5 Life Lessons Learned Three Years After Graduating From UC Berkeley
The gentleman you see in this photo goes by the name of Pink Cloud. It was taken on a beautiful spring afternoon over three years ago on Saturday, May 17, 2014 after my commencement from the University of California, Berkeley.
A locally known and angelic presence in the Northern California community, I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a genuine and fruitful friendship with Pink Cloud during my undergraduate tenure. The relationship started one fall October evening in 2012 when we made eye contact and I simply asked him, how he was doing?
While I am forever grateful to have had the privilege to attain a world class education in Berkeley and connect with a diverse as well as socially conscious community of students, professors and thought-leaders…the lessons acquired from the wisdom of Pink Cloud could have never been attained in any lecture session or textbook. They could only be experienced through the art of mastering the most imperative exam called life.
A year later the self examination process of who I am, where I have been and where I want to go continues. While I have experienced successes, defeats, setbacks and comebacks, I realize deeply that all these experiences are necessary in order for me to unlock the most outer depths of who I am and strive to be.
The following five lessons have been focal these last three years in reminding me that the road towards mastery does not transpire overnight. That it is a long and transformative never ending marathon of repetition and discipline, not merely a destination sprint.
Patience
Every day we have an opportunity to decide on a unique value proposition. We can go backwards, stay stagnate or move forward with enthusiasm in creating the life we envision. These last three years have taught me to be more patient with myself and to trust the timing of my life. While it can be human nature to question our purpose, and compare ourselves to others, we must continue to release any worry, doubt, fear and anxiety by accepting what is, letting go of what was and having faith in what will be…while never forgetting that creating anything meaningful takes a relentless work ethic and time.
Perseverance
Adversity and obstacles are inevitable. But that is what makes this life voyage beautiful and meaningful. These last three years have taught me to control what is in my power…putting in the work to get better not bitter and growing from what might seem like a disappointing occurrence or setback. With this positive mindset awareness shift, I have been able to develop a stronger mental aptitude to never give up, and to keep progressing forward when hitting a bump in the road.
Unlearn to Learn
Rather than being taught how to think throughout my institutionalized schooling experience, I was often trained to regurgitate facts and lesson plans. After three years of being removed from formal schooling, I have learned the importance of being a life learner. I have realized the process of discovering my outer limits and exhausting every finite niche of my potential will only transpire when I never lose sight of my childlike curiosity and eagerness to question Why?
Design the Life You Envision
These three years have taught me to break free from a survival mindset and to shift my time, energy and consciousness into designing the life I want. Life is too short, not to go for it. I have learned to stop waiting for the perfect moment and to just get started with the resources and information that is available. I have reminded myself to DREAM BIG while executing and creating small wins on a daily basis.
Work Towards Building A Legacy
How do you want to be remembered? During these last three years I have spent time deeply reflecting on this question. We do not need to create the next Facebook, Amazon, Tesla, Nike or Apple to leave a meaningful legacy. It is about our daily living and how people feel after leaving our presence. Each day we have the ability to be radiant beacons of peace, love, courage, perseverance and positivity — in the process, leaving footprints of kindness everywhere we go!
Humanity is at very interesting crossroads, which will require a deeper level of genuine empathy, self-awareness, servant leadership and courageous thinking. We all must take a look in the mirror, challenging our own biases, opinions, stereotypes and misconceptions. As we begin to clean up our own hearts, minds and souls, we can start debunking our own fears, egos and insecurities to serve as beacons of inspiration, empowerment and change for our local and global communities.
Like you, I am still striving to make sense of this phenomenon called life. The only thing I truly know is…right now is the only moment that will ever be promised. As you continue to navigate the terrains of your journey, never forget to live in your truth while celebrating your greatness!
Discrediting your story is wasting a divine and impeccable creation…Discrediting someone else’s story…well that’s just ignorant, because you just might be overlooking an iconic presence like Pink Cloud….A genius spirit who could equip you for the most important exam: Life.
About the Author:
Kimati A. Ramsey is an innovative brand strategist, inspirational educator and motivational speaker who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. His educational, career and life management strategies have empowered thousands of student-athletes, high school and college students to seize opportunities and turn dreams into realities. Stay connected at www.kimatiramsey.com.
