Description
I’m Mary “Karen” Morency Hartke, born and raised on the West Side of Cincinnati, Ohio. I had a stable, family-oriented Catholic upbringing — one that quietly shaped me into a people-pleaser who cared for everyone but herself. I carried that “fairy-tale” mindset into marriage, and despite a melanoma diagnosis, built a full life with my husband and three wonderful sons (now joined by three daughters-in-law and one beloved grandson).
But real life has a way of unraveling carefully constructed stories. The rules and expectations that once grounded me began to feel like a cage, and slowly, my life — and my sense of self — crumbled. I realized I had never truly known the real me, only the version I had been programmed to be.
From that low point, I made a decision to leap — to risk everything in search of authenticity, joy, and my true self. Divorce launched me into an intense journey of podcasts, reading, reflection, and deep inner work. There were dark, terrifying times, but they gave way to some of the most freeing and joyful experiences of my life. I discovered I wasn’t broken or sinful — I was a unique, beautiful soul meant to live a life true to myself. It’s that hard-won light I hope to share with anyone still finding their way out of the dark.
My first book, “Yes I Can…damn it! Encouragement for Empowerment” is available now!
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