Dr. Michael Cørnwall

Mental health counseling for children, adolescents, teens and adults. Accepting most insurance plans and private pay patients.

06/19/2024

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Teachers Are Sharing The Modern Parenting Trends They’ve Noticed — And 100% Disagree With 06/19/2024

Teachers Are Sharing The Modern Parenting Trends They’ve Noticed — And 100% Disagree With "We blamed them first on the pandemic, but now my colleagues and I are beginning to think it's a cultural shift in parenting." View Entire Post ›

06/16/2024
06/08/2024

Relinquishing Control

When it comes to choosing a lifelong partner, it is essential to understand the significance of letting go of control and replacing it with unconditional acceptance. This means building a relationship free from judgment or comparison.

One of the keys to a successful and fulfilling relationship is the ability to relinquish control. Trying to control every aspect of a partner or a relationship can lead to resentment, frustration, and ultimately, the erosion of trust. By letting go of the need to control, we allow our partner to be themselves, to make their own choices, and to grow in their own way. This creates an environment of respect and understanding, where both individuals are free to express themselves authentically.

Moreover, cultivating a mindset of unconditional acceptance is paramount in fostering a deep and lasting connection with our partner. This means accepting our partner for who they are – flaws, quirks, and all – without trying to change them to fit a mold of our own making. Unconditional acceptance involves seeing our partner as a whole and complete individual, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It means loving them not in spite of their imperfections, but because of them.

When we practice unconditional acceptance, we release ourselves from the burden of judgment and comparison. Instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings or flaws in our partner, we choose to appreciate and celebrate their uniqueness. This outlook creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere in the relationship, where both partners feel supported, understood, and valued for who they are.

Choosing a lifelong partner requires a willingness to let go of control and embrace unconditional acceptance. By surrendering the need to control and instead focusing on acceptance and understanding, we create a space where the relationship can thrive. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and love.

06/05/2024

American Black Females and the High Incidence of Fibroids When Compared to African Black Females

Research suggests that Black American women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids compared to African Black women. Several factors contribute to this disparity:

1. Genetics: There is evidence that genetic factors play a role in the prevalence and severity of fibroids among Black American women. Certain genetic mutations and variations associated with fibroids may be more common in Black American female populations.

2. Environmental Factors: The environment in which African American women live may contribute to the higher prevalence of fibroids. Factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals or endocrine disruptors may increase the risk.

3. Lifestyle Factors: Differences in lifestyle, including dietary habits and physical activity levels, might influence the development of fibroids. Diets high in red meat and low in green vegetables and fruits have been linked to a higher risk of fibroids.

4. Healthcare Access and Utilization: Black American women might have different patterns of healthcare access and utilization compared to Black African women. Delayed diagnosis or differences in healthcare-seeking behavior could affect the reported prevalence and severity of fibroids.

5. Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic status and related stressors can impact health outcomes. Black American women may experience higher levels of chronic stress, which has been associated with an increased risk of fibroids.

6. Body Mass Index (BMI): Higher BMI is a known risk factor for fibroids, and Black American women, on average, have higher BMI compared to African Black women, which may partly explain the disparity.

The exact reasons for these differences are complex and multifactorial, involving an interplay of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

References:

1. Baird, D. D., Dunson, D. B., Hill, M. C., Cousins, D., & Schectman, J. M. (2003). High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: Ultrasound evidence. *American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 188*(1), 100-107.
2. Wise, L. A., Palmer, J. R., Harlow, B. L., Spiegelman, D., Stewart, E. A., & Rosenberg, L. (2004). Risk of uterine leiomyomata in relation to to***co, alcohol, and caffeine consumption in the Black Women's Health Study. *Human Reproduction, 19*(8), 1746-1754.
3. Stewart, E. A., Cookson, C. L., Gandolfo, R. A., & Schulze-Rath, R. (2017). Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review. *BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 124*(10), 1501-1512.

Pinky And The Brain - S01E03 [Part 3/3] [Brainstem] 05/22/2024

Pinky And The Brain - S01E03 [Part 3/3] [Brainstem] Pinky And The Brain - Season 01 Episode 03 [Part 3/3]Part 1 available here: http://youtu.be/48SPfAhWA98Part 2 available here: http://youtu.be/3VrPS5-GSJ8S01E...

