Maybe

Honest moment: I have been in a massive hole for approximately a month and a half. I have managed to peek my head out a few times for some laughs and happy moments, but I always seem to find a way to fumble back in. It hasn't been pretty, and I haven’t been proud of it, but I think I’ve managed to safely climb out and move far enough away to ensure some much needed tranquility.

It’s been a year of rejection for me, and I have looked at each one in the wrong light. I have taken each “no” as a personal blow and let it chip away at my unwavering determination to be a spark of light for the world. While down in my hole, I allowed myself to believe that I am nothing more than average and that I have foolishly dreamed of a life beyond my capabilities. I know it’s terrible, but I feel that the only way to help someone else is to be completely honest because I am 100% sure that I am not the only one who has felt the wind knocked out of her sails after not getting something that was ached for daily. I also am 100% sure that the story we tell ourselves is what determines our future, so we must write one that makes each day a joy to wake up for.

I owe this rejuvenation to someone whom I’ll likely never meet and who has no idea I even exist, but what I love is that this whole story is exactly what I dream my life will be. I want to spend this precious life living, writing, and creating stories that help ignite a passion for good in others just like this person. My hero? Elizabeth Gilbert.

You have likely heard of her. She is the author of Eat, Pray, Love and other famous books, has given wildly popular TED Talks, was a speaker for Oprah’s Life You Want Tour (jealous), and the list could go on and on. She is easily one of my favorite writers because she is real and connects with her readers as if we are her friends. In anticipation for her next book release on September 22^nd, she has been writing daily Facebook posts with ideas from her upcoming book. I literally wait with baited breath for her daily messages because I have needed any light I could get as of late.

This past week, Elizabeth G. wrote a post about her terrifying/exhilarating experience of singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” at a karaoke bar in NYC. She gave us a picture to prove her tale of putting herself out there and letting joy overcome fear. It touched me for some reason more than the other posts. She didn't let her trepidation get in the way of living the life she wanted. It was what came next that brought me back to life though.

After many inquiries about video proof of this epic event, Elizabeth G. did exactly what I want to spend the rest of my life doing: She used her power for life changing good. She challenged her Facebook followers to raise $10,000 in three days for her favorite charity Blink Now. If this happened, she would not only match the total raised, but she vowed to head back to the karaoke place on Wednesday and sing the same song but this time record it for all of us to see. I loved every single piece of this, so I quickly grabbed my credit card and made a donation. It turns out, however, that I wasn't the only one moved. She raised over $15,000 in one day.

I woke up the next morning to a post from her, inexplicably grateful of the generosity shown by her readers, and I was moved to tears. I was happy for her, but I finally was shaken from my funk because this proved the crazy life I dream of living is possible. Spending each day putting pen to paper and creating videos and stories that will move people to action is not just something in my head; it truly happens. Elizabeth Gilbert is living proof of the power of an irrepressible spirit. Her words and way of living changes lives. Maybe…just maybe…mine can, too. If I can, there is no doubt you can as well.

While I would give any unnecessary appendage (is there such a thing?) to head to NYC on Wednesday to watch this, I doubt I can make that happen, but I most certainly will wake up Thursday morning and check out Elizabeth G. staying true to her word and sealing a promise that means more than a song. It symbolizes a new life for the children helped by Blink Now and a magical piece of proof that there is undeniable good in the world. I can’t help but imagine a world where instances like this became second nature. Oh, what a world that would be.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is out of reach. Write your story the way you want it to end. You’ll inevitably fall in a hole and need some time to navigate out of it, but the time spent in the dark will teach you the invaluable lesson of how to always find the light. Elizabeth Gilbert unknowingly threw a flashlight down to me, but I encourage you to find your own Elizabeth Gilbert when you can’t provide your own spark. We all have those moments, but what matters is that we get back up and keep moving towards the life you dream of. Maybe…just…maybe the exact life you dream of is waiting for you.

Go be great,

EP

Finding My Ruby Slippers: Day 1

Finding My Ruby Slippers:

My Quest to Work for Oprah – Day 1

My name is Erin Parker, and I have a dream. It literally consumes my thoughts and causes an aching in my body. I have suppressed this dream my whole life because I always thought it was impossible, but you know what? I refuse to live my life playing small. I refuse to not fight for what is in my heart because I am afraid I will fail. I know I will stumble along the way, but I will get up each time and keep moving forward because I want a live a life where I dare greatly.

My dream is to work for Oprah. I want to create programming on her network for teenagers. I want to develop tools for them to turn to while they are tumbling through the insanely difficult teenage years. This is my path. My gift is the ability to connect with people, and my purpose is to use that gift in service of those I love most in this world: kids. I need to do this on a platform purely focused on the betterment of others, and the OWN Network is that.

