Last night I was the official photographer at a student graduation ceremony for one of the private schools here in Sydney. In a year's time I will be one of those mums, watching my child go through another rite of passage.
Normally such award ceremonies are filled with stuffy speeches with people in stuffy coats, however there was an exception last night. A truly inspired speech from a gentleman that has accomplishments and accolades longer than his arm, but I was totally enthralled by what he had to say to these young adults about to enter into the big wide world. I don't believe that there was a dry eye in the 500 plus crowd when he finished - the words were delivered with such inspiration you could feel the energy change within the room.
I actually felt a bit sorry for the speakers that came after.
The gentleman spoke about life's journey in such a poetic and beautiful way. He recommended to the students to carry two passports in life - the passport of gratitude and the passport of generosity. He spoke of listening to your intuition, but to sprinkle it with reason. He spoke of learning from nature - especially trees - knowing when to shed bark and leaves with the changing seasons. He spoke of tolerance. He spoke of about darkness and light in life and that both are essential to fully live a life realised. He also spoke of failure and that failing is essential for true success, for without failure we do not learn or are able to extend ourselves to something greater. I do not do his speech justice here and only wish there was a transcript available, so rich it was in wisdom, hope and courage.
He did also mention a Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, who I had not heard of before and am now keen to read more of his works; and recited this short verse:
I am nothing. I'll never be anything. I couldn't want to be something. Apart from that, I have in me all the dreams in the world.
Flying Solo Tip 083365 : To inspire, speak not just from the heart, but with heart.