I get the biggest kick out of watching them succeed! This you will always have my dears, the beginning of your dream. Life’s triumphs are but far and few between. All that is coming, of yet, remains to be seen.

What I am wondering is where’s my PhD? A life of hard knocks has been the life for me. I’ve earned it and I’d like to know which University hands out diplomas to people just like me? Life experience and plenty of hard places... I found my way out of many tight spaces! In retrospect I can see, the wisdom in all thats come to be but I still want that PhD!

That frame-able reminder of all I’ve been through. Knowing it’s been worth something and others see it to. The work it’s been to get here and the sense of pride I feel... Might sound silly to you but to me it’s a big deal! I want that piece of paper, that acknowledgement to me, a handshake and a nod from alumni and faculty. The accomplishment that comes after all the hard works done... I want my second act now it’s time to have some fun!

Be a mover and a shaker and really kick some ass but do it with dignity and hopefully some class. Be a world beater but be kind to those you meet. Be the best that you can be but don’t feel you have to compete. For the world has plenty of room for those with PhD’s in life experience– this is what I tell myself when I’m tired and delirious.

For those who have taken care of others and been the overseers, I want to impart kudos to you for you really are great leaders! For teaching the world that it’s “ok”  to help others accomplish a goal. Makes you instrumental in the world, as a whole!  For “It Takes A Village ”,as one wise woman proclaimed. You can take that knowledge and hopefully no shame, that you have helped the greater good and probably overcame-obstacles in abundance, frustration and some blame.

So this I have to say, Congratulations on earning this degree! The School Of Hard Knocks acknowledges your hard work and tenacity! I give to you this honorary degree of PhD, in Applied Life Science of Hard Knocks and Misery. Now go out there and make this ole world a better place to be. The possibilities are endless for those with this degree!

Philosophers, life coaches and writers all take heed, their are no greater teachers than the lives we all must lead. The education comes to us all in different ways. The hows and whys differ but the result is all the same. Whatever our misfortune, our plight to overcome, we look upon our history, this is what we draw from. We find a way to make “it” work, whatever “It” may be. This is how we navigate life’s harsh adversity.

So when you gaze upon my plaque and question my credentials, I’ll let you look into my soul and see my life hurdles... That got me to this place of honor that I hold today. This I will always look upon, cherish and display! For I have wisdom and knowledge that only life can teach. I feel accomplished and confident that I have truly reached, a level worthy of excepting this prestigious PhD. I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to learn all I can be! Now, heres to fun and happiness for all eternity. Learnings done, and funs begun, and maybe I will see? The journey that I took, didn’t come from a book, it came from me!