Some Inspirational Speeches...

So I may have stayed up until 3AM last night watching The 10 Most Viewed Commencement Speeches in the History of YouTube which proved beyond inspiring and motivating, something I definitely needed going in to this summer. It provided the pick me up I needed to charge ahead and make a huge impact at work this summer and in my personal life as I prepare to take the GRE in August and make the decision of I do next; grad school or otherwise.

I recommend 3 out of the 10 that I found most inspiring/enjoyable. All 3 speakers were highly engaging and great story tellers:
Meryl Streep, Barnard Commencement Speaker 2010, Columbia University

Lisa Kudrow's address to the graduating class of 2010 at Vassar

And Oprah's 2008 Stanford Commencement Address 

Enjoy! 

A well timed e-mail.

 Everything you want is out there
waiting for you to ask.
Everything you want also wants you.
But you have to take action to get it.-Jules Renard

"Lots of ripplers are graduating: some from high school, others from college, and still others are moving on in other ways: new jobs, weddings, etc.

No doubt about it: times are tough and some of you are beginning new chapters with more fear and frustration than you want. I wish I could wave a wand and make it better, but unfortunately I don't have a wand (note to self: purchase wand).

Instead, I'm going to remind you that some times we are waiting around until we feel better so we can take action when what we COULD do is jump in and take action so we feel better. I cannot guarantee you will succeed at everything you attempt this week, but I am confident that you will move forward even if you don't make it to the finish line.

On your mark, get set, GO GET IT!
Peace,
Paul"


I subscribe to the Ripples Project, weekly inspirational e-mails on Monday mornings, a great way to start your week and get your day off to the right start. I've been having a pretty rough time these past few days being overwhelmed with negative situations and work and in my personal life. This e-mail could not be more perfect for me and I wanted to share it with anyone else out there who could use a touch of inspiration to power through the week or whatever you may be going through in your life. 


Also, if you have yet to do so I would highly recommend you subscribe to his weekly e-mails. 

Peace out! 

In need of direction

"Isn't it the moment of most profound doubt that gives birth to new certainties? Perhaps hopelessness is the very soil that nourishes human hope; perhaps one could never find sense in life without first experiencing its absurdity."
- Vaclav Havel

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that"