DreamChaser | Katie Bailes
General Information:
Name: Katie Bailes
Pronouns: she/her
Occupation: Pediatric Occupational Therapist (COTA)
In depth Questions:
Tell me a little about who you are:
My name is Katie. I am a Florida-born, Alabama/ North Carolina-raised, “unconventional southerner”. I am a Mother to the most beautiful and spirited little 5-year-old boy named Theo, who I genuinely think is destined for greatness (I just have to survive him first! Ha!)
I have always had a passion for helping others, especially the pediatric population, and feel blessed that I have been able to use this passion for the last decade. I love art and design. Honestly, if I had it my way out of high school, I would have chased down a career in interior design or architecture, but my parents really pushed me to go into healthcare.
My beautiful girlfriend and I have been together for about a year now, and we plan on moving in together this year and “tying the knot” next year! I love to travel and see new places. I love to write when I’m emotional. I love sports, mostly football and baseball. I would rather thrift and buy second hand than spend money on brand new or designer items.
I am a Cancer-Leo cusp baby which I believe has helped me have a more leadership style, type-A, sensitive soul type personality that you’ll either love or hate (I have found). I have a heart for Jesus, but I believe in science and “vibes” and to refer to God as a woman. I have learned the hard way to keep my circle small, but I can’t stop myself from making new friends. I love to make connections and feel those friendships form; they’re so important to me.
What dream are you currently chasing?
I am a dreamer. I have dreams on dreams on dreams… However, I would say right now that I am most focused on providing my little family the best life possible and starting a new, fresh, healthy chapter for us all. These last couple years haven’t been the easiest, but a new beginning is on the horizon. New home, new opportunities, a brand new chapter. I would say that mostly, in a nutshell, I am chasing the dream of peace. I feel having peace is more a journey than it is a destination, but I feel that journey of peace beginning this year and I am ready to receive it!
““ Life is messy. Take opportunities to make things right, when you can, and grow from your mistakes. “”
How do you unwind?
Being a Cancer, you would think that my favorite way to unwind would be to hermit inside and shut out the world with Netflix and a Chipotle bowl (which, I do that sometimes for sure and it’s cathartic in its own way). However, my favorite way to unwind is sitting in front of an ocean on a warm day and breathing in the ocean air. I would give anything to have this daily, but when I finally get to sit in front of the ocean herself … it’s like I can feel the months of stress just pour off of me and I finally feel my most centered. Daily, however, I would say I try to take in sunshine and find joy in the small, mundane moments. I count my blessings. I exercise when my schedule allows. I breathe in the sweet scent of my son when he lets me hug him or hold him. I snuggle my girlfriend while she naps through a movie we tried to watch together. I might also do something creative like write, tinker with a floorplan, or plan out an event or date night to surprise my loved ones. These things bring me the most joy.
Can you share your proudest achievement?
Being a Mother, of course. Second to that, being true to myself and finally having the courage to be honest about my sexuality.
What’s the biggest obstacle you have faced trying to achieve your goals?
My own self doubt. I’d like to sit here and blame others or circumstances outside of my control as obstacles that have stopped me from reaching higher… but if I’m being honest, I am my own greatest obstacle. I suffer from the classic over-thinking and anxious mind. I stand in my own way all the time.
Can you tell us one time you failed and when you learned from that failure?
A lot of my failures are really personal. When I mess up, I do it in big ways. I have really let down a lot of people who I love, and failed people in my life that never deserved anything less than perfection from me. My greatest failures will haunt me, always, but I believe what I have learned from those moments is: Grace. Empathy. Patience. Gentleness with others. We all have moments in our life that we aren’t the most proud of or moments where we acted completely out of character. I think the greatest lesson, that I’m still learning, is self-forgiveness. Life is messy. Take opportunities to make things right, when you can, and grow from your mistakes. I’m learning that my mistakes do not define me.
““Life is too short for anger and grudges, find forgiveness for those who have hurt you and, most importantly, allow yourself to forgive yourself and heal.” ”
What do you hope people will take away from your story?
Self-love. Self-acceptance. Bravery mixed with humility.
How do you get inspired or motivated?
Music has a special hold over me. Music has the ability to slow me down or speed me up, depending on the lyrics and the tune. If I need to get work done, I turn on Jazz or Classical or “Chill Acoustic” style songs. If I need to run a 5k, I turn on Cardi B. Music will forever be a necessity in my life.
Anything else you want people to know?
In general? I think it’s important to know and understand that it’s absolutely okay to start all over. No matter where you’re at in life, no matter your age, no matter your circumstances. I think it’s important that you listen to your heart and your gut. Live every day as your most authentic self. Life is too short for anger and grudges, find forgiveness for those who have hurt you and, most importantly, allow yourself to forgive yourself and heal. Be fully present in every moment, as often as you can, and let yourself “feel it all” (as one of my favorite authors, Glennon Doyle, suggests). Don’t expect perfection from yourself, but always believe that you can do anything you truly want to work towards.
In regards to knowing me? I am one of those women who would be labeled as “too much”. I’m not for everyone, and I’m learning that that’s okay (even if it still hurts my feelings at times). I dream big, I love hard, and I make mistakes daily. I hope those who I have hurt or let down know that I keep them in my heart and wish them peace and love. I hope those who I love feel it so strongly that it’s almost palpable. I try every day to be better than I was yesterday. I hope that my legacy when I leave is one of love.
To support Katie follow her below
Instagram @katie.a.bailes
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