It is what it is: May 21, 2025 – Jen Brien

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary

FOR JULIANA

What would I say to my beautiful niece who graduated from college last weekend If I were to give her a commencement speech? As an auntie who missed 90% of her life because of my personal struggles with alcoholism and PTSD I would say these things to her… (SHE STILL says she LOVES me every time I see her now… which makes me cry every time)… and so… THIS is for you, JULIANA… I admire you so very much…

Take a deep breath honey, YOU DID IT! You’ve conquered the awkwardness and fear of new beginnings after arriving to campus on your first day of orientation, trudged through the challenging sleepless nights of work, piles of study and endless paper writing like a warrior – even if you wanted to give up – and now, on GRADUATION DAY you’ve created for yourself a new door to walk through that has endless possibilities for the world you stand ready to shape.

I’m so very PROUD of you and who you have become. I see that GOD has definitely created in you a “service to others” mindset and that is no mistake. The world desperately needs that now, and you fully embody the phrase from ESTHER which states, “you were made for such a time as this”. You have a unique assignment set before you in this world, and you proved to God you have the discipline to carry that assignment out over the last four years. Life is hard but keep your eyes on God and he will be a lamp to your feet and direct your steps. I’ve learned a few things in my nearly 57 years of life and I want to share them with you. I hope they will have some type of impact as you forge your own path. 

Here’s what I’ve got figured out so far:

Remember, it’s not what happens to us in life that matters, it’s how we respond to those things that shape our future

Life is not fair. In the moments we are being stretched we are being refined and evolving into a better version of ourselves

Don’t over think the mystery of life. Our brains are not capable of such extraordinary truths

Not everyone will like you. Your BRIGHT light will antagonize and offend the darkness in others

The world is a noisy place, spend time alone in nature daily and reconnect. We have to charge our spiritual batteries in addition to our cell phones

Embrace the “DETOURS”. Some of life’s greatest lessons and unexpected opportunities show up when our plans implode

Celebrate the success of others while you are waiting on YOUR breakthrough. The waiting is where we show the world what our character looks like

Blend OUT not IN. The world NEEDS your unique perspective

LISTEN to what others say. Don’t just “HEAR” it

DO NOT BE AFRAID. OF ANYTHING. You may have to fight some battles with a slingshot like DAVID, but GOD will empower you. STAND firm in that belief. No matter how hard it is

Keep your word. It’s your legacy

Don’t say YES when you want to say NO. Who cares if they can’t handle your “NO”. That’s their problem

TRUST your DISCERNMENT. That is a gift from GOD to help you along on your journey

GET A DOG. They make life SO MUCH BETTER!

and finally…

“ALWAYS PRAY TO HAVE EYES THAT SEE THE BEST IN PEOPLE, A HEART THAT FORGIVES THE WORST, A MIND THAT FORGETS THE BAD AND A SOUL THAT NEVER LOSES FAITH IN GOD”

Never stop learning, questioning and seeking, Juliana. May your life be filled with PURPOSE and a want to do good wherever you go… and remember – the world will tell you life is all about achievements, but deep meaningful life experiences happen when no one is looking or acknowledging you. Thing is though, honey… God sees everything. His approval is ALL YOU NEED.

Now, off you go. WIELD YOUR SWORD AND SLAY IT!

I’m ALWAYS here if you need me. Always.

Auntie Jen

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