I am chasing after my dream and taking all of you with me. Each day on Twitter, @missp_lphs, I will post what I have done that day to get me prepared for my future job. At the end of every week, I will blog about what has been happening. It may take until Day 39,875, but, as Maya Angelou said, “You can only become great at the thing you are willing to sacrifice for.” I am willing to do whatever is necessary to fulfill my purpose. I know I will one day get to OWN.

 Walt Whitman once wrote, “That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” I know what my verse is. What’s yours?

Day 1: I made a plan.

Eagerly waiting for Oprah,

EP

The Butler

I went last night to see The Butler with two of my most favorite people. I went in excited to just see Oprah because we all know about my love for her. I left the movie in tears, unable to properly express my thoughts and feelings.

I love comedies. I love laughing, and I find it enjoyable to not have to think much for two hours. That was not the case with this movie. I felt uncomfortable for two hours, and while most people might think that is not a good thing, in this case, it was. I think we have tried to sweep the issue of racism and the ugliness of slavery under the rug. We don't talk about it. We act as though it never happened. The Butler not only brought the issue out in the open, it threw it directly in my face. I was shocked, horrified, and deeply saddened to watch what not only one man but an entire group of people faced for hundreds of years.

I will never understand what what these people went through or ever be able to imagine what it felt like, but I refuse to act like it never happened. We all must learn from history. We all must teach our children what can happen when we dehumanize others. We must teach our children that the only thing to judge is a person's character. We must remember the power our words hold.

I sincerely hope everyone goes and watches this film. I have thought about it all day. Treat everyone with the respect they deserve. There is absolutely nothing about our race, gender, orientation, religion, etc, that makes anyone better than someone else, and no one, NO ONE, deserves to be treated with such blatant disrespect.

Go do great things and watch The Butler!

EP

Reflection

A close friend gave me an idea for a topic to blog about, but I have been staring at a computer screen for days not knowing which keys to press first. I knew writing about this would be cause for me to be slightly vulnerable and really put myself out there, but I have learned in order to truly be alive, we must dare greatly and not be afraid to be seen.

My friend asked me to talk about self confidence and my thoughts about how to build it up. The truth is I have never had much until this past year, and even now, it is still shaky. Then I thought that it might be even more powerful if I talked about that. I am not the person oozing with confidence telling all those who don't have it to just believe in themselves. I am one of you, too, but every day I am fighting to see what others claim to see in me.

That leads me to what I think is the first important step to take if you struggle with confidence: Find and surround yourself with people who see the real you and believe in all they see. For me, I was unable to just flip a switch and become self assured. However, I had people in my life who would tell me daily everything I needed to hear, and while I would often wave off their compliments and kind words, I eventually started to let some soak in. If you have multiple people telling you great things about yourself, it is not coincidence. Afford yourself the gift of truly listening and internalizing what they are saying to you. If you have the right people surrounding you, they wouldn't say anything to you that they don't mean. Fight the urge to push away compliments. There will come a time that you will look in the mirror and see what they see. The moments may be short lived, but it won't be long before those images stay longer and longer.

The last piece of advice that has helped me is to never say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to your best friend. What we tell ourselves is more powerful than anything anyone else could ever say to us. Make it a personal goal to be kind to yourself every day. Compliment yourself on your successes whether it be a good hair day, a step forward at work, or anything that you know others would see in a positive light, too. Wake up every morning and start your day with an "I am" statement. "I am ____________ ." What are you? What makes you so special in others' eyes? Don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back every once in a while. We must believe in ourselves because we deserve that.

You don't need to go around proclaiming you are the world's next great thing. No one likes that, but you have every right to believe in yourself and to see yourself the way others do. You are special. You are important. You are worthy, but most importantly, you are enough. This I promise you.

Go do great things,

EP

It is in You

Hi,

I apologize for not blogging lately. I've been writing a column for La Porte County Life, so much of my time has been devoted to that, but "Scatter Joy" is always on my mind. I am getting ready to go to bed, but there is something in my heart that I just want to get out onto a page.

What you need to become who you want and achieve what you dream of is already in you.

I have learned so much and changed a great deal this past year. I have found my purpose and passion and am daring to go after it. It is exciting, scary, and freeing all at the same time. Throughout this journey though, I have learned a lesson that was paramount for me not to just understand, but it was something I, and all of you, need to internalize. We already have greatness within us. We have within us strength and bravery. We have within us everything we need to be all we dream of. If that is not a powerful lesson, I don't know what is. 

Now, I had a person telling me this almost weekly. It was a constant reminder that has slowly trickled to an occasional one because I am finally starting to believe it. I want to be that for all of you who aren't as blessed as I have been. I want you to know that there is a world of greatness in you just waiting to be tapped into. I know the thought of going after something that may seem unattainable is frightening. I know the thought of putting yourself out there and allowing yourself to be seen can cause a great amount of anxiety, but I promise you those feelings are more than worth the feeling you will get of knowing your true worth.

