While I have my Life List, 2012 has me feeling more inspired and motivated than I ever have before. As I celebrate another year, transition into my promotion, and move to Los Angeles I am also going to challenge myself to accomplish these 27 things while I am 27.
1. Decorate all of my new home
2. Save $100 a month
3. Visit Andrew
4. Attend WeFest
5. Attend SXSW
6. Learn the quirky idiosyncrasies of Los Angeles
7. Make Los Angeles my home
8. Find a work/life balance
9. Spend more time outside
10. Go to Disneyland
11. Go to a Lakers game
12. Spend the year giving back. Find a way to donate my time, money or services to a nonprofit each month
13. Run a 5K
14. Spend time cooking (I say this every year…hopefully with all of the amazing farmers markets in LA, I make this happen)
15. Go to a Dodgers game
16. Bargain hunt
17. Be an active member of the LA PRSA
18. Visit Napa Valley
19. Be a “seat filler” at an awards show in LA (this is a real thing. They have extra tickets to the awards shows; I’ll just have to find them!)
20. Visit Seattle
21. Exercise everyday
22. Read 6 non-PR books
23. Keep a full wine rack (it’s typically empty…)
24. Take a trip to Mexico
25. Go to a live taping of Chelsea Lately
26. See Garth Brooks in Vegas
27. Laugh every single day
Cheers to the big 2-7!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Janu...Where'd ya go?
We are 22 days into 2012 and it feels like this is the first time I’ve sat down. While that may sound unpleasant, it has been an incredible 22 days.
At the beginning of the month, the jam and some of the extended jam headed to San Antonio to see my cousin graduate from boot camp. If you’ve never been to a boot camp graduation, they are very powerful. It was a great experience, and I am honored to have been a part of it. After the graduation, we bounced around San Antonio a little bit, including a quick trip to Gruene, Texas where the dance hall scene from the movie “Michael” was filmed. Dizzle bought red cowboy boots and danced on a picnic table. Side note: If you’re ever in San Antonio and you share my affection for tequila, the Iron Cactus makes the best margarita I’ve ever had. (Except for my own, obviously.)
At the end of the weekend, I flew back to Raleigh to unload and reload my suitcase for a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show. I had no idea what to expect out of the show, but I was blown away. I would recommend you add to your bucket list.
After 3 days in Vegas, I headed to Los Angeles to find a place to live and get a feel for the city. Much like CES, I wasn’t certain what to expect during this visit to Los Angeles…
Thursday morning, Dock and I flew into LAX. After we picked up my rental car, which happened to be a convertible (I was determined to drive in California with the top down just once), we put the address to the restaurant in my GPS and made our way. For whatever reason, my GPS thought it would be funny to take us through Korea Town. I don’t know what you may know about Korea Town, but it’s frightening, and I later learned that it is the largest population of Korean’s second to Seoul in the actual country of Korea.
Needless to say, all I could think was “what am I doing moving here?” Then we got to Los Feliz for lunch, and it was beautiful. The food was fresh, we sat outside (in January) and the people were friendly. After lunch, we headed to Glendale where we were staying and unpacked, etc before guac and Margs. Then we headed back to LAX to pick up Dizz. And get a parking ticket. At the terminal.
Friday, we got the lay of the land, driving through every neighborhood that had been recommended to live in and checking out our offices. This tour included driving up and down Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, etc and all I could think about was how much fun it’s going to be to just pick a street, and walk it to check out the shops, restaurant’s, food, and wine. After lunch at the farmers market in The Grove (holy amazing) we went to the place I thought I wanted to live, and… signed a lease. It was that easy. Friday night was another night of great food in Glendale.
Since I had found a place to live on Friday, we got to explore on Saturday. Dock, Dizz and I drove down Santa Monica Boulevard all the way to the pier, and got onto “the one” to drove up the coast to Malibu. (Side note: I had no idea of Pepperdine’s location. Wow.) Driving up the coast was another one of those breathtaking moments, where I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. We had brunch on the beach (I will have no trouble getting used to freshly squeezed orange juice in my mimosas) and did a little exploring. This is also the part of the trip where I drove with the top down. I felt like Lauren Conrad.
On the way back from Malibu, we stopped at Rodeo Drive. When we walked up from the parking garage, I came face-to-face with Hermes, and this time I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing. Rodeo Drive was, of course, everything you’d expect. I loved it.
