WELL& JOURNAL

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I finally tackled my closet this evening, which had been less of a storage space and more of a gigantic mess until now.  I forgot I owned some shoes, I found shirts I swore I would wear again (lies), and I discovered enough wire hangers to open a dry cleaner’s franchise. All of it got the reckoning it deserved. I am not finished. Not even close. But progress is progress, and I can actually see the floor now. That feels like a win. Sorting is still to be done, and bags need to be donated. But for now, I did something. I moved the needle, and sometimes, that is enough. Tomorrow? We do a little more.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today was one of those perfectly ordinary days that turned out just right. I got some work done earlier, just enough to feel productive without wearing myself out, and then let the evening unfold at a slower pace. I rested, let my mind wander a little, and capped it all off with some truly delicious pizza for dinner.  Nothing fancy, nothing loud, just simple goodness and a little peace, which sometimes feels like the best kind of success.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES There is something deeply satisfying about drawing a line through a task on your to-do list. No matter how big or small the task, marking it off feels like a little victory.  Doing so is proof that you showed up. It is momentum made visible. Some people use paper lists, some use apps, and some keep mental tallies. But all of us crave that moment of completion. It is not just about staying organized; it is about staying encouraged. When the day feels long or the work feels scattered, crossing one thing off reminds you that progress is happening, even if it is slow. It adds a beat of joy to the rhythm of a routine day. So go ahead. Write it down. Do the thing. Then, cross it off with pride.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES There is something quietly glorious about a routine day. Familiar greetings, dependable tasks, and the gentle hum of life uninterrupted. Routines ground us. In a fast-moving world, the ordinary is an anchor.  It is where we find meaning not in grand gestures but in small consistencies.  The beauty of a routine day is not in what changes but in what stays the same. And maybe that, in itself, is a quiet kind of miracle.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES A new week is a fresh start: clean, quiet, and full of possibility. It does not ask for perfection, just presence. Let go of last week. Breathe in, and begin again. This one is yours.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, four heroes are on my mind. One passed away in action during World War II in 1945 at age 18; one served during World War II and passed in 1980; one served during the Korean War and passed in 2002; one served during the Korean War and passed in 2016: my great-great uncle and three great-grandfathers. George Washington Arrowood, Robert Blake Bowling, Wallace Bates, and William Barlow Clemons Jr. Yesterday, I had a conversation with someone about how serving our country does not always mean wearing a uniform. I have never donned one, but I try every day to live a life worthy of their sacrifices. I also try to serve in other ways: by showing up for my community and choosing compassion in a world that sometimes forgets what that means. Their legacies are not just buried beneath white crosses or etched on grave markers; they live on in how I lead, listen, and love. Today, I remember them. But more than that, I try to honor them by living with purpose, choosing s...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Tonight, we honored the brave members of our Breathitt County community who gave their lives in pursuit of democracy and freedom worldwide throughout our nation’s history. From World War I to more recent military operations, our people have continued to accept the call to serve with dignity and honor.  May God bless those who serve, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and the generations of legacy-bearers who continue to believe in our country's promise.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I want to share something from today: brunch with my aunt. She tried her hand at making biscuits and gravy for the first time, and she nailed it.  We sat around the table, laughing and talking, and it felt like the kind of morning you want to bottle up and keep. Tomorrow, I will be heading to church, taking some time to rest, and then heading into town for a Memorial Day event.  I am grateful for quiet moments, new memories, and the chance to honor those who served.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Growing up, my family often told me the age-old tale about finding a career you love and never working a day in your life. I never understood what they meant until I found myself working in school marketing and communications.  As I finished this week today, I got some good work done. I made progress, tied up loose ends, and walked away from my desk feeling a little more grounded than I did this morning.  Every morning, I am grateful for the opportunity to show up, choose love, and provide meaningful services to the communities that I care for so deeply. There is still more to do, but tonight, I will rest knowing I did good work. That is enough.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, I had the opportunity to visit Owsley County High School on behalf of my workplace. It was both a professional visit and a personal one.  My father began his teaching career in Owsley County, and I started school there as a child. Being back in the educational community brought back memories and reminded me of how deeply connected I am to this region.  It was an honor to return while representing an institution that shares a commitment to the students and communities of southeastern Kentucky. Owsley County will always hold a meaningful place in my story. I am grateful for the past it gave me and hopeful for the future it continues to build.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Some days, the words do not come.  It is not because nothing is happening, but because the mind needs a moment to rest. Today is one of those days.  So instead of forcing something profound, I am simply showing up, offering a quiet hello, and letting the stillness speak for itself. Sometimes, the pause is the post.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Every time it rains, my internet service decides to quit.  Most of my writings are light-hearted. I try to be positive. But sometimes, frustration finds its way to me.  That is especially true when my internet goes out. I rely on it for many things, but especially for weather forecasts during inclement weather.  In rural communities, we face a harsh digital divide. While urban areas have more reliable internet access, we are left with the ramifications of outdated infrastructure.  We need to build and invest.  

