I’m a diver. I go deep. Let me stop and clarify that I’m a philosophical diver. I dream and dive into things quickly. I take no lessons, I often enter skilless or void of experience, and I tend to go with an “I’ll see how it goes” mentality. I imagine experts and gurus are shaking their heads. This approach doesn’t work for a lot of people. When people enter into places or positions without plans steam is lost, energy wasted, and disappointment frequent. But this works for me. It’s taken me years to realize that I’m most invigorated, productive, and pleasant when I’m forcefully throwing myself into things.

I like the adrenaline rush and I love the reveal of potential. These gifts come to me in the midst of chaotic production. When you don’t know what you’re doing some say it’s fake it until you make it time. I prefer the phrase dive or drown. I can either dive deeper, think differently, learn more, and swim confidently, or I can drown in doubt, pity, and regret. Listen, everyone has a way that works for them. Correction, everyone should find a way that works for them. This is what works for me.

I’m of the opinion that these days the busyness of the world doesn’t allow for deeper dives. People don’t make time to go beyond the surface. However, for those who go the extra mile they create and cultivate a scenario that allows for introspection and investment, and prepare themselves for varying levels of decompression (google that scuba term). By jumping in there’s a chance to discover breathtaking and unchartered waters.

I’m a diver. I go deep.

“Sometimes you need things rather than just thoughts.” ― Patrick Ness, The Rest of Us Just Live Here

One of my aunts recently retired. We spoke the other day about her newest endeavor in retirement, which is photography. She has long admired the art form and decided to pursue her passion in retirement. Her excitement is palpable.

I like when people get excited about things. Sometimes things become significant enough to change our attitude, direction, and/or purpose.

This thing I’m doing with Fishing for Fika is transitioning to becoming more for me than I imagined. While scary, it’s equally, if not more, exciting.

Currently, Marie Kondo is transforming the way we see things in our possession. I’m no Kondo, just Katie, but I’m trying to spark consideration about the things we do.

The answer to overthinking is often doing.

So, what’s your thing right now?

“Friends who want to stay friends don’t discuss religion or politics.”

These days my Facebook feed is filled with political and religious advertisement and opinion. Twitter seems to be the same. The news, albeit traditional or online, is a running commentary of chaos. Hollywood continues to replicate our realities in its respective mediums while the media’s inevitable influence extends to all areas of our consumerism.

There’s no escape from political and religious jargon and discourse. It’s never-ending.

The problem with politics and religion isn’t discourse, but rather decency.

Fika, as an institution and an integral part of this project, is about connection. It’s a purposeful investment in others, which in turn becomes self-serving for character development and fulfillment. It’s the missing piece.

This is no longer an “us and them” argument. It extends far beyond the reach of parties or varying faiths and texts.

In openness and vulnerability, the opposing viewpoints are garnering a response to refute. It’s become the norm for immediate dismissal of opposition, a quick cast of judgment, and instant citation of evidence or doctrine.

But what about decency?

I don’t pretend to be an expert in politics or religion. I’m more novice than I care to admit. I am, however, willing to engage. I have only one request. Be decent.