In Progress

updates + food for thought.

I grew up on a quiet little farm in Northern Minnesota where life was isolated and simple, the only girl and oldest of three. School, chores, books, music, and nature were my closest companions, sparking my curiosity and awareness of the ‘world out there.’ No one around me had been much farther than the bordering states or wanted to talk about much else than the weather or cost of…everything. I was naturally observant and inwardly fueled by the question, “what else is out there?” Quietly and persistently looking both deeper into and beyond everything I could from a young age.

I worked my way through high school and college in restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and coffee shops, quickly creating new connections, expanding my world view, and discovering life’s endless possibilities. I continued learning and growing, and ultimately graduated with a degree in Radiology, beginning my ‘big girl’ career in healthcare as a MRI Technologist at Mayo Clinic Rochester…something not a lot of people know about me. But then 2020 rolled around and I was laid off due to the pandemic.

I was enamored with the human body and human beings, physiology, physics, and caregiving…but made the personally easy decision never to return. The western medical system simply didn’t align with my idea of care, I felt morally corrupt, and the world was begging me to it—so I pivoted…and have tried lots and lots and LOTS of different paths since. Farming, massage therapy, nannying, traveling, coffee roasting, cooking, customer service, city government, freelancing, events, floral design…and I’ve loved bits and pieces of them all.

But my wonder and curiosity toward the human brain, body, health, and wellness has only grown with time—quietly stealing my attention and ability to focus on anything else. Sneak-reading medical studies before bed, listening to science podcasts, and giving unsolicited advice to friends and family (oops lol) just wasn’t cutting it anymore…a call is meant to be answered.

So I’ve spent the past several months honoring the pull, following my inner-light, aligning with my truth, and spending a whole lot of time with people I love. Diving deep into certifications and coursework in yoga, ancestral nutrition + cooking, and integrative women’s health…happily dedicated, soaking up every ounce of information, and feeling deeply aligned with my purpose. Nourishing my soul and shining from the inside out.

I’m profoundly grateful for the expansive growth, rich experiences, and beautiful connections the past five-or-so years have held, and couldn’t be more excited to begin weaving new knowledge & skills together with lifelong passions & interests. Time and experience have completely altered my idea and definition of caregiving. Younger Me thought it meant scrubs, titles, and fluorescent lighting…but Present Me understands it’s simply how I show up in the world everyday to be of service, cultivate connection, and create a community of care. It’s using my vision and voice to go to bat for a brighter future.

Anywho…MUCH more to come here, but that’s my vague little life update. I share it as both an invitation and a permission slip to pause, go inward, and show up in the world as your most authentic expression of self. Remembering to follow what lights you up and reflect often, because the nature of life is change.

They say ‘follow your heart’ for a reason; life isn’t one, long, straight and narrow path. It’s a slow, bumpy, upward spiral with a bunch of unique and unexpected side quests for each and every one of us…thank god for that trusted, thumping compass within our chest.

Follow it and have fun—may every new evolution of you be a truer one.

xoxo

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Food For Thought Menu //

{ Prompts for pondering }

-Where am I ready to be seen, heard, and fully expressed?

-What would it look/feel like to take radical responsibility for my life?

-What are the hidden parts of me that I never meant to hide?

-Besides food, what nourishes me?

{ Quotes I’ve loved }

seek out & be light.

"Endlessly consuming dark news and takedowns and, basically, the majority of things that gain traction online... absolutely distorts our view of humanity. It makes us scared, suspect, and cruel. It self-propagates. I'm intentionally ingesting old books, wisdom teachers, poetry, sweet stories. If the world isn't good right now, at least I can be." - Jedidiah Jenkins

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be your own best cheerleader.

“We must remind ourselves that really anything we do, is for us first. It is me, I am the one needing the nudge, encouragements, stories of self-triumphs and failures. We talk within, the most. The addict cannot get clean for someone else. A true artist does not create for an audience. And a the athlete will not preform, without the fierce internal craving to win.” Samantha Demarkles

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Growth, change, and healing are hard because we’re biologically wired to choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven. Be easy with yourselves, stay the course, and seek out supportive people + environments.

“When you’ve spent years not expressing yourself, your nervous system perceives expression as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years criticizing yourself, your nervous system perceives self-compassion and kindness as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years rushing through life, your nervous system perceives slowing down as unsafe.

What you’ve spent years ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, your nervous system perceives presence as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years feeling like you’re not enough, your nervous system perceives contentment as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years finding your worth in productivity and chasing success, your nervous system perceives fun and play as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years feeling like a failure, your nervous system perceives success as unsafe.

When you’ve spent years feeling unsettled and anxious, your nervous system perceives feeling calm and relaxed as unsafe.” @life.withkate

{ A Podcast }

{ A Playlist }

{ A Recipe }

Spiced Chickpeas & Rice with Roasted Crispy Cabbage and Sweet Mustard Dressing

Enjoy!