Magic Sunflower

Dear Dungarees,

2 years ago, I decided to prove to myself I could be a leader, have a strong voice, and be capable of great things even if there were no letters behind my name. So, I finished grad school at 3:45 today.

An experience with poor leadership lit a fire in my soul. A fire to prove that leaders SHOULD lead well. That leaders ARE capable of great kindness. That they can and should communicate well, and not only listen but hear. Authentic leadership never belittles or causes fear and should operate under these fundamental truths at a minimum. I didn't need school to teach me that, but what I came away with after these 2 years was far more significant than anything poor leadership took from me. I have never tried so hard. I have never been more aware of my strong support system. PEACE OUT, GRAD SCHOOL. I won't miss you.

PS. My magic sunflower no one planted just showed up and bloomed the day I finished school. Coincidence? I think not.

Thank you to everyone who came to my graduation party and sent words of encouragement and love. The words you gave are only words, but words have the most extraordinary power. They inspire and lift, they heal and sustain. It costs nothing. Could any gift be grander? Each syllable, each message, and the person who spoke, wrote, or typed them are precious to me. Thank you for the encouragement. Truly. Love to you all.

Listen to the Mustn’ts

Listen to Mustn'ts, child, listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
      Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.

~Shel Silverstein