Your path is already set and waiting for you to walk, jog, sprint, tumble, saunter, skip, or strut down. How you travel your path is your choosing (you'll find me skipping), but what matters is that you take the journey. If you need a weekly cheerleader like I had, send me your e-mail, and I will be that for you. Just, please, don't doubt who you are and what you can do. It's already in you.

Go do great things,

EP

My Truths

When I was a little girl, there were so many things I was sure were true. Then, as each year passed by, I found many of the truths to be faulty. Not everyone can be trusted. Not everyone will do the right thing. Not everyone will love and accept you. Time has made me wiser, and because of the incredible people in my life, I have found some truths that actually hold up to the tests and trials of life. I may be 26, but I feel like these are something we can all can hold on to no matter what age we are.

• Joy is most easily found in the little things that we often overlook or take for granted. 
• There are people in your life who will not disappoint or hurt you. Find them and hold them close.
• Your life will be as great as you make it. 
• Everyone has the ability to make a difference.
• We each have a purpose to fulfill in our lives. It is our job to figure out what that is and make it happen. 
• It's more important to be kind than right. 
• You'll never get what you want if you're unable to first be grateful for what you have. 
• We must rely on ourselves and not search for approval from everyone.
• Forgiveness is crucial in life. It is sets you free. 
• Most people aren't bad. They just make bad decisions. 
• We shouldn't be afraid of our light and ability to be great. Don't worry about what others will say about it. 
• If you care about people, let them know.

There is so much life I have left to live and so much yet to learn, but these truths serve as guiding posts for me. I know there is so much out there to achieve and do, but I am the only one who can go get it. The same rings true for all of you. Find your purpose and don't stop until you're doing it. Live your life.

Go do great things,

EP

People Person

Hi!

Sorry for my lack of posting lately. I have been busy moving and becoming an official adult, so much of my time has been devoted to unpacking and rearranging. It's been fun, but I have missed writing. :)

I love people so very much. I think each person who crosses our path is another opportunity to learn. Each person has a story and life different from our own with triumphs and tragedies that have shaped and molded him/her into who he/she is today. There is little I love more than sitting down with a person and asking questions to see who they really are. I have found that people are more than willing to open up if they can genuinely sense that you care and want to know about them. The life lessons that I have learned from my many conversations with others are invaluable to me.

I urge you to talk to as many people as you can so that you can learn as much as you can. I am made up of stories and advice passed on to me from so many others. I can make better decisions because of the lessons taught to me from former teachers or a chat with a random person in a store. Be open to others and what they can impart on you. Ask questions and actually listen. I promise you won't regret it.

Last month, I asked people to tell me their favorite quote so that I can start a quote wall in my classroom. The responses were astounding. I look at each quote given as a lesson that is important to each of the people who commented. I am going to leave you with the nuggets of advice given to me, and I sincerely hope you will join me in learning from the many people around us. If someone can make you better, let them.

Go do great things,

EP


"There is no try. There is only do." - Yoda  (Linda Arney)

"Be so good they can't ignore you"- Steve Martin (Casey Earl)

 “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” - General Patton (Andrew Scherer)

"If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it." - William Arthur Ward (Jordan Amor)

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." - Robert Frost (Jordan Amor)

"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." -Steve Prefontaine (Jessica Parker)

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw (Sammi Cains)

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." Ralph Waldo Emerson  (Woz)

"Being in charge is like being a gentleman; if you have to tell someone you are, you aren't." (Dan Olson)

"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind." -Mr Rogers (Katie Carpenter)

 “Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I will give you a man who will make history. Give me a man without a goal, and I will give you a stock clerk.”  –J.C. Penny (Dan Bealor)

“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.” –E.E. Cummings (Dan Bealor)

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs (Kylie Larson)

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." -Confucius (Michelle Mussman)

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child." -Dr. Seuss (Pam Fritzen)

"The only time to look down on people is when you're bending over to help." (Elaine Luedtke)

"You can accomplish anything you want as long as you don't care who gets the credit for it." - Blanton Collier (Mark Schreiber)

 “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou (Gina Alber)

"Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer (Justin Holmquest)

"Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make an impact." (Shannon Wilkins)

Perfect Shermfect

I previously mentioned the book I just finished reading, The Gifts of Imperfections by Brene Brown, and how there were two sections that are covered in highlighter. I already talked about being authentic, but today I am going to try to tackle being a perfectionist, which is something I have struggled with my whole life. It has, at times, been crippling, and this book has helped me realize that this is an idea I need to let go of.

"Healthy striving is self focused--How can I improve? Perfectionism is other-focused--What will they think?"

