We sent our son Thomas off to college two weeks ago.  I empathized with friends whose kids had left home, but similar to giving birth or losing a parent, we really didn’t know how deeply it would affect us until he actually left.  We are overjoyed for the next chapter of his story, and did not realize the impact it would have on our hearts with our first child flying out of the nest.

We wanted to send him off with some reminders we think are important to keep close as he launches forward toward his magnificent destiny. I realized that these powerful reminders are meant to stay with us throughout our lives, and no matter what age, or when, they are critical to our success and well being.  With the same sweet sentiment we shared with our son, I pass some of these gems on to you for the next leg of your journey.

You are loved

Think of all the people that love you, including yourself.  Take a moment and bring them to mind. What is more precious than love? These people are your confidantes, your cheerleaders, your treasures, your tribe, your community, and your well of strength. Sometimes they include family of origin, and sometimes it is family of the soul you meet along the way.  One facet of success is to know who is beside you and behind you. My friend’s son wrote a song called, “Goddesses At My Back.” He realizes the strength and necessity of having the right support with you on your path.

You are a gift

You were brought here for something special.  You are here to be and do great things. Know this about yourself. Know that you have a specific purpose, mission, and vision. Your most important job is to discover what each of those are. Your abilities are unique and you are one of a kind. There are things you do better than anyone else. You have specific gifts to share with the world and a legacy to pass on. There is a powerful quote I learned years ago that has motivated me throughout my life, “If you do not discover our own vision, you will spend the rest of your life living someone else’s.”

Believe in yourself

You have what it takes.  You are a person of integrity, which tops the list. You have the three Ds to succeed: dedication, self-discipline, and determination.  You have accomplished so much already. When you set your mind to something, it’s yours. You have the skills and the smarts to be incredibly successful wherever you are in your life. We are thrilled for your opportunity to take positive risks and explore the unknown with excitement and courage. Remember that fear and excitement are the same feeling in your body, it’s how your mind interprets it that produces a positive or negative reaction.

Enjoy yourself

This is your life.  Your life is now.  It does not start when summer is over or after you complete your next project. Enjoy all the new experiences. Joy and love are the reasons you are here.  This is your time.  If things don’t go as you expect, know that sometimes there is a better plan unfolding. Trust this principal.  See the good, even when you fail. Failing is a significant part of learning. Go easy on yourself. Always find the lesson from an error and move on.  This is your playground and science lab to run tests and experiments with anything and everything you can imagine.  It’s a time to stretch limits and boundaries.  It’s a time to contemplate who you want to be and how you want to live your life.

Preparation meets opportunity

Everyday you are going out into an exciting new world.  You are a powerful person and you have the ability to make things happen.  Be assertive.  Step out of your comfort zone, this is where the magic happens.  Ask for what you want.  Make big requests. The worst thing that can happen is someone says no.  Step up and speak out.  Be seen and known.  You are the captain of your ship.  Sail glorious uncharted seas.  This makes life exciting and worth living.

Put yourself out there

Introduce yourself to new people.  Spend time with those who feel good about themselves; who are cutting edge thinkers and leaders, who are givers, and who have lofty goals and dreams.  Going for it is contagious.  It is one of life’s greatest thrills.  Make kindness a priority.  Help people around you.  Say no if you don’t feel like it or it does not feel good to you.  Honor your feelings first, then others.  Trust your instincts.

Hold a positive outlook on life 

Expect great things.  You get what you think, say, and do, so make it good.  Think good thoughts, plan good things, and act accordingly.  Be happy and enjoy these new experiences.  You get to be your own boss, do what you want, and thrive!  May this next chapter be the most exciting one yet.  Know we’re with you and that we have your back.  Your joys will be ours and we’ll hold the space for your dreams in our hearts.  Be proud, you’re on your way to big things!

Life is what you make it.  You hold the cards.  If you don’t like the cards you’re dealt, you can trade them in and get new ones.  Life is an adventure and how it unfolds is up to you.  If you don’t like the way a chapter is going, write a new one.  If it’s more adventure you want, then start a new book.  It’s never too late.  The choice is always yours.  “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”            –Mary Oliver

With love and grandest wishes,

Stefanie