My friends,
A couple months ago in what feels like, and I believe was, a different world I stumbled across a book called tiny beautiful things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed. In this book, Cheryl responds to letters as Sugar, answering peoples heartspeak questions. One of those responses she entitled “The Future Has an Ancient Heart.” In this letter, Sugar writes a commencement address, and more than that she writes words that found their way directly into my inner world. I wanted to find a way to celebrate all of us seniors, and here is what I settled on. The video below is me reading about ancient hearts and traveling by foot and celebrating every single one of us stepping into our next era.
These last few months have taught me things I never would have seen coming. I never imagined that I would finish my degrees from a house in Wyoming that is also hosting my mother, my three sisters, my partner, and two dogs, three cats, a fish, and a plethora of house plants. I never imagined that my graduation celebration would require me to celebrate dislocated from Pittsburgh or my friends there. The list goes on.
But also, dear ones, I have been so grateful for this time. Corona disrupted my plans, and it also gave me space to slow down my life. I have been very good at getting caught in the rapid movement of the world, so much so that that type of exhaustion was a near constant companion. I imagine in the years to come a big piece of my COVID story will include graduating while in quarantine. Also in my story is loving and playing and creating and being. This is a time that my words aren’t quite ready to articulate yet, but one that I believe has been both a gift and a challenge.
“As we step into the unknown, we discover we can be fragile and strong and terrified and brave all at the same time.”
Paul S. Boyton
I write to you all now because I want to tell you that I think you are brave, beautiful, capable, compelling, and resilient. I write to you now to celebrate your graduation and all it means, and also to celebrate the oscillations and trepidations and inspirations to come. I stand beside you in spirit, and am sending my love to you always.
Congratulations, Class of 2020. Thank you for being part of my heart journey.
Yours,
Regina
Comments