Hey everyone, I've been asked to add a few words today from what I think is supposed to be the perspective of a sort of 'mentor' figure in his life and I figure I can either relate some witty and embarrassing stories from times past - but that's maybe what others will be doing? - or I can offer some advice going forward - some 'words of wisdom' perhaps? My problem with that is there's this great line in one of my favourite books which states that whilst knowledge can be communicated, wisdom can't - and that the wisdom a wise man tries to communicate always sounds foolish. But what the hell - why let that stop me? - it never has before! So on the wild assertion that I might just possibly be wise and if so, at the very real risk therefore of simply sounding foolish - here's a few things I have come to accept. My apologies in advance if it's all way too serious for a party!
First, a little perspective - On the scale of universal time and space, our entire existence is pretty much irrelevant and even on a global scale we humans don't fare much better - each just one among 7.5 billion. In fact the single most significant reason we are all even here today is little more than our insanely good fortune to be born into a time and a culture of extraordinary wealth and health. So don't get trapped in some stupid sense of entitlement when in reality it's mostly just dumb luck.
Second, some objectivity - Don't get too caught up in the modern obsession with the self. None of us exist in isolation. Take a step back. Try to see yourself as others do and work out who the best possible 'you' could be and then be that person with honesty and integrity and persistence to all the other people who are in your life - family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, lovers, partners, children, and yeah, even strangers - that's a great way to truly be a person of significance and to live the most rewarding of lives.
Third, and (you'll be happy to hear) lastly, the importance of flexibility - The only thing we can ever know with absolute certainty about the future is that it will be different; so make plans but expect to let them change; take appropriate risks but learn from your mistakes; and most importantly, every undertaking you will ever make in your life begins - and ends - with where you are at that moment, so use every moment as you think best at that time and your journey through life will be rich with experience. Life isn't a dress rehearsal mate - enjoy your 21st birthday and all the days that follow - 'cause you only get 'em once!
Happy 21st birthday - I love you - look after yourself eh!
