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  • ABOUTExpand
    • Meet Kate

      Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.

      ABOUT KATE

      Get to Know Me

      HUMAN
      AUTHOR
      PODCAST HOST
      SPEAKER

      How to Connect

      NEWSLETTER
      BOOKING
      EVENTS
      CONTACT
      PRESS
      Kate Bowler sitting in front of books

  • PODCASTExpand
    • Everything Happens.

      Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. 

      See All Episodes
      Kate Bowler

      The Summer of Too Much

      Listen Now The Summer of Too Much
      Suleika Jaouad

      Survival Is a Creative Act

      Listen Now Survival Is a Creative Act
      Erin & Ben Napier

      Everyone’s From Somewhere

      Listen Now Everyone’s From Somewhere
      Stacey Heale

      The Aftermath of the Aftermath

      Listen Now The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  • BOOKSExpand
    • Books

      Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.

      All Books

      Everything Happens for a Reason

      (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)

      Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!

      Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens

      No Cure for Being Human

      (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)

  • RESOURCESExpand
    • Resources

      Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.

      ALL RESOURCES

      Types

      BLESSINGS
      DEVOTIONALS
      SUPPORT GUIDES
      COURSES
      FREE DOWNLOADS
      Discussion Guides
      FOR MINISTRY

      Topics

      ILLNESS
      GRIEF
      WHAT NOT TO SAY
      RESILIENT FAITH
      INSPIRING LIVES

      NUANCED HOPE
      CARING AT HOME
      CARING AT WORK
      COMPLICATED FAMILIES
      MOVING FORWARD

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  • Christmas Is Not Enough
    Uncategorized

    Christmas Is Not Enough

    Bykatebowler December 25, 2017August 17, 2023

    Advent is preparation for the great inversion: God coming to Earth in the form of a human baby; the ruler of the cosmos trapped in a squalling package of helpless flesh. But this Christmas, it’s not enough.

    Read More Christmas Is Not EnoughContinue

  • Have Yourself a Happy Little Christmas
    Uncategorized

    Have Yourself a Happy Little Christmas

    Bykatebowler December 18, 2017August 17, 2023

    Humans have survived because we are tribal and, man, am I grateful for mine. This season of true miracles is a love letter to my tribe.
    People often remark on how well-loved I am. But the truth is, I am not unique. These good people love me well, yes. But these good hearts would do the same for anyone in need. They’re not going to let anyone be eaten by the saber-toothed tiger lurking beyond the fire circle. And that is why I love them.

    Read More Have Yourself a Happy Little ChristmasContinue

  • My Christmas Party Addiction
    Uncategorized

    My Christmas Party Addiction

    Bykatebowler December 11, 2017August 17, 2023

    One of my favorite things about Christmas parties was that they helped me say something a little louder than usual: that I was so effing glad to be alive. Hope springs up in the gloom. Not everything is lost. Even if every horrible thing about empire and injustice and cancer cells is true, a little baby is still about to be born who will crack open the world.

    Read More My Christmas Party AddictionContinue

  • Running on Sugar and Torture
    Uncategorized

    Running on Sugar and Torture

    Bykatebowler December 4, 2017August 17, 2023

    The season of joy and cheer runs on two things: sugar and torture. We cram as much as possible into days that sprint by. When you are in the season of terrible, you hold on to every second.

    Read More Running on Sugar and TortureContinue

  • Uncategorized

    Spiritual Lesson Miraculously Gleaned from Whole Foods Brawl

    Bykatebowler November 27, 2017August 17, 2023

    We might not all achieve ram-a-stranger’s-car-into-a-pole stress levels, but holidays have a way of making us feel frantic. Let’s take a minute to realize that we are entering what the church deems Pretty Special Time (PST, sometimes confused with Pacific Standard Time.) CHRISTMAS IS COMING, people. Everyone get ready!

    Read More Spiritual Lesson Miraculously Gleaned from Whole Foods BrawlContinue

  • Surviving an Ungrateful Holiday Season
    Uncategorized

    Surviving an Ungrateful Holiday Season

    Bykatebowler November 20, 2017August 17, 2023

    Being together for family holidays when things have not been okay in your world can be, well, not awesome. Everything is heightened, and there is already enough pressure for everything to be perfect. You want to be together. You want to be anywhere else. How can you be present when most of the situation makes you want to hide?

    Read More Surviving an Ungrateful Holiday SeasonContinue

  • Let’s Do Things (for absolutely no reason)
    Uncategorized

    Let’s Do Things (for absolutely no reason)

    Bykatebowler November 13, 2017August 17, 2023

    I have always said that I don’t have hobbies, I have friends. But I do need to cultivate a habit that my friends have already figured out: trying feels so good.

    Read More Let’s Do Things (for absolutely no reason)Continue

  • 8 Airport Hacks to Make You a Nicer Person
    Uncategorized

    8 Airport Hacks to Make You a Nicer Person

    Bykatebowler November 6, 2017August 17, 2023

    Traveling can be stressful no matter what, but it can be extra hard for those of us with health needs. Here are 8 airport hacks to help you become a compassionate traveler and my best tricks for traveling while ill. TSA Pre-Check and airport bar vouchers not included.

