Do you hear that? That, dear friend, is the sound of the ocean, in all its crystal blue beauty, slapping up against pure white sand. No shutter sounds from cameras. No paparazzi yelling for me to “give me something they can print”. It’s delightful.

Do you know that I actually heard people calling my name so much that it didn’t even stop when I slept? “Kate! Over here! What’s really going on between you and Oliver Whitley?” “Kate! Why did you hire your ex as your personal security?”

Sometimes that’s the only way I could tell it was a dream. There is no chance I would ever pay that piece of crap to come anywhere near me.

For seventeen years I lived in the eye of the public and it happened so quickly that I didn’t have a moments peace from the debut of ‘Clap Back’ which happened to be my first leading role in a feature film. I was nominated for best actress for my first film. Can you believe that? For my first movie. Of course, Lana Shane took home the statue, which she totally won fair and square. But it’s true, being nominated is incredible all on its own.

Three years ago I walked off set after the final shooting for my character and decided I was done. I walked to my car, drove to the security entrance and tossed my credentials to them. I sent an email to my agent, my publicist and my manager and told them all I had my fill. Then I shut off my phone, jumped on my laptop to reserve an Airbnb, a flight and to hire I crew to clear out my house in the Hollywood Hills. I put it on the market and it sold in 3 days. The sense of freedom I had when my realtor told me it sold was euphoric. I was no longer tied to that life. I did have a lawsuit for backing out of the rest of the 4 year contract I had with my agent, but we settled out of court and that was that.

I now live half the world away from the life I wasn’t allowed to live. People recognize me sometimes but they give me the space to maintain my peace.

Would I start at the beginning and do it all again? Not a chance, sister!