Why Don’t the Selfless Know They Are?

Perhaps herein lies their true beauty.

Making a gratitude list is one of the things on my to-do list every day, but too often, it gets forgotten — the result of a busy schedule or by distraction. What could be more important than realizing what brings joy and gratitude to our life?

As we strive for happiness, we often see it as something in the future, a state of being off in the distance, when, if we took a pause and reflected on what we have, we’d see happiness lives within us and through the people in our lives.

Case in point, look no further than Katie Michaelson — a woman of kindness and compassion. She is the epitome of sharing happiness with everyone she meets. If I could, I would have posted her picture with an angel’s halo above her head. She’s that deserving. But instead, I present her as she is—an angelic woman who gives herself to the world. So many may not know of her. I truly wish they did.

Katie reminds us of what it means to give more than to receive — to be selfless rather than selfish — and through her daily practices of generosity, she reaps love and connection in return. My biggest hope is that she truly knows how special and valued she is and how her presence has changed my life for the better.

I made it my vision this year to find peace, love, and connection. When I closed my eyes in meditation, I saw family, first and foremost. I dreamed of becoming a better daughter, mother, and wife. I wanted to be the kind of woman who not only fantasized or wrote about being loving but also who followed through on her word.

They say practice makes perfect, and I’m pretty sure my family knows it. The more engaged and connected I became, the greater love I felt in my heart.

But still, as I soared to new heights in my quest to achieve a greater self-image, I saw that I lacked and was left wanting. I daily criticized my ability to engage with others, to recognize my writing talents, and hadn’t accomplished feeling a sense of belonging with enough like-minded people that held my hand and warmed my heart.

Then, I stumbled upon The Daily Cuppa and attempted writing short-forms. Who knew a publication could aid so dramatically in massaging my writing muscles and opening myself to a world of creative fiction and non-fiction faster than my fingers could type?

Sure, the beauty of this pub lies in its writers and its readers — this is true. However, our stories would never see themselves in Cuppa print without the woman who started it all.

So, who is the woman behind this wonderful place of acceptance and connection?

I can’t say for sure. I’ve only just met Katie, and herein lies the real beauty. It feels I’ve known her most of my life. She wears her heart on her sleeve — witnessed through her marvellous stories and her revelations — and through this, I’ve come to know and love her. I don’t know a sane person who doesn’t. She’s a huge supporter of her writers and is an inspiration to us all.

Her stories humble, tickle our funny bone, and intrigue us. She’s a master publisher and a true professional at her craft. Her kindness and generosity are timeless; her dedication is inspiring. But, unfortunately, she doesn’t know how to take days off. Someone should teach her how to rest.

What makes Katie stand out? We all have people in our lives who step up and who support us, don’t we?

The answer lies in why does she? Why does she choose to help so many strangers in unforgettable and unselfish ways?

Over recent months, I’ve come to learn that Katie thrives on helping people. One of the ways is by sharing information and the wares of her garden to neighbours and passersby and gives her time and love freely without judgement. These qualities are usually hard to come by, particularly during these stressed and irrational times.

So it is every bit refreshing to listen to Katie’s views and philosophies on life in her short-forms as it is to imagine her sitting in her Not-So-Fancy Garden, sharing stories and life lessons with everyone she meets.

Katie, I join hands in solidarity with all the other Daily Cuppa writers and readers to let you know how deeply loved and appreciated you are. As the Cuppa closes its doors, hopefully temporarily, please know you have an orchestra of grateful artists singing your praises.

Please know your hard work has not been in vain. You set out to produce a safe place for readers and writers to congregate and share love, laughter, and joy. You have achieved this and so much more.

While one bad apple can indeed spoil a bushel — a remedy can make the orchard stronger. At least, I hope so. I believe the pub will come back from this setback stronger than ever before, hopefully with you feeling full of the warmth and support we’re all sending your way.

You are loved! Valued! Cherished! Please don’t ever forget this.

You have taught me that my writing matters. That I matter. And while I will miss the musings of those I have grown to adore, I want to stop and give thanks to all that you have already accomplished.

Please take the time you need to heal, but with that said, please come back. We all still have so much more to say and to do.

I began by saying I needed to make a gratitude list. Sometimes this list is all-encompassing to include our vast life experiences, and sometimes the focus is on a much smaller scale.

Inspired by Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles gratitude article here is a short list of mine.

Katie, (in no particular order), I am grateful for

• the time you spend publishing our stories and reading, clapping, and commenting.
• your inspiring love for organic foods that has me reflecting on my own choices.
• your infectious sense of humour has me chuckling in my seat.
• your keen editing and writing skills that help me perfect mine.
• your diligence toward ensuring our work comes to fruition in the best possible light.
• your intriguing fiction stories that keep me begging for more.
• your motherly care for your writers.
• your ability to speak your mind as necessary, but always with a tender heart.
• your skill to spot a good story to keep The Daily Cuppa a special place to read and enjoy.
• all the wonderfully kind and supportive readers and writers you attract by being the perfect role model.

AND, to further add, I’m grateful to Trista Signe Ainsworth and Thank You Notes for giving me the forum to celebrate you, Katie, and to show the world how truly awesome you are and demonstrate how much I care.