About Kathleen Stewart
I am starting this newsletter as an opportunity to explore more of the topics I have discussed on my ask me anything on Instagram and with others directly. Many have asked me for long-form content where I can discuss the nuance and the thought process I take, as well as the different ways I view things. Much like the figure found below, many only “see” one of the shadows. Then those who see the same shadow lump themselves into a group; the other shadows become other groupings. Then people wonder why they can look at the exact same thing as another and get something completely different from it. My goal is to bridge the gap between the shadows so one can see as many as possible while writing about things I am currently doing or have experienced in the past.
I have always been a voracious reader. So much so that my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Latimer, gave me a journal and a pen at the end of the school year. Everyone else in my class received a chapter book. She held me back after the last day of class and said, paraphrasing, “you read everyone else’s thoughts; it’s time to put your own to paper for others to read.” I have thought about that since, 22 years later, at this newsletter's start. However, until starting the AMA’s on IG, I did not share much with a broad audience until now.
I have wanted to understand how everything works - one of the big reasons I received graduate degrees in physics and chemical engineering. This has served me well; as any SWO (surface warfare officer) aspires to, I have become a jack of all trades. However, I would not argue that “I am a master of none.” While I still have much to learn and experience, I refer to JFK’s quote - “a rising tide lifts all boats.” And with every iteration of deepening my understanding of the “jack of all trades iceberg,” I realize more of the shadows depicted in the picture above and how things are, on a “zeroeth-order,” interrelated. Eventually, one realizes what the Dunning-Kruger curve shows below - “we do not know anything” and understands that is how things should be.
I have always been inquisitive, very insightful, principled, altruistic, and incredibly passionate, a true INFJ at my core. Most of this was shared, behind the scenes, with those closest to me and eventually to those who reached out for help - usually from word of mouth from another. Because of my sensitivity to criticism, perfectionism, and being prone to burnout, I have avoided the more “public eye.” However, the volume of questions I receive now is too much for me to keep up with. Especially, when many are asking me to answer many of the same questions.
My goal with this newsletter is to give you actionable things to try in your life, thoughts to ponder, and more grace towards yourselves. I also hope to help you return to your innate spirit and realizing your body is one of the best guides you can turn to. Followed by some of the past's influential and not-so-well-known writers. I turned to them for companionship, insight, and help in some of my darkest times. This is also for people who are more realists than idealists. I am not the perfect wife, mom, daughter, etc., and I have not always done well with my body which is arguably why I wound up in the hospital incredibly “sick” in 2014. I will be completely transparent with the more difficult things in my life and share the exciting and good. Mostly I look forward to the freedom of writing about whatever topic I am currently diving into. You will find that these vary. However, I always seem to circle back to prior ones - much like Jacob’s spiral ladder found below. Some may resonate with you, and others may not. I ask that you stick with me for those newsletters that you do resound with. And if something I say “activates” you, please consider staying and sharing your feedback. I welcome comments and civil debate; philosophy is something I am very interested in. I do not welcome ad hominems or intentional provocation, and please keep the fallacies to a minimum - I will strive to as well, knowing there are probably some on this page.
