We come from different places,
speak various languages,
articulate individualistic perspectives,
in this moment in time,
now we understand,
the path we walk on,
is more than just dreams and personal direction,
it’s a wavering journey.

Some people need help to get to where they need to be,
others are strong enough to make things happen on their own,
but in life it’s all about participation,
connecting with others and learning new things,
diving into the pages of a great book,
dancing in the rain,
swimming in the ocean,
telling your crush you like them even if it hurts,
and realizing that your grandparents have actually enlightened you.

Accepting your flaws,
knowing you might be a jerk, selfish, or bit eccentric,
when you don’t have your morning coffee,
not taking your parents for granted,
because when they’re gone-they’re gone,
and learning to save your money,
because blowing it at the mall doesn’t make sense anymore.

Deciding to ride your bike around town,
because you know the trees will love you for it,
and fresh air and a bit of exercise is good for you,
not crying a thousand tears when you boyfriend or girlfriend dumps you,
because like a bus there will always be another around the corner,
even when you make a million mistakes,
you are not discouraged,
you live life to the fullest,
because things always turn out Great at the end.

And so you leave your childish years behind,
and move on to the grown up world,
but you will always be a kid at heart,
you’ll create a whole new life for yourself,
and yes there will be hardship and pain,
but that’s life,
and you will make the best of it,
with all the enthusiasm you can muster,
while growing older and taking bigger strides,
you’ll marry the one you’ve been waiting for all your life,
and you’ll be really happy,
but eventually you’ll be at your end,
and having no regrets,
you’ll greet death like an old friend.

But for now,
enjoy the ride,
participate,
have many experiences,
make a lot of friends,
make mistakes and learn from them,
read a lot of books but question everything,
know who you are and never let anyone tell you who to be,
give it your all,
it’s time to begin,
this is it,
transformation.