7 Things You Should Do Every Night Before Sleep | Stoic Evening Meditation | Stoicism Routine 05/19/2024

7 Things You Should Do Every Night Before Sleep | Stoic Evening Meditation | Stoicism Routine What's our next video? 🤔 Become a Member and decide! 🎬 Join Today: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBiF9S8-aEmV4pn6N7rJ8w/join📚 FREE eBook - Top 110 Sto...

05/19/2024

Emotional Words As Degrees of Fear and Calm

1. Subjective Nature of Emotional Words: Emotional words like "depression," "anxiety," or "happiness" are subjective and can vary in meaning between individuals. They provide a general sense of an emotional state but can be imprecise in capturing the nuances and specific thoughts behind the emotions.

2. Cognitive and Biological Basis: Emotions arise from the cognitive appraisal of situations and the subsequent biological responses. By examining these underlying cognitive and physiological processes, we can gain a clearer and more objective understanding of an individual's emotional state.

3. Degrees of Fear and Calm: If we consider emotions as lying on a spectrum between fear and calm, this perspective simplifies the understanding of emotional experiences. Fear-based thoughts trigger the limbic system's fight-or-flight response, while calming thoughts activate relaxation and safety responses.

4. Emotional Words and Solutions: While emotional words help in communicating and identifying emotional states, they can sometimes obscure the underlying thoughts that need to be addressed. By focusing on the thoughts that generate the emotions, we can find more effective solutions to emotional distress.

5. Therapeutic Implications: In therapy, this approach would involve less emphasis on labeling emotions and more on exploring and modifying the thoughts driving those emotions. Techniques like cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and other cognitive-behavioral strategies would be central.

6. Practical Example: For instance, instead of focusing solely on the label "depression," therapy might explore specific fears and negative thoughts contributing to the depressive state. Identifying thoughts such as "I’m not good enough" or "I’ll never succeed" allows for targeted interventions to challenge and change these thoughts, leading to a shift in emotional state.

While emotional words are useful for communication, a more reliable understanding and resolution of emotional states might indeed come from examining the cognitive and biological responses to thought. This approach highlights the importance of addressing the root cognitive processes to effectively manage and resolve emotional distress.

05/19/2024

Beyond Emotional Labels: Understanding Emotions Through Cognitive and Biological Perspectives

Humans are complex beings with intricate thought processes and biological responses that shape their emotional experiences. In the exploration of emotions, it is crucial to go beyond subjective emotional labels and delve deeper into the cognitive and biological foundations of these feelings.

Emotional words such as "depression," "anxiety," or "happiness" are subjective in nature and can carry different meanings for different individuals. While these words offer a general sense of an emotional state, they may fail to capture the intricate nuances and specific thoughts underlying those emotions. By shifting the focus towards the cognitive and biological bases of emotions, we can attain a more objective understanding of an individual's emotional state.

Emotions stem from cognitive appraisals of situations and stimulate various biological responses within the body. Viewing emotions on a spectrum between fear and calm simplifies the understanding of emotional experiences and makes solutions to emotional states more possible. Fear-based thoughts activate the body's fight-or-flight response, while calming thoughts promote relaxation and safety responses.

Emotional words help in identifying and communicating emotional states. They can also obscure the underlying thoughts that drive those emotions. By emphasizing the examination of thoughts that generate emotions, we can discover more effective solutions to emotional distress. In therapeutic settings, this approach involves less categorization of emotions and more exploration and adjustment of the cognitive processes influencing those emotions. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies become integral in this approach.

For example, in addressing depression, the focus may shift from the label itself to the negative thoughts and fears fueling the depressive state. By identifying and challenging thoughts such as "I’m not good enough" or "I’ll never succeed," targeted interventions can be implemented to alter these thoughts, consequently leading to a shift in emotional state.

While emotional words play a vital role in communication, a more profound comprehension and resolution of emotional states can be achieved through an examination of the cognitive and biological responses to thought. This alternative perspective underscores the significance of addressing underlying cognitive processes in effectively managing and resolving emotional distress.

05/19/2024

Emotional Words

If Homo sapiens lacked the ability to use words to describe their emotional states, their communication would indeed be heavily reliant on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and perhaps some rudimentary sounds. In such a scenario, expressing complex emotional states like depression, anger, or guilt would be significantly challenging.

Expressing Emotions without Words

1. Facial Expressions and Body Language: Humans have a rich repertoire of facial expressions and body movements that can convey a wide range of emotions. For example, sadness might be expressed through drooping posture, frowning, or tears, while anger could be shown by clenched fists, narrowed eyes, and a tense posture.

