Diplomas

It’s the time of year when people walk across a stage and are recognized for their years of homework and attending classes and being in band or on the track team or on the school newspaper.  Yearbooks are passed around and signed – well, actually, do they do that anymore?  Students finishing 5^th and 8^th grade know what comes next.  Most high school seniors have made plans for the summer and beyond.  Today’s college graduates must deal with the challenges of the economy as well as their soon-to-be-due student loans.

But, what about the majority of us who struggle with day-to-day life?  Where are our diplomas?  It’s time we also are acknowledged.  So, here’s my attempt at passing out some needed recognition. 

Congratulations to those who have:

Kept their mouth shut	Whether at work or home or in some volunteer role, here’s a high five for keeping your mouth shut when you had a mouthful to say or for those hours of listening to the same story over and over. Award yourself a Master’s of Patience.
Stuck-to-it	Whatever you’ve remained faithful to, here’s your Master’s of Hang In There.
Walked away	When you could have let go with a rampage or a slap on the face or wrist, make yourself a Master’s certificate of I Took the High Road.
Courage	Whatever challenge you have faced, be it life threatening or something tempting, you are awarded a Master’s of Facing Fears.

That’s just a beginning.  Everyone needs a badge of some kind, even those of us just going about our business.  What “Master’s of…” would you like to create and share?  Or what are you awarding yourself?  Me?  I’m going to claim a Master’s of Possibility for taking a risk to put questions like these out in the universe.

Hope you’ll share yours or one you’re awarding to someone in your life.

Marilyn