Hi!
In my English classes this week, we read "Dear Pie." It is a letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald to his teenage daughter who is away at camp. In it, he details what he feels she should worry about, not worry about, and think about. It's an incredible piece to go over and dissect with the students. Their assignment was to draft a letter to the local middle school students and pass along their advice on the same topics. I thought it would be fun to do my own.
Things to worry about...
Worry about being confident in yourself and your abilities.
Worry about who you have surrounding you.
Worry about demanding the very best from yourself.
Worry about being comfortable in your own skin.
Worry about courage.
Worry about living a happy/grateful life.
Worry about enjoying each of your blessings.
Worry about being someone who the younger generations can look up to.
Things to not worry about...
Don't worry about other people's business.
Don't worry about changing yourself to make others happy.
Don't worry about the past; it won't change.
Don't worry about finding the right one; he/she will show up when the time is right.
Don't worry about those who don't deserve your time.
Don't worry about failures too much; stand up and try again.
Things to think about...
Am I living a life that will leave a lasting, positive impact on the world?
What are my passions, and how can I live my life using them?
Can I be kinder to others?
What is my purpose?
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday weekend. :) Thanks so much for reading.
Go do good things,
BT
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Rise Above
Hi, everyone!
After a delightful and much needed chat with a great friend, I left feeling happier, more assured, and equipped with a new topic for my blog.
Rise above drama.
It's unfortunate that any of us have to deal with disrespect, rumors, or mean people in general, but the trick is to never let the drama suck you in. I know that is difficult, but there is no need to associate yourself with that. Here is what I learned today...
Your life is filled with too many great things. You have people you love, priorities that deserve your attention, and plans that are waiting to be accomplished. These are what is important. It is not worth it to let others' opinions of you, which often are untrue or unwarranted, dictate your thoughts or feelings. It is also not worth it to let this meaningless fodder drag you down. Rise above it all. You have full control of how you react to every situation. Never give that power up to someone else.
As time passes, your true friends will surface. Life always finds a way to present them to you. It is these people and others who you truly care about who are worth any of your time. If someone who you don't particularly care about talks about you, let them. Those who really know you will know the truth, and those who don't know you don't matter anyway. You only want people in your life who take the time to get to know you and love you for who you are. After that, you don't need anyone.
Life is way too short to focus on anything that doesn't bring you joy. Choose to always take the high road. Never let yourself fall to someone's level who is out to cause hurt or harm. Choose to not listen to the chatter and find a way to surround yourself with happiness. It's unfortunate that not everyone takes the time to get to know you and all that you have to offer; it is their loss. You are wonderful.
Go do good things,
BT
After a delightful and much needed chat with a great friend, I left feeling happier, more assured, and equipped with a new topic for my blog.
Rise above drama.
It's unfortunate that any of us have to deal with disrespect, rumors, or mean people in general, but the trick is to never let the drama suck you in. I know that is difficult, but there is no need to associate yourself with that. Here is what I learned today...
Your life is filled with too many great things. You have people you love, priorities that deserve your attention, and plans that are waiting to be accomplished. These are what is important. It is not worth it to let others' opinions of you, which often are untrue or unwarranted, dictate your thoughts or feelings. It is also not worth it to let this meaningless fodder drag you down. Rise above it all. You have full control of how you react to every situation. Never give that power up to someone else.
As time passes, your true friends will surface. Life always finds a way to present them to you. It is these people and others who you truly care about who are worth any of your time. If someone who you don't particularly care about talks about you, let them. Those who really know you will know the truth, and those who don't know you don't matter anyway. You only want people in your life who take the time to get to know you and love you for who you are. After that, you don't need anyone.
Life is way too short to focus on anything that doesn't bring you joy. Choose to always take the high road. Never let yourself fall to someone's level who is out to cause hurt or harm. Choose to not listen to the chatter and find a way to surround yourself with happiness. It's unfortunate that not everyone takes the time to get to know you and all that you have to offer; it is their loss. You are wonderful.
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cleaning Up After Ourselves
Hi, everyone.
Growing up, my parents always told me that when I visited somewhere I was to leave it in better condition than when I first arrived. As a kid, I took it on a literal level like I did with everything else. As I grew up and become more of an English brain, I realized how this is an extended metaphor for life. Now, it has become one of the greatest lessons my parents could have instilled in me.