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Tonight, I had dinner at Applebee’s with my friend Nataley, whom I have known since third grade. Life looks a lot different now. We are both working on our degrees, juggling jobs, and trying to keep up with everything life throws our way. It is easy to let time with friends slip through the cracks. But this evening reminded me of something important: you cannot make old friends. There is something sacred about sitting across the table from someone who knew you before you had it all figured out, who has seen every version of you and remained present anyway. We laughed, we caught up, and for a little while, the stress of adult life gave way to shared stories and mozzarella sticks. Time with friends is not just a treat. It is fuel for the soul.  So even when you are busy, make the time. The world will keep spinning, but moments like that are what keep you going.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES If you want to know what real strength looks like, look at my friend Andrew, his brother Aaron, and his cousin Burley. As our faith teaches us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; struck down, but not destroyed.” At the heart of their work is Josh, a brave young boy in their family who is fighting cancer. Their business was lost in the 2022 River Caney floods. They rebuilt over an hour away from home. Now, the London tornadoes have destroyed it again. But they are not giving up, because Josh needs them to keep going. If you can give, it will go directly to help Josh and his family as they fight to keep it all together. If you cannot give, we ask for your prayers. That alone means everything. spot.fund/SupportForJosh PayPal: burleycwhite@gmail.com Cash App: $denitawhite93 This is Appalachian strength: unyielding, unbreakable, undeniable. My prayers are with this family and with every family in ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As our Commonwealth begins to grapple with the aftermath of last night’s storms, I am reminded of Psalm 34:18. May all those impacted, the families who lost loved ones, and the displaced experience His presence.   As Mr. Rogers taught us, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” We see the helpers showing up across Kentucky today.   Thank you to the Breathitt County Water District for their work to restore water service to our communities and Breathitt County Emergency Management for working tirelessly to keep us informed. We are blessed to have our National Weather Service forecasters who are overworked and underpaid and the meteorologists working at news outlets who never tire during times of inclement weather.  Thank you to the emergency personnel and first responders who are braving the conditions to help rescue those in need.   God bless you all and may God bless this Commonwealth.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, I chose rest, not out of laziness, but as an intentional act of care for myself in the middle of a life that rarely slows down.  The world outside rumbled with storms, and I let that weather be permission to stay home, breathe deeply, and allow stillness to do its quiet work.  I needed a steady reminder that rest is not the opposite of productivity, but often the foundation of it. In the chaos of constant motion, today was a necessary pause.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Ice cream is not the healthiest choice. It is not part of any diet plan or productivity hack. But every so often, it is precisely what I need. My order: a Royal Reese’s Brownie Blizzard from Dairy Queen with extra peanut butter. It is rich, heavy, and entirely over the top. It is also joyful, reminding me I am allowed to enjoy something simply because I love it. In a world that constantly encourages discipline, control, and self-denial, there is quiet power in choosing to indulge. Life is not meant to be measured only in calories or checklists. It is also meant to be tasted. Let the dessert be a reminder: not everything that brings joy needs to be justified.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I have been watching Five Days at Memorial on Apple TV+, and it is more than just a show; it is an experience. Apple TV+ has a rare gift for pulling you into a scene and not letting go. Their attention to detail, the way they light a room, the way they layer sound, even the silences, all come together to build a world you do not just watch; you live in it. With Five Days at Memorial , you feel the weight of every decision, the heat of every powerless room, and the heartbreak of a system falling apart. It is not just accurate. It is immersive. Apple TV+ tells stories in a way that makes you part of them.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Some days are full. Not with anything particularly exciting or difficult. Just full. A steady rhythm of going and doing, being with people, and meeting the needs of the moment. Today was one of those days. I had planned to write a blog post tonight. I had hoped for a bit of quiet time to reflect and put thoughts into words. But now that the day is winding down, I find that my mind is tired and my body is asking for rest. So this is what I have to offer: a few simple words at the end of a full day. Not every evening needs to be productive. Some evenings are meant to be still and letting go of the pressure to create or perform. Thank you for stopping by, even on a quiet night like this one.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today, an aged community college building gave me pause. At once, it felt like it remembered all of the people who had been there in its 200-plus years, quietly holding their presence in the walls. One of my tasks today was helping the college library expand its search for missing yearbooks through public outreach. We are hoping to locate copies that may still be out there, stored in someone’s home or tucked away in a forgotten box.  As I thought about those yearbooks, I realized they are more than just printed pages. They are evidence of lives lived here, of laughter, hard work, friendship, and growth. Each missing book holds part of the story this place tells. My presence in the building reminded me that history is not just something from the past. It is still being made. We build our legacy not through fame or power but through daily choices: the way we treat others, the time we give, and the care we show.  These things stay. And long after we are gon...

