Life advice for the graduate

  We are down to two more days until graduation for oldest son. He has had two days of graduation practice and survived. Remember graduation practice? Boring!!!  Today’s blog is dedicated to the things I would like my son to know about the future. Do I know it all? Absolutely not, but I have lived a little and feel I can share some words of wisdom with my son as he ventures out beyond the walls of high school.

1.  Get a college degree or some sort of skill. It does not matter if it is a bachelor’s degree, certification in something or an associate degree. Your opportunities will be greater for employment with these skills.

2.  Live within your means. You know how to budget. Keep that knowledge with you as your income grows larger. You want your money to be yours and not anyone else’s.

3.  Take advantage of travel opportunities. You have lived in 4 different states and have seen things beyond your four walls. Keep it up! Look into international study opportunities while you are in college. The world is amazing beyond the US, go explore!

4.  Keep your faith. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13. Always put God in the center of your life.  You will be faced with tough situations in life. Remember what you have learned. It will make things easier. Prayer is a powerful thing.

5.  Find the joy in all things. Focus on the good in your life and not the bad. It is way too easy to stay down. Keep up your positive attitude.

6.  Dress for success. Take pride in your appearance. Keep your hair nice, your clothes pressed, and yourself clean. You will feel better about yourself if you take care of yourself.

7. Keep exercising. Do not get out of this habit. Eat well. Take care of your inside as well as your outside.

8. Give. Give your time, give your money, and give yourself. Life is not about handing you things.  Go out and do something for someone for absolutely nothing. Give someone some financial help without expecting anything in return. Volunteer for an organization you feel passionate about.

9.  Take time to smell the flowers. Do not get so busy in your life that it passes you by. Take time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It is okay to be lazy everyone once in a while.

10.  And saving the best for last, CALL YOUR MOM! Not every day, but every once in a while so she knows you are okay.

Hugs!