The Blog

Let Them Already!

Let Them

-Mel Robins

I’ve always believed that the best kind of growth sneaks up on you.

Not the dramatic, lightning-strike kind (though we love a good plot twist), but the quiet, cumulative kind—the kind that happens when you’re paying attention, showing up, and giving yourself permission to be right where you are.

That’s why I’m so thrilled to announce that The Experiential Book Club is back this August—and this round, we’re reading a book that has stirred something fierce and freeing in so many: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted from managing other people’s expectations, lost in the weeds of approval-seeking, or stuck in a cycle of over-functioning (hello, my fellow Enneagram 2s, 9s, and 8s), this one’s for you.

This isn’t your average book club.

Yes, we’ll read. Yes, we’ll discuss. But more than that—we’ll experience. We’ll drop into ourselves with mindfulness practices. We’ll explore the edges of our type structures. And we’ll hold space for one another to loosen our grip on the roles we’ve outgrown.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • We start in August and will meet virtually five times total—plenty of space to digest, reflect, and breathe between sessions.

  • We’re reading The Let Them Theory—a book that’s equal parts liberating and lovingly disruptive. If you’re ready to step back from the exhausting hustle of trying to be everything for everyone, Mel’s words will hit home.

  • We’ll weave in the Enneagram (because of course we will). You know me—I can’t not bring in the Enneagram. So expect each gathering to include gentle guidance through the lens of your type: how it reacts to boundaries, where it clings to control, and how it can soften into trust.

Whether you’re new to this community or have joined me in past rounds, this season of the book club feels like a bit of a homecoming. Less pressure, more presence. Less performance, more permission.

If that sounds like your kind of growth, I’d love for you to join us.

Click here to sign up

Let’s read, reflect, and reclaim—together.

Love & Gratitude (and a quiet little rebellion),

Katie

 
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Why Enneagram Subtypes Matter … A Ton!

"The opposite of home is not distance but forgetfulness." 

-Elie Wiesel

Have you ever struggled to pinpoint your Enneagram type or felt like it didn't quite capture who you are?

Same. And that's where subtypes come in.

In my experience, they're the secret sauce of the Enneagram—often overlooked but wildly illuminating. Recently, in "The Practice," my monthly Enneagram and self-care membership, we explored this exact topic in depth. Luckily for us, we learned from none other than Beatrice Chestnut, psychotherapist, master teacher, and the "Grande Dame of Subtypes" herself.

If you're unfamiliar with her work, Beatrice is the author of two cornerstone Enneagram books:
📘 The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge
📘 The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace

Both are must-reads. The Complete Enneagram, in particular, is one I return to again and again—it's part deep dive into subtypes, part Enneagram history lesson, and part transformation manual.

Like me, Beatrice is passionate about helping people use the Enneagram as a growth tool, not just a personality label. Our recent conversation was full of "gold," but I want to share three key takeaways that might just change how you see yourself (and your type).

1. Subtypes can clarify your core type.

Figuring out your Enneagram type isn't always straightforward. There are only nine types and billions of us, so it's no wonder we sometimes feel boxed in or misunderstood. That's where subtypes bring nuance. Each of the nine types has three instinctual variations, based on the dominant instinct driving our behavior:

  • Self-Preservation (security, comfort, safety)

  • Social (belonging, contribution, group dynamics)

  • One-to-One or Sexual (intensity, depth, connection)


That makes 27 distinct "flavors" of personality. Exploring the subtypes within the types you resonate with can bring clarity where there was once confusion.

2. Subtypes are a better growth tool than wings.

Let's be honest—wings are easier to talk about. They're physically adjacent to your core type and tend to feel more accessible. But Beatrice emphasized that wings are more of a "flavoring" that can change over time. Subtypes, on the other hand, point to our dominant instinctual drive and the way it interacts with our core emotional struggle (also known as the "passion" of your type). That combo is potent—it uncovers blind spots and stuck patterns we might not otherwise see.

