Hey there Darlings!

As hard as it is to believe, today is the first anniversary of Calling It Off. 

It’s mind-boggling to realize that the book is no longer new. It’s simply out there in the world, living a life of its own. Readers are free to make whatever meaning they choose from the pages, but I hope it continues to give comfort to others facing difficult choices. My job as the book’s creator is done.

Oh, the emotions that come with that realization. *Sigh*. Pride. Disbelief. Gratitude. Nostalgia. Relief. I’m honored to have shared the experience with you all and made so many friends along the way. Deep, lasting connections that will carry on long after it is out of print.

A year on, it feels less surreal to identify as a published author, but I was naive to overlook how much the process would change me as a person. Sure, the career highlights and opportunities have been lovely, but I take even more pride in my personal evolution. 

In physics, there’s a concept called the observer effect, which holds that the simple act of observing something inherently changes the object being observed. The typical example is how measuring tire pressure also lets a bit of air out in the process.

The same has been true for me. 

Writing and birthing this book has been a soft release. Being the subject of a book, even one I authored, changed me. It opened doors to insights I hadn’t even considered. Some shifted my mindset, and others truly rocked me to the core. The book also offered answers to lingering questions for friends and family who were there in that season of life. 

Conversely, sometimes seeing myself reflected in others' eyes helped me offer myself more grace. This was especially true in the book tour events, articles published, and podcasts my incredible PR team helped book. Promoting the book affirmed my creative ability and the resonance my story could offer. It encouraged my commitment to pursue a writing career. 

It also prompted me to re-evaluate my life's priorities and streamline the heck out of where I invest my time, energy, and love.  

As the observed, I’ve realized there is so much freedom in sharing my story with the world. Freedom to let go and move on. Freedom to show up even more authentically and devoted to the future I envision. Freedom to post less on Instagram (wink).

Freedom to embrace all that is still to come!

Katherine Rose Woller

P.S. It's National Storytelling Week and who doesn't love a good made up holiday? If you are looking for a sign to start sharing your story, consider this your nudge. 

Do it any way you choose. In a text to someone miles away, over coffee with a friend, on a podcast with a stranger, on Instagram, in the private notes section in your phone, or one day in a book, if you so desire. 

No matter the audience or format, get to sharing because your stories are worth telling. And if they're not, start living a bit more too.

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”― Rudyard Kipling 

REDDIT: ASK ME ANYTHING

My purpose in writing Calling It Off was to be the resource I couldn’t find for others considering a significant life change. In the spirit of that goal (and since I can’t go back in time), I’ve decided to brave the world of Reddit and start a thread on surviving calling off a wedding.

It would mean so much if you could pop over HERE and ask any lingering questions you have. They don’t have to be tidy; honest curiosities are welcome.

But please be kind to help set the tone for other tender souls out there facing their own anxiety, self-doubt, and social pressures.

It’s ok if you didn’t read the book! This is simply to reassure those at the precipice of their own big leap. I hope it finds someone looking for answers, ignites a bigger conversation, and maybe heals a heart in the process. 

In bocca al lupo!

→JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE←

Is the day that would have been my anniversary hard?

It was! Now I'm just proud of the life I have.

How did you navigate financial frustrations of friends flights and hotels?

Even those close to Mr. Ex gave us grace and put our happiness first. Trust your friends and family to show up for you!

What made you realize you needed to call it off?

I ignored the doubts from the very beginning until they turned into headaches, sleepless nights, and knots in my stomach. The growing misalignment got heavier, deeper but when I was honest with myself, I ultimately felt relief.

Many folks on Reddit have responded and shared their experiences calling off a wedding and I'm so delighted that this will be a resource for someone facing what I call the Giant Snowball of Doubt. Everyone's experience is unique and there is no roadmap for how to navigate it. But, as we tell our stories I believe others feel less alone.

After all, isn't that why we're here?

RECENT PRESS  

"Bestselling Author Katherine Rose Woller On How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally" 

I was recently asked to contribute to an interview series with business leaders, mental health professionals, and life coaches for Authority Magazine. I did a shout-out to Oprah so if anyone knows her, please make an introduction! Anyway, vulnerability removes barriers to connection, and authenticity allows relationships to deepen beyond performance or the expectations of others. The payoff is a life well lived.

"Screw Valentine’s Day—treat-yourself gifts that don’t need a plus-one" 

Incredibly grateful for Calling It Off to be featured in this anti-Valentine’s guide by Jill Schildhouse calling my book the best read for choosing yourself: 

"Katherine Rose Woller’s memoir traces the emotional reality of calling off a wedding—and the clarity that followed. This isn’t a breakup exposé or a cautionary tale; it’s a deeply honest look at listening to your intuition when the stakes are high and expectations are louder than your own voice. The result is a story about courage, self-respect, and redefining success on your own terms. It pairs especially well with a quiet night and zero external opinions. As someone who has also called off a wedding, I can't wait to read this book."