We’re digging in the archives with this one. As it’s back-to-school season, it was this very time two years ago that I had the pleasure of presenting a keynote for some of the most amazing first-generation students at The University of Southern Mississippi. In this session, I reflect on a thought I shared with students with a message too good not to share with you. In a world constantly pushing standards of all that you are supposed to be, I think it’s important for you to be reminded that life is a blank canvas, and whatever you want for your life, you get to create.

Life is Blank Canvas – 01:00

Today is a new day. A new day full of new opportunities brilliantly disguised as challenging situations. But you have to take action. Just like a blank canvas cannot draw itself, you must pick up the brush and draw the life you want. 

Every day, every year, every month is like a blank piece of canvas. Your obligation is to fill that canvas with the most exciting, beautiful, and powerful painting you can possibly come up with. If you don’t know where to start, focus on the things that are most important to you. Be a little selfish and think about your wants and needs for a second. At the end of the day, nobody can live for you, and nobody can die for you. It’s your life, so go out and paint something. It doesn’t have to be stunning; it doesn’t have to make sense but just paint something.

No Situation is Permanent – 05:05

Continuing with the life is a blank canvas analogy, I also believe no situation is permanent. The worries, the pain, the failures, the environment, and even your age is not permanent. Things change, and just like a painted canvas, you can cover it up and draw something different. But it all starts when you decide to change. Think of it this way, the people who often experience difficulties at every turn have one thing in common – they don’t change. To some extent, you can’t blame them because they don’t realize they create their circumstances according to their actions. 

Again I say this; nothing is permanent. The painting you believe has been painted about you can be repainted. And it’s your duty to repaint it, not only for yourself but for the universe. Remember, you have the power to create the life you want.