I was moved by “The 5 pieces of advice Rainn Wilson from ‘The Office’ gave during his Utah graduation speech.” I understand there was some discomfort about the cost of the speech ($125,000 for 20 minutes), but it seems like Weber State got their money’s worth.
The Tribune’s article made me wonder what I would say in a similar speech. I know free advice (especially unsolicited advice!) is often worth the price, but here goes.
Be positive and affirmative. Anger, grievance and pessimism are toxic. Consciously choose to be upbeat and don’t hostage your happiness to others.
Cultivate face-to-face friendships, and be present in your interactions with friends and family. Imagine who will attend your funeral. Will there be three people, or three hundred?
Be generous in time, spirit and, if you are able, money.
Go to bed every night thinking about what you will accomplish tomorrow. This is especially important for older people. It gives us reasons to get up and take on the day. And if you don’t accomplish everything? Who cares? There are a lot of tomorrows ahead.
Resolve to see and do certain things that are way out in the future. I’m 67. My next long-term goal is to walk 600 miles on the Camino de Santiago in 2030 with my then 12- and 10-year-old grandsons. After that? To see the next North American total solar eclipse in 2044. And after that? Hell, who knows? Or maybe the sky’s the limit!
Oh, and Weber State? Next time you need a speaker, let me know. I’ll give you thirty minutes for only $100K!
Scott Bell, West Jordan