I came to this line and had one of my Oprah "ah ha" moments. For so long I had been under the impression that my perfectionist personality was just about me demanding the absolute best of myself. I would beat myself up for the smallest errors or not receiving a perfect score. It became a vicious cycle because any little error meant "I wasn't perfect enough." It just went on and on.  I wasn't doing this for me. I was doing this for everyone else. I was trying to make everyone else believe that I was perfectly smart, kind, capable, and worthy. I was trying to avoid judgement and being blamed for anything going wrong. My perfectionism led to a great deal anxiety, self worth issues, and exhaustion. Not only this, my perfectionist attitude stopped me from doing some things out of a fear I wouldn't be good enough at it.

I think many of you who will read this can relate, so I am proposing that we shed the perfectionist mentality and work on becoming healthy strivers. We should always work to do our best. I refuse to do anything that I won't give my all to; that's a waste of time. However, we should learn to accept that our best is good enough because it is. Strive for more because that's what you want. Don't do it so that others will have a certain perception of you. It's more important how you feel about yourself. We all have to learn to become our own best friends. If you wouldn't say something to your best friend, don't say it to yourself. Be kind to you. As Brown wrote, "We're all doing the best we can."

If we are all doing the best we can, I'd like to add how important it is to watch the pressure we put on others, especially kids. Too often I see students who cannot function if they do not receive a perfect score. They have complete meltdowns and rip themselves apart. This idea of healthy striving is exponentially important to instill in young adults. They need to learn that one point or letter grade will not ruin them or the way that people view them. One of the greatest things to ever happen to me was during my junior year of high school. J.Hunt was helping me schedule my classes for the next year. I had received my first B+ and was mortified; I was equally embarrassed that she would see it on my transcript and realize that I wasn't perfect. After making my plea that I should have received an "A" and essentially "hustling" for my worthiness, J.Hunt looked at me and said, "Don't worry about one 'B.' It adds character. You're still great." I will never forget that as long as I live. We have to be quick to help kids realize that mistakes or even less than perfect is okay; in fact, that's life. Don't ridicule or ruin a kid's self worth over one tiny miscue.

So, here it is: I am not perfect nor will I ever be. I am going to go out and be the best me that I can be, and for the first time in my life, I am going to be proud of it. You all deserve the same. Join Team Healthy Strivers. It will be perfect...just kidding.

Go do your best,

EP

Adjust Your Expectations

Summer is giving me much more time to write, which is making me quite happy. I was thinking today about the friends who I have lost in my life and why it all happened. At the time, of course, I only wanted to take a small chunk of the blame, but a reality check reminds me that I deserve more of the blame than originally thought.

"Sometimes we expect more from others because we'd be willing to do that for them." I love this quote, but it has led to the demise of friendships that were important. My advice today is to adjust your expectations of those you care about.

I think we can all admit our guilt of expecting others to behave in a certain way because that's what we would do, but, ultimately, that is not fair. "I expect/need more from you." How many of you have said this? I know I have. We fault the other person for not giving us what we want or need without questioning whether or not the person was in fact giving all he/she could. This leads to them screaming, "I'm giving all I can," and we are left shouting back, "That's not enough." But, why is all they can give not enough? We have to adjust our expectations. Adjusting doesn't mean accepting less than we deserve. If what the other person is giving is not enough for you, walk away, but stop being so hard on them.

I heard once that some people are pints and others are liters. The people who are liters expect everyone else to be the same. Liters give so much and feel slighted when they only receive pints back in return. There has to come a time when liters realize that not everyone has the giving capabilities as they do. I am a liter, and I have felt this way more times than I care to remember. I lost a friend who was very important to me. I was constantly hurt because I thought I was giving way more than I was receiving. I needed to learn and adjust my expectations of her. It would have made for a much easier time in my life.

Don't expect less for yourself, but adjust your expectations of people if they are not set accurately. Use those expectations to gauge how you will act and react to people. Don't set yourself up for a revolving door of hurt and resentment. :)

Go do great things,

EP

Authentically YOU

I just had a fantastic weekend of reading the book The Gift of Imperfections by Brene Brown, and I told myself that I would blog about the topic that I found myself highlighting the most. Two parts of the book are covered in yellow: living an authentic life and fighting perfectionism. Tonight, I will hit authenticity.

"To be nobody-but-yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody but yourself--means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight--and never stop fighting." E.E. Cummings

Being authentic--our real selves--is completely terrifying. We basically are stepping on a stage and saying, "Here I am...every piece of me." By doing this, we open ourselves up to being judged, criticized, and even accepted, but either way we are exposed. This is one of the most courageous acts I think any of us can do. It takes strength to stand up and be exactly who you are and let go of what others will say about you.

It's imperative that we all let go of what other people think. Taking a few hits is much better than sacrificing who we are. Don't hold back your ideas at a meeting because you are afraid of what others will say. Speak your opinions in a group. Contribute when you feel compelled. Holding all of this in will only hurt you in the end because it leaves you feeling like you aren't worthy of being heard, and you are. As Brene says, "Don't shrink." Stand tall and be you.

