Gratitude

Share your joys

by Katie Welker

Some of my most memorable times have been the nights where I’m exhausted laying in bed thinking, “there’s no way i’m going out tonight” and then of course end up going out anyway. More so this past year and a half than ever before, I have found great reward in just saying “yes” even when I’m a little apprehensive. This weekend was one of those times.

One of my best girlfriends Alisha, who just so happens to be my former college cheerleading coach, got a new job. Celebrations were in order. I’m familiar with the group of friends she was going out with, but am not particularly close with any of them. It was also pouring rain outside. I went out with the mentality that if I wasn’t having fun I could always leave and go home. But who am I kidding, fun is what you bring with you. [Corny Katie.]

I ended up having such a blast: further developed new friendships, laughed until my stomach hurt and, of course, danced my big old heart out. Side note: I have an incredible amount of respect for a good DJ.

I’m a big advocate of taking time for reflection in your life, and that is not just limited to the difficult situations that inevitably happen, it goes for the fun experiences, too. This morning/afternoon was filled with reflection. Recapping the weekend with Alisha as we grabbed coffee and then laughing until I nearly cried at brunch with 12+ people who could barely form a cohesive sentence was nothing short of hilarious. As I left brunch and walked back to my apartment (in the beautiful sunshine which was honestly picture-perfect,) I could not help but feel overwhelmingly grateful for the balanced life that I have been blessed with.

Here’s what this weekend further confirmed for me:

New relationships take time to develop, but if genuine people come into your life who treat you with respect then you would be foolish to not invest the initial effort and energy to turn strangers into friends.

It’s so cliche’, but you really will not remember the time you spent sleeping away your weekends. I’m young. I’m a ball of energy. I’m exhausted during the week but I have never once looked back and thought, “wow I was so sleepy at my desk that week.” I think, “wow I had such a blast celebrating the accomplishments of my best friends.” Save the excessive sleep for when you’re dead.

If people want to bring negativity with them wherever they go, let them. You have to choose who you want to spend your efforts and energy on. I will never understand why, but some people just find joy in being malicious and deceitful. To hell with them. They’re not worth my time and I hope you are self-aware and confident enough to dismiss those people when they come into your life. Adios, suckers.

A balanced life is a beautiful life in my eyes. Before I went out dancing I spent six hours at a juice bar doing work and I’m currently at a coffee shop finishing up even more work. I finally got back on track with my volunteer work and I somehow found time to do a load of dishes. It’s not all fun, but it can most certainly all be worthwhile.

Don’t let your priorities slip through the cracks, but make sure you’re taking time for the people who bring happiness into your life. What good are the triumphs of your life if you have no one to celebrate them with? Life is better when your joys are shared.

Alisha and me celebrating her new job!
Alisha and me celebrating her new job!

You don’t know

by Katie Welker

Each individual comes with a story. More often than not, that story is complicated, wrapped in experiences that ignite some combination of hurt, excitement, loss and love.

I am compelled multiple times a day to learn those stories that people have tucked away in their back pocket. Most of the time I will candidly ask someone, “so how did you two get married? How did you get to the place you’re at right now?” as if it’s as common as asking, “hey how are ya?”

Other times I observe the actions of others: how they respond to questions asked, their facial expressions as they talk with another and a million other cues. I’m fascinated by it all, but it can be difficult to not let my own emotions get the best of me.

Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more for other people, yet so much is simply out of my control. I just want to solve everyone’s problems and bring them peace of mind and a pillow to rest their head on at night. Wanting to understand other people’s stories and provide them happiness where I sense despair is a constant internal battle I deal with.

In the span of a one hour lunch I go from seeing a homeless man struggling to find food right to businessmen and women driving around in BMW’s. And ya know what? The businessmen and women have a story, too. Maybe they struggled to get where they are now and had to overcome hardships to achieve the success that they wanted. I don’t know. And neither do you. Which is why it’s so important to disregard outward appearances and superficial statuses and try to get to the root of the story instead.

There doesn’t seem to be a solid solution for my conflict. That’s why it I tend to be disheartened by it. I guess all I’m asking is that if you’re reading this, do your best to view everyone fairly and with good grace. Some are struggling, some are not. But regardless, everyone deserves the chance to not only tell his or her story, but to have it heard.