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Kate Bowler

  • 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
      Kelly Corrigan

      Feeling Crappy? Navigating the Highs and Lows

      Listen Now Feeling Crappy? Navigating the Highs and Lows
      Safiya Sinclair

      Rewriting Roots 

      Listen Now Rewriting Roots 
      The Everything Happens Team

      An Advent Reflection

      Listen Now An Advent Reflection
      Dolly Alderton

      The Unwritten Vow of Friendship

      Listen Now The Unwritten Vow of Friendship
  • 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

      Topics

      ILLNESS
      GRIEF
      WHAT NOT TO SAY
      RESILIENT FAITH
      INSPIRING LIVES

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

Kate Bowler

diagnosis

An Open Letter to You on the Worst Day of Your Life
Uncategorized

An Open Letter to You on the Worst Day of Your Life

Bykatebowler September 18, 2017August 17, 2023

What to say to someone whose life has just turned upside-down.

Read More An Open Letter to You on the Worst Day of Your LifeContinue

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. 
 

Name
I’m also interested in church/ministry resources sent monthly.

Follow along on socials

@katecbowler

How are we holding up, friends? Overwhelmed? Overjoyed? Overdosed on eggnog? 🎄

This season can be a mix of beautiful and bittersweet. Maybe your house is full of people; maybe it’s just you and a box of cookies (no judgment, obviously). Either way, you’re not alone.

Blessed are we, the tired and the trying, the hopeful and the grieving, the ones who showed up for Christmas even when it’s complicated. You are loved—whether this season looks like a Hallmark movie or a blooper reel. ❤️

#tistheseason

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How are we holding up, friends? Overwhelmed? Overjoyed? Overdosed on eggnog? 🎄 This season can be a mix of beautiful and bittersweet. Maybe your house is full of people; maybe it’s just you and a box of cookies (no judgment, obviously). Either way, you’re not alone. Blessed are we, the tired and the trying, the hopeful and the grieving, the ones who showed up for Christmas even when it’s complicated. You are loved—whether this season looks like a Hallmark movie or a blooper reel. ❤️ #tistheseason

This Advent season always comes and goes so quickly, doesn`t it?

Cheers to savoring the season and pausing to cherish the promises already delivered in human-sized packages. Like Jesus. And everyone in your "favorites" list on your phone.

If you`d like the full blessing, comment "BLESS," and I`ll send you a downloadable version. May it be a reminder to pause and soak it all in.🎄✨

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This Advent season always comes and goes so quickly, doesn't it? Cheers to savoring the season and pausing to cherish the promises already delivered in human-sized packages. Like Jesus. And everyone in your "favorites" list on your phone. If you'd like the full blessing, comment "BLESS," and I'll send you a downloadable version. May it be a reminder to pause and soak it all in.🎄✨

#Ad: Cologuard is for adults 45+ at avg. risk. Rx only See more: Cologuard.com. ME AGAIN!! As you know, I am someone who cares about colons A LOT. Did you know that colon cancer is now the second deadliest cancer diagnosis? But did you also know that colon cancer is considered the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer?! When caught at early stages, colon cancer is survivable in 90% of people.

So, here’s a little PSA from me to you: early detection is CRITICAL and there is a use-at-home-test that can help.

The Cologuard® test is a non-invasive, effective way to screen for colon cancer. The Cologuard test is completed from the comfort of your home and then shipped back to the lab for results. If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. It is available by prescription only.

Do not use a Cologuard test if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. False positives and false negatives can occur. Rx only.

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#Ad: Cologuard is for adults 45+ at avg. risk. Rx only See more: Cologuard.com. ME AGAIN!! As you know, I am someone who cares about colons A LOT. Did you know that colon cancer is now the second deadliest cancer diagnosis? But did you also know that colon cancer is considered the most preventable, yet least prevented cancer?! When caught at early stages, colon cancer is survivable in 90% of people. So, here’s a little PSA from me to you: early detection is CRITICAL and there is a use-at-home-test that can help. The Cologuard® test is a non-invasive, effective way to screen for colon cancer. The Cologuard test is completed from the comfort of your home and then shipped back to the lab for results. If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. It is available by prescription only. Do not use a Cologuard test if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. False positives and false negatives can occur. Rx only.

It’s never too late for a “wrapped” is it?!

If these slides show me anything is that’s there’s a lot of love in this corner of the internet. And it’s all thanks to you.

Cheers, loves. 💕

#2024wrapped

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It’s never too late for a “wrapped” is it?! If these slides show me anything is that’s there’s a lot of love in this corner of the internet. And it’s all thanks to you. Cheers, loves. 💕 #2024wrapped

The easiest way for marketers and self-help "experts" to come in HOT with our insecurities is to tell us there is a secret. What`s the secret? Apparently insecurity.

#advent2024 #wearyandbright

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The easiest way for marketers and self-help "experts" to come in HOT with our insecurities is to tell us there is a secret. What's the secret? Apparently insecurity. #advent2024 #wearyandbright

I’ve been traveling around with my family this Advent and the first stop was Prague. It was a *throwback.*

This is the first time I was in Prague.