2. Degree of Emotional States: Without specific words, emotions might be conveyed as a spectrum rather than distinct categories. For example, fear and calm could have varying intensities communicated through subtle changes in expression and movement.

3. Complex Emotions: Identifying and communicating complex emotions like depression would be particularly difficult. Depression might be indicated through a combination of prolonged sadness, lack of movement, and disengagement from social interactions, but without the specific word "depression," the precise identification and understanding of the condition would be limited.

Identifying Depression

Non-Verbal Indicators: In the absence of verbal descriptions, depression might be inferred from behaviors such as persistent low energy, lack of interest in activities, social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, and noticeable changes in facial expressions and posture over time.

Context and Social Cues: Observers might rely heavily on context and the individual's overall behavior patterns to infer that a person is experiencing depression.

Without words to specifically describe emotional states, Homo sapiens would rely on non-verbal communication to express and interpret emotions. While basic emotional states could be conveyed and understood to some extent, the nuanced and complex emotions, particularly mental health conditions like depression, would be much harder to identify and communicate accurately. This limitation would impact social interactions, empathy, and possibly the ability to seek and provide appropriate support.

References

Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1971). Constants across cultures in the face and emotion. *Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 17*(2), 124.

Tomasello, M. (2008). Origins of Human Communication. *MIT Press*.

Barrett, L. F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. *Houghton Mifflin Harcourt*.

05/18/2024

Neanderthal and Homo Sapien Language Differences

The evolution of speech played a crucial role in shaping the interactions between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. While Homo sapiens possess complex language abilities, Neanderthals are believed to have had limited speech capabilities, if any at all. This disparity in communication skills may have led to misunderstandings and barriers between the two species, potentially contributing to the eventual alienation and limited mating between them.

Language and Communication

Language is a fundamental aspect of human evolution, enabling us to convey thoughts, feelings, and intentions. The ability to articulate complex ideas and emotions through speech is unique to Homo sapiens and has played a pivotal role in our cognitive development and cultural advancement. In contrast, Neanderthals are believed to have had a form of communication but lacked the intricate language capabilities of Homo sapiens.

Alienation and Mating Restrictions

The differences in communication abilities between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals might have led to misunderstandings and limited interactions between the two species. The inability to effectively communicate thoughts and emotions could have created barriers that hindered social integration and cooperation. This lack of understanding and communication may have contributed to the alienation of Neanderthals by Homo sapiens.

The limitations in communication between the two species might have influenced mating behaviors. The inability to effectively express emotions and intentions could have resulted in difficulty forming intimate bonds and relationships between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. This, in turn, may have led to restrictions or prohibitions on mating between the two groups.

Evolutionary Implications

The differences in speech capabilities between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals highlight the complex interplay of biological and cultural factors in human evolution. The development of language in Homo sapiens provided a significant adaptive advantage, enabling us to communicate more effectively, form complex social structures, and transmit knowledge across generations.

While the exact reasons for the extinction of Neanderthals remain a topic of debate among researchers, the disparities in communication abilities may have played a role in shaping the interactions between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. The lack of a common language and the resulting miscommunications and misunderstandings could have contributed to the alienation and eventual extinction of Neanderthals.

The evolution of speech in Homo sapiens and the presumed lack of complex language abilities in Neanderthals likely influenced the interactions between the two species. The differences in communication may have contributed to misunderstandings, social barriers, and limited mating between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. Understanding the role of language in human evolution can provide insight into the complex dynamics of interactions between different hominin species and shed light on the factors that shaped our evolutionary history.

05/18/2024

The Mysterious Extinction of the Neanderthals

After Neanderthals came into contact with Homo sapiens, they engaged in interbreeding for a significant period of time. This interbreeding left a genetic mark in the modern human population, with individuals of non-African descent carrying about 1-4% Neanderthal DNA. However, the question of why Neanderthals stopped mating with Homo sapiens and ultimately faced extinction remains a topic of debate among scientists and researchers.

One possible reason for the decline in interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens could be attributed to changes in lifestyle and behavior. As Homo sapiens migrated and settled in different regions, they may have established their own communities and social structures, which could have limited the interactions between the two species. Neanderthals, being well-adapted to the harsh environments of the Ice Age, may have struggled to compete with the innovative and adaptable Homo sapiens in terms of resource acquisition and survival strategies. This could have led to a decrease in opportunities for interbreeding and genetic exchange.

