Congratulations to everyone who has overcome some difficulty in the last bit or so. Whether it be an addiction, a sickness, a physical trial, emotional problem or something else. I'm so proud of you. Overcoming things in this world means that you are one step closer to becoming the best you, that you can be.
- Overcoming addictions can be so hard, and perhaps you will never fully overcome the addiction, but congrats on being clean for however long you have been.
- Congrats on those who have overcome a physical ailment, or disability. Our bodies are amazing machines, but like every machine sometimes they get old, broken, or just need a little extra "repair" with vitamins and such. I know it can be very difficult to learn to walk with a new knee (I'm amazed still that my mom has learned that so fast), or to overcome cancer, but you can do it I promise. I know it may be hard to adhere to a new diet and exercise ritual and to devote the time to it, but your body will thank you later.
- Congrats to those who have overcome some of the hardest of trials, be it handling the loss of a loved one, or battling with a mental illness/ disorder.
- You are AMAZING! It is people like you, who overcome things that I look up to. It is people who overcome things, that I NEED to look up to. Congratulations to you, whoever you may be! I am so proud of you.
Congrats to all of you who are opening a new chapter in life. Congrats to those who are going on missions, getting married, or starting college.
- To those who are willing to give up some of your limited time here on earth so that you can serve your Father in Heaven, Congratulations on your call. He knows you, and knows how difficult this may be for so many of you, but He loves you and is so grateful that you will bring more sheep unto his fold.
- Congratulations to those of you who have found the love of your life, and who are planning to get married to them. Hold them close, cherish them, and love them when it's hardest to love them. I hope you enjoy the rest of your lives and the rest of eternity together.
- And to my senior or super-senior friends out there who are planning on beginning college, congratulations to you. College is one giant step, but you will appreciate the knowledge you gain someday. My advise to you is to remember to have fun and enjoy your roommates. Make new friends, now is the time to come out of your bubble and meet new amazing people. And lastly, remember to study. Do not just throw away a bunch of money because you fail your classes. College is harder than high school, but you can do it, and you will make it through. Persevere through even the toughest of challenges, be it roommate issues, money issues, or a hard class . . . it will all be worth it in the end. You have so much to learn. Good luck.
Lastly, I'd like to congratulate those of you who are closing a chapter of your life to begin a new one. All good things must end, so that we can get on to bigger and better things. Congratulations to those of you who have persevered through many tough things. Be it school, a service opportunity, or a life of mistakes. This is not to say that you won't face hard things in your future, but that you have overcome so much in your past that you will have more knowledge and experience the things that the future brings.
- Congrats to those of you who are finishing school, whether it be high school, college or graduate school. Now on to a better time in life. Now on to reality. Now on to more opportunities and better places. To one in particular, congratulations to my High School band teacher, who during my senior year left to get his doctorates degree. Congratulations DR. Smith. You've worked so hard.
- Congratulations to those of you who are ending your time of service. Perhaps you had the opportunity to work in the temple, or at the MTC. Maybe your service was an LDS mission or maybe your service was somewhere abroad where you rebuilt homes or schools, taught english, or taught other important survival skills to those in third world countries. I congratulate those of you who fall into this category on your willingness to love others and to serve them. However, just because you are now ending a time of service, does not mean that the service stops. There are many within your own neighborhoods, cities, and other areas of life you could use your service. It does not have to be big, but continue to let others know that you care
- Finally, to those of you who are closing a chapter of a life of mistakes, you deserve a large congratulations. I know how hard it can be to try and put your life back into order, and I'll tell you it does not get easier, but it does get happier, and it does get more worthwhile. Choosing to make things right with others, yourself, and the Lord is one of the best choices you could possibly make and you deserve a standing ovation. You are doing what many will not do, you are willing to make a change for the better. I admire you, and encourage you to keep going. You. Can. Do. It. I know you can.
The world is in need of a congratulatory moment. Each of us needs to be commended for the good things we are doing, and for the hard things we are overcoming. Life is not just hard for you and me, but it is hard for your neighbor, that stranger in the store, and even for your leaders. Everyone is facing hard times of trials, and instead of pulling each other down, we ought to be lifting one another up. We ought to be a little more caring and understanding and a LOT less judgmental. The world is in need of YOU to help it become better.
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