As I prepared this blog post, we were a country in mourning. Another school shooting. Ukraine. And more.
My heart is breaking. Maybe yours is, too.
I try not to get overwhelmed by tragedies. I always fail.
I try to look on the bright side. I usually succeed.
Today’s post highlights Jonathon Michael Batiste, looking on the bright side.
In his commencement address at Salve Regina University, May 21, 2017, Jon Batiste asked, “Who can you help along the way?”
In my Write Spot Blog posts, I hope to inspire writing. I hope to encourage and offer ideas for you to Just Write.
Perhaps Jon’s from-the-heart commencement address will uplift and inspire you.
Quotes from the commence talk
“Be as humane as possible. It’s really important to stay human.”
“Who are you?”
“Who do you want to be?”
“What is your purpose?”
“. . . internal fortitude amidst the chaos.”
Note from Marlene: I’m wishing you a safe place where you can be you, wherever you are in your Journey of Life.
Writing Prompt: This is who I am.
Jonathan Michael Batiste, also known as Jon Batiste, is a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and recently named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the “Icon” category.
Jon Batiste has been a bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since 2015.
Jon’s accolades include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy Award, and a BAFTA Film Award in 2020 for co-composing the score for the Pixar animated film Soul.
Jonathon Michael Batiste won five Grammy Awards out of 14 nominations in 2022, including Album of the Year for his album “We Are.”