(Written by Chicago newspaper columnist, Mary Schmich – recently recorded with music by Baz Luhrmann)

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. “Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until theyʼve faded. But trust me, in 20 years, youʼll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you canʼt grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Donʼt worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Sing, Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room. Donʼt be reckless with other peopleʼs hearts. Respect your elders. Donʼt put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Get to know your parents. You never know when theyʼll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. Theyʼre your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Accept certain inalienable truths: “Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, youʼll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than itʼs worth.

Go!

Prepared by: DILNAVOZ