331 Guy

Imagine the kindest, most understanding, and most passionate person you know, that's Willy. I met Willy briefly before my break-up but we bonded weirdly more after it. His girlfriend and I also ended up having an online class together and we became fast friends. I got to spend the most time with both of them when they came over to help me with a final podcast for my Podcasting 101 class. There we sat, in the living room talking more off-mic than on, about anything and everything. We bonded in that time, and I know I'll always consider them lifelong friends. After they helped with my assignment I told Willy he could stay and be on the podcast, and his face lit up like it was Christmas. So we re-adjusted on the couch and began talking about him, his life and family, hopes and dreams. Of course, not all of that made it on the episode but that's why this site exists, so I can share the off-mic moments. I remember as I poured out my struggles to Willy about post-breakup emotions that I felt I couldn't shake, he had the most understanding look on his face. The kind of look that makes you feel as if it's truly all going to work out. Willy, if you're reading this please know I often replay that conversation in my mind, and it helps remind me of the Lord's ability to listen to us even when we cannot process the words we are saying. As more time passed (4 hours actually) we laughed and grew together as friends. We talked about his beautiful girlfriend and he shared how she helps him grow. We realized that we in fact both love GA football, and if nothing else bonds us, Willy, that will forever. GO DAWGS AND BRAVES. I truly got to see the heart of Willy, and I've seen it ever since. He's a listener, a person who speaks and everyone tunes in, a warrior for good, someone who values intentionality and pushes themselves to be that, he's funny, and enjoys laughing. He resembles the strength of Christ even on days he doesn't feel it. He is passionate about doing right by people and owns up to it when he doesn't. He's someone I'm so proud to call a friend. In the podcast episode, you'll hear him say this statement "Simplicity with sincerity." He applied it to faith, but I want to take that a step further. In the times we live in, it's easy to set a goal and go crazy with it for a few weeks before falling off and never touching it. I'm probably the biggest example of that, when the new year rolls around I say new me, but in fact, it's the same old habits. However, when Willy said this I remember writing it in my journal and thinking about it on and off for the next few weeks. How could I be simple and sincere with myself? I found that setting small goals and being kind to myself about the pace I met them at was the greatest application. I set a goal to instead of workout every day, simply move every day, then that progressed into hitting the gym 3 days a week with a small goal each time (such as walking 45 min after every workout). I was simple with my goals and my sincerity towards myself began to blossom. It blossomed in the way I held myself, the way I spoke to myself, and the way I simply thought about myself. It blossomed in how I think about the Lord viewing me, with kind eyes and a patient spirit because He doesn't want me to be perfect He wants me to be real. All of this to say, thank you Willy for the friendship and listening ears this episode. I pray that this piece of advice you offer helps those around you like it helped me. Keep world-changing, can't wait to root ya on from where ever I am.

bella grace :)