I was in my kitchen, holding baby Nora with one hand and a mug of coffee with the other, when the text came in.
It was Robert.
“Friend!” he said. “Tomorrow is my TV show
premiere. I’m hosting an event in Los Angeles. I have a few extra tickets. Know someone in LA who might like to come?”
Robert worked tirelessly to bring his TV show into the world. There were so many setbacks, any sensible person would have quit. Not Robert. He is hope personified.
I wanted so badly to be at the premiere. However, I live
2,480 miles away and the event was happening the very next day.
My daughter is 14 months old. I’m still nursing. I have a busy week ahead. Tons of stuff at my office. I can’t go.
But how often does your friend have a show debuting on HBO Max?
I talked it over
with my husband. We made a game-time decision. I would book a red-eye flight, spend 24 hours in California, and zip right back home. It would be exhausting. But sometimes, the push is worth it.
“Save a seat for me,” I texted Robert. “I’ll be there tomorrow.”
He was flabbergasted. “Really?!”
“Really.”
Thus began my 24-hour whirlwind adventure.
I took my 75-year-old dad as my date to the premiere. We wore matching lavender suits. I applauded my friend, gave him an enormous hug, and said, "You did it." I was honored to witness this moment of victory.
When I got home, was I bone-tired? Absolutely. But also, profoundly inspired.
“Be the woman who collects stories, not regrets,” my friend Susan always says.
I love to plan in advance. I am
organized. I literally wrote The Checklist Book. However, sometimes, the right move is to rip up the plan and say a big spontaneous YES.
We all love a good plan.
But a little detour might
be exactly the medicine you need.