Environmental factors such as climate change, competition for resources, and the spread of diseases may have also played a role in the decline of the Neanderthals. The rapidly changing climate during the Late Pleistocene period could have posed significant challenges for both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in terms of food availability and habitat suitability. The arrival of Homo sapiens, who were adept at exploiting diverse environments and resources, may have intensified the competition for limited resources, putting additional pressure on the Neanderthals.

The spread of diseases from Homo sapiens to Neanderthals could have had devastating effects on the Neanderthal populations. As Homo sapiens carried pathogens to which the Neanderthals had not developed immunity, outbreaks of diseases could have decimated Neanderthal communities, weakening their populations and making them more vulnerable to extinction.

The exact cause of the extinction of the Neanderthals remains a subject of ongoing research and speculation. While interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens was a significant aspect of their history, various factors such as changes in lifestyle, environmental challenges, competition, and disease transmission likely contributed to the decline of the Neanderthal populations. By piecing together archaeological, genetic, and environmental evidence, scientists continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals.

People Who Were Overly Criticized Growing up Usually Display These 10 Behaviors (Without Realizing It) - New Trader U 05/17/2024

People Who Were Overly Criticized Growing up Usually Display These 10 Behaviors (Without Realizing It) - New Trader U Growing up in an environment filled with constant criticism can impact an individual’s behavior well into adulthood. The words and actions of parents,

05/15/2024
05/15/2024

HERE IS A TRANSCRIPT OF JERRY SIENFELD’S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH AT DUKE UNIVERSITY (VERY VERY NICE):

Thank you. Oh my God, what a beautiful day. What a beautiful class. We love you guys.

I am here today at the gracious invitation of President Price and the Duke Board of Trustees. Because after spending four years at what is considered one of the finest institutions of higher education in the world, they apparently feel that perhaps some light entertainment will get you all to the final realization. You know, I think I’ve really had enough of this place. Let’s bring in a comedian.

Let’s bring the sophistication and erudition of the Duke experience down a couple notches. And I thought, maybe that does make sense. Maybe the thinking was, what we really want is to just get these kids the hell out of here. What would give them that last final push?

Because what you might not be fully aware of is that the entire time you have been at this wonderful university, we have been meeting and talking to other kids that we would like to replace you with. Not because we weren’t happy with you. Not at all. You have been great. It’s just, you know, we want you to see what’s out there. I don’t want to say exactly how many kids we talked to. It’s roughly this many. And we met a lot of wonderful kids a lot.

Was there a time when we were thrilled to have you come here to learn, grow and flourish? Of course, there was… that time has passed. We do offer graduate programs in a number of different disciplines. If you and your parents want to stall your ultimate uselessness for a few more years.

I can’t imagine how sick you are of hearing about following your passion. I say, the hell with passion. Find something you can do that would be great if you try something and it doesn’t work. That’s okay too.

Most things do not work. Most things are not good. You know this already. From your short lives. You leave the house. You come back. How was Pi and hard, it was okay. That’s why everyone tries so hard to get in here. Duke actually is really good. The school is the square handicap button that opens the Brodhead doors to your life. Unless it’s those heavy wooden doors at the West Union. Those will kill you.

Let Go of Finding One Great Passion

Let go of this idea that you have to find this one great thing. That is my passion, my great passion. With your shirt torn open and your heaving, pec muscles. It’s embarrassing.

Just be willing to do your work as hard as you can with the ability you have. We don’t need the heavy breathing and the outstretched arm from your passion. It makes coworkers uncomfortable in the cubicle next to you. Find fascination. Fascination is way better than passion. It’s not so sweaty.

Three Real Keys to Life

I will give you my three real keys to life. No jokes in this part, okay? They are number one. Bust your ass. Number two. Pay attention. Number three. Fall in love.

Number one. You obviously already know. Whatever you’re doing, I don’t care if it’s your job, your hobby, your relationship. Getting a reservation at M Sushi. Make an effort. Just pure stupid. No real idea what I’m doing here effort. Effort always yields a positive value. Even if the outcome of the effort is absolute failure of the desired result. This is a rule of life. Just swing the bat and pray is not a bad approach to a lot of things.

Number two. Pay attention. If you’re in a small submersible that looks like a giant kazoo and going to visit the Titanic seven miles down at the bottom of the ocean, and the captain of the vessel is using a Gameboy controller. Pay attention to that.

What are you checking out down there? Oh, I see what happened. This ship sank. Now I understand why it never made it into port. If the fish where you are have eyes like Shelley Duvall and a bendy straw with a work blade hanging off their head, you do not belong there. If the fish are going, I can’t see a goddamn thing. You won’t either.

