Be...

Hello,

Bed is calling my name shortly, but I have a tiny itch to write tonight. Since I am blessed to have some of the world's most incredible people in my life, I'd thought I write a quick post about how to be like the lovely friends and family who make my life much brighter.

Be willing to do as much for others as they would do for you.
Be trustworthy.
Be able to laugh at yourself.
Be someone who makes others laugh.
Be there for others in good times and in bad.
Be willing to admit when you're wrong and apologize.
Be positive and don't suck the life (and fun) out of situations.
Be ready to dance at all times.
Be a kid at heart. Never lose that infectious playful nature and innocence.
Be spontaneous. Don't live your life in a box.
Be happppy!
Be helpful even when not asked.
Be genuine.
Be a difference maker.
Be influential.
Be the one who listens more than speaks.
Be good to your grandparents.
Be quick to shell out compliments and praise. Hold back unnecessary criticisms.
Be understanding.
Be kind.
Be you.

Just be a person that others want to be around. There is too much negativity and despair in the world; we do not need to add to it. Always find the good in every situation, as this is the key to life. Anyone can find the downside to every single aspect of life. A great person always hunts for the positives. Be one who adds to life, not takes away from it.

Go do good things,

BT

Do What's Right for You

Hello,

I have greatly missed writing my posts, but I have not had much extra time lately. I decided it was now or never.

I have been inspired for this post by a former student of mine who turned to me for some advice on a big life decision. While sparing the details for the sake of anonymity, I found myself  impressed with the strength and maturity this young lady exhibited during this hard time. The decision basically boiled down to sticking with something that she loved and had done her whole life or staying in a situation that was ruining who she was and taking away her happiness. Now, it may seem easy for you to make this decision, but there were many factors that made this the hardest decision that she ever made. The biggest fear she faced was the fear of failure.

Here is what I have to say about that:

Failure is not walking away from something when it hurts you.
Failure is not standing up and demanding to be treated fairly.
Failure is not wanting more for yourself.
Failure is not looking out for yourself.
Failure is letting people make you feel inferior and afraid.
Failure is not ensuring your own happiness and sanity.

I am fully aware of the stigma of being a "quitter." I have an intense emotional fear of it myself, but there are times when one must walk away from things or people who were/are a valued part of life. There are times when even things/people who you love are just not right anymore. No one should ever consider you a failure for quitting anything or anyone who causes you pain. If there are people who do, they are not a necessary part of your life. Those who love you will understand and support you.

You are the only one who is ultimately in control of your peace of mind and happiness. You can't allow others to take the reigns. People will take you for spins and loops that often leave you out of sorts. You have to know what you need and demand it. When faced with a tough decision between two things, never worry about failure. Worry about your personal health. Worry about you.

Go do good things,

BT