Our goal should never be to be accepted or to be liked by everyone. It just will never happen. Our goal should be to always show up and be real. People who love you and deserve to be in your life will accept you for your strengths AND your imperfections. This world is filled with too many people trying to appease others or be what everyone else wants. I learned this is the quickest way to crush any self worth you may have. Nothing is greater, no matter how scary, than to show up and be you because you are special and worthy of being seen.

Go do great things,

EP

1st Place: Nice Guy / Last Place: Mean Guy

It's time for me to ruin the absurd perception that has been told for too long. Nice people do not finish last. In fact, I am finding the exact opposite to be true. Nice people finish way ahead of any and all competition.

The mere idea that one has to be mean or cut throat to get anywhere in life is asinine. All that does is burn bridges and shatter respect. Being rude, vindictive, or constantly out for blood will rarely lead to a life of glory and prosperity. Hard work and a passion for one's job and life are the only sure-fire ways to ensure success. We all need to start hammering this home to the youth of our country now. We need to stop telling them that they only way to get ahead is by stepping on others. Too many young people think that being kind, empathetic, and helpful are signs of weakness, especially in the workplace. This is not only detrimental to our future but dangerous as well. One does not have to be closed off, feared, or conniving to be a leader. That is no leader at all.

Here is what I do know. People respect others who give respect in return. People notice others who can productively collaborate. People appreciate others who actively listen and consider ideas other than their own. People admire others who take the time to help. People follow others who lead by example and with the acceptance for new and creative ideas. This, my friends, is the nice person. This is the person who finishes first because not only does she work hard, but she has a group around her that wants to work hard with her and for her. This is the nice person who climbs the ladder because she has earned the opportunity to scale each rung and not at the expense of another person.

I apologize if I have spoiled one of life's oldest myths. The truth is in all of life's competitions (work, relationships, fulfillment, etc) the nice person will always cross the line first. Being kind, empathetic, and helpful will never be signs of weakness. The will always ALWAYS be the truest signs of strength and lead to a win.

Go do great things,

EP

"Good is the Enemy of Great."

It is agonizingly easy to do what is safe or comfortable. We've all done it and can't fault others for doing it either. We become okay with things being "good" because that's all we know. It's easy to show up at work and do the things that have been done for the last 20 years. We know what it takes to manage the status quo, but what if...

What if we tried something new to move from good to great? Life, I believe, was not destined to just be good. Life was meant to be fantastic. We must strive for that in every aspect of our lives. Be willing to shed the comfortable feeling and complacency because you deserve more. I truly feel the fear of living a life full of regrets should outweigh the fear of  taking the first unknown step towards something greater than you could imagine.

What we must always remember is that failure is a part of striving for greatness. I wouldn't even consider it as failure either. It is just a path you have found that doesn't work. Greatness is hard to achieve; if it wasn't we'd all have it. It takes time, effort, belief, dedication, and unwavering desire to get what you want. Keep changing and fixing your efforts until you reach where you want to go. Don't give up because it will be worth it.

An incredible friend and mentor told me that good is the enemy of great. How true. Fight the urge to settle because each one of us have it within us to be great at whatever is important to us. It is always the things you don't do that you'll regret. If you don't live up to your potential, it will weigh on you for the rest of your life. Be great because you can.

Go do great things,

EP

Every Monday Matters

Hi, everyone!

I hope this post finds you well and enjoying this beautiful spring day. I have a proposition for all of you that I am hoping you will not refuse. I think you all will find it worth your time and effort. Let me explain what I have in mind.

My wonderful friend Angela Saoud bought me a book called Every Monday Matters: 52 ways to make a difference. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to dig into the book. What I love the most is that the ways to make a difference are easy. Too often people don't want to try to make a difference out of an irrational fear that it is too difficult or will take too much time. This couldn't be further from the truth. It is our duty to leave a positive, lasting impact. We should want to be remembered for the good we put into the world. We need to stop taking and start giving. (Is that a line from a Michael Jackson song?)

Because of this, I want you to join me in making a difference. The book gives a list of 52 ways to make a positive impact, and that's what I am planning on doing. Each week I am going to post one of the tasks. It is our job to go out and make it happen. :) Imagine what a positive change we could create if we all just took a small amount of time out of our week and accomplished one small task on the list. To me, it is exciting and inspiring. Positivity breeds more positivity. Let's work to make this a better place for ourselves and younger generations to grow up in. It takes one person to start a ripple.

This leads me to my question. Are you in?

Let's go do great things!

BT (Officially need a new name. I am a 4th year teacher now!!)