To avoid hitting traffic, and driving in the dark, this was when I had to drop D-squared at their hotel (they stayed closer to LAX on their last night). As is typical, I spent the drive back to Glendale crying. Pretty sure I’ll never stop crying when my parents leave. Saturday night, I stopped by my first BevMo! (Beverages and More – everything in LA is abbreviated), bought a bottle of wine, went to the hotel, ordered room service and a movie.
Sunday morning, I woke up and decided to hike up to the top of the Hollywood Hills (no I didn’t see any dead bodies), which was so beautiful. I had never really hiked before, and I was surprised at what a work out it was, and how hard it was to hike down.
After my hike, I met with my LA native friend, and we headed to Venice. I don’t even know where to begin with Venice. All of you have to see it. When we first got there, we walked through several charming boutiques, and looked in the windows of busy coffee and wine shops. And then, she took me to the boardwalk… I really don’t know how to put this in words. Every ten steps, someone wanted to sell us marijuana (it’s legal in LA), muscle beach is a real thing, people had no clothes on, there were fully tattooed men hanging out, piercings everywhere, young kids playing drums for money, the list goes on. I am pretty certain my mouth was wide open the whole walk. And then, just like that, we were at a quaint little wine bar having a glass of cab. I don’t think I’ll ever figure out Venice.
Sunday night, we headed back to Los Feliz for another glass of wine and some apps. Great touristy day.
Monday, I worked from my hotel and then checked out the Glendale Galleria. Where I bought myself a congratulations/happy birthday Michael Kors bag. Tuesday was another working from the hotel day. After work, I decided to go explore UCLA’s campus, which was beautiful. I also tried to stalk to the mansions in Bel Air, but it was dark and people were following me closely, so that didn’t work out. Wednesday, we went to Orange County to visit with a client, came back to West Hollywood and had dinner at The Village Idiot, where I saw Stephen Colletti (third time I stopped breathing).
Thursday morning, I made my way to LAX (at 3am) for my flight back to Raleigh. I knew the second that I woke up that morning that I had fallen in love with Los Angeles, because I was sad to leave. I am so excited to call LA home, I can hardly stand it.
Woke up Friday morning, picked up Dizz, had surgery, and here we are. On tap for the rest of January: Visit from the jam. Turn 27. Going away dinner with my lovely colleagues. Pack up my home. Head to Baltimore for a few days. Move to Los Angeles. Bam.
Alright, February, whatchya got?
Also… good thing I didn’t call this “Bluegrass in Baltimore”
At the beginning of the month, the jam and some of the extended jam headed to San Antonio to see my cousin graduate from boot camp. If you’ve never been to a boot camp graduation, they are very powerful. It was a great experience, and I am honored to have been a part of it. After the graduation, we bounced around San Antonio a little bit, including a quick trip to Gruene, Texas where the dance hall scene from the movie “Michael” was filmed. Dizzle bought red cowboy boots and danced on a picnic table. Side note: If you’re ever in San Antonio and you share my affection for tequila, the Iron Cactus makes the best margarita I’ve ever had. (Except for my own, obviously.)
At the end of the weekend, I flew back to Raleigh to unload and reload my suitcase for a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show. I had no idea what to expect out of the show, but I was blown away. I would recommend you add to your bucket list.
After 3 days in Vegas, I headed to Los Angeles to find a place to live and get a feel for the city. Much like CES, I wasn’t certain what to expect during this visit to Los Angeles…
Thursday morning, Dock and I flew into LAX. After we picked up my rental car, which happened to be a convertible (I was determined to drive in California with the top down just once), we put the address to the restaurant in my GPS and made our way. For whatever reason, my GPS thought it would be funny to take us through Korea Town. I don’t know what you may know about Korea Town, but it’s frightening, and I later learned that it is the largest population of Korean’s second to Seoul in the actual country of Korea.
Needless to say, all I could think was “what am I doing moving here?” Then we got to Los Feliz for lunch, and it was beautiful. The food was fresh, we sat outside (in January) and the people were friendly. After lunch, we headed to Glendale where we were staying and unpacked, etc before guac and Margs. Then we headed back to LAX to pick up Dizz. And get a parking ticket. At the terminal.
Friday, we got the lay of the land, driving through every neighborhood that had been recommended to live in and checking out our offices. This tour included driving up and down Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, etc and all I could think about was how much fun it’s going to be to just pick a street, and walk it to check out the shops, restaurant’s, food, and wine. After lunch at the farmers market in The Grove (holy amazing) we went to the place I thought I wanted to live, and… signed a lease. It was that easy. Friday night was another night of great food in Glendale.
