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