Precious Life

I heard teachers talk before about former students passing away, and I always hoped and prayed that the day would never come when I would have to hear of the loss of a student. It happened today, and it has completely knocked the wind out of my sails. My heart goes out to his family, especially his parents, because he was an incredibly special young man. I will never forget him for as long as I live.

There is something about a kid losing his/her life that makes us all feel vulnerable. Too often we walk around as though we are invincible and think we have an infinite amount of time left on Earth; however, the death of a young one halts that perception quickly. The next day is never a given. As much as we want it to be, it isn't. 

It is days like today that remind everyone what is truly important and what is not. We remember that the petty drama in our lives should be tossed aside because it isn't worth our time or energy. We need focus on what is truly important to us, what makes us come alive. We need to make sure the people we love know it because I truly feel that is what is paramount in life: the connections we make with others. It isn't about money or material items. It isn't about status or rank. It is about the people in your life who love you...truly love you...and are there for you through everything.

Live every day with purpose. Set out to make every day you have great, and never settle for okay. There is a young man in heaven right now who had great written all over him. He made me laugh. He made me proud. I know I will carry a little piece of him for the rest of my life. When life gets "too hard," I'll remember him. When I feel sorry for myself, I'll remember him. No matter what, I'll remember him. Life is precious. We need to be kinder than necessary, grateful for everything, let those we care about know it, and live with purpose and passion. 

RIP, Web. 

Go do great things, 

BT

Web helped us make our Kid President video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJbsgXzg0O8

Class of 2013 (And Everyone Else, too)

Today, the LPHS Class of 2013 takes their final bow. It's such an exciting time for them, and I was thinking what I wish I would have been told when I was in their shoes. Today's post will be my advice to them and to all of you, and yes, I did hear this quote from Oprah.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

The world doesn't need people who are concerned about doing what they feel others want them to do. That is helping no one. The world needs people who honor and embrace their purpose in life. It is your purpose that makes you come alive and ignites every ounce of you. It is then when you function as your best and highest self. You work harder, you smile bigger, you think more, and you imagine ideas that can make a change. Finding your purpose constantly challenges you to grow as a person and keeps you out of the "rut" of life. Finding your purpose makes the alarm clock bearable and, in fact, welcomed because there is much to be accomplished. Finding what ignites you and chasing after it takes courage, but the reward is well worth it. 

Besides the individual perks that finding your purpose brings, you are helping the world. That may seem exaggerated to some, but it is true. Living an inspired life frees others. It encourages others to go after what ignites them because they see the happiness it brings. It creates a ripple effect that knows no end. Imagine a majority of the world doing what they were put here to do. That's what the world needs. The world needs inspired people who are working not just for a paycheck but because they are passionate about what they are doing. 

Ask yourself, "What makes me come alive?" You owe it to yourself to at least try. It may not become a profession. It could just be a hobby. It has to be a part of you though. You were put here for a specific reason, and it is your job to figure it out. If you're passionate about photography, pick up a camera. If you are inspired when you're writing curriculum or developing plans for kids, work your way to it. It's not about what the world needs because, if you're doing what you're supposed to and doing what makes you come alive, you're already doing exactly is needed. 

Go find your purpose,

BT

The Year That Was

It's insane to think that my third year of teaching is coming to an end so quickly. Sometimes it feels as though it was yesterday that I opened the door to my very own class for the first time. There are other days when I feel like I have been in there for 40 years. As I reflect (a task that teachers are trained to do) on this past year, I can safely say I have learned more in the past nine months than I have in my entire life. It was easily the hardest yet greatest school year so far. I'd like to take this opportunity to post the lessons taught to me in my third year of teaching.

1. You are never given more than you can handle.

I faced some new challenges this year that gave me a chance to see what I was really made of. Life decided to go a few rounds with me. I'll admit that it knocked me down quite a few times, but I made it through. I learned that I am capable of handling so much more than I thought I could. We all can. The tough times in life are meant to show us our true strength. We grow in times of trial. Just remember to always get back up when life knocks you down because you are never given more than you can handle.

2. Live inspired.

This year was the first time I made it mandatory to wake up each day with the mentality that I am the one in complete control of my attitude. I wanted to live inspired, and that is what I have done. The incredible part is that my life has changed. I am accomplishing more than I ever thought possible because I am embracing my talents and passion, which comes with the inspired living. What I have loved even more is that other people are following suit. Happiness and a love for life are contagious. Just realize that everything in life is a choice. Each day is one day that you'll never get back. Be happy. Be passionate. Live inspired!

3. No dream is too big if you're willing to work.

I refuse to tell my student any dream is too big. Why? Because I am one of those people who have big dreams, and I refuse to believe that I will never achieve them. I know I can do what I want if I am willing to work hard enough and completely throw myself into my goals. Dreams are often forgone due to a fear of failure, a lack of will to keep going when one doesn't have immediate success, or a lack of true passion. But, show me a dedicated person who will not take no for an answer when it comes to his/her dreams, and I will put my money on them. Go after everything you want in life. Have no regrets! Because like my friend once told me, no dream is too big if you're willing to work for it.

