It’s the season for endings, for new beginnings, and for change. It’s the season for both reflecting on the past and embracing the future. It’s the season for . . . graduation speeches galore. Nothing centers a speech—or even a graduation card sentiment—like a good quote, but enough with the “reach for the stars” and the “follow your dreams.”
Follow the road less traveled and skip the Robert Frost quotes. Be the cool aunt who throws down some Game of Thrones or the Valedictorian who kicks off their speech with a little wisdom from the Terminator. We’ve done the research, now all you have to do is deliver the clever.
We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.
-J. K. Rowling
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
-Will Rogers
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
-Arthur Ashe
Nobody else is paying as much attention to your failures as you are . . . to everyone else, it’s just a blip on the radar screen, so just move on.
-Jerry Zucker
Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success.
-Bo Bennett
Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.
-Jackson Browne
Do. Or do not. There is no try.
-Yoda
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
-Gary Player
Once you’ve accepted your flaws no one can use them against you.
-Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones
Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.
-Arnold Schwarzenegger
We know we’ve hit a nice even ten, but we couldn’t resist just one more. Graduates or the graduate in your life might not appreciate it, but if you are of certain age, this will make you smile. Consider it our gift to you.
When I was your age, we didn’t have the Internet in our pants. We didn’t even have the Internet not in our pants. That’s how bad it was.
-Dick Costolo
-Ellen and Erin
Want some more reading about graduation?
Ten Things I Want to Say to My Son Before He Graduates
Advice for My Daughter as She Graduates
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Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”
Great collection of quotes, and no cheese anywhere in sight. 🙂
Kelly recently posted..Lovely Things: A Fourth Anniversary Gift Guide