Living Out Loud

Staying gold

Posted

“You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here.” Charlie Munger

Education doesn’t stop after you graduate from high school or even college. I tried to explain this to each of my daughters when they were facing their last year in high school. They’re going to need to know how to solve problems of all kinds, because they will be venturing out on their own. They need to continue grow in character as well as knowledge. They will meet new people and make friends from different religions, race, and yes, even political views. We can all learn from one another and also to understand that making mistakes is part of life. If you don't know what you want to do in life, then at least know what you don't want to do. There will be struggles, disappointments and triumphs.

There's a pretty good chance you won't even end up in a career that reflects your college major and don't expect it to change the course of your life. We all like to think that after you finish high school you'll move onto bigger and better jobs. Gone are those days of standing behind the counter at Dairy Queen or sacking groceries at HEB. Most will continue those same jobs well after high school and throughout college. I explained that no matter how pointless those jobs seemed to be, they're worth doing well. Take pride in your work no matter what it is. I met many of my lifelong friends who've helped me later on with better jobs. Remember, it’s how you handle bad situations—like a minimum wage job that will reflect on you as a person and you might be surprised at what you learn along the way. Happiness is found in how we live our everyday lives. Take a moment to slow down and see for yourself that life happens when we decide to be present in the here and now.

Remember the following;

•Stop and smell the flowers every chance you get but remember to plant some seeds along your own path.

•Learn to love who you are, not who others would have you be. It’s your life.

•When you look at yourself in the mirror, you want to be proud of yourself and the choices you’ve made; If you make a mistake, admit it and make it right.

•"Stay gold Ponyboy, stay gold." Don’t let the harsh realities of everyday life over shadow the everyday pleasures — watch the sun come up with the eyes of your youth but wisdom to know it could be your last.

Comments