Since I had found a place to live on Friday, we got to explore on Saturday. Dock, Dizz and I drove down Santa Monica Boulevard all the way to the pier, and got onto “the one” to drove up the coast to Malibu. (Side note: I had no idea of Pepperdine’s location. Wow.) Driving up the coast was another one of those breathtaking moments, where I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. We had brunch on the beach (I will have no trouble getting used to freshly squeezed orange juice in my mimosas) and did a little exploring. This is also the part of the trip where I drove with the top down. I felt like Lauren Conrad.
On the way back from Malibu, we stopped at Rodeo Drive. When we walked up from the parking garage, I came face-to-face with Hermes, and this time I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing. Rodeo Drive was, of course, everything you’d expect. I loved it.
To avoid hitting traffic, and driving in the dark, this was when I had to drop D-squared at their hotel (they stayed closer to LAX on their last night). As is typical, I spent the drive back to Glendale crying. Pretty sure I’ll never stop crying when my parents leave. Saturday night, I stopped by my first BevMo! (Beverages and More – everything in LA is abbreviated), bought a bottle of wine, went to the hotel, ordered room service and a movie.
Sunday morning, I woke up and decided to hike up to the top of the Hollywood Hills (no I didn’t see any dead bodies), which was so beautiful. I had never really hiked before, and I was surprised at what a work out it was, and how hard it was to hike down.
After my hike, I met with my LA native friend, and we headed to Venice. I don’t even know where to begin with Venice. All of you have to see it. When we first got there, we walked through several charming boutiques, and looked in the windows of busy coffee and wine shops. And then, she took me to the boardwalk… I really don’t know how to put this in words. Every ten steps, someone wanted to sell us marijuana (it’s legal in LA), muscle beach is a real thing, people had no clothes on, there were fully tattooed men hanging out, piercings everywhere, young kids playing drums for money, the list goes on. I am pretty certain my mouth was wide open the whole walk. And then, just like that, we were at a quaint little wine bar having a glass of cab. I don’t think I’ll ever figure out Venice.
Sunday night, we headed back to Los Feliz for another glass of wine and some apps. Great touristy day.
Monday, I worked from my hotel and then checked out the Glendale Galleria. Where I bought myself a congratulations/happy birthday Michael Kors bag. Tuesday was another working from the hotel day. After work, I decided to go explore UCLA’s campus, which was beautiful. I also tried to stalk to the mansions in Bel Air, but it was dark and people were following me closely, so that didn’t work out. Wednesday, we went to Orange County to visit with a client, came back to West Hollywood and had dinner at The Village Idiot, where I saw Stephen Colletti (third time I stopped breathing).
Thursday morning, I made my way to LAX (at 3am) for my flight back to Raleigh. I knew the second that I woke up that morning that I had fallen in love with Los Angeles, because I was sad to leave. I am so excited to call LA home, I can hardly stand it.
Woke up Friday morning, picked up Dizz, had surgery, and here we are. On tap for the rest of January: Visit from the jam. Turn 27. Going away dinner with my lovely colleagues. Pack up my home. Head to Baltimore for a few days. Move to Los Angeles. Bam.
Alright, February, whatchya got?
Also… good thing I didn’t call this “Bluegrass in Baltimore”
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
One of the jams traditions is to reveal our "highs and lows" from the year ending and share goals moving into the next. In 2012, I have decided that my goal is to stay hungry and stay foolish – per Steve Jobs' advice.
In 2011, I learned who I was. I was able to define myself as an honest, caring, giving person and I am determined to remain the same. I learned more about myself in one year than in the 25 past. That being said, I have been offered the opportunity by my company to move to our new Los Angeles office, and I have humbly accepted. As of February 1, I will be a resident of sunny California.
It's no secret that I have moved many times before, but for the first time, I am doing this for myself. This move inspires significant growth in both my career and my personal life. I am incredibly excited about what Los Angeles has to offer and even more so about living my life to the fullest. I truly believe California will keep me both hungry and foolish.
Thank you to my family, my friends and my colleagues for loving and supporting me through my growth – I am beyond excited for this next chapter.
Cheers to 2012.
Abby
In 2011, I learned who I was. I was able to define myself as an honest, caring, giving person and I am determined to remain the same. I learned more about myself in one year than in the 25 past. That being said, I have been offered the opportunity by my company to move to our new Los Angeles office, and I have humbly accepted. As of February 1, I will be a resident of sunny California.
