lessons

The best we can

by Katie Welker

December 31st. The day that most of us stop for an extra moment to reflect on the year that’s about to end. Since i’m a naturally reflective and curious person, today has been spent doing just that.

This year seemed to go by in the blink of an eye (don’t they all). And while I could give a detailed list of the milestones that occurred, instead i’ll say this: I did the best that I could.

With everything.

I tried really, really hard at my career. And I continue to do so day in and day out. I left a job in Chicago that I absolutely adored so that I could be closer to my family, and when I started my new job in Rochester, I had to adapt to a completely new environment. It wasn’t always easy, but when it came to my career this year, I do know this: I did the best that I could.

Now that i’m closer to home, my family and my relationship with my boyfriend (and subsequently his family) are a top priority. It can be exhausting, but working to bring two families together has been one of my greatest joys in 2016. We aren’t perfect. There are arguments and inevitably stressful times. But when it came to family and love this year, I do know this: I did the best that I could.

I also put a lot of thought, time, and energy into my friendships this year, as I try to do every year. Some flourished. Others dimmed. In hindsight, I would have changed a few things. I would have stood my ground a little stronger and communicated more often. I think I could have been a better friend. I guess there’s always room to be a better friend. And i’m going to try to do so in the days, weeks, and years ahead. But when it came to friendships this year, I do know this: I did the best that I could.

Every year comes with its own set of challenges. And that’s because life is tough. It kicks you in the ass and it makes you cry and it leaves you bruised and banged up with mud on your knees and a confused look on your face. And it never stops.

It always forces you to learn, reach, grow, transform, and stretch in the direction of goodness and kindness so that you can hopefully become a better version of yourself. It does this every damn day. It’s no easy task, and there are no breaks.

But don’t forget that just being alive and well is a blessing in and of itself. And although the lessons we must learn are tough, they’re worth learning.

Whether 2016 was a joy or a nightmare for you, just remember this: we’re all just doing the best we can. And may we continue to do so in the years to come.

 

best

Money on my mind

by Katie Welker

I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of people have felt anxiety when it comes to money. Bills need to be paid, debt piles up, necessities have to be met, and more often than not, we’re supporting more than just ourselves.

Money has never been abundant in my life. Fortunately however, for as little money as my family had growing up, my parents never let it be a source of worry or concern for us. They always put us first and did whatever it took to make sure that we had what we needed.

Because of that upbringing, I have never, ever, been the type of person who’s been motivated by money. Oddly enough, I have a career in sales! It seems SO counterintuitive, but the reason I love my career in sales is because in the industry i’m in (advertising and creative staffing), if I build genuine relationships with people, the money comes. It’s a people business, and that’s very sincerely what I care about.

But i’m 26 years young, and because I support myself financially with no assistance from others, I’m still very much learning as I go and trying my best to be as smart as possible. But of course, that’s easier said than done.

It’s a situation most can relate to: I have a ridiculous amount of student loans, the usual bills to pay, I help my family wherever and whenever necessary, and when I moved to Chicago to follow a longtime dream of mine, I inevitably racked up some credit card debt that i’m slowly but surely chipping away at.

It could be worse. It could always be worse. But when I’m responsible for everything myself and i’m also the only backup plan I have, it can be a bit daunting sometimes.

But here’s the thing – not only do I work diligently to manage and take care of all of the above, a book I recently read opened my eyes and made me decide to completely change my perspective and my outlook on money.

Of course when I watch my bank account drop as I pay each bill I still get a little anxious, but guess what? There are always ways to make money. Furthermore, I am such a believer in both hard work and the power of positive thinking, so it only makes sense to align those two things in order to maximize both my success and my income potential.

I’ve done it before, too. When I coached cheerleading for two years, that was a way for me to spend time doing what I love and also make more money. And when I was busting my ass as a student in college, I was also working 4-5 different jobs in order to support myself.  I didn’t realize it then, but now I see that i’ve always found creative ways to take care of my needs. I just didn’t have the positive perspective that I do now.

It won’t happen over night, of course. Nothing ever does. But money is out there, and it’s out there for the taking. I truly believe that. And I have never felt more certain that I have both the control and the right outlook to allow money to be a motivator and a blessing in my life rather than a stressor.

And just like that, I feel the richest I’ve felt in quite awhile….

 

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