3. Subtype = Instinct + Passion

This is the real magic. A subtype isn't just a self-preservation instinct or just a social instinct. It's the marriage of instinct and your type's core passion. For me, as a Type Four, my dominant instinct is self-preservation, and my passion is envy. That combo creates a very specific expression of Four—one that focuses more on safety, security, and moving beyond the ever-present suffering of Type Fours. In this way, Self-Preservation Fours can look a lot like Threes or Sevens.

Once you start seeing your subtype clearly, you begin to understand where your growth edge is. It's often where your dominant instinct is out of balance and where your type's passion is in the driver's seat.

If you want to go deeper into this kind of content, you're invited to join us in "The Practice." It's a soulful, practical space for integrating the Enneagram into your everyday life—with guest teachers like Beatrice, monthly live sessions, and guided practices for real transformation.

Subtypes might seem like a technical layer of the Enneagram, but in my experience, they're one of the most powerful keys to self-understanding and lasting change.

Love & Gratitude,

Katie

 
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🎉 My Birthday Gift to You: A Peek Behind the The Practice Curtain 🎁

Join me this Thursday for a Free Enneagram Community Call on Subtypes!

Well, friends, another trip around the sun for me today! While I’m not exactly throwing a big party with streamers and champagne (although, let’s be honest, that does sound fun), I am doing something a little different this year.

This year, I want to give you a gift. Yes, really.

One of the things I’ve loved most over the past five years has been building The Practice—my online Enneagram membership program. It’s become a soulful little corner of the internet where curious, courageous humans gather to explore the Enneagram, ask deeper questions, and do the work of becoming more aligned, awake, and alive.

And while The Practice is usually a members-only space, I’ve decided—in celebration of my birthday—to throw open the doors for one very special Community Call this Thursday, June 19th, at 12 PM CT on Zoom.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the curtain of The Practice, or if you’ve been craving a dose of meaningful connection and insight in the middle of your week, this is for you.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

Enneagram Subtypes: How Instincts Shape Our Growth

You’ve probably heard about subtypes—those fascinating layers that influence how our core type shows up in relationships, work, and self-care. But did you know they can also be one of the most powerful keys to growth?

We’ll explore:

What the three subtypes are (Self-Preservation, Social, and One-to-One)

How they subtly shape your behaviors, patterns, and priorities

Why understanding your dominant subtype can unlock major “aha” moments

Ways to use subtype awareness for more tailored, embodied growth

And of course, there will be time for community check-ins, thoughtful discussion, and that signature blend of depth + warmth that The Practice is all about.

Ready to join us?

👉 Click here to join (it’s free!) 

🗓 Thursday at 12 PM CT via Zoom

Whether you’re an Enneagram aficionado, just starting to dip your toes in, or simply someone who wants to grow in good company, I’d love to see your face in the virtual room.

Thanks for being part of my world. It means more than you know. Here’s to another year of curiosity, courage, and becoming. 💛

Love & Gratitude,

Katie

 
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Looking for Community - Start Here

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

Mitch Albom

When was the last time you really felt seen? Heard? When do you get to be squishy and vulnerable and feel the support of a loving, like-minded group? Where do you feel a deep sense of belonging?

If you had a shaky response to any of the above, consider this your invitation for more.

I became a therapist because I'd been a client my whole life. I wanted to meet people in the sacred and liminal spaces I'd been met by countless brilliant teachers (aka therapists). About six years ago, I decided to go beyond the one-on-one work and offer this healing space to a group of women who loved the Enneagram almost as much as I did! It's not group therapy. It's not a class. It's not about networking (although this always organically happens!). And it's not just lunch. It's the Enneagram Mastermind Gatherings. It's a quiet, powerful container where women come home to themselves—and from there, lead with more purpose, presence, and grace.

I firmly believe there comes a time in every woman's journey when leading well requires something deeper. Not another strategy or productivity hack—but a return to self. A space to get honest, soften control, and reconnect with the truest part of you.

This is that space.

The Enneagram Mastermind is a small group experience designed for women who want to live, love, and lead from a place of grounded self-awareness—where clarity replaces striving, courage replaces over-functioning, and connection replaces isolation.

