life lessons

The difference

by Katie Welker

Convenient (adjective): fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, plans; involving little trouble or effort.

Recently I found myself describing a particular relationship in my life as convenient. The second I realized I was referring to a human connection in such a way, it made me shudder; I actually felt a sharp pain in my chest. I suppose it just felt wrong to describe a relationship involving two living, breathing, connected people as convenient. 

It would be different if in addition to being convenient it was also a consistent source of intrinsic fulfillment, intellectual stimulation and reliable across the board. Yet that’s not the way it’s been. It has been flatline convenient, and that’s worrisome to me.

Sure, sometimes convenience can be a beautiful, low-stress situation. But what about what’s best for us? Yes, convenience is what suits our needs, but what about our wants?

It’s not bad to want more of what makes us happy; it’s also not bad to make those desires known and ask for them. How dare we sell ourselves short from the greatness we deserve just because it’s easier to choose the easy option. And how dare we half ass any part of our life just because it requires less work, thoughtfulness and energy.

Convenience is easy. Going after what we truly desire takes effort. The question is, do you think the difference is worth it?

 

Help

by Katie Welker

I would venture to say that it is quite unbearable, if not impossible, to navigate through the stress and chaos of this world without some help. And lately i’ve found that on the toughest days, ones where you’re likely too stubborn and resistant to do anything but wallow in your own misery, that’s when you can benefit from it the most.

Heaven knows that help can come in all forms: a friend moving you into a new apartment; family supporting you through a difficult situation; a coworker shedding light on a challenging project; a roommate doing the dishes; a mentor assisting you through a new career path; your significant other helping you find comfort in life’s simplicities, maybe even God helping you find peace of mind in things that you just don’t understand.

Try to be open minded and brave enough to ask for help, and on the flip side, offer it to someone else if they appear to be in need. Help shouldn’t be synonymous with weakness or vulnerability, it should be a symbol of strength and a true sense of self. Why carry the weight of the world on your shoulders when you don’t have to? Ask, and you shall receive.

 

Help