There's a lot of w's in that title. I think I like alliteration. Anyway, I just HAD to share this thought right quick.
I went outside for a run a while ago and to my pleasant surprise, sunshine hit my face and I felt the 64-degree weather all around me. It. was. amazing. It helped me realize something. Let me explain.
It's not just because I dislike the cold weather. But, don't get me wrong - I do not enjoy the cold weather. I mean, I know this is Texas and weather is extremely variable, but I do not like winters. I don't like my skin feeling so dry all the time, I don't like my hair being damaged by unforgiving wintry winds. I love scarves, but I don't really care for coats. I think you get the point: I'm not a huge fan of Winter.
But, Spring? Springs are my favorite. I just love the burst of warmth and cool breezes the Spring can bring. Again, I know Texas weather constantly goes from one extreme to the other, but generally speaking, I enjoy Spring.
So, why am I blabbering about seasons? This is what I realized on my walk outside (...on my way to that run...): I may not prefer the winter, but they're an excellent metaphor for renewal. I see bundling up in warm clothes and staying in the house as time for hibernation, time for reflection. In a way, it gears you up for a new beginning, for the sunshine.
In fact, the Winter allows me to appreciate the Spring that much more. This idea reminds me of a line from one of my favorite songs by Jason Mraz, 93 Millions Miles. He says, "sometimes it may seem dark, but the absence of the light is a necessary part." I feel this to be absolutely true. How could one even recognize light if not for the dark? Meaning: experiencing those unpleasant situations or circumstances allow you to really appreciate more favorable situations or circumstances. It's like, that's the whole point of growing through rough or less-than-preferred experiences, right?
Just a thought. Enjoy unseasonably nice weather if you get it! Unless, of course, you enjoy the cold - in that case, happy winter!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Compilation: Commencement Speeches
Well, hello there 2013! This means graduation is right around the corner for any and every "Class of 2013"!
Little known fact: Last year, I submitted a speech for the chance be selected as the student speaker at my own graduation. Said speech was rejected by the committee, yet ever since then (sometime around February or March 2012), I have often found myself listening to commencement speeches of old. There are so many available on YouTube from actors, authors, CEOs and even students. There are many lists of what people consider to be The Most Inspirational Speeches and so on and so forth.
So, naturally, I wanted to share my own little list of favorite commencement speeches to date. They're awesome for when you need a pick-me-up during the post-grad years or even just little "life-reminders". Underneath each video, I've highlighted my personal favorite lines from the speeches.
Amy Poehler's Address to Harvard University's Class Day - 2011
Steve Jobs' Commencement Address to Stanford - 2005
Steve Carrell's Address to Princeton University Class Day - 2012
David Foster Wallace's Commencement Address to Kenyon College - 2005
(audio only in two parts; also see text here)
Mitch Thrower's Student Graduation Speech to St. Lawrence University - 1990
And, there you have it! These are my absolute favorites for various reasons. There are plenty more to explore. A little bit of something for everybody!
Little known fact: Last year, I submitted a speech for the chance be selected as the student speaker at my own graduation. Said speech was rejected by the committee, yet ever since then (sometime around February or March 2012), I have often found myself listening to commencement speeches of old. There are so many available on YouTube from actors, authors, CEOs and even students. There are many lists of what people consider to be The Most Inspirational Speeches and so on and so forth.
So, naturally, I wanted to share my own little list of favorite commencement speeches to date. They're awesome for when you need a pick-me-up during the post-grad years or even just little "life-reminders". Underneath each video, I've highlighted my personal favorite lines from the speeches.
Amy Poehler's Address to Harvard University's Class Day - 2011
"All I can tell you today is what I've learned, what I have discovered as a person in this world, and that is this: you can't do it alone."
Steve Jobs' Commencement Address to Stanford - 2005
"Don't let the noise of other people's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."
Steve Carrell's Address to Princeton University Class Day - 2012
"A text does nothing more than protect us. It protexts us, if you will, to keep us safe. It is like a warm blanket that insulates us from the truth."
David Foster Wallace's Commencement Address to Kenyon College - 2005
(audio only in two parts; also see text here)
"The point here is that I think this is one part of what teaching me how to think is really supposed to mean. To be just a little less arrogant. To have just a little critical awareness about myself and my certainties."
Mitch Thrower's Student Graduation Speech to St. Lawrence University - 1990
"We must seek laughter, friendship, enrichment, health and love because so many think life ends too soon while the real problem is that so many people wait so long to begin it."
And, there you have it! These are my absolute favorites for various reasons. There are plenty more to explore. A little bit of something for everybody!
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