It's no secret that I have moved many times before, but for the first time, I am doing this for myself. This move inspires significant growth in both my career and my personal life. I am incredibly excited about what Los Angeles has to offer and even more so about living my life to the fullest. I truly believe California will keep me both hungry and foolish.
Thank you to my family, my friends and my colleagues for loving and supporting me through my growth – I am beyond excited for this next chapter.
Cheers to 2012.
Abby
Thursday, November 3, 2011
12 Steps to Becoming a Successful Counselor
As a PR practitioner, (and probably with every other job), it is important to take breaks from a day in the office and allow time for professional development opportunities. Whether it be a refresher of the basics, or something you’ve never learned before, I believe the insight allows for a reminder of why I love what I do every day.
On Tuesday, I attended the NCPRSA Public Relations and Marketing Seminar where I sat in a session called “Counselors Are Made, Not Born: How to Grow Into a Counselor, Not Just a Tactician” and acquired 12 steps to becoming a successful counselor. Each of these resonated with me for several reasons. Here they are:
1. Be a student of humans: In order to be an auspicious counselor, we must understand how we think and act as individuals, specifically in a group settings. In public relations, as a counselor, you will be advantageous if you continue to be fascinated by, and study others.
2. Be a student of yourself: Understand what motivates you to assist in finding what motivates others. Be aware of how you interpret situations, as well as how you react to situations. Aspire to be the best version of yourself every day.
3. Be an expert: In your business, in your clients business, in your competition, in all current trends… The more you know, the better a counselor you will serve as to others.
4. Try on someone else’s shoes: In every situation ask yourself “what would it be like to be that person?” Understanding your audience is imperative.
5. Appeal to basic human instincts: Be certain that your guidance is allowing for a solution that keeps everyone healthy, safe, and comfortable.
6. Keep it simple: Confusing your audience does not inspire clarity or reason. Speak clearly, speak honestly and leave them with one thing to remember.
7. Show that you care: Oftentimes, the power of praise is forgotten. Check your ego at the door, be respectful of colleagues, attentive to clients, and never forget to say thank you. It goes farther than you think.
8. Show a “spark”: Whether you’re in a meeting, defining a strategy or solving a problem, present something new and different. Give those you are mentoring something to think about, and more importantly something to strive for.
9. “Be the ball, Danny” (This was presented by men…naturally, there was a sports reference): Too often, we forget to trust our instincts. Successful counselors trust their gut.
10. Learn to ask and to listen: Don’t be shy about asking questions and being inquisitive, regardless of your level or leadership. As a counselor, be patient with those who have questions.
11. Choose wisely: Counsel those who are excited to learn from you. Give them extra opportunities to go out a limb. Pass your expertise down the ladder – watching them grow into a counselor themselves is extremely rewarding.
12. Go forth and conquer: Be confident in your expertise. Be confident in the fact that people trust you. Be confident in the results you produce. You are a mentor, a role model, a counselor – go forth and conquer.
On Tuesday, I attended the NCPRSA Public Relations and Marketing Seminar where I sat in a session called “Counselors Are Made, Not Born: How to Grow Into a Counselor, Not Just a Tactician” and acquired 12 steps to becoming a successful counselor. Each of these resonated with me for several reasons. Here they are:
1. Be a student of humans: In order to be an auspicious counselor, we must understand how we think and act as individuals, specifically in a group settings. In public relations, as a counselor, you will be advantageous if you continue to be fascinated by, and study others.
2. Be a student of yourself: Understand what motivates you to assist in finding what motivates others. Be aware of how you interpret situations, as well as how you react to situations. Aspire to be the best version of yourself every day.
3. Be an expert: In your business, in your clients business, in your competition, in all current trends… The more you know, the better a counselor you will serve as to others.
4. Try on someone else’s shoes: In every situation ask yourself “what would it be like to be that person?” Understanding your audience is imperative.
5. Appeal to basic human instincts: Be certain that your guidance is allowing for a solution that keeps everyone healthy, safe, and comfortable.
6. Keep it simple: Confusing your audience does not inspire clarity or reason. Speak clearly, speak honestly and leave them with one thing to remember.
7. Show that you care: Oftentimes, the power of praise is forgotten. Check your ego at the door, be respectful of colleagues, attentive to clients, and never forget to say thank you. It goes farther than you think.
