I wish somebody had told me all that when I was graduating 50 some odd years ago. Of course, I have (sort of) learned it in the intervening years since. But it takes reminding almost every day.
I got some good news today about a book I wrote 15 years ago that is getting new legs. Nearing my 8th decade. I can look back on the years I've punished myself for not succeeding on what was always someone else's schedule in someone else's game. Here is this wisdom to remind me why life is now working. Because I let go of the craziness and worked to find some light and something to laugh about everyday. Anne, you are a spiritual bonanza and today my cup runneth over! Thank you.
I graduated from Berkeley. In 1966. Still, I think I know the zeitgeist, and I bet it's pretty much the same today as it was then. Maybe not. It doesn't matter. Then, I noticed this was a 2003 commencement address. Wow! What year are we in? I bet they loved this.
I did. I always, always, always relish the absolutely certain forthcoming opportunity to laugh out loud whenever I see your name in my inbox. Carbonated holiness indeed.
I kept having to remind myself that this wasn't your address to the Berkeley graduating class of 2026. Great wisdom for the ages. I wish you'd given the commencement address at my graduation from Miami University (of OH) in 1977. It might have saved me from spending too many moments in either longing or regret.
Dear Lawd, why doesn’t every young-ish person on Earth receive this beautiful, basic set of truths? We knew it when we were little, when we sparked like holy fireflies without even trying (if we were well-cared for). We’d never wear uncomfortable pants👖
Ahhh: the joys of remembering. And trusting. Thank you for reminding us what matters, Anne.
Note: my 60th college graduation anniversary is next year (Scripps College in Claremont, CA). It was a world away from this. Misogyny ruled, even at a (then) women's college.
This needs to be said at every graduation everywhere in our culture . Such a great mix of wisdom humour and good sense ….. love the bit about the tight pants!
One of the very best posts I’ve ever read … especially being so available via being online. I’m saving for rereading and recommending. I wish, as a fellow writer and reporter, that I had such resources to create a piece so useful and true. Thank you.
I wish somebody had told me all that when I was graduating 50 some odd years ago. Of course, I have (sort of) learned it in the intervening years since. But it takes reminding almost every day.
Exactly!
Well this was just delightful. Thank you for re-sharing. You should do it every year; it feels right on time.
just perfect - needed that even tho i'm 83 going to be 84 next month! we are all graduating from something aren't we!!!
I got some good news today about a book I wrote 15 years ago that is getting new legs. Nearing my 8th decade. I can look back on the years I've punished myself for not succeeding on what was always someone else's schedule in someone else's game. Here is this wisdom to remind me why life is now working. Because I let go of the craziness and worked to find some light and something to laugh about everyday. Anne, you are a spiritual bonanza and today my cup runneth over! Thank you.
I am a sucker for a good graduation speech and this is one of the best I've ever read. Thank you.
I graduated from Berkeley. In 1966. Still, I think I know the zeitgeist, and I bet it's pretty much the same today as it was then. Maybe not. It doesn't matter. Then, I noticed this was a 2003 commencement address. Wow! What year are we in? I bet they loved this.
I did. I always, always, always relish the absolutely certain forthcoming opportunity to laugh out loud whenever I see your name in my inbox. Carbonated holiness indeed.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Perfect in every single sentence. thank you.
She always is.
Brilliante, just brilliant. My spirit tingled and a little carbonated holiness leaked out. Going to go lie down for a while…
I kept having to remind myself that this wasn't your address to the Berkeley graduating class of 2026. Great wisdom for the ages. I wish you'd given the commencement address at my graduation from Miami University (of OH) in 1977. It might have saved me from spending too many moments in either longing or regret.
Started the morning crying over an essay from the mom of a college graduate and here I am, again, weepy over this very true piece. I thank you.
Dear Lawd, why doesn’t every young-ish person on Earth receive this beautiful, basic set of truths? We knew it when we were little, when we sparked like holy fireflies without even trying (if we were well-cared for). We’d never wear uncomfortable pants👖
Ahhh: the joys of remembering. And trusting. Thank you for reminding us what matters, Anne.
This is the best commencement speech EVER! I'm glad I was able to "sit in" on it. Thanks for sharing!
Note: my 60th college graduation anniversary is next year (Scripps College in Claremont, CA). It was a world away from this. Misogyny ruled, even at a (then) women's college.
??
This needs to be said at every graduation everywhere in our culture . Such a great mix of wisdom humour and good sense ….. love the bit about the tight pants!
One of the very best posts I’ve ever read … especially being so available via being online. I’m saving for rereading and recommending. I wish, as a fellow writer and reporter, that I had such resources to create a piece so useful and true. Thank you.
One of the best speeches I’ve heard 🩷
The pants! My God, the advice about pants. Wish I’d had that advice when I graduated in 1987.