I am so grateful for my friends at work and my students for making this the most incredible year yet. I am beyond blessed and have learned a lifetime of lessons that I'll always take with me.

Go do great things,

BT

Lessons from the Parentals

I thought I'd head back to life lessons I have learned from the important people in my life. It's time to talk about the two fine individuals who brought me into this world. My parents are two remarkable people who have equipped me with the lessons and tools needed to be a valued member of society. I clearly could write for days about what they've taught me, but I will narrow it down to the three lessons that have stuck with me the most.

Learn from your mistakes

If I had a dollar for every time my father has said this to me, I could easily pay off my student loans. What I love about my dad is that he never was mad at me for making an honest mistake. In fact, he often applauded me for my efforts in going after something. He would tell me that I will make mistakes all of my life, but that I always needed to learn from them. A mistake is only a mistake the first time. Each time after that it is a choice. This little piece of advice has helped me grow into a better person. I am not scared to try new things and have the occasional mishap because I know I will learn what I did wrong and fix it for the next go round. A life that is truly lived will be full of mistakes. Just make sure you listen to my dad and learn from them.

When you get, give

I told my mom once that my personality is all my dad, but my heart is my mom. My mom has always selflessly given all of herself whenever she can, and I think the world would be better off if we all did that more often. She is happiest when she is doing for others, and I find that to be remarkably admirable. When you get the chance, give. It doesn't have to be monetary; it can just be your time. My mom has shown me the importance of removing the mirror that so many people place in front of themselves--the mirror that only reflects back one's own image. She taught me to look out and see others and to constantly ask how I can help them, too. My mom champions for "we" not "me."

Respect

I think the best lesson my parents ever taught me was the importance of respect. From the moment my little brain could comprehend ideas, my parents demanded that I respect everyone. When you see someone you know, go up and say hello. If you don't agree with someone, do not argue. State your feelings (respectfully), and then drop it. When an adult is speaking to you, listen. Treat other's property better than you'd treat your own. Look someone in the eyes when you talk to them. When someone asks you a question, answer them truthfully. It all boils down to respect. Respect gets you further in life, and that is something I can attest to. I can't thank my parents enough for this lesson.

My parents have given me the world. I have never needed anything or wanted anything because they have always been enough. I am who I am because of the lessons from them (and Kenny, who thought he was my parent when I was a kid). My love and respect for them is endless. These lessons have made me into a decent human being, so I would have to recommend them to each of you.

Go do great things,

BT

Daring Greatly

About a year ago, I came across Theodore Roosevelt's speech about the man in the arena. It changed me when I read it, but as I am reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, she takes the speech a step further. I just found myself looking up from the book and saying, "Woah." Let's read the Roosevelt speech, and then I am going to go detail what I've learned.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. 

-Theodore Roosevelt

We are afraid of vulnerability, even though it is the purest form of courage. It takes courage to put your neck on the line for a relationship, job, or a dream. It takes courage to be the man in the arena. To be willing to fight in the arena even though there is a overwhelming likelihood you will be knocked down more than once is strength. Like it says, "..if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly..." Don't be afraid to dare greatly. Don't be afraid to fight for your worthy cause. Your life will be greater for being in the arena rather than being the critic sitting in the stands.

The critics in the stands are afraid to be vulnerable. They are afraid to go after something and not achieve their goals, and that is no way to live. They instead would rather rip others for their attempts at the "triumph of high achievement." You should never ever listen to a critic. What do they know? Have they been "marred by dust and sweat and blood?" They have not because they refuse to be vulnerable; they refuse to be strong. Sitting and commenting on other's failures is an act of cowardice. These people need to be forgotten and even prayed for because they, too, need to step into the arena and fight for their worthy cause. 

Here is the great part as detailed by Brene Brown. The people we love and can be vulnerable with (vulnerability takes trust) are not up in the stands. They are not the critics. In fact, she says they are in the arena with us. They are within an arm's length ready to help us back up and to dust us off for the next round.  They are not judging when we are knocked down. They are supporting us with each step of uncertainty because when we go after our worthy cause, each step is a step of blind faith. That's why we are often afraid to go after it. If it was easy, we'd all go after what we wanted. The support we receive steadies the scary steps towards our dreams. The people we love and trust allow us to be vulnerable, which makes us strong and courageous. They allow us to be ourselves and not fear judgement. Love these people with everything you have. Afford them the same gift that they have given you. 

Live your life so that you are able to dare greatly. It is the most important fight you will have in your life. Do not be a critic in the stands. Get into the arena and notice those who follow to help you.

