"...but my lesson is this: I don't give a s#%."

So, I peruse Facebook once a week or so. And a video of Charlie Day, one of the creators and starts of "Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia," giving a commencement speech in 2015 from his alma mater, Merrimack College. I listened to it once, then twice, then a third time. It really struck a chord.

Enjoy:

"...But my lesson is this. I don't give a shit.

You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure. You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.

Everything I'm truly proud of in this life has been a terrifying prospect to me. From my first play, to hosting "Saturday Night Live," getting married, being a father, speaking to you today. None of it comes easy. People will tell you to do what makes you happy, but all this has been hard work. And I'm not always happy.

I don't think you should just do what makes you happy. Do what makes you great. Do what's uncomfortable and scary and hard but pays off in the long run. Be willing to fail. Let yourself fail. Fail in the way and place where you would be proud to fail. Fail and pick yourself up and fail again. Without that struggle, what is your success anyway?

As best we know we have one life. In it, you must trust your own voice, your own ideas, your honestly and venerability and though this you will find your way. You don't have to be fearless just don't let fear stop you.

Live like this as best as you can and I guarantee you will look back at a life well lived.

You are capable of greatness in your profession and more importantly in your quality of self. Stay young at heart. Stay hungry. Take those risks.

You are going to change the world around you in small ways and in big and I greatly look forward to being a part of the future you will shape. Congratulations graduates. And good luck."

To quote another inspirational character, The Most Interesting Man in the World:

"Stay Thirsty, my Friends!"

Until next time...

Love life, Find meaning, Be happy,

Craiger