Hi, everyone. :)
Today will be quick because I have some grades that need to be entered. I just had a quick thought that needs to be pulled from my mind and put onto my blog.
I have had many people ask me if I get discouraged when I see students do the exact opposite of what we are trying to accomplish with the Kindness Campaign. The answer is no, and that is my advice today.
Never let people or experiences break your drive or dream of accomplishing whatever is in your heart.
There will always be naysayers. Unfortunately, life is full of them. People will always try to discount your efforts, but don't for one second let their comments take up space in your heart or mind. Use it purely for motivation. There is always a chance of failure no matter what we do. It's a fact of life. Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., JFK, and many others could have easily stopped on their mission to change the world due to the incessant comments of those who did not believe in what was trying to be accomplished. They didn't stop though. When you're trying something big, you have to be willing to take a few hits in order to get to the finish line. Just keep going. If it means that much to you, nothing should stop you.
Do I get discouraged when I hear and see negative actions at school? No. It only motivates me more. I know I won't change everyone. That's impossible. I refuse to stop trying though. Great things happen because great people have dreams that they refuse to let die.
Go do good things,
BT
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
What is a hero?
Exhaustion has set in, but nothing can keep me from writing. :)
A few days ago, I sat across from the person who inspired me to become a teacher with my head in my hands confessing that I didn't feel as though I was doing what I was supposed to. I told her that I was supposed to make an impact on a large scale, and, at the moment, I didn't even think I was doing it in my own classroom. I felt that I was not fulfilling my purpose. I picked my head up and looked across at my mentor turned friend and thought about all that she was to me, and it was then I realized that true heroes don't necessarily have to change the world. Heroes can simply change one person.
My life has been changed by a few people who would classify themselves as ordinary people, but to me they are anything but. They make every aspect of life seem better. They somehow can solve every life crisis and help me clear up confusion. They support my every venture and calm every worry. They show me every single day what being a strong, intelligent, hardworking, caring, and inspirational person means. They are everything great compacted into just one being. They are everything I hope one day of becoming.
A hero doesn't have to be famous. In fact, a hero doesn't want to be famous. After picking up my head and looking at the lady I've looked up to for the past ten years, I saw a true hero. I knew at that moment that I needed to calm down and put everything into perspective. Yes, it is my dream to change the world, and I am going to go after it with everything I have, but there is nothing wrong with impacting a few people in my small town either. An impact is an impact, no matter where and on what scale. When I think of how I was changed by those closest to me, it would be enough to be half of that to someone else.
Go do good things,
BT
A few days ago, I sat across from the person who inspired me to become a teacher with my head in my hands confessing that I didn't feel as though I was doing what I was supposed to. I told her that I was supposed to make an impact on a large scale, and, at the moment, I didn't even think I was doing it in my own classroom. I felt that I was not fulfilling my purpose. I picked my head up and looked across at my mentor turned friend and thought about all that she was to me, and it was then I realized that true heroes don't necessarily have to change the world. Heroes can simply change one person.
My life has been changed by a few people who would classify themselves as ordinary people, but to me they are anything but. They make every aspect of life seem better. They somehow can solve every life crisis and help me clear up confusion. They support my every venture and calm every worry. They show me every single day what being a strong, intelligent, hardworking, caring, and inspirational person means. They are everything great compacted into just one being. They are everything I hope one day of becoming.
A hero doesn't have to be famous. In fact, a hero doesn't want to be famous. After picking up my head and looking at the lady I've looked up to for the past ten years, I saw a true hero. I knew at that moment that I needed to calm down and put everything into perspective. Yes, it is my dream to change the world, and I am going to go after it with everything I have, but there is nothing wrong with impacting a few people in my small town either. An impact is an impact, no matter where and on what scale. When I think of how I was changed by those closest to me, it would be enough to be half of that to someone else.
Go do good things,
BT
Monday, April 8, 2013
What If?
Hi, everyone.
I told someone this once, and I think it's true, but I grew up on too much Oprah. I spent almost every day as a young child watching this remarkable woman ease pains, give gifts of a lifetime, reunite long lost families, and constantly stress the ability we all have to be something great. Whether it should have or not, her message plopped itself down deep within my heart as a kid and has never left. Thank goodness. :)
I think her message is for everyone. What if each and every one of us has the ability to be something bigger than we could ever imagine? What if we all could make a huge impact? I personally think we can. Greatness doesn't stick to a zip code or a last name. Greatness goes to people who believe in something so badly that they will go to any lengths to achieve it. Making a difference in this world is possible when one put it into her mind that she will not settle for anything less than what she wants. Passion and sheer determination are the keys.