Number three, fall in love. It’s easy to fall in love with people. I suggest falling in love with anything and everything. Every chance you get. Fall in love with your coffee, your sneakers, your blue zone parking space.

I’ve had a lot of fun in life. Falling in love with stupid, meaningless physical objects. But the object I love the most is the clear barrel BIC pen, $1.29 for a box of ten. I can fall in love with a car turn signal switch that has a nice feel to it. A pizza crust that collapses with just the right amount of pressure.

I have truly spent my life focusing on the smallest things imaginable, completely oblivious to all the big issues of living. Find something where you love the good parts and don’t mind the bad parts too much. The torture you’re comfortable with. This is the golden path to victory in life. Work. Exercise. Relationships. They all have a solid component of pure torture, and they are all 1,000% worth it.

Privilege Is a Good Thing

Privilege is a word that has taken quite a beating lately. Privilege today seems to be the worst thing you can have. I would like to take a moment to defend it. Again.

A lot of you are thinking. I can’t believe they invited this guy. Too late. I say use your privilege. I grew up a Jewish boy from New York. That is a privilege if you want to be a comedian. Thanks.

If I messed up a funny story around my relatives, they would go: That’s not how you tell that joke. The pr******te has to be behind the drapes when the wife comes in. You went to Duke. That is an unbelievable privilege. I now have an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Duke University. And if I can figure out a way to use that, I will. I haven’t figured anything out yet. I think it’s pretty much as useful in real life as this outfit I’m wearing. But so what? I’ll take it.

My point is, we’re embarrassed about things we should be proud of and proud of things we should be embarrassed about. When I was writing my TV series… Thanks. What a crowd.

So on my staff in the 90s, we had a lot of Harvard guys. They were fantastic, but I could never understand why these guys were so embarrassed about being from Harvard. They would never talk about it. They would never mention it. I’m not talking about Harvard now. I’m talking about the way it used to be. You’re never going to believe this. Harvard used to be a great place to go to school. Now it’s Duke.

You didn’t fake your fabulous education. You earned it. Be proud of it. Don’t just drop it on people right before you serve in pickleball. Okay? Duke 24, coming at you. But if it comes up, if someone asks, don’t say it. Looking down, stubbing your toe in the dirt. When someone asks, where did you go to school? You say, I went to Duke. Watch them take that uncomfortable hard swallow.

AI Is Embarrassing

AI, on the other hand, is the most embarrassing thing we’ve ever invented in mankind’s time on Earth. Oh, so you can’t do the work? Is that what you’re telling me? You can’t figure it out. This seems to be the justification of AI – I couldn’t do it. This is something to be embarrassed about. The ad campaign for ChatGPT GPT should be the opposite of Nike. You just can’t do it.

Making fake brains is risky. Frankenstein proved that he was so dumb he thought a monster needed a sport jacket. It’s not a wine tasting. We’re terrorizing villagers. No one’s going to tell you. I’m sorry, Mr. Stein, it’s jackets only this evening. What I like is we’re smart enough to invent I dumb enough to need it. And still so stupid we can’t figure out if we did the right thing.

Making work easier. This is the problem. So obsessed with getting to the answer, completing the project, producing a result which are all valid things, but not where the richness of the human experience lies. The only two things you ever need to pay attention to in life are work and love. Things that are self justified in the experience and who cares about the result.

Stop rushing to what you perceive as some valuable endpoint. Learn to enjoy the expenditure of energy that may or may not be on the correct path. Now, if you have been at this amazing place for four years and still have no idea what you like, what you’re interested in, or what you want to do in life, you are the luckiest ones here.

Those of you that think you know what you want to do are very likely wrong, and perhaps even overestimating your ability to do it. You have convinced yourself that you know who you are and what’s going on in the world. You don’t know either. The less secure and confident you feel in the direction, the more surprises and excitement you will have in store. That’s good.

So the better the job you’ve done in finding a path for yourself, the more boring and predictable your life is going to be. If you’re sitting here today completely confused, feeling lost, adrift, and totally abandoned, you might even be a genie. I say congratulations, you win the Duke commencement ceremonies of 2024. You are about to go on a hell of a ride.

Work Is Wonderful

About work, you know how they always say nobody ever looks back on their life and wishes they spent more time at the office? Well, why? Why don’t they? Guess what? Depends on the job. If you took a stupid job that you find out you hate and you don’t leave, that’s your fault.