I don't have children yet, but I often dream about the day that I finally do. I know how much I love my niece and the 100+ students who sit in my room each day, and I know how much I want for them as they continue on with their amazing lives. Because of that, I see it as my duty to leave the world in better shape than when I came into it. It's everyone's duty...for them.
We all have a different skill set, and the world needs us to fulfill many different roles. I was never meant to be a world leader, and I am quite okay with that; however, we each, no matter what our role is, have a responsibility to give something positive to this world. Too often, people expect the world to be given to them, but it truly is meant to be the other way around. We should be giving to the world. What are you doing to make a better life for yourself and others?
Simply being kind and helping instill this in others is success enough for me. Encouraging and helping young people to be everything they dream of is enough. We must stop asking, "What about me?" Focus on leaving a lasting, positive impact. Focus on cleaning up the mess around you before you walk out the door. If you didn't leave anything to be remembered for, your legacy will fade quickly. If you leave a positive impact, you'll be carried on for generations.
Let's all chip in and see what we can do. Find what works for you, and do it. Let's all plan to leave the world in better shape than when we arrived. Be quicker to give than receive. Make your mark. Our youth is depending on us. I don't know about you, but I will do anything not to let them down.
Go do good things,
BT
Growing up, my parents always told me that when I visited somewhere I was to leave it in better condition than when I first arrived. As a kid, I took it on a literal level like I did with everything else. As I grew up and become more of an English brain, I realized how this is an extended metaphor for life. Now, it has become one of the greatest lessons my parents could have instilled in me.
I don't have children yet, but I often dream about the day that I finally do. I know how much I love my niece and the 100+ students who sit in my room each day, and I know how much I want for them as they continue on with their amazing lives. Because of that, I see it as my duty to leave the world in better shape than when I came into it. It's everyone's duty...for them.
We all have a different skill set, and the world needs us to fulfill many different roles. I was never meant to be a world leader, and I am quite okay with that; however, we each, no matter what our role is, have a responsibility to give something positive to this world. Too often, people expect the world to be given to them, but it truly is meant to be the other way around. We should be giving to the world. What are you doing to make a better life for yourself and others?
Simply being kind and helping instill this in others is success enough for me. Encouraging and helping young people to be everything they dream of is enough. We must stop asking, "What about me?" Focus on leaving a lasting, positive impact. Focus on cleaning up the mess around you before you walk out the door. If you didn't leave anything to be remembered for, your legacy will fade quickly. If you leave a positive impact, you'll be carried on for generations.
Let's all chip in and see what we can do. Find what works for you, and do it. Let's all plan to leave the world in better shape than when we arrived. Be quicker to give than receive. Make your mark. Our youth is depending on us. I don't know about you, but I will do anything not to let them down.
Go do good things,
BT
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Super Women
Hi, everyone!
I was just thinking the other day about what I wish all girls my age and younger had in their lives. It didn't take long for me to figure it out--strong female role models. It is exponentially important in the development of young women. Girls need to see through example what it means to be strong, independent, hardworking, loving, and driven.
So much of who I am is because of those who are around me. My dad, grandfather, and brother took care of all the competitive/don't whine/stand up and dust yourself off genes, but I have been blessed beyond measure with a plethora of ladies who teach me every day what it means to be amazing. They pick me up when I am down. They encourage me when I feel like giving up. They inspire me to go for even my biggest dream. They show me that being a good person and doing the right thing is the only way to go. They prove that getting older doesn't mean you can't have fun and to always enjoy life.
Every ounce of me is deeply indebted to all of these remarkable women. I have been blessed with the greatest support system there is, and I just wish I could pass that on to every little girl in the world. I want each girl to know that she is worth more than she thinks. I want each girl to know she is capable of going after what she wants, and I want each girl to know that she is strong enough to do things on her own and that guys are supposed to add to her life, not be her whole life.
If I could ask anything of the women who read this blog, I ask that you mentor a young girl to be everything she wants to be. Be it your daughter, family member, co worker, or just a young girl you know, each girl needs a little extra support and backing. It changes lives. I am who I am in large part to all the wonderful women surrounding me. They are the real super heroes.
Go do good things,
BT
I was just thinking the other day about what I wish all girls my age and younger had in their lives. It didn't take long for me to figure it out--strong female role models. It is exponentially important in the development of young women. Girls need to see through example what it means to be strong, independent, hardworking, loving, and driven.
