I can’t cram any more into this person called Kathy Payne, so I’ll take what I have and hope to be better at it. I hope to be deeper spiritually, to listen more intently to those I serve, to love more deeply, and to be ready for the next big adventure. 

Our world is missing love. The most important command that we have been given is to love. It has been a struggle trying to meet this need — to just love.

Throughout it all, I learned that life is a blend of sweet and sour. You just have to take the bitter with the sweet, however it comes. 

I want women to know that they are beautiful, they are brilliant, they are resourceful, they are resilient, they are enough, and they are loved by God... and that’s all that matters.

And when I reflect on the challenges I’ve overcome to get where I am today, I can’t help but feel proud of the resilience and strength that brought me here. 

I want to be able to help more people see the true, the good, and the beautiful. 

The biggest obstacle at the present time is the awareness that my remaining time on earth is limited, yet I still have so many things I hope to accomplish. 

Despite a ton of trauma and baggage from my Evangelical upbringing, I still think Jesus is a good model. Although the teaching of love for our neighbor is found in many religions and faiths, the stories of Jesus give us some of the best pictures of how to do it. 

Obstacles will always come, but it’s my response that determines whether they hold me back or move me forward. 

My biggest obstacle is that sometimes I live too much in the present moment. You can dance with abandon and still have a damn good retirement plan. 

One year from today, I’d like to be better at delegating. At this age, I know there are some things I’ll always want to do myself, but I also want to let go more and get clear on what I can hand off to others. I’m getting there. 

I hope to grow in how I see and treat myself and others, learning to hold space for grace rather than perfection. 

Looking back over the hills and valleys of my professional career and seeing God’s hand and direction in the midst of the wins and the losses. Seeing the type of young men and women my former players have become brings me great joy. 

I strive to concentrate on what can be done, and often, that simply means offering a listening ear, a comforting hug, or ensuring they know that I will always be there for them. 

The ultimate win is when those you’ve helped win.

At almost 64 years old, I know what the glass ceiling looks like and how much work it took to break through.

My relationships — built on trust, empathy, and shared growth — are some of the most meaningful parts of my life. 

Lifted up by family and friends, I relied on my faith and trusted that the Lord would get us through and make her whole, and He did.

I’ve learned that balance is essential, though not always easy for an empath and people-pleaser. Saying no and caring for myself takes effort, but it’s sacred work. 

I would love to inspire the people in my community to invest and take ownership of the fact that these are our children and families, and we should create a supportive community that reflects and empowers that!