Dame Helen Mirren’s 5 rules for a happy life

Highlights from Dame Helen Mirren’s keynote speech at Tulane University’s Commencement on May 20, 2017 in New Orleans. “And to help you along the way, I want to share a few rules that I picked up during my life of disasters and triumphs.  I call them Helen’s Top 5 rules for a happy life. Rule No. 1. Don’t need to rush to get married.  No. 2. – just treat people like people.  So, remember that every single person, whether they have dominion over your life or not, deserves equal respect and generosity.  And an addendum to rule #2.  No matter what sex you are, or race, be a feminist. In every country and culture that I have visited, from Sweden to Uganda, from Singapore to Mali, it is clear that when women are given respect, and the ability and freedom to pursue their personal dreams and ambitions, life improves for everyone. I didn’t define myself as a feminist until quite recently but I had always lived like a feminist and believed in the obvious: that women were as capable and as energetic and as inspiring as men. But to join a movement called feminism seemed too didactic, too political.  However, I have come to understand that feminism is not an abstract idea but a necessity if we--and really by “we,” I mean you guys--are to move us forward and not backward into ignorance and fearful jealousy. So now I am a declared feminist and I would encourage you to be the same.  Oh, and addendum to the addendum--never again allow a group of  old, rather grumpy, rich white men define the health care of a country that is 50.8 % women and 37% other races.  Okay, back to the rules. Three --Ignore anyone who judges the way you look, especially if he or she is some anonymous creep lurking on the Internet. And if you are that person lurking on the Internet -- STOP IT, just stop it, go outside and DO something.  No. 4 -- don’t be afraid of for the moments when you are challenged by other fears – like “Am I good enough?” “Am I smart enough?” “Will I fail?” – throw caution to the winds, look fear straight-away in its ugly face, and barge forward.  And when you get past it, turn around and give it a good swift kick in the ass. And Helen’s Rule No. 5 for a happy life.  Don’t overcomplicate things.  I know, it’s hard to believe, Dame Helen Mirren does have a tattoo. I got my tattoo when only Hells Angels. Sailors and convicted felons got them. I’ll share the story. When I was on my journey through young adulthood, in that glorious and confusing time that was the early 1970’s, I looked in a lot of different places for answers - -eastern, western, and all over the place. And when I found one inspiring answer in Mayan wisdom that said so much in so few words, I had it tattooed on my left hand. It’s a simple phrase: “Inlakesh.” It means: “You are my other self We are one I am Another Yourself” The Mayans were on to something.  Because if I’m you – I have a responsibility to you. If you’re me – you have a responsibility to me.  The Mayans just had a more beautiful way of saying “we’re all in this together.”  You are me and I am you. So just remember the words we talked about today – in La’kesh.  And Class of 2017 – also remember the five words I know you learned at Tulane: Laissez les bons temps rouler!“ You can find the complete text of the speech here — — and the full speech video here: