Hello there,

It’s almost the big day that you’ve heard about your whole life! Time to go to the “real world.” This is the big, scary place that will (supposedly) chew you up and spit you out.

Well, guess what? You’ve been here before; as a matter of fact, you are here now. All the experiences you have had have prepared you for this moment. If you ask me, it’s more of the same... just like the previous 18-20 years of your life “with a few subtle differences.”

There will be tests, wins, losses, new friends, old friends, enemies, believers, doubters, and supporters. It’s up to you to filter out what matters and decide what is important.

The biggest difference between where you are now and where you will be is that it is now up to you and only you to hold yourself accountable. Your wins and losses, or as I like to call them, “lessons,” will be your own, and it’s up to you to decide how you react to them, how you respond when things get tough, and how you respond when things are going great. Because trust me, things will go great, and then sometimes they may not, but then eventually they will again.

Personally, I like to live in the moment and cherish the journey because that’s where the prize lies...the beauties and wins of our day-to-day lives. Even when things are tough, there are many joys in the moment!

As you choose your path, remember that the journey will bring more satisfaction than the destination ever can.

If I could tell you one thing that I hope sticks with you, it is that the old cliché is true:

Your entire life is ahead of you. No matter what you decide to do, where you decide to go, or who you decide to do it with, you have time.

Come up with a plan and try to stick to it. Give yourself time to succeed, fail, try, learn, and repeat. No matter what you do, give it your all, and when you look back in 5 or so years, you will be astonished by how much you have improved and what you have accomplished.

You may not realize it until 10 or 15 years from now, but it is true: “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.” It may not be easy, but it is possible.

Give yourself time to grow! Become a lifelong learner, cherish the

moment, and give it all you’ve got!

-Brandin Bryant, former NFL Player

For more of Brandin’s work, please check out his website.