Witty & Wise in Tennessee
One week ago I Christopher Columbus’d my way across the country with my dad, Dan, and our dog, on a mission not for spices, but for a better life for our family, and more space for us to spread our wings and SOAR! We are just a few of the over 79,000 people whoo made their way to Knoxville during the pandemic, which feels very much like an invasion to the native population, hence the Columbus reference, and it is clear to see why so many people want to live here; East Tennessee is beautiful!
Mountain views, rolling hills (our house sits on a hill), and lakes, waterfalls, and of course the gorgeous Tennessee River. If you read OWL about my Quantum flirts the one time we visited Knox back in April, you are going to LOVE hearing all the Quantum flirts and synergies that have occurred during our first week in town, including our fabulous next door neighbor, Janice, whoo has a bright pink front door and walked over to greet us wearing a Lady Boss bedazzled t-shirt and the gay pride parade and festival our first weekend in town to welcome dad! I think it took two days before Dan said, “Why didn’t we make this move sooner?”
In reality, this move did happen relatively soon. About a year ago Dan and I first started talking about leaving the state of New Jersey. Governor Murphy already told us if we didn’t like how expensive taxes are “then move,” and move is exactly what all of my friends did (mostly to the suburbs of NJ). So we researched and considered moving to several different states, but ultimately Florida was too hot and South Dakota was too cold (didn’t even bother to visit that place), and although Nashville didn’t feel quite right, the mountains of East Tennessee is where we felt called to be permanently. Or at least for this decade of my life. So far I’ve got a track record of celebrating each decade in a new state. But I digress.
Although its only been a week of Tennessee living, I’m already noticing in a shift in how I’m showing up in the world; for my clients, my partner, and all the new people I’m meeting.
There’s something magical that happens when you shake up your environment, almost like it gives you permission to let go of your old stories and perceived failures, so that you can authentically own your strengths and successes.
As I pick up my pen (literally) to finish writing my book, and figuratively, as I write stories in my head about whoo I am and what I’m bringing to life in this world, it feels so much easier to ‘let go’ and live life less attached to people, places, or things (mostly the people and places, we moved all of our things). More importantly, it feels infinitely easier to authentically ‘own’ whoo I am; my strengths, my purpose, my God-given gifts and natural leadership abilities. I am beyond excited about sharing OWL of myself with this community and am already delighting in whatever it is that God has planned for me here.
October marks 7 years since I moved to Hoboken to rewrite my story and reinvent my career. When I look back at all the lessons learned and amazing friendships formed in the process, I am full of so much gratitude at the opportunities God gave me to love and support my community, and can’t help but smile as I think of all the times I was able to express my wit in a well-timed, well-received way, including on stage at the Laughing Buda in the East Village! So much Wit & Wisdom, especially on Wednesdays for sushi and wine with my girls! (Illuzion, for those wondering which place), where I like to think I told the wittiest jokes and gave the wisest advice (that I failed to follow myself, occasionally). This last chapter of my life is a well-written story of lessons that needed to be learned, and life that yearned to be lived.
As I pick up my Witty & Wise pen (and microphone!) in Tennessee, I of course have a theme song…Remember OWL those Quantum flirts I was talking about, well turns out Carrie Underwood Southbound is not only about Tennessee, but about how Katie is the one who should take it slow. She’s dancing on the dock and it’s only 2 o’clock! (Tune into song below) And if you’ve met me, you know Katie needs to slow it down, and I’m definitely dancing on the dock, but I don’t have to be drunk for that! Just need to feel the music in my soul…
Speaking of soul, in January of last year, I wrote about the soul that longs to Break Free, free of the lies that keep the soul tethered, longing for more. Until I arrived in Knoxville, I didn’t realize just how much my soul was longing to break free of New Jersey. What is your soul longing for? What matters most? What do you want to create more of in your life? More importantly, whoo will help you get from where you are to where you want to be? Is it me?
Whether I’m a stepping stone in your journey or meant to SOAR alongside you in the process, I’m already delighted to meet you and learn how I can help. Give a hoot and click the link below to receive a 60 minute witty and wise coaching conversation with Katie (that’s me!).