8. Show a “spark”: Whether you’re in a meeting, defining a strategy or solving a problem, present something new and different. Give those you are mentoring something to think about, and more importantly something to strive for.
9. “Be the ball, Danny” (This was presented by men…naturally, there was a sports reference): Too often, we forget to trust our instincts. Successful counselors trust their gut.
10. Learn to ask and to listen: Don’t be shy about asking questions and being inquisitive, regardless of your level or leadership. As a counselor, be patient with those who have questions.
11. Choose wisely: Counsel those who are excited to learn from you. Give them extra opportunities to go out a limb. Pass your expertise down the ladder – watching them grow into a counselor themselves is extremely rewarding.
12. Go forth and conquer: Be confident in your expertise. Be confident in the fact that people trust you. Be confident in the results you produce. You are a mentor, a role model, a counselor – go forth and conquer.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Small Things
Naturally, I'm a huge a fan of a big surprise. Like when Santa put tickets to Cancun in my stocking, or when Dock decided to buy me a TV for no reason. Recently, though, I've been reminded how special the small surprises are, too.
Living far away from the jam, Dizz is quick to offer to order takeout and have it delivered to my house. The Adele Pandora station through the day is huge. I have a fave that lets me dream big and send totally expensive girly gift ideas to him, always responding with a hint of promise that I may own one of the items soon. "I miss your face" text messages make me smile every time.
I also think that the same sentiments can be shared in public relations. A hand written note goes a long way. Every time. I had to make an unexpected long overnight drive to DC and when I was due back in Raleigh, a colleague called (yes, called on the phone – not a text message!!) to make sure I had made it home safely. Hearing "thank you" at the office always changes a bad day.
The list goes on and on (I'm a lucky girl) but, the point is that small gestures are important. Whether they be for a friend, or in business, I am pleased to have been reminded how meaningful the small things can be.
Side note: Oh hey, October... Where has this year gone?!
Living far away from the jam, Dizz is quick to offer to order takeout and have it delivered to my house. The Adele Pandora station through the day is huge. I have a fave that lets me dream big and send totally expensive girly gift ideas to him, always responding with a hint of promise that I may own one of the items soon. "I miss your face" text messages make me smile every time.
I also think that the same sentiments can be shared in public relations. A hand written note goes a long way. Every time. I had to make an unexpected long overnight drive to DC and when I was due back in Raleigh, a colleague called (yes, called on the phone – not a text message!!) to make sure I had made it home safely. Hearing "thank you" at the office always changes a bad day.
The list goes on and on (I'm a lucky girl) but, the point is that small gestures are important. Whether they be for a friend, or in business, I am pleased to have been reminded how meaningful the small things can be.
Side note: Oh hey, October... Where has this year gone?!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Klout for a Cure
As you know, I try to be active in giving back, volunteering and supporting charities that mean something to me. Whether it be Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, Locks of Love or the Race for the Cure, I attempt to make it a point to remain an active champion for a good cause.
That being said, I have recently been challenged to improve my Klout score to 75, and am well on my way. The competitor in me is having a hard time not being there yet, so I have decided to turn this competition into a contribution.
Now through Wednesday (since I will be in the land of no service, Minnesota after that) a dollar will be donated (up to 500) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for every "Like" and/or comment on my Facebook status housing this blog, and every unique re-tweet on Twitter in support of the same thing.
While this is meant to be fun, it is also to (hopefully) raise $500 to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in huge hopes of someday finding a cure for cancer.
Thanks in advance!
** Note Susan G. Komen is an IMRE client.
That being said, I have recently been challenged to improve my Klout score to 75, and am well on my way. The competitor in me is having a hard time not being there yet, so I have decided to turn this competition into a contribution.
Now through Wednesday (since I will be in the land of no service, Minnesota after that) a dollar will be donated (up to 500) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for every "Like" and/or comment on my Facebook status housing this blog, and every unique re-tweet on Twitter in support of the same thing.
While this is meant to be fun, it is also to (hopefully) raise $500 to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in huge hopes of someday finding a cure for cancer.
Thanks in advance!
** Note Susan G. Komen is an IMRE client.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Life Changer
A few weeks ago, there was an event in my world that unexpectedly changed my life. After some reflection following the event, I figured out what's important and what's not. Mostly, how I want to live the rest of my life. Here's what I came up with.
In several capacities this year, I have been reminded of the immensity of love. Through exciting vicissitudes that have been celebrated to heartbreaking experiences that have been grieved, it has been reiterated how powerful love can be, and what a difference it makes.