    Read More 8 Airport Hacks to Make You a Nicer PersonContinue

  • A Blessing for When the World is Ending
    Uncategorized

    A Blessing for When the World is Ending

    Bykatebowler October 30, 2017August 17, 2023

    There are some days when we feel we will drown in the exhaustion of trying to stay afloat. Days when blood and blessing are being drained from our limbs and hearts. May this blessing offer you support when you’re teetering on the edge of the world.

    Read More A Blessing for When the World is EndingContinue

  • 4 Signs Your Gym is a Prosperity Church
    Uncategorized

    4 Signs Your Gym is a Prosperity Church

    Bykatebowler October 23, 2017August 17, 2023

    The prosperity gospel has plenty of critics, but many of us often fail to acknowledge just how much of this prophetic preaching we absorb within American culture. Critics beware: the prosperity gospel may be closer than you think…

    Read More 4 Signs Your Gym is a Prosperity ChurchContinue

  • When Love Gets Sticky
    Uncategorized

    When Love Gets Sticky

    Bykatebowler October 16, 2017August 17, 2023

    It has officially been two years since I was diagnosed, two years of trying to hold lightly to all the things that hold me to my life. But I’m starting to notice how very sticky love can be.

    Read More When Love Gets StickyContinue

  • The Secret to Praying During Horrible Times
    Uncategorized

    The Secret to Praying During Horrible Times

    Bykatebowler October 9, 2017August 17, 2023

    How are we supposed to pray when our souls have been pummeled by tragedy? When I am at the end of my strength, I go back to the beginning.

    Read More The Secret to Praying During Horrible TimesContinue

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Every week I usually forget most of the basics:
a) you are loved. b) life is absurd. c) it’s hard to be a human.

If you want some smart, kind, and funny encouragement to get you through your week, sign up for my newsletter. I’d love to be your reminder. 

Follow along on socials

@katecbowler

Welcome to part three of myth-busting a "purpose-driven" life.

Today`s myth? Your life only counts if it’s capital-I Important.

What if meaning isn’t in the mountaintop moments—but in the sandwich you made, the email you answered, the backyard hole you dug because… it just felt right?

It doesn’t have to be impressive to be sacred.
(It just has to be yours.)

Follow for more cultural myth-ruining and gentle truth-telling. We’re just getting started.

1585 57
Open post by katecbowler with ID 17895266307277550
Welcome to part three of myth-busting a "purpose-driven" life.Today's myth? Your life only counts if it’s capital-I Important.What if meaning isn’t in the mountaintop moments—but in the sandwich you made, the email you answered, the backyard hole you dug because… it just felt right?It doesn’t have to be impressive to be sacred.
(It just has to be yours.)Follow for more cultural myth-ruining and gentle truth-telling. We’re just getting started.

Believe it or not, we`re hardwired for awe.

To pay Attention to the small things.
To Wonder at beauty.
To stop at Enough. (Pause the constant self-doubt, the hustle, the hurry, and quietly ask, "Is this enough for now?")

And yes, I know it`s really hard to be in awe of something when you`re trying to get kids out the door, prep for a budget meeting, or simply shower and be a human participating in society.

I GET IT.

But here`s the thing, we don`t simply live IN nature. We ARE nature. There`s a certain beauty that comes with trying to fall back in love with the world - even the parts that hiss and bite and make life woefully inconvenient (looking at you, mosquitoes).

If you`re looking for a little help seeing the miracle that is everyday life (right there with you), comment "AWE," and I`ll send you a link to today`s Substack essay.

1865 249
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18281579047287159
Believe it or not, we're hardwired for awe.To pay Attention to the small things.
To Wonder at beauty.
To stop at Enough. (Pause the constant self-doubt, the hustle, the hurry, and quietly ask, "Is this enough for now?")And yes, I know it's really hard to be in awe of something when you're trying to get kids out the door, prep for a budget meeting, or simply shower and be a human participating in society.I GET IT.But here's the thing, we don't simply live IN nature. We ARE nature. There's a certain beauty that comes with trying to fall back in love with the world - even the parts that hiss and bite and make life woefully inconvenient (looking at you, mosquitoes).If you're looking for a little help seeing the miracle that is everyday life (right there with you), comment "AWE," and I'll send you a link to today's Substack essay.

The summer I tried to poke holes in the idea of the purpose-driven life.

Welcome to Part One of a series I’m loosely titling, “a purpose-driven life doesn’t always give us the meaning we crave.” We’ll explore “purpose-monsters,” how we got here, and what we can do instead to ease the pressure of finding the ONE THING that is supposed to guide our life’s actions, decisions, and meaning.

Make sure you’re following for Part ✌️ and drop any questions/comments/concerns you have below!

60 0
Open post by katecbowler with ID 17916923529156016
The summer I tried to poke holes in the idea of the purpose-driven life.Welcome to Part One of a series I’m loosely titling, “a purpose-driven life doesn’t always give us the meaning we crave.” We’ll explore “purpose-monsters,” how we got here, and what we can do instead to ease the pressure of finding the ONE THING that is supposed to guide our life’s actions, decisions, and meaning.Make sure you’re following for Part ✌️ and drop any questions/comments/concerns you have below!