Deep down in my gut I feel that I was put here to do something big. In my younger days, people would laugh at me when I said that. Now, I am blessed with people that look me straight in the eyes and say, "I believe in you. I know you can do it." With a little more life experience under my belt and a fantastic support group, I am finally starting my journey. I don't know what exactly it is I am supposed to do, but I know I am supposed to do something. I want to be a person who helps others, who shows that kindness can change lives, and who inspires others to be the best they can be. More than wanting it though, I am willing to work for it.
I don't know if it is just too much Oprah, but I think we each have greatness within us just waiting to be used. Like Marianne Williamson said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." I have decided, and I hope you will too, that I am not going to be afraid of what I could be; I am going to go after it. What if....
Go do good things,
BT
I told someone this once, and I think it's true, but I grew up on too much Oprah. I spent almost every day as a young child watching this remarkable woman ease pains, give gifts of a lifetime, reunite long lost families, and constantly stress the ability we all have to be something great. Whether it should have or not, her message plopped itself down deep within my heart as a kid and has never left. Thank goodness. :)
I think her message is for everyone. What if each and every one of us has the ability to be something bigger than we could ever imagine? What if we all could make a huge impact? I personally think we can. Greatness doesn't stick to a zip code or a last name. Greatness goes to people who believe in something so badly that they will go to any lengths to achieve it. Making a difference in this world is possible when one put it into her mind that she will not settle for anything less than what she wants. Passion and sheer determination are the keys.
Deep down in my gut I feel that I was put here to do something big. In my younger days, people would laugh at me when I said that. Now, I am blessed with people that look me straight in the eyes and say, "I believe in you. I know you can do it." With a little more life experience under my belt and a fantastic support group, I am finally starting my journey. I don't know what exactly it is I am supposed to do, but I know I am supposed to do something. I want to be a person who helps others, who shows that kindness can change lives, and who inspires others to be the best they can be. More than wanting it though, I am willing to work for it.
I don't know if it is just too much Oprah, but I think we each have greatness within us just waiting to be used. Like Marianne Williamson said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." I have decided, and I hope you will too, that I am not going to be afraid of what I could be; I am going to go after it. What if....
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, April 6, 2013
What Are We Waiting For?
Hi, everyone! Spring break is rapidly coming to an end. All of my friends who flew the coup are slowly starting to trickle back home. It's an exciting time for me. :)
My life seems to be in overdrive, and I could not be happier about it. After a fun day and great chat with an incredible person, I came home to start on a project that I have always wanted to do but never thought I could. Ding..ding..ding...post idea!
If there is something that you want to do, GET GOING!
There are a million and one excuses that we can all use as a reason not to do something, but why? If you want to remodel your house, do it. If you want to start a business, get to it. If you want to go back to school, apply! I realize there are a lot of outside factors that could prevent some of these from happening, but I want to inspire you to try!
I am starting to realize how quickly life moves. It started picking up pace at 21 and hasn't seemed to slow down since. If I sit back, I will find myself retired on the back deck reading all the books I was never able to when I was teaching. Now is the time to go after every thing you want.
For me and many others, the scariest part is the first step. It is the fear of the unknown and the possibility of failing. Those fears are present in almost everything we do, so we can't let those inhibit us. The prospect of us achieving our goals or accomplishing a dream should outweigh all. Each of us is capable of so much. We just don't believe it. I watch Kid President, a little 9-year-old from Tennessee, and realize how one person can do anything. He has inspired millions of people, young and old, to be kinder to others. He has made people more cognizant of how they treat others. A little boy did that. If he can inspire the world, you can do whatever it is you're dreaming of. I promise.
We have one shot at this life. I don't know about you, but I want it to be magical. I want to fight for each of my dreams. I know I will stumble at times, but the thought of succeeding will be what picks me up every time. As one of the greatest people alive always tells me, "I believe in you." Put your mind to it, and go for it!!
Go do good things,
BT
“We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.” ― Marilyn Monroe
My life seems to be in overdrive, and I could not be happier about it. After a fun day and great chat with an incredible person, I came home to start on a project that I have always wanted to do but never thought I could. Ding..ding..ding...post idea!
If there is something that you want to do, GET GOING!
