As part of our annual Bridging Ceremony — where our graduating seniors “walk the bridge” from youth to young adulthood — we ask our congregation to share words of wisdom. What advice would we give to our young adults? Here are some pearls our UUC community has to share!

• Reach out to your parents often, sometimes we can help you with decisions.
• Always remember to laugh in life.
• Be true to yourself.
• Take advice from all. Only follow the advice that resonates with you. Throughout
  my life I have found good advice in surprising places and surprising people.
• Follow your inner teacher!
• Be aware that the past and future doesn’t exist, but only a thought. So if you are
  stressed about either, remember it’s only a thought.
• Laugh often, visit friends, and enjoy good food.
• Don’t fret if you don’t know something, everyone is flying blind.

• Take every chance you get to try something new!
• Take things at your own pace.
• Remember to have fun.
• Don’t take yourself so seriously. Nobody cares about you as much as you think
  they do!
• It’s OK not to know. Breathe.
• Take care of your teeth. The dentist gets super expensive super fast (even with insurance).
• Don’t be afraid to lead with vulnerability. Everyone is vulnerable, and it comforts others when they see they are not the only one.
• Be curious! Don’t feel like you have to have everything already figured out. Never
  stop trying new things.
• Save $ for retirement as soon as you start working. Take Michelle Obama’s
  advice, “When they go low, we go high.” Brush and floss your teeth. Have fun in
  life!
• Don’t sweat the small stuff!
• If it’s a muscle – flex it & stretch it. If it’s a joint – move it! (Don’t smoke it!)
• Embrace every opportunity. Listen to your heart. Love w/every fiber of your being!

• Take time to explore the world before you “settle down.”
• Forgive yourself
• Believe in yourself
• Don’t fret if you don’t know something, everyone is flying blind.
• Get enough sleep!
• It is okay to take unconventional paths. Free yourself!
• Be curious, not judgmental.
• Always be true to yourself
• Seek your passion!
• Try lots of experiences, mostly legal ones.
• Wear your seatbelt and read books. Real books. Made of paper.

• Take time off of school and do a big bike trip!
• Relax. Don’t panic.
• Stay steady.
• The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. ~James Taylor
• Work hard, play hard, and love yourself and others deeply. You are special!
• Stay true to your own vision.
• Have fun! Enjoy the ride!
• Don’t let immediate gratification change your goals.
• Don’t stop making new friends.
• Don’t define yourself by your worst moments.
• See the world. It will help you to see your life with greater clarity and appreciation
  as you open yourself to new perspectives, people, and places.
• Be you. They’ll adjust.
• Dream big, not safe, and love one another, respect yourself.
• Listen & help others.
• Growth doesn’t come from what you know, but from what you’ve yet to learn.
• Don’t forget to have fun along the way. It might take time to find your dream but
  never stop looking. It might be in the least likely place.
• Say yes to adventure – say no to self-doubt
• Don’t be afraid to try new things. Try to avoid doing nothing.
• Keep moving! Toward what you want for yourself and the good of the world, your
  friends, and your family.
• Always do your best. Please be sure to take of yourself – take time for you!
• Be kind! Be kind to yourself and all. We are all connected.
• Never, never, never, never give up. ~Winston Churchill
• Take chances! Go on adventures! Have fun!
• NO ONE is thinking about you. This is not insulting; it is freeing. Remember it
  when you are soaring, striving, learning, flailing, failing.
• Keep it simple – don’t sweat the small stuff!
• Remember that there are people here who believe in you and love you.