Consider this : you have what you need to stay afloat

-Emma:

As you embark on this journey, this transition,
Don't try to be and just be.
Feel the fear, cry the tears, smile for what is yet to come
And for the memories you've already made.
Let yourself flounder; don't try to have all the answers.
Because you won't.
Explore.
Experiment.
Dream.
Live.
You're on your own timeline, you can do things your way.
Be not afraid to go against the grain,
To live on your own terms,
To speak out for who you are and what you believe in.
Take classes just because they sound fun,
Do things you've never done and never thought you would.
You are your own lifeboat;
You have what you need to stay afloat.
The waters will be calm, they'll be choppy,
Some days you'll row with all your might,
Even going against the current,
And others you'll relax and ride the waves.
Create your own reality.
Live the life you've always wanted.
Be your own lifeboat.

-Sarah Love

I am gathering wisdom from the far corners of the earth to give Emma as she graduates from high school. What would you say to her? Or to your own 17-year-old self? What thoughts would you ask her to consider? You can submit your advice (instructions here) and 37 of those will be posted over the next 37 days, one each day, culminating in a free e-book of all the submissions after her graduation on June 14th.