Going with the Flo

 At the top of my personal life to do list has been to improve my personal brand. Most specifically, I’d like to do this through my website. I’ve never been the savviest person online, but I’m no longer holding onto that excuse. Whether through discovering how to do it all online or by reaching out to someone in my network I will tackle this. As I continue to improve my site I would like to maintain a regular blog schedule. I love writing and have learned a great deal about myself and others through the posts. And I won’t just be trying this in 2011, I’ll be doing.

5 Minutes: Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

2010 was a year of change for me.

I moved out of my parent’s house and into my first apartment following college. I bought my first (and new!) car.  I saved enough money to do all of this. I celebrated my first full year in the public relations industry. I learned I do not need to be in a relationship to define who I am. I am the one who makes that definition. I realized I miss my sister more than I have in the last few years that she’s lived in other states. I’ve always said I can’t wait for her to be back in Chicago, but I really mean it now more than ever. I experienced what it means to see your world unravel when I found out my dad had a stroke. On the most positive of sides, I see what it means to stand up to a challenge as my daddy continues his recovery. I understand at much deeper level what true love is. This I learned from my parents. Their relationship and their dedication to our family makes me appreciate all the times we spend together. My favorite realization is that I can take change and run with it rather than avoid it at all costs.

Friendship: How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I have one best friend in Cincinnati and another in Park City. What these friendships have taught me is that location has no effect on a friendship. Staying in touch via phone and email makes all the difference. I believe a true friend is one that you can pick up with, regardless of the time that has passed since your last meeting.

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. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I am an enthusiastic person.

I’m passionate about my industry and feel that I show that in my day-to-day. I’ve been told my enthusiasm is contagious. A stellar compliment. However, I’ve also been told that my enthusiasm shows my age, which I hadn’t realized can be considered a bad thing. I understand the need to be professional in a work setting, but if I can relate experiences to college or being new, what’s the harm? I guess this is my mindset as a young professional. I’m sure with more experience will come more understanding and growth. In this situation I feel different because I’m learning how to take the constructive criticism with the compliment.