May You Stay Forever Young

Thirty years…that’s how long ago I graduated from High School. THIRTY YEARS!…. I can hardly believe its been that long. I can hardly believe how much life I have lived since that graduation day. I can still remember so much about that day. I remember the royal blue dress I wore. I remember the royal blue cap and gown I had on over my dress. I remember trying to figure out how to secure the graduation cap to my head without ruining my awesomely huge 80’s bangs. I remember the feelings of excitement and trepidation as I walked across the stage and picked up my diploma. Was I ready to leave home for the first time and go to college? Was I ready to face life as an adult? So many emotions that day swam in my mind.

Then one of the students stood up to speak and they shared the most perfect words for me to hear.  It was the lyrics from a song written by Bob Dylan and later performed by Rod Stewart. Here are the lyrics they shared:

Forever Young (lyrics by Bob Dylan)

May God’s bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay
May you stay forever young.

I have never forgotten the words to that song and I took to heart the valuable advice they contained. Regardless of whether you are just graduating High School, or graduating College, or you are 47 or 107…may we always be courageous, may we stand upright and strong, may our hearts always be joyful, and may we stay forever young.

~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )

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