A little dirt never hurt

by Katie Welker

Short and sweet: nine lessons I learned from my weekend away in the woods.

1. Using a saw and a sledge hammer is incredibly cathartic. Mad? Upset? Stressed? Answer = find an enormous log and do whatever it takes to break it in half.

Just a little stress relief
Just a little stress relief. Cute fuzzy socks, right?

2. “No Service” should become your two favorite words at least once a year. The views beyond the screen of your iPhone are worth taking an extra day to respond to that email.

On top of the world
On top of the world

3. Reading a good book by flashlight underneath the stars can bring you more peace of mind than the best yoga class or any bite from your favorite chocolate bar. Okay, that last part may be a lie. But it’s an incredibly close call!

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Take your mind elsewhere.

4. Rain is no reason to stay indoors. You’ll dry off eventually. Go outside and play in the mud like you were a little kid. It’s good for you.

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The biggest fan of candids you’ll ever meet.

5. Conflicts, especially in scheduling, can be adapted to. If the cause is important enough, it’s always worth the compromise.

Sometimes home is only a cup of coffee away.
Sometimes home is only a cup of coffee away.

6. The company you keep and make time for is a true reflection of yourself and your values. Choose wisely.

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Brian, myself and Joe

7. You don’t come across double rainbows often. Pull over to the side of the road and take a picture.

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“Getting lost is not a waste of time.”

8. Give me a waterfall, I’ll climb it. Give me a river, I’ll cross it. Don’t say no to adventure when it’s right in front of your face.

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Ta-da!

9. No matter where your travels take you, the most important places are often the ones that have allowed you to grow: emotionally, professionally, spiritually. Those places never really leave you, not if you don’t let them.

Just a tiny spec in awe of the world around me.
Just a tiny spec in awe of the world around me.

Get away while you can, even just for a short while. Somehow, leaving always ends up bringing you back right where you belong.

Vow to unslump

by Katie Welker

It can be easy to fall into a slump. I can only speak from personal experience, but as an ambitious young professional, I sometimes naively think that I’m invincible. And while I have the energy to keep up with a hectic and crazy schedule (and for some odd reason genuinely enjoy the fast-paced craziness) it can catch up to me if I’m not careful.

When these overwhelming moments happen, I make it a point to set aside time for reflection. That is probably the biggest lesson I learned from college: take the time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go.

So in an attempt to “unslump” and refocus my energy, here is what I am (publicly) vowing to do. Join me?

1. Trim the fat. While exercise will come into play at the next point, “trim the fat” is one of (many) cliches my Dad always throws my way. It means to cut the excess, learn when to say “no,” and make sure you are focused and dedicated to projects that you are passionate about.

2. Exercise. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Whether it’s a morning jog, a late-night yoga class or chasing your dog around the house, get up and do something. Look good (by your own standards, not society’s,) feel good.  

3. Stay organized. I firmly believe that stress and organization go hand-in-hand. The more organized you are, the less stressed you are likely to be. Or at least the more control you have on the stress that may be unavoidable.

4. Make time for gratitude. It is so imperative to take time – even just a few minutes each day – to appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Invest in your own happiness.

5. Keep creativity alive. Whatever it may be. For me, that means blogging (shocker) and making scrap books. Find your artistic outlet and tap into it. Often.

6. Prioritize your passions. If you’re not completely enthralled by the work that supports your standard of living, find a way to incorporate your innate passions outside of your 9 to 5. It will provide you with a balance that is so necessary to your serenity.

Incorporating these suggestions may tighten up your schedule and leave you more exhausted by the end of the day. However, trading time in order to adjust to the curve of a more prioritized – and subsequently happier – life seems pretty commonsensical to me.

A little less sleep for a little more love? I’ll take it.

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