Go do daring things,

BT

Miracle Friend

As you can see from the past two days, I have some great friends who have taught me some of life's most important lessons. Today's person is no exception. I just met Janie this year at school, and I feel like my whole life has changed in that short amount of time. She is everything people want to be all wrapped up and put into one person. While we are not all fortunate enough to have a Janie in our lives, you would be doing yourself a favor to follow the lessons she has taught me. 

If what you're doing is great, let it speak for itself. You don't have to.

I have learned an incredible lesson in humility from Janie. Janie is unarguably one of the most intelligent, hard working, motivated, strong, dedicated, kind, and all around incredible people I know, but she would never tell you that. She has created a program at school that is flourishing and changing kids' lives, but, again, she would never tell you that. She is extremely proud of her program, assistants, and students, but she would rather have the success speak for itself. She doesn't want attention for what she is doing, and I find that to be amazing. We all need a little of that. We need to do our work to the best of our ability because we care, because we are passionate about it, and because it is the right thing to do. We should never do work for attention or accolades. We should not run around praising ourselves because if what we are doing is great enough, the praise will follow all by itself. Janie has taught me that. 

If you want something bad enough and are willing to work for it, you can do anything.

I owe Janie so much more than I could ever give her. This year, she encouraged me to go for my dreams. She didn't just say, "Go for it." She said, "Ok, let's sit down and plan out what you're going to do. You can do this. I believe in you." She told me that over and over again, "I believe in you." From that, I began to really believe that I could actually make a difference and inspire others to help me. Because of her, I have no doubts that if I keep working hard, I can do anything. You all need to believe that, too. If you have an aching passion to do something, you can. You can because it means so much to you that you'll do what you need to achieve it. You just have to move forward with unwavering faith in yourself. You will hit bumps. You will not always get exactly what you want at the time, but you can do anything you put your mind to. I believe that now thanks to Janie. 

Look for the daily miracles and blessings.

One time, at the end of an email, Janie said to me, "I wonder what great things will happen today." It struck me as soon as I read it. There is so much to be said for positivity, and not just that, but for being aware of the great things that happen to us each day. We are too quick to point out the negatives or life's misfortunes that we are neglecting to see all the blessings we receive daily. We are closing ourselves off to happiness if we live like that. Pay attention to each little miracle that happens to you each day. Wake up with the excitement that great things are going to occur. Janie has shown me that you are the one who chooses what you see. Finding the silver lining will lead to a much more fulfilled life. Search for the good and let the bad pass you by. 

Janie is one of the greatest people in the entire world. She is a huge blessing to my life, and I continue to learn from her each day. She has changed who I am and want to be. I am beyond grateful that she has taken me under her wing and inspired me to be more than I thought I could be. I promise these lessons will change you if you let them.

Go be like Janie,

BT

Coop-a-Loop

We all have that one friend. She's that person who you know you can go to to make you laugh. She is the one who brightens a room and everyone is drawn to. That's Cooper. Today, I am going to focus on the important lessons I've learned from my partner-in-crime. I wish everyone was more like her.

"Life loves the liver of it." Maya Angelou

Cooper is quite possibly the happiest and most fun person I've met in my entire life. She loves to smile, laugh, and just have a great time. She doesn't just go through the motions; she lives life. We need to realize that we only get one shot at our lives, so it is important to make the best out of every day. Be silly. Have fun. Make lots of friends. Laugh as much as humanly possible. Enjoy every moment. In doing that, you'll attract others who live in a similar way, which makes life all the better. Don't be someone who whines or complains about every little situation. That's no fun. Change your attitude and find the good in everything. Because of Cooper, I try to always make the most out of every situation. Might as well, right?

Don't worry about things you can't control

B.Coop does not waste her time fretting about issues that are out of her hand. She lives in the moment and only worries about what needs to be. She knows that so much of what bothers us is completely out of our control; therefore, we are wasting our time even thinking about it. I love that about her. Fix what you can. Let the rest go. Your attention needs to be on what you have power over, not what you don't.

Never stop having fun

It does not matter what your age is. You are allowed to have fun no matter what. Just because you hit a certain number doesn't mean you have to be in bed at 6:30 watching reruns of Matlock. It doesn't mean that you can't make friends with the newbie teacher. It doesn't mean that you can't skip down the halls, sing at the top of your lungs to "We Are the World," and dance like you're on the Madonna World tour. Age means nothing. What means something is that you are always enjoying life no matter which birthday you happen to be at. Coop has inspired me to never stop having fun and to always love every second of my life.

When I am hanging out with B.Coop, I know I am going to have the best time. I often laugh until I am afraid my bladder won't be strong enough to take much more. People give us strange looks, but we have decided it's just because they want to join in. (Let us have that, please. Don't argue) What I do know is Cooper has taught me so much, and I wish everyone had a little Cooper in them. Life would be so much more fun.

Go be like Cooper,

BT