My mom is a singer and when I was in elementary school, she took my sisters and me on her singing tour of central Europe. It was a van that smelled like crayons driven by my mom’s accompanist who we later discovered had a seizure disorder and was not cleared to drive.

“Put this man on the highways and byways of the Czech Republic immediately,” we said.

Oh wait, we only found out after we got home. After our second trip with him as sole driver. ANYWAY!

Prague is a dreamboat city where I once bought the Red Hot Chili Peppers “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik” cassette tape in the Old Town Square because I banked on the fact that my mom couldn’t read the font. Mission accomplished!

We went back to St. Nicholas Church where my mom performed and I forced her to stand up there and sing a Czech song so I could remember. But here we are walking down memory lane talking about it.

But look at the glorious food! Gingerbread. The unfortunately named “spit cake” (trdelnik.) Apple strudel the size of bricks. And Moravian wine is fantastic with so many medieval monasteries having devoted themselves to God and prolific vineyards. Divine. And not a single thing is better than the Czech dill soup or Pork Plums Schnitzel at @vzatisi_restaurant .

Also do you know what is better than a spa? A spa where they pour beer on you. And you don’t talk about whether there is yeast in that. You just don’t talk about it. But it basically a beer hot tub.

Have you been to Prague and most importantly did you have those spandex with the neon stripe?

(The last three images are courtesy of Kevin Friesen via @smugmug .)

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I’ve been traveling around with my family this Advent and the first stop was Prague. It was a *throwback.* This is the first time I was in Prague. My mom is a singer and when I was in elementary school, she took my sisters and me on her singing tour of central Europe. It was a van that smelled like crayons driven by my mom’s accompanist who we later discovered had a seizure disorder and was not cleared to drive. “Put this man on the highways and byways of the Czech Republic immediately,” we said. Oh wait, we only found out after we got home. After our second trip with him as sole driver. ANYWAY! Prague is a dreamboat city where I once bought the Red Hot Chili Peppers “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik” cassette tape in the Old Town Square because I banked on the fact that my mom couldn’t read the font. Mission accomplished! We went back to St. Nicholas Church where my mom performed and I forced her to stand up there and sing a Czech song so I could remember. But here we are walking down memory lane talking about it. But look at the glorious food! Gingerbread. The unfortunately named “spit cake” (trdelnik.) Apple strudel the size of bricks. And Moravian wine is fantastic with so many medieval monasteries having devoted themselves to God and prolific vineyards. Divine. And not a single thing is better than the Czech dill soup or Pork Plums Schnitzel at @vzatisi_restaurant . Also do you know what is better than a spa? A spa where they pour beer on you. And you don’t talk about whether there is yeast in that. You just don’t talk about it. But it basically a beer hot tub. Have you been to Prague and most importantly did you have those spandex with the neon stripe? (The last three images are courtesy of Kevin Friesen via @smugmug .)

Rather than say "Let Go and Let God," what I like more is "Do what you can, and leave the rest to God."

Advent is a season of embracing the uncertainty and fragility of life. Of living in the darkness while also feeling the tug of light pulling us forward. (Jesus was a *baby* after all. A BABY, PEOPLE. Then an adult but that`s later.)

We can`t possibly know it all, understand it all, be it all. (Even though I know we all desperately wish we did and could be.)

If you`d like to join us for Advent, it`s really not too late, comment WEARY and I`ll send you a link to get your guide.

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Rather than say "Let Go and Let God," what I like more is "Do what you can, and leave the rest to God." Advent is a season of embracing the uncertainty and fragility of life. Of living in the darkness while also feeling the tug of light pulling us forward. (Jesus was a *baby* after all. A BABY, PEOPLE. Then an adult but that's later.) We can't possibly know it all, understand it all, be it all. (Even though I know we all desperately wish we did and could be.) If you'd like to join us for Advent, it's really not too late, comment WEARY and I'll send you a link to get your guide.

Not only do you belong. You are needed.

In all of your imperfections, questions, quirks, and complexity - you belong. You really do.

If you want a little reminder of the belonging of Advent, comment "BLESS," and I`ll send you a link to a downloadable version of this blessing.

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Not only do you belong. You are needed. In all of your imperfections, questions, quirks, and complexity - you belong. You really do. If you want a little reminder of the belonging of Advent, comment "BLESS," and I'll send you a link to a downloadable version of this blessing.

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.

© 2024 Kate Bowler
Development by Penner Web Design

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Join us in this journey with our free 4-week daily devotional, The Weary World Rejoices.

Explore our Advent devotionals designed for every journey—whether you’re reflecting on your own, gathering with a group, or diving deeper in a Bible study or Sunday school setting.

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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
      Kelly Corrigan

      Feeling Crappy? Navigating the Highs and Lows

      Listen Now Feeling Crappy? Navigating the Highs and Lows
      Safiya Sinclair

      Rewriting Roots 

      Listen Now Rewriting Roots 
      The Everything Happens Team

      An Advent Reflection

      Listen Now An Advent Reflection
      Dolly Alderton

      The Unwritten Vow of Friendship

      Listen Now The Unwritten Vow of Friendship
  • 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

      Topics

      ILLNESS
      GRIEF
      WHAT NOT TO SAY
      RESILIENT FAITH
      INSPIRING LIVES

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