Oh, the Places You'll Go!

This morning Mrs. Reitz read us the poem "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. It was a last call for sentimental feelings for all of us, and although I wouldn't dare shed a tear, it did let me reflect on what I've done so far. I've only lived (estimating I live to be 100 or so years old) 1/5 of my life, and all the different things that can happen to me from now until I die are astronomical. I really like this poem because it's the perfect "how-to" guide for either a high school or college graduate, in terms of describing the basic emotions, thoughts, and impulses at a time of great change and big choices.

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

Those words identify a situation of someone who has just finished a path of learning and is facing a world of choices, which is true of most graduates. It speaks of the main character, referred to as "you", making choices that lead to wonderful places, but it is not wholly optimistic...

"Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't
Because, sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
Bang-ups and Hang-ups
can happen to you."

This realistic look on the world is what makes it more than just an optimistic, childish poem. There is confusion and pain in the world, and you might be soaring one minute, and crashing the next. The way this poem reflects the hardships in life makes it more sophisticated and realistic to those who are just starting off on their journey through "real life".

"You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?"

Confusion is the problem of many graduates. Once you fall, you end up waiting for your life to start itself back up again, and it takes your own power to get yourself out of a life filled with waiting for paychecks, waiting for tests, waiting for purpose. And although you might be able to pick yourself back up again, it doesn't mean you're invincible, because everyone goes through these times.

"You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)"

For the most part, this poem is a realistic story of encouragement for those that are just about to depart on a life unknown to them. The point of view is optimistic and offers an emotional guide to those who are afraid to move on with life and it's ups and downs. But the way that this poem ends on a happy note really does emphasize the optimism in life. The more optimistic one can be, the more satisfied a person will be with their life.

What I take from this is that whatever is handed to me, I'll take it and roll with it. It doesn't have to be great, but it also doesn't have to be horrible. I can't control the unknowing things in life, but I can most definitely control my attitude about the things I come upon.