So much of who I am is because of those who are around me. My dad, grandfather, and brother took care of all the competitive/don't whine/stand up and dust yourself off genes, but I have been blessed beyond measure with a plethora of ladies who teach me every day what it means to be amazing. They pick me up when I am down. They encourage me when I feel like giving up. They inspire me to go for even my biggest dream. They show me that being a good person and doing the right thing is the only way to go. They prove that getting older doesn't mean you can't have fun and to always enjoy life.
Every ounce of me is deeply indebted to all of these remarkable women. I have been blessed with the greatest support system there is, and I just wish I could pass that on to every little girl in the world. I want each girl to know that she is worth more than she thinks. I want each girl to know she is capable of going after what she wants, and I want each girl to know that she is strong enough to do things on her own and that guys are supposed to add to her life, not be her whole life.
If I could ask anything of the women who read this blog, I ask that you mentor a young girl to be everything she wants to be. Be it your daughter, family member, co worker, or just a young girl you know, each girl needs a little extra support and backing. It changes lives. I am who I am in large part to all the wonderful women surrounding me. They are the real super heroes.
Go do good things,
BT
Monday, March 11, 2013
Silver Linings...
Hello, all.
I hope this week has started off well for you.
I have been blessed with a new friend in my life who has taught me a lifetime of lessons in just a few months and has inspired me more and more each day. I received a text from this incredible person that provided me with an idea for my blog today.
I hope this week has started off well for you.
I have been blessed with a new friend in my life who has taught me a lifetime of lessons in just a few months and has inspired me more and more each day. I received a text from this incredible person that provided me with an idea for my blog today.
Always look for the silver lining.
The more I experience all of life's up and downs, the more that I think this is the key to true happiness. Can you find the good in the bad? Can you find the meaning when all seems lost? Do you search for the rainbow after the storm? This search is crucial to having a happy, peaceful, and fulfilling life because life will not always be easy. There will be times when life will knock you down and keep the hits coming. There will be times when life isn't fair. There will be times when you don't get what you want, but I implore you to find the best out of what you're given.
Life is strictly what you make of it. You can choose to see what you want to see. If you choose to only focus on what you didn't get or had taken away, there is little hope of being happy. You become fixated on what you don't have, and you take away any chance of enjoying what you have been blessed with. If you didn't get your raise, be happy that you have a job when so many people are without one. If you lose a friend due to a falling out, remember all the good times you had and also the lessons learned.
Life isn't meant to be viewed in black and white. We were meant to look at everything in silver. Things may not always work out the way you want, but there is good to be found everywhere and in every situation. It is often more difficult to locate, but your life will change when you alter your perspective.
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Lessons from Kid President...
Hi, everyone! Hope all is well on your end.
I thought I would blog about the lessons that a 9-year-old boy has been instilling in people across the country. Kid President, my miniature hero, and his brother-in-law Brad Montague have been making videos on SoulPancake for about a year now, and their message is uplifting and inspiring.
Here is what he has taught my students and me:
1. You were made to be awesome: Not enough people believe this. Granted, we all are not supposed to be world leaders or CEO's, but being awesome doesn't require that title. Being awesome is about being the best person you are capable of being. Help others. Work hard. Be fair. Smile. That is being awesome. Each one of us has the ability to do anything if we just go after it.
2. We are on the same team: I pray that one day we all realize this. In the game of life, there are no sides. We all have our differences and unique qualities, but no one is better than the next person. In order to achieve our goals, we must work together. We must cheer for others and help them along. We must drop our biased feelings and work as one. Everyone is important. Everyone has a plethora of talents to add to this world. Embrace them. After all, we are on the same team.
3. Make this year awesome for someone else: Doing for others has ignited a fire inside of me that has created an abundance of happiness. Helping other people is the right thing to do. Giving helps the giver just as much as the receiver. I have witnessed this transformation first hand. The students in Christin and my class are changed individuals. They are happier, calmer, and inspired. Make a conscious effort to step outside of your own bubble and see what you can do for others. The world needs a little kindness.
4. It's time to do something: We have such a short time on this earth, so don't waste it sitting around. Get up, and go do something. Do something that makes you happy. Do something that will make this world a better place. Do something that will help another person. Just do something. Don't live a life that you'll look back on one day and regret.
