Pardon My French…

But it is time to officially tell that crippling, nasty bitch, Shame, to fuck off. A couple of weeks ago Creative 360 hosted Spencer LaJoye for an evening of poignant lyrics, profound vulnerability, and truly beautiful music. After the show, Spencer joined a friend and me at a dive bar for a drink. Over whiskeys and cranberry juices with vodka, I shared that their song, Someday You’ll Wake Up Okay, had flipped a switch somewhere inside me that evening. I had realized that all of the things I had done earlier in my life that brought me shame, all the terrible decisions I’d made, how I had compromised my dignity in order to survive… all of that was a response to a life of trauma by a young girl who had no support, no resources, and few options.

This is going to be a hard series of posts to read. It will likely challenge your view of me. I believe that I’m okay with that. I am finally, in my sixties, able to look at Younger Me with compassion and empathy and gentleness. Young Katie went through some terrible things. She nearly didn’t make it. But she’s here - healthy and happy and whole, against all odds. And I am wildly proud of her. I’d be honored if you would follow along.