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES As I sit here today, post-graduation, now a master's degree holder, I am thinking about all the free time I will have between now and the start of my doctoral program later this year. Earlier today, I listened to Show Up Choose Love by TobyMac, a hit song that underscores the importance of leaving people better than we found them. Achieving this aim is a motivating factor in all that I do. When I was younger, I remember my family telling an anxious little me that being friendly was the key to making friends. I worried about being lonely at school and in extracurricular activities. Now, as a communication scholar, I find myself making friends all the time. Part of that has to do with those early lessons. As a person of faith, though, it is part of my divine calling. As I have traveled this great country, from California to New York, Illinois to Oklahoma, Colorado to South Carolina, and countless places in between, I have noticed a commonality across regions: ...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Today was my master’s graduation, a day of joy, reflection, and deep gratitude. It was also a celebration of family. I am so thankful for every loved one who has supported me, especially those who could not be there in person. This degree carries the prayers of generations. It is the product of late nights, full hearts, and a belief that education changes everything. I did not walk alone, and I never will.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I decided to treat myself to a few new ties from Logan’s of Lexington as a small graduation gift. Nothing too fancy, just something to mark the occasion and carry with me into whatever comes next. After all the long hours, the papers, the projects, and the late nights, it felt good to pick out something for myself. These ties will probably end up in rotation for meetings, special events, or just regular days when I need to look a little more put-together. They are a simple reminder of how far I have come and a way to step into this next chapter with a little more confidence.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Even during the busiest seasons, I am constantly reminded of how truly blessed I am to do this work.  The responsibilities are many, the days are full, and the pace can be relentless.  Yet through it all, I find deep joy and purpose in what I get to do each day. I am surrounded by a team that shows up with dedication, heart, and an unwavering commitment to one another.  My team supports, encourages, and inspires me in ways that words can hardly capture. It is a rare and beautiful thing to work in an environment where you are not only challenged but also genuinely cared for.  I do not take that for granted. It is a gift to be part of something that matters, and even more so to do it alongside people who make the work worthwhile.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES This story is a little longer than usual, but it is worth telling. When I was a high school student, I served on the Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council at the Kentucky Department of Education. That experience was more than a title or an opportunity to pad a résumé. It was a moment in time that shaped the way I think about people, policy, and purpose. During that time, I helped facilitate empathy interviews with students, families, and educators across Kentucky. Those conversations were not just data points. They were the foundation for something powerful: a statewide initiative called United We Learn KY. That vision still guides the future of K–12 education in Kentucky, and it began with the belief that listening with compassion leads to meaningful change. Even as a teenager, I knew I would return to that process someday. I knew I would use empathy interviewing again, not as a high school student, but as a researcher committed to serving others. This semeste...

Some days, rest is more important than writing. Hopefully I will feel better and more full of words tomorrow. For now, I rest.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Lately, the weather has been unusually cold for early May.  By this time of year, people in Kentucky are usually enjoying mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and the start of gardening season. Instead, jackets have come back out, and the chilly mornings have felt more like late winter than spring.  It has disrupted routines and caused many to question whether warm weather is actually on the way.  Although unexpected shifts in mountain weather are not uncommon, this recent cold snap feels more extreme than usual. Hopefully, temperatures will return to normal soon so the season can continue as expected.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Dr. Wallace Caleb Bates, Ed.D., is coming soon, thanks to the P–20 and Community Leadership program at Murray State University.  I am walking this road for the generations of holler kids who came before me, who never got to see a degree with their name on it, and for every young person in our hills who dares to dream beyond what they can see.  This journey is not just about me but also about legacy, opportunity, and the sacred duty to make a way for those yet to come.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder that it is okay not to be okay. Earlier today, I met an author and talked about her experience as a veteran and mine as the son of one. Everyone deserves access to mental healthcare, especially those who sacrifice so much in service to our country. Did you know that only about 50% of veterans who need mental health treatment actually seek it? May we all work together to end the stigma and provide care to those who care so deeply for us.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Tonight I had the joy of taking my papaw to the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music ensemble performance. Watching his face light up with every note was something I will never forget.  The music stirred something deep in him, a familiar rhythm from a time when people made their own joy on front porches and at Saturday night gatherings.  He tapped along, nodding his head with a smile that said he was right at home.  It meant the world to share that moment with him, in a place where our heritage is not just remembered but still alive and picking.

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES When it comes to my relationship with Christ, I do not want performance. I want presence. Religion may teach us about God, but faith walks with Him. I do not want to appear religious by others’ standards. I want to be close to God, to abide in Him and He in me so that others can sense His presence deep in my soul. That is the relationship I am after.