There are a million and one excuses that we can all use as a reason not to do something, but why? If you want to remodel your house, do it. If you want to start a business, get to it. If you want to go back to school, apply! I realize there are a lot of outside factors that could prevent some of these from happening, but I want to inspire you to try!
I am starting to realize how quickly life moves. It started picking up pace at 21 and hasn't seemed to slow down since. If I sit back, I will find myself retired on the back deck reading all the books I was never able to when I was teaching. Now is the time to go after every thing you want.
For me and many others, the scariest part is the first step. It is the fear of the unknown and the possibility of failing. Those fears are present in almost everything we do, so we can't let those inhibit us. The prospect of us achieving our goals or accomplishing a dream should outweigh all. Each of us is capable of so much. We just don't believe it. I watch Kid President, a little 9-year-old from Tennessee, and realize how one person can do anything. He has inspired millions of people, young and old, to be kinder to others. He has made people more cognizant of how they treat others. A little boy did that. If he can inspire the world, you can do whatever it is you're dreaming of. I promise.
We have one shot at this life. I don't know about you, but I want it to be magical. I want to fight for each of my dreams. I know I will stumble at times, but the thought of succeeding will be what picks me up every time. As one of the greatest people alive always tells me, "I believe in you." Put your mind to it, and go for it!!
Go do good things,
BT
“We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets.” ― Marilyn Monroe
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
So What's the Difference?
Hi, friends.
I hope today finds you all well. It's spring break up here, so I am feeling pretty great at the moment. I will feel even better when I completely finish that pesky grading. A friend and I are starting a project that we are both excited about, so I went out to Barnes and Noble to search for some inspiration. I found a fabulous book that gave me ammunition for a new post.
"We all do the same things. It's how we do them that makes the difference."
I sat in the middle of the B&N aisle with my mouth open and looking around for someone to do the awkward, "You totally have to read this; it's so true," face to, but I was alone in the Self-Exploration aisle. What's new? Just another day in my life.
That's the key, folks. We all know those people who put just a little extra detail into what they do. The difference in that small detail completely changes the delivery and its reception. I am going to use the example of the Walmart greeter in my hometown. The greeter's job entails saying hello and goodbye to customers and assisting with any first hand questions that arise, but basically it is saying hi and bye. Every other greeter does just fine. I always receive my, "Hi," and, "Thanks for shopping." Yet, there is one man who just puts a little extra into what he does. He makes you feel like coming into Walmart is the best decision you could have ever made in your life. He welcomes you like one would welcome someone into his/her home. He makes eye contact. He points out something that he likes about you and tells you. He puts a smile on your face. That is the difference.
Whenever you do something, find a way to put your heart into it. Life is too short to do anything that you don't truly love or have a passion for. Make people feel something. People will notice. If you can change even one day, then you are a huge success. If we all cared a little more about making each day more special for others, think of the possibilities. I know that I for one am going to be sure I do this.
Go do good things,
BT
I hope today finds you all well. It's spring break up here, so I am feeling pretty great at the moment. I will feel even better when I completely finish that pesky grading. A friend and I are starting a project that we are both excited about, so I went out to Barnes and Noble to search for some inspiration. I found a fabulous book that gave me ammunition for a new post.
"We all do the same things. It's how we do them that makes the difference."
I sat in the middle of the B&N aisle with my mouth open and looking around for someone to do the awkward, "You totally have to read this; it's so true," face to, but I was alone in the Self-Exploration aisle. What's new? Just another day in my life.
That's the key, folks. We all know those people who put just a little extra detail into what they do. The difference in that small detail completely changes the delivery and its reception. I am going to use the example of the Walmart greeter in my hometown. The greeter's job entails saying hello and goodbye to customers and assisting with any first hand questions that arise, but basically it is saying hi and bye. Every other greeter does just fine. I always receive my, "Hi," and, "Thanks for shopping." Yet, there is one man who just puts a little extra into what he does. He makes you feel like coming into Walmart is the best decision you could have ever made in your life. He welcomes you like one would welcome someone into his/her home. He makes eye contact. He points out something that he likes about you and tells you. He puts a smile on your face. That is the difference.
Whenever you do something, find a way to put your heart into it. Life is too short to do anything that you don't truly love or have a passion for. Make people feel something. People will notice. If you can change even one day, then you are a huge success. If we all cared a little more about making each day more special for others, think of the possibilities. I know that I for one am going to be sure I do this.
Go do good things,
BT
Friday, March 29, 2013
Dear, You....
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
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
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
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