SAY IT WITH ME: YOU ARE NOT YOUR TO-DO LIST.

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Open post by katecbowler with ID 18034506578470467
SAY IT WITH ME: YOU ARE NOT YOUR TO-DO LIST.

Welcome to part ✌️ of myth-busting a "purpose-driven" life.

Here’s what they don’t tell you when you’re 22 and full of ambition-flavored LaCroix:
Your job doesn’t have to be your calling.

Sometimes it’s just… your job.
(And that’s not failure. That’s rent.)

Make sure you`re following me for part three, and feel free to drop any comments/questions/concerns below.

p.s. If your job IS your calling, that`s wonderful. Seriously. NO shade to you. In fact, that`s so cool.

13633 179
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18304441729222829
Welcome to part ✌️ of myth-busting a "purpose-driven" life.Here’s what they don’t tell you when you’re 22 and full of ambition-flavored LaCroix:
Your job doesn’t have to be your calling.Sometimes it’s just… your job.
(And that’s not failure. That’s rent.)Make sure you're following me for part three, and feel free to drop any comments/questions/concerns below.p.s. If your job IS your calling, that's wonderful. Seriously. NO shade to you. In fact, that's so cool.

My beloved overachievers: bless you for trying to slow down. For attempting presence. For putting down that book you secretly hate (yes, even if it won a Pulitzer).

Unposted memories still count in a world where Everything Happens.

4137 39
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18054063023161490
My beloved overachievers: bless you for trying to slow down. For attempting presence. For putting down that book you secretly hate (yes, even if it won a Pulitzer).Unposted memories still count in a world where Everything Happens.

The summer I tried to poke holes in the idea of the purpose-driven life.

Welcome to Part One of a series I`m loosely titling, "a purpose-driven life doesn`t always give us the meaning we crave." We`ll explore "purpose-monsters," how we got here, and what we can do instead to ease the pressure of finding the ONE THING that is supposed to guide our life`s actions, decisions, and meaning.

Make sure you`re following for Part ✌️ and drop any questions/comments/concerns you have below!

8326 167
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18147144967402763
The summer I tried to poke holes in the idea of the purpose-driven life.Welcome to Part One of a series I'm loosely titling, "a purpose-driven life doesn't always give us the meaning we crave." We'll explore "purpose-monsters," how we got here, and what we can do instead to ease the pressure of finding the ONE THING that is supposed to guide our life's actions, decisions, and meaning.Make sure you're following for Part ✌️ and drop any questions/comments/concerns you have below!

Did I want an excuse to try a new potato chip flavor? Yes, obviously. BUT I really just think some things don`t need to be side-hustled into meaning.

That`s all.

1526 32
Open post by katecbowler with ID 18072779521850930
Did I want an excuse to try a new potato chip flavor? Yes, obviously. BUT I really just think some things don't need to be side-hustled into meaning.That's all.

 

If you are reading this you have great eyesight. But also, thanks for being a person with me. The world is strange and hard for soft-hearted humans, but I think you’re a delight.

© 2025
Development by Penner Web Design

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  • ABOUT
    • Meet Kate

      Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.

      ABOUT KATE

      Get to Know Me

      HUMAN
      AUTHOR
      PODCAST HOST
      SPEAKER

      How to Connect

      NEWSLETTER
      BOOKING
      EVENTS
      CONTACT
      PRESS
      Kate Bowler sitting in front of books

  • PODCAST
    • Everything Happens.

      Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. 

      See All Episodes
      Kate Bowler

      The Summer of Too Much

      Listen Now The Summer of Too Much
      Suleika Jaouad

      Survival Is a Creative Act

      Listen Now Survival Is a Creative Act
      Erin & Ben Napier

      Everyone’s From Somewhere

      Listen Now Everyone’s From Somewhere
      Stacey Heale

      The Aftermath of the Aftermath

      Listen Now The Aftermath of the Aftermath
  • BOOKS
    • Books

      Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self-help, shall we? Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of seven books including three instant New York Times bestsellers.

      All Books

      Everything Happens for a Reason

      (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)

      Have a Beautiful Terrible Day!

      Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens

      No Cure for Being Human

      (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)

  • RESOURCES
    • Resources

      Our goal with Everything Happens is to create rich language and vibrant community that sustains us when life comes apart. Below, you’ll find categories that may be good starting points for you. Inside are a mix of podcasts, blessings, support guides, and bonus resources that we hope will be useful.

      ALL RESOURCES

      Types

      BLESSINGS
      DEVOTIONALS
      SUPPORT GUIDES
      COURSES
      FREE DOWNLOADS
      Discussion Guides
      FOR MINISTRY

      Topics

      ILLNESS
      GRIEF
      WHAT NOT TO SAY
      RESILIENT FAITH
      INSPIRING LIVES

      NUANCED HOPE
      CARING AT HOME
      CARING AT WORK
      COMPLICATED FAMILIES
      MOVING FORWARD