Everyone has a gift; admire them

With commencements under way, I began writing my usual silly piece about graduates’ names affecting their destiny.

For example, will Ms. Booth and Mr. Baker open a pastry kiosk in the North Plains Mall?

However, by now, readers should be able to create their own fun pairings — so, instead, I will offer graduates my imaginary commencement speech.

• • •

Don’t agonize over dreams beyond your control.

I would have preferred being a rock star or actor earning $20 million per movie. But, it wasn’t in my DNA.

However, my degrees opened doors to a fulfilling profession, and I’ve never worried about starving to death or being killed by violence or disease like millions of innocent adults and children.

I sleep in a warm house with more TVs and channels than is healthy.

Never feel less worthy than society’s luminaries, or more worthy than those who have less. Much of what you have or accomplish is owed to genetics and opportunities.

Sure, most of us work hard for what we have — but some have to work multiple times harder for a fraction of the dividends.

Everyone is born with a gift — large or small. Admire others and appreciate yours with humbleness.

Everybody has invisible struggles, and experiences the world through their own eyes, so treat everyone’s next breath as equally valuable.

It is highly likely strangers or friends — regardless of age, looks, wealth, beliefs, ethnicity, profession — are as kind, ethical and intelligent as you.

Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Your views, worth and existence are as valid as theirs.

Never let anyone make you feel small. Had they walked in your shoes, they may not have survived.

Don’t take shortcuts. Alcohol, drugs, stealing, cutting corners, dishonesty, demeaning others, giving up and lowering your standards may bring short-term gain, but long-term pain.

As you venture through life’s brief and ultimately fatal journey, hold your head high and treat others like they are as amazing as you.

Find your sweet spot and swing for the fences.

As you round the bases and head for home, be proud of living a life that wrote the epitaph you want the world to remember you by.

Contact Wendel Sloan at [email protected]