Beautifully Different

Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.


By nature I struggle to align myself with the word beautiful but I whole heartily think I am different. Therefore I will tell you the things that make me - well, me.

• When I was little if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I said I wanted to "beat hogs and train horses." Apparently "beating" hogs was the act of sorting and well the training horses thing...that has never left. Instead I grew up to get my MBA with an emphasis in Marketing and have an extremely successful (at 29) career in sales.
• I drink beer in a bottle and not fancy micro brews. Just good old Bud Light, Bud Select or on occasion Busch Light. I don't need fancy things to impress me. I hate airs. I will always pick the dive bar with the bartender who knows what I want over the place with a dress code.
• I love steak and potatoes and in general am a very picky eater. Or selective as I prefer to describe it. You can find the way to my heart by grilling my steak medium rare.
• I love the country and feel its the only place to live but I love to visit the city. I generally go to NYC once a year for about 3 days. I love being there, feeling the energy but I am never happier than when I return home.
• I believe a 20% tip is a starting point. If you give me great service you will get more. If I think you are a struggling college student like I once was you are almost guaranted 50%.
• I am always put together. If you see me in public, even if I am in workout clothes I can almost guarantee the hair was pulled back in an intentional way, I probably have eyeliner on, the clothes are coordinated. It may not be my best look but it is a rare occasion that you will ever see me at my worst.
• Few places make me happier than sitting on a horses back or laying on a boat. Both are relaxing, soothing and just a bit dangerous. Both generally involve being surrounded by people I love and respect.
• My favorite music is country and rap. That type of walking contradiction is what one of the things that I love most about me.
• You can throw me into almost any social situation - a formal event, a dive bar, a business meeting, room full of strangers or a NASCAR race and I will be just fine.
• I love to travel. There are so many places I want to go; Italy, Greece, Australia, Turks & Cacaos, St. Lucia, the Badlands, Montana, Jackson Hole, Sturgis...to name a few.
• I am one of the most ambitious people you will ever meet but some days I just have to be lazy. I mean, barely get out of bed, don't shower, lay on the couch all day - LAZY.
• One of my only regrets in life is that I finished my undergrad in 3 years. It is the single greatest mistake I ever made. I should have taken my time and enjoyed it more. I should have spent a year studying abroad because once you are out you don't have those types of opportunities again.
• I still wish I had gone to law school. I just couldn't handle being poor any longer. Working 4 jobs while taking 22 hours in my last semester just flat wore me out.
• What I am thinking is generally written all over my face. But I have a great poker face.
• I am not smiley. I hate when people tell me to smile. Make me smile, make me laugh. But don't expect me to just owe you a smile for no reason at all.
• A picture of me hung in a museum for 17 years. Not many 29 year olds can say that.
• I went to two colleges, one for undergrad and one for graduate school. Both used my image in their recruiting materials. Apparently I look like the stereotypical coed.
• I'm insecure. I have days where I loathe my body, my face, my personality but thankfully - THANKFULLY - I always snap out of it and appreciate what I have and I don't let it control me. It isn't easy, but I get through it.
• A lot of time I am scared that I am going to be alone forever but I am comforted to know that I am surround by friends and family that love me.
• I hate being wrong. Even when proven wrong I have been know to continue arguing because I am just sure I can prove my point.
• I have high standards. I hold everyone to them even when they are not fair or just and I do judge.
• I am an amazing friend. If you need help, a shoulder or someone to listen I am always there. I expect the same from my friends.

I am not perfect. I have a lot of flaws. The list above isn't all encompassing but it is a snap shot of what makes me - me.

I am beautifully different.