I vow to love hard. I am going to fall in love with as many things as I possibly can. There are several cities that hold a special place in my heart, however, for the first time this year, I fell in love with a city (Asheville, NC) and I can't wait to find another one that makes me feel that same way.
Smart is sexy. Smart is powerful. I want to learn more. I want to earn my MBA. I want to earn my APR. I want to learn a new language. I want to never have to refer to my AP Style Handbook. And I can. And I will.
Being mean gets you absolutely nowhere. I have had some great days that have instantly turned on me because someone came out of left field with something ugly. It hurts, and I refuse to do that to someone else. I will continue to be kind. I will continue to be grateful. And I will make absolutely certain that people leave a conversation with me feeling better. Feeling good. Feeling appreciated. Praise is power. If someone does a good job with something, I will praise that.
Laughter cures all. You all know my laugh is anything but subtle. I am going to laugh hard and laugh often. I will laugh at all the wrong times. And all of the right times. I will laugh until I cry. I will laugh at things that are completely inappropriate. And I will laugh as loudly as I want without caring what anyone thinks.
I will make a concerted effort to not sweat the small stuff. I will try to not waste my imagination on worrying about what I cannot control. I will try with all of my heart to learn how to be patient. I am flawed. I am very aware that I am flawed. I am sensitive and impatient and I have been since day one. I don't know if that can change, but I promise to try.
I will tell the people I care about exactly how I feel about them. I will tell them that they've changed my life in so many incredible ways. That they've shaped me into who I am. That I miss them, all of them, every single day. That without them, I wouldn't survive. I will remind them how important they are. And I will do this often.
If the day comes, I will strive to be as amazing of a parent as both Dock and Dizz are. I will never, ever make my children feel alone. I will forgive them for their mistakes and flaws. I will hold their hand at the doctors office. Even when they're 26. I will support absolutely anything they find themselves to be passionate about. I will laugh with them, cry with them, suffer and celebrate with them. Every day.
I am saddened that something so painful happened to someone that I love very much, but I truly believe that he was brought into my life for a reason - and that has been confirmed. He taught me who I am.
In several capacities this year, I have been reminded of the immensity of love. Through exciting vicissitudes that have been celebrated to heartbreaking experiences that have been grieved, it has been reiterated how powerful love can be, and what a difference it makes.
I vow to love hard. I am going to fall in love with as many things as I possibly can. There are several cities that hold a special place in my heart, however, for the first time this year, I fell in love with a city (Asheville, NC) and I can't wait to find another one that makes me feel that same way.
Smart is sexy. Smart is powerful. I want to learn more. I want to earn my MBA. I want to earn my APR. I want to learn a new language. I want to never have to refer to my AP Style Handbook. And I can. And I will.
Being mean gets you absolutely nowhere. I have had some great days that have instantly turned on me because someone came out of left field with something ugly. It hurts, and I refuse to do that to someone else. I will continue to be kind. I will continue to be grateful. And I will make absolutely certain that people leave a conversation with me feeling better. Feeling good. Feeling appreciated. Praise is power. If someone does a good job with something, I will praise that.
Laughter cures all. You all know my laugh is anything but subtle. I am going to laugh hard and laugh often. I will laugh at all the wrong times. And all of the right times. I will laugh until I cry. I will laugh at things that are completely inappropriate. And I will laugh as loudly as I want without caring what anyone thinks.
I will make a concerted effort to not sweat the small stuff. I will try to not waste my imagination on worrying about what I cannot control. I will try with all of my heart to learn how to be patient. I am flawed. I am very aware that I am flawed. I am sensitive and impatient and I have been since day one. I don't know if that can change, but I promise to try.
I will tell the people I care about exactly how I feel about them. I will tell them that they've changed my life in so many incredible ways. That they've shaped me into who I am. That I miss them, all of them, every single day. That without them, I wouldn't survive. I will remind them how important they are. And I will do this often.
If the day comes, I will strive to be as amazing of a parent as both Dock and Dizz are. I will never, ever make my children feel alone. I will forgive them for their mistakes and flaws. I will hold their hand at the doctors office. Even when they're 26. I will support absolutely anything they find themselves to be passionate about. I will laugh with them, cry with them, suffer and celebrate with them. Every day.
I am saddened that something so painful happened to someone that I love very much, but I truly believe that he was brought into my life for a reason - and that has been confirmed. He taught me who I am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)