Reflections from BT

Happy Holidays, everyone.

I am not planning on giving you a run down of my year because it would take me way too long to hit all of the highlights from 2012. It was definitely a year that I will never forget but also a year I am ready to package and put away; however, before I put the on lid and put the year to rest, I thought I'd share some of the best lessons that surfaced during the past twelve months.

1. Do something that scares you---You'll never know what you're capable of unless you take that dreaded first step out into the unknown. It is utterly terrifying to step towards something you're not completely sure will end in success, but what you learn from the journey far outweighs the results.

2. It's healthy to occasionally reassess--- I hit the 25-year-life-itch and debated about starting a new path for my life. I was so unsure about everything that I used to think was a given, but what came from it was a new sense of self. I became more surefooted about my career and location. This isn't to say that I won't have another "life-itch," but right now I feel pretty sure about my path. We must all do this at different times in our lives. It's important to see what's out there and make sure we are doing what's best for ourselves.

3. Only give time to those who deserve it---I used to give so much of myself to everyone, even if someone didn't treat me the best. This year I worked on ending this issue, and what I took away from it was a much happier me. I focused mainly on those who cared about me and wanted the best for me. I urge all of you to do the same if you don't already. We are all worth the very best.

4. Life is about the little moments---Take time to soak up the little things in life; these add up to make big memories if you let them. I will forever remember walking around IU at midnight while campus was deserted, and the snow was falling, blanketing the most beautiful town I have laid eyes on. It was nothing crazy, but the image is forever ingrained in my mind because it was special to me. Life isn't always about the big moments or materialistic things. Joy, pure joy, can be found in the smallest of moments or gifts.

5. Be kind---It's so easy to be judgmental, impatient, selfish, or rude, but don't! Being kind to others says more about your character than anything else ever will. Kindness is a quality this world needs a lot more of, so let's get to it.

I am hoping for big things in 2013. I am not sure what lies ahead in my future, but I vow to be open and receptive to it all. I will laugh more, be nicer, work harder, search for joy in all I do, and keep growing. I wish all the same for every one of you. If I could wish for one thing for everyone though, I wish you all heaps and heaps of happiness.

Go do good things in 2013,

BT