An Invocation speech

Life is one’s individual journey. Even with all the madness, the difficult times, and low blows you have endured, you can choose to rise above. You can learn and grow into a woman that is passionate about making a difference and a woman that will absolutely blow others away.

The years ahead are crucial, but it can also be some of the best. It is a time to reflect, to explore, to embrace yourself and to begin new adventures. This time will be difficult, but you will truly find yourself and your own path. You can choose to stay the course of that path and push through all the good and the bad, or you can choose to let it run you down. Disappointment will come when your effort does not give you the expected return, if things don’t go as planned, or if you face failure. Failure is extremely difficult to handle, but those who do come out stronger. “What did this failure teach me?” is the question you will need to ask yourself. You will feel defeat, you will want to quit, but it’s a part of life. If challenges could always be overcome, they would cease to be challenges. Give this time a chance. Work hard and persevere. You'll be thankful for the challenge and what it will make of you.

            This time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. Most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition and to write your own life song.

My wish for you today is that you live a life that matters. One that matters not for your success but for your significance. One that matters not for your competence but for your character. And a life that matters because living it wasn't by accident; it was by choice.