The day after High School graduation

The diploma is in your hand, the caps have been tossed

Tears of joy and relief have been shed

Hugs and happy photos have been shared

Last goodbyes have been said, along with wishes of “see you again soon”

Awakening after the graduation celebration seems surreal

There are many moments of not knowing what to do next

& random thoughts of what do I do now?

A journey that seemed endless and overwhelming at times

has suddenly come to a celebratory halt

A new world of expectations and unknowns lies before you

that somehow feels both exciting and scary

And it is a new world for those that have loved and supported you

throughout high school

A new set of worries and wonders flood the minds of those that have

cherished every moment of seeing you grow from a wondrous 5-year old

exploring kindergarten

to an ever-evolving adult ready to explore a whole new beautiful life

Yet here is the one thing that the last decade or so has taught you

You can do this.

Those same feelings as an apprehensive kindergartner may come back to you

sooner or later as you move forward along your next path

The feeling of being so small in a big world that is yet to be explored

The emotions of leaving behind a bit of warm security that you have always known

The wonder of not knowing how it is all going to work out, or come together

Group of people tossing graduation caps

But that’s the thing - graduating leaves behind so much

What you may not have realized during this journey is that you were ever

evolving and learning, preparing for your next step

You did overcome those unsure feelings of exploring something new

And you will do that now

So go ahead and feel the whirl of unsure emotions of how you will move forward

after high school

Embrace the warmth and comfort of knowing that you figured it out before and

you will figure it out again

Those that love and support you,

will still be there,

cheering you on every step of the way

New friends and connections are yet to be made

Mistakes and successes are on the horizon

to continue to shape you, inspire you, and at times, to keep you humble

Feel the loss of letting go and the excitement of new beginnings

Embrace what the world has waiting for you

And step into your future with the same hope, curiosity, and wonder

that you had that very first day of elementary school.

You can do this.

I believe in you.

Now move forward with all the emotions that new beginnings behold

Give yourself love, grace and reassurance to begin again

Because this time you have the experience and lessons learned to carry you forward.

You’ve got this -

Thanks for crossing this bridge into the future with me.

Xo,

B.