Let's Talk About...Commencement

Ok. It's graduation time. Whether you are graduating yourself or you have a child, grandchild or other family member or friend who is graduating about now, we all know what a big step that is.

The word "commencement" means both an end as well as a beginning. It's the celebration of the end of one of life's many chapters and the beginning of another.

But don't let me be your commencement speaker. Heck, we could have the wisdom of Bill Gates, Oprah, Tim Cook, Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger (not together) to usher in this new phase. Or, if we are very lucky we could snag the queen of commencement speakers: Taylor Swift.

Yes, Taylor tops the list with her earnest, astute insights on whatever doesn't kill you makes you better.

But in the end, what do we really remember about our graduations? The commencement speaker? Usually, it's the party afterwards (and before and during). It's the goodbyes to our friends who we are sure we will see again but often don't. Sometimes you are just never getting back together.

It's also the anxiety of not knowing what is coming next. What am I going to do with my life? Am I ready for the next chapter? Well, just like preschool prepares you for kindergarten and elementary school gets you ready for middle school and eighth grade leads to high school, whatever your next step, you are prepared. Trust your teachers. Trust your parents. Trust yourself.

Commencements keep happening throughout your life. They may not always be school related but you will graduate to your first apartment, your first job, your first house, children, ailing parents, and the comings and goings of family and friends.

It's just a series of new chapters, a turning of the page. And, boy, does that happen swiftly! You have a new routine to figure out the day after graduation with a wide road ahead of you. But life is just a series of choices. And one path always leads to another.

But back to T-Swift.

There is a reason she is the #1 most sought-after keynote inspirational speaker. May I share?

Top Taylor Swift quotes:

"How can a person know everything at eighteen / But nothin' at twenty-two?"

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

"Life isn't how to survive the storm, it's about how to dance in the rain."

"Never believe anyone who says you don't deserve what you want."

"Just be yourself, there is no one better."

"I keep one eye on the path I didn't choose every day."

"If somebody hurts you, it's okay to cry a river, just remember to build a bridge and get over it."

"People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well do what you want."

How did Taylor get so smart?

So, as you commence the next chapter in life, be brave, be fearless. Shake it off. And keep Taylor Swift on your playlist.