Last weekend I attended a high school commencement for Skylar. She is the daughter of my friend, Ann, whom I’ve known since 1981. As I drove to the campus, I was reflecting on the day Skylar was born. I received a call from Ann’s husband, Paul, in September 1992, with the news of Skylar’s birth. I rushed to the hospital to see Ann and Paul and be one of the first to welcome this new little girl into their lives. I was blessed to share a similar moment a couple years later with the birth of their second daughter, Hannah. So I was a bit emotional and nostalgic as I was facing Skylar’s graduation day. I felt really proud for the accomplishment of this young lady’s life.

When I arrived at the school, it was a beautiful spring day, not a typical Colorado spring morning. Although there was a chill in the air and a bit cloudy, you could smell the green grass and the sun was peeking through. The week’s rain and snow left the lawn soaking wet. This is a typical change of weather for us here in Colorado — snow, rain, shining skies — all in the same week.

Although there was only a small crowd, I was not able to find Ann and her family so I took a seat by myself to enjoy the ceremony. I slipped off my wet shoes and decided to just relax barefoot as I observed and enjoyed the ceremony.
I couldn’t help but be inspired by the energy of the crowd, the beautiful day and the speeches I heard. Among the graduation messages, there were several so inspiring; I’d like to share them with you.

Empowerment
A young lady got up to talk about her frustration with asking a teacher once over and over again about a problem, and the teacher would say, “What do you think the answer is?” The message was that the answers are within you.

Professionals challenge us to look at our potential. I know when I’m working with clients, this happens naturally as I’m working alongside my client to empower them to overcome their disorganization. The answers to how to process individual challenges are truly within us. Finding those answers within ourselves can be empowering -– even though they may be facilitated by someone else, it empowers us to move forward and finally learn the lesson.

Be a Leader
At one point, there was a scripture quote – “true leaders govern his people as the people don’t even know they’re being led”. What a humbling image for young graduates to consider in looking forward to new roles in their lives. What kind of leader do you want to be? What kind of leader do you want to lead you?

Girl Power
A faculty member addressed how the girls were coming from a community of “girl world”: smelling of fresh shampoo, shining from glittery makeup, blonde hair everywhere and high running emotions with shrieking voices echoing in hallways. What an acknowledgement of their individuality as women (by the way, I should mention the graduation was at a Catholic girl’s school). How I was reminded of my own femininity and how it took me to be into my forties before I realized it was okay to be a “girlie girl”. What a privilege for the youth today to be able to acknowledge their own personalities and uniqueness and be able to express the gifts in their beauty and voices of opinion and creativity.

Decisiveness
For those who are unsure, there was the question of decisiveness. Are you indecisive? Feeling like you need to go it alone? The recommendation was to look at what is in the environment that may be obvious. Are you working with those around you and being inclusive with those in your community? This message can apply to your work environment as well. Those around you are most likely there for you, your support systems. These are people who share your experiences, your history. When you need it, these people will be there to give to you when you ask for it. But remember that it goes both ways — you need to be willing to give as well. Don’t forget your history. Look back on it in times of need.

Attitudes
Attitude — it’s more about success as you can control your attitude. It’s a contagious magnet that attracts good. Mistakes can paralyze decisiveness, so make the most of what you have. This reminds me of the adage to make lemonade out of lemons.

Common Sense and Risk
I recall a message about common sense as being the norm, once you have it though, you can build on it with a beautiful opportunity to progress. Risk is not common sense. Go beyond your common sense and take risks… take time to create change as it is always a success. Fight for causes. Today we have the opportunity in business to be more socially responsible and take action towards being a sustainable company. Take risks – the rewards are worthwhile.

Lean into facing your fear and envision the life you want and then work towards that vision. Re-examine the status quo, and conformity and find what works for you. These were encouraging words for students of all ages.

There was a piano solo of Sonato in C Minor (Pathetique), First Movement, Beethoven. It immediately reminded me of my brother, Mark, as he was an admirer of Beethoven in his own music composition. The music had the intensity of banging on the piano, almost a darkness… a similar darkness to some of Mark’s work, with the contradiction of extreme delicacy of the piano notes mixed in the piece. The dual paths of rhythm were a bit like a light and delicate surface with a strong undertone of darkness lurking in the background. An interesting thought for a beautiful graduation ceremony. It made me think that life is a bit like that. As we often tiptoe and dance through life, even though there are many difficulties and struggles that we are processing. The music reminded me to keep moving forward and not to let the undertones bring you down.

During the presentation of the senior diplomas there were cheers from the crowd. In the cool Colorado morning I’m reminded of the opposite image of a closed off gym from my graduation — hot and stuffy, a bit on the rowdy side when we flipped our own tassels. It was not like the elegance of 69 lovely ladies that graduated this graduation day. The contrast to my high school graduation was what inspired me to share this event.

I finally met up with my friends and the new graduate at the end of the program.  I hope you have picked up some tidbits regarding empowerment, individuality, decisiveness and attitudes from my reflection.