Don’t blame work. Work is wonderful. I definitely will not be looking back on my life wishing I worked less. If that’s not how you feel at work. Quit. On your lunch break. Disappear. Make people go. What happened to that guy? I don’t know, he said he was getting something to eat. Never came back. The one thing I know about this gang here you are all worker bees. And I mean that as the highest compliment.

I love bees. Beautiful, amazing. Elegant society. I made a cartoon movie about bees you may have watched as a child. If any of you felt slightly uncomfortable all about the sexual undertones in the relationship between Barry the Bee and Vanessa, the florist who saved his life, I would like to apologize for that now, I may not have calibrated that perfectly, but I would not change it.

Don’t Lose Your Sense of Humor

And this is probably the biggest point I would like to make to you here today regarding humor. I’m going to try and reach across a couple generations here to tell you the most important thing. I am confident that I know about life. I’m 70. I’m done. You are just starting. I only want to help you.

The slightly uncomfortable feeling of awkward humor is okay. It’s not something you need to fix. I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people’s feelings and the million and one ways we all do that every second of every day.

It’s lovely to want to fix those things, but, all caps, BUT, what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you are going to need it to get through. Not enough of life makes sense for you to be able to survive it without humor.

And I know all of you here are going to use all of your brains and muscle and soul to improve the world, and I know you’re going to do a bang up job, and when you’re done, as I am now, I bet the world because of you will be a much better place. But it will still not make a whole hell of a lot of sense. It’ll be a better, different, but still pretty insane mess, and it is worth the sacrifice of an occasional discomfort to have some laughs. Don’t lose that.

Even if it’s at the cost of occasional hard feelings, it’s okay. You got to laugh. That is the one thing at the end of your life you will not wish you did less of. Humor is the most powerful, most survival, essential quality you will ever have or need to navigate through the human experience. The other thing I see going on that throws a lot of people… Thank you. I was hoping you’d like that part.

Go for the Coolest Job

The other thing I see going on that throws a lot of people off these days is thinking, I’ve got to make as much money as I can. I personally believe the real game is I want to have the coolest job. When I started out as a comedian, I did not think I was funny. I thought, I’m a little funny. Maybe I wouldn’t have to be that funny. I just have to be funny enough to feed one person. And I could do that with a loaf of wonder bread in a jar, peanut butter, a loaf of bread and some peanut butter.

That was my actual plan. That’s how you think when you do not have a Duke education. I just wanted to have this super cool job. And cool is a word not easily defined. It’s really just whatever you think is cool. So just go for what you think is the coolest.

Money will be made eventually, somehow. Try not to think about it so much. I see this messing people up a lot. Put it to the side a little. Don’t think about having, think about becoming. Having is fine, but focus on becoming. That is where it’s at.

And I know you’re not really even listening to this speech, and that’s okay, I wouldn’t either. You’re graduating. You’re thinking about yourself or timing your mobile order from Yalla! truck. That’s all cool.

But the one thing I really do care about communicating to you is don’t lose your humor. Forget the rest. Forget your education, your degree, your privilege. All of you here would do fantastically well without any of it. All of you here, without question, are the best of the best.

Just don’t lose your, your humor. It’s not an accessory. It’s your Stanley Cup water bottle on the brutal long hike of life. And humor is not just for the stress relief or even just a simple fun of laughing, but for the true perspective of the silliness of all humans and all existence. That’s why you don’t want to lose it.

Try to enjoy some of the dumbness of it all. That’s the best life advice I can give you. I wish you luck. I wish you love. Thanks for the phony degree and the ridiculous outfit. Go get him, Duke. Class of 24. Throw the hat up. Let’s get out of here.

Congratulations.

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We offer you C.H.O.I.C.E.S.*(Caring, Healthy Options Inviting Client's Empowerment & Self-Confidence)

Brain Power Behavioral Medicine Brain Power Behavioral Medicine
3430 East Flamingo Road, Suite 104/106
Las Vegas

Brain Power Behavioral Medicine provides an Integrative, Holistic and an Interdisciplinary Measures towards Individual Treatment, Total Healthcare & Wellness.

Talas Harbor on Lake Mead Boulevard Talas Harbor on Lake Mead Boulevard
5409 E. Lake Mead Boulevard
Las Vegas, 89156

Talas Harbor on Lake Mead Boulevard is a 24-bed psychiatric hospital providing full service inpatient mental healthcare for adults and seniors.