I wanted to share something that I thought was very inspiring today from Octavia Spencer. This partial video and link to her speech at the Kent State Commencement last year has so much great advice from someone whose life could have taken a much different path. Her life differed in ways that she couldn’t even have predicted for herself. She is an amazing actress who has won an Academy Award, SAG awards, a Golden Globe and many others for her work. You may have seen her in”The Help or Hidden Figures” just to name a few of her award winning movies. She is now nominated for an Academy Award for her latest movie “The Shape of Water.”
I wanted to share a few quotes from her inspiring speech, but I highly recommend that you read it all. There is also a link to a video excerpt from the speech for those who prefer to watch the speech. 🙂
- “Let me tell you this. Keep chasing those moments where you discover something new about your voice. Don’t ever let that end. Keep your minds and hearts open to life’s endless and unforeseeable possibilities.”
- “But whatever chapter, whatever your next chapter is, define it by being true to your authentic self. Fill it with meaning.”
- “It’s your turn to choose and define what success means to you. Now, others will try to define it for you, but yours is the only voice that matters.”
- “Trust me. Comparing yourself to others success only slows you down from finding your own.”
- “But stay focused so that your change and growth is intentional. Don’t let who you’re becoming be shaped by disappointments and also don’t let yourself be shaped by achievements either. Remember your Kipling: If you can meet with triumph and disaster but treat those two imposters just the same. Treat them just the same.”
- “Saying yes allows you to find your voice. It lets you uncover new opportunities and it reveals new relationships. But when it’s time to say no, say it loudly and firmly. There will be occasions when saying no is necessary to maintaining your values and your self worth. You define your value. No one else.”
Transcript of Octavia Spencer Speech
Video Excerpt of Octavia Spencer Speech
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