Welcome to Blue Heron Lane—a space dedicated to faith, family, leadership, and living with purpose. My name is Katie Smith, and this is my story of coming home—not just to a place, but to my true self.

My Journey

For most of my life, I believed that happiness came from achieving the milestones society defines as success—a loving husband, beautiful children, a dream home in a picturesque neighborhood, and financial stability. When we moved to Blue Heron Lane, I thought I had it made. I had everything I ever wanted on paper. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

For four years, I found myself restless, always focused on what was unfinished—the home projects I never got around to, the little imperfections that felt so much bigger in my mind, the expectation that life should feel different by now. I spent so much time waiting for things to feel “right” that I never fully appreciated the beauty of what was already there. Instead of soaking in the love that filled our home, I was consumed by thoughts of what needed to change.

Then, as we prepared to leave Blue Heron Lane, something shifted. After staging the house, filling in the empty spaces, and seeing the final listing photos, I stood in our home and realized—it was always beautiful. I just hadn’t let myself see it.

Driving across the Causeway that evening, tears streamed down my face as the weight of it all hit me. I wasn’t just leaving a house; I was leaving behind a version of myself that was constantly searching, constantly waiting, constantly feeling like I needed to do more before I could finally be at peace. The truth was, no house, no success, no achievement would ever make me feel whole—because true fulfillment comes from within. It comes from God. It comes from gratitude. It comes from being present.

Now, as we return to New Orleans, I’m not chasing something new. I’m stepping into this next chapter with intention—ready to give back, to serve, to love, and to focus on what truly matters. Blue Heron Lane will always be special to me because it’s where I finally learned what it means to come home to yourself. And that’s what I want to share with others—the reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to look perfect or check all the boxes. You are already worthy.

Why Blue Heron Lane?

This space is about sharing the real, raw experiences of navigating life—motherhood, marriage, leadership, faith, and personal growth. It’s a reflection of the lessons I’ve learned, the struggles I’ve overcome, and the journey of breaking free from the pressures of perfection and comparison.

Here, you’ll find stories about:

• Faith & Personal Growth – Learning to trust in God’s plan, overcoming self-doubt, and finding peace within.
• Motherhood & Family – The real, unfiltered moments of parenting, raising boys, and balancing life’s responsibilities.
• Leadership & Business – My role at Alarm Protection Services (APS) and how we’re working to build a stronger, safer New Orleans.
• Life Safety & Community Impact – Partnering with local first responders, teaching our kids about safety, and making a meaningful difference.
• Intentional Living & Mindset Shifts – Letting go of societal pressures, embracing simplicity, and focusing on what truly matters.

Coming Home to Myself

I used to think “home” was a place—New Orleans, my childhood house, being close to my family. But my time on Blue Heron Lane taught me that home is something we carry within us. It’s in our faith, in the relationships we nurture, in the peace we create for ourselves and those we love.

As we prepare to return to New Orleans after four years away, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose. My family has grown, my perspective has deepened, and my heart is set on giving back to the community I love. Through APS, we are committed to making New Orleans safer and ensuring that families can focus on what matters most—each other.

Join Me on This Journey This blog is my open journal—a place where I’ll share my experiences, lessons, and reflections. My hope is that through my words, you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Welcome to Blue Heron Lane—a place where we learn to protect our peace, embrace life’s imperfections, and come home to ourselves.