Guided by the wisdom of the Enneagram, our conversations will go far beyond personality types. We'll explore the narratives that drive us, the patterns that hold us back, and the powerful shift that happens when we lead from within.

What You'll Experience:

  • A deeper understanding of your Enneagram type and how it shows up in your leadership

  • Monthly gatherings filled with rich discussion, reflection, real connection, and plenty of laughter

  • Inner work meets outer impact—we'll explore how your growth creates ripple effects in your life, your work, and your relationships

  • A curated circle of women on a similar path, doing the work alongside you

Spots are limited. If your heart feels a "yes," sign up here. We begin in September and go through April 2026. Come as you are.

Need some convincing? Here's Kelsie, one of the OG Mastermind members…

 

I can't wait to know you better real soon!

Love & Gratitude,

Katie

 
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The Summer Self-Care Edit

"Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June." 

-Al Bernstein

Summer is here, and so is the pressure to have your life together.

You know the drill—glowy skin, smoothie bowls, perfectly curated vacations, Aperol Spritz, and an endless supply of linen outfits and emotional regulation. Meanwhile, most of us are just trying not to melt into a puddle of SPF and iced coffee.

But here’s the thing: summer doesn’t need to be a performance. It’s actually one of the best times to pause, reset, and tend to yourself in a way that feels human, not heroic. Self-care in this season is less about becoming a better person and more about remembering who you already are—just maybe with a bit more sun on your face.

So, here’s my Summer Self-Care Edit—a little guide to staying grounded, nourished, and a smidge more sane while the world is out here trying to sell you a better beach body.

1. Start Slow. Like, Really Slow.

You don’t have to hit the ground running—unless that’s your thing, in which case, go off. But for the rest of us, try easing into your morning. Brew your coffee without multitasking. Sit outside and let your retinas soak up some natural light before you scroll the 'gram. Pro tip: your to-do list can wait. The world won’t fall apart if you don’t check your email before 9 a.m. (Probably.)

2. Hydrate Like a Hydrated Queen.

Water: the original wellness influencer. Your body needs it, your skin loves it, and your brain literally functions better with it. So yes, carry the emotional support water bottle—but also drink from it. Bonus points if you throw in some mint or lemon and feel like a spa guest in your own kitchen.

3. Move, But Not in a Punishment-y Way.

Let movement feel like freedom, not penance. Think dancing to Beyoncé in your living room, walking aimlessly around your neighborhood while eavesdropping on podcast strangers, or stretching on your porch while pretending you’re at a luxury yoga retreat. Whatever gets the energy flowing and the stress out of your joints.

4. Say “No” With Love and SPF.

Just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean you have to RSVP “yes” to everything. Guard your energy like a rare vintage candle—burn it wisely. If your body says “no,” trust her. She’s wiser than your calendar.

5. Eat Food That Looks Like a Rainbow Exploded.

If it grew in the ground or on a tree and it makes your plate look like an abstract painting, go for it. Summer is the season of effortless nourishment—fresh berries, crisp greens, corn so sweet it could double as dessert. Your body will thank you, and so will your tastebuds.

6. Take Your Phone Less Seriously.

We all need a break from the infinite scroll. Set a tech boundary that feels kind but firm—like a mom with good snacks. Try leaving your phone in another room, or better yet, go off the grid for a few hours. If anyone asks, you were busy communing with your higher self (or just watching clouds).

7. Play. No Seriously, Play.

Remember fun? It didn’t die after third grade. Bring it back. Chase fireflies, make a mess, laugh until you snort. It’s good for your nervous system—and it looks good on you.

8. Let Yourself Feel All of It.

Summer can hold contradictions—joy, nostalgia, grief, restlessness. You don’t have to pick one. Let it be messy. Let it be yours.

At the end of the day, summer self-care isn’t about becoming your “best self.” It’s about coming home to your real self—the one who’s still learning, still soft, still showing up.

Preferably in stretchy pants, with a popsicle in hand.

Love & Gratitude,

Katie

P.S. The Self-Care Workshop is coming BACK! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11th in Nashville!

 
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