings to all the grads (and their parents!)
Camille Olivia Strate is an author and coach who takes great pleasure in helping folks 'remember' who they are. She spends much of her time with her beloved animals, maintaining that they are her greatest connection to Source. When she's not coaching or writing, she can be found in the garden or on a trail, soaking in the marvels of Nature's offerings. Her latest book, "Whispers" is now available in eBook format. Hardcopy to follow soon! Visit her personal site at http://joyizzachoice.blogspot.com/ [http://www.joyzachoice.com]
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