Unexpected Life Lessons From a Graduation Party
We hosted Ben’s graduation party this weekend… Kentucky Derby style. I must say... we knocked this party out of the park. It was a lot of work... but SO MUCH FUN!
And somewhere between the hats, the handcrafted mint juleps, the betting, the food, the music, and over 125 people in attendance… I kept having these little moments of this is what it’s all about.
So of course... I had to write about it for my Tuesday Tips...
Here are a few lessons from a Derby graduation party that just might stick with you…
Run your race
Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby, came from way behind to win. Like… last to first. In fact - there were only 6 people at our party who dropped a ticket into his jar to win the betting pool. His odds were 23-1. He was definitely a long shot.
It was one of the most unexpected Derby wins in history... And it was the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby! #girlpower
It was an awesome reminder:
...Not everyone starts in the lead.
...Not everyone peaks at the same time.
...You may go unseen for a very long time.
Emotional intelligence is trusting your pace. It’s knowing when to push, when to be patient, and believing your moment is still coming… even if it doesn’t look like it right now.
You have to believe in yourself beyond reason. And NEVER GIVE UP. Just because you’re not ahead doesn’t mean you’re behind.
How did we get here so fast?
I swear… yesterday he was starting high school. I remember dropping him off as a freshman like it was last week.
And now we’re celebrating his graduation.
How did it go so fast??
We spend so much time:
managing schedules
thinking ahead
planning what’s next
That we miss what’s right in front of us.
Emotional intelligence is presence. It’s actually being in the moment while it’s happening - not just realizing it mattered after it’s over.
Take it ALL IN! Be present.
The power of serving
We didn’t hire bartenders or staff. And honestly? I’m so glad we didn’t.
Scott and I loved it - making the drinks, serving the food, welcoming people in.
There’s something about looking someone in the eye, handing them a drink, and saying, “I’m so glad you’re here.” That’s connection.
That’s emotional intelligence in action. People won’t remember what you served. They’ll remember how you made them feel.
Okay, okay... how could anyone forget the grazing table! My friend Adrienne, who owns NOSH KC, did an amazing job - it looked beautiful and tasted delicious. **SEE PICTURE BELOW
The post-party blues
And then… the next morning. Quiet. Empty cups. Decorations half down. Mild hangover tbh. That little feeling of… wow, just like that, it’s over. If you’ve ever felt that, you know.
That’s not sadness. It’s contrast.
From energy to quiet.
From connection to stillness.
From anticipation to completion.
Emotional intelligence is recognizing the feeling without judging it.
Let it be what it is. It just means it mattered.
We actually enjoyed taking all the decorations down, cleaning up, and reminiscing on how much damn fun we had!!
Wear the hat
There is something about a themed party. The hats. The dresses. The color. The fun. People show up differently. Lighter. Freer. More themselves.
And the truth is… we don’t need a party to do that.
But when someone goes first - when someone leans in, dresses up, has fun - it gives everyone else permission to do the same. It's the power of be who you came to be. When we step into that, we invite others to do the same!
Final thought
This weekend wasn’t just a party. It was a reminder.
Run your race.
Be present.
Serve others.
Feel your feelings.
And for the love… have some fun, dress up, and wear the hat.
Because life moves fast. And these are the moments that make it meaningful.
Be who you came to be.