5. If there are two paths, choose the one that leads to awesome: There are too many outside influences trying to lead us down the wrong path. Find the right path and stick to it. Surround yourself with people who want to help you stay on that path, too. Having the right people around you is paramount. Find others who will believe and support you and your dreams. Find others who will not judge you or bring you down. Find others who will be there in times of need. Stay on the right path!
6. When you realize your dream, keep going and keep going: Life will knock you down...many times. It won't go easy on you. You'll constantly question yourself and your abilities, but the important thing is to never quit moving forward toward your dream. It's going to take a whole lot of effort and tears, but the end result will be worth every moment of pain.
7. It's everyone's duty to give the world a reason to dance: Go out there and be great. Be so great that you become contagious, and after you have achieved this greatness, stop and take a moment to dance. Just enjoy life and all it has to offer. You can do so much if you just believe and take that first step. When you get moving, you'll be happy and cause others to follow.
8. Treat everyone like it's their birthday: Be kind to everyone. You don't know how much your words or actions could affect someone. Even the smallest compliment or word of encouragement can change a day, even a life. Make other feel as important as they are. Because of a certain teacher in high school and her constant encouragement and belief in me, I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Be kind to all, even those who may not deserve it.
This is what my students, BT #2, and I have learned. Please take his lessons and apply them. Each and every one of you reading this right now has a world of possibilities at your finger tips. Live in a way that makes you proud. Keep working, and bring others with you.
Remember, you were make to be awesome.
Go do good things,
BT
I thought I would blog about the lessons that a 9-year-old boy has been instilling in people across the country. Kid President, my miniature hero, and his brother-in-law Brad Montague have been making videos on SoulPancake for about a year now, and their message is uplifting and inspiring.
Here is what he has taught my students and me:
1. You were made to be awesome: Not enough people believe this. Granted, we all are not supposed to be world leaders or CEO's, but being awesome doesn't require that title. Being awesome is about being the best person you are capable of being. Help others. Work hard. Be fair. Smile. That is being awesome. Each one of us has the ability to do anything if we just go after it.
2. We are on the same team: I pray that one day we all realize this. In the game of life, there are no sides. We all have our differences and unique qualities, but no one is better than the next person. In order to achieve our goals, we must work together. We must cheer for others and help them along. We must drop our biased feelings and work as one. Everyone is important. Everyone has a plethora of talents to add to this world. Embrace them. After all, we are on the same team.
3. Make this year awesome for someone else: Doing for others has ignited a fire inside of me that has created an abundance of happiness. Helping other people is the right thing to do. Giving helps the giver just as much as the receiver. I have witnessed this transformation first hand. The students in Christin and my class are changed individuals. They are happier, calmer, and inspired. Make a conscious effort to step outside of your own bubble and see what you can do for others. The world needs a little kindness.
4. It's time to do something: We have such a short time on this earth, so don't waste it sitting around. Get up, and go do something. Do something that makes you happy. Do something that will make this world a better place. Do something that will help another person. Just do something. Don't live a life that you'll look back on one day and regret.
5. If there are two paths, choose the one that leads to awesome: There are too many outside influences trying to lead us down the wrong path. Find the right path and stick to it. Surround yourself with people who want to help you stay on that path, too. Having the right people around you is paramount. Find others who will believe and support you and your dreams. Find others who will not judge you or bring you down. Find others who will be there in times of need. Stay on the right path!
6. When you realize your dream, keep going and keep going: Life will knock you down...many times. It won't go easy on you. You'll constantly question yourself and your abilities, but the important thing is to never quit moving forward toward your dream. It's going to take a whole lot of effort and tears, but the end result will be worth every moment of pain.
7. It's everyone's duty to give the world a reason to dance: Go out there and be great. Be so great that you become contagious, and after you have achieved this greatness, stop and take a moment to dance. Just enjoy life and all it has to offer. You can do so much if you just believe and take that first step. When you get moving, you'll be happy and cause others to follow.
8. Treat everyone like it's their birthday: Be kind to everyone. You don't know how much your words or actions could affect someone. Even the smallest compliment or word of encouragement can change a day, even a life. Make other feel as important as they are. Because of a certain teacher in high school and her constant encouragement and belief in me, I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Be kind to all, even those who may not deserve it.
This is what my students, BT #2, and I have learned. Please take his lessons and apply them. Each and every one of you reading this right now has a world of possibilities at your finger tips. Live in a way that makes you proud. Keep working, and bring others with you.
Remember, you were make to be awesome.
Go do good things,
BT
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