One Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Stay Open to New Experiences

In the movie Love Jones, the male lead says, "romance is about the possibility of the thing." I agree with that. However, I think that the concept is more universal. life--truly living--is about the possibility of the thing. For a while, I was sleep walking through life, doing what was required without truly embracing it. Recent events have caused me to re-evaluate that and to embrace life and all of its limitless possibilities.  

And romance, is about love. Over the past year I have become committed to falling back in love with my life. New relationships have made that love affair possible. And, I don't take them for granted. Creating space for new relationships and making new friends as a single, working mom, and creating space is not easy. But it is necessary.

For that reason, I have committed to making new friendships, keeping the old productive ones, and enjoying them all--in the midst of working, parenting, and adulting. I have learned that I have not experienced every meaningful relationship at these years old. Indeed, the possibilities are endless, if we just stay open to them.   

People have asked me about the tote I am carrying in the photo. It's by Tom Ford; I got it on a crazy sale. However, if you're interested in getting a similar one, here's one by Kate Spade, click here. 

(As an Amazon affiliate, I receive compensation for qualified purchases.)

Summer of 2025 Brought New Friends

Last summer, during a quiet getaway to the Chautauqua Institution (CHQ), this working mom sat down for what I expected to be an ordinary game of dominoes. I certainly didn't expect that this simple moment—just a casual vacation pastime—would change the quality of my life.

The dominoes game into something I didn't even realize I needed: friendship. Genuine, affirming, soul‑nourishing friendship. The kind that brings new adventures, new perspectives, and new joy.

Later that week, the connection deepened during a spiritual journey to Lily Dale—a place where reflection and renewal are right at home. There, laughter and vulnerability created a bond that felt both fresh and familiar. The summer unfolded into a season of rediscovery--at Chautauqua and beyond--culminating with an invitation to a boat ride to celebrate the birthday of one of those new friends that felt like a celebration not just of life, but of a new beginning.

By the end of the summer, I was confident that this CHQ crew were my real friends. 

The Following March: I Spent 40 Amazing Hours in NYC With My New Friends

Who would have thought that those relationships forged in Chautauqua would have permeated real life?! That same working mom found herself in New York City—traveling with the very people she wouldn't have known had she not picked up those dominoes last summer.

The trip was a whirlwind in the best way. Great food. Beautiful conversations. Hearty laughs. And, shared wonder.

First, the food! We savored vibrant meals at three of the best restaurants I've ever visited.

• Rosa Mexicano--They make guacamole tableside. Although we did not partake in that treat, that level of high touch service is a part of the entire experience. 
• Golden Hof — Korean Bar & Grill: Ever dish was like an explosion of flavor in my mouth!
• Ci Siamo — I don't generally enjoy Italian food. And yet, this food was melt in my mouth good! I was there to celebrate an author and neither the food nor the company disappointed. This is Oprah's favorite NYC dining spot and I can see why. Learning that made the evening feel extra special, like I was in on a secret.

If the food and fellowship weren't enough, the adventure was punctuated by a backstage visit to the set of the Today Show. I got to meet Al Roker, I witnessed a live segment being filmed--Kwame Alexander was interviewed about the best books to read--and I got to soak in the energy of the studio and to observe that Al's joie de vivre is authentic. Since I watch the show every day, it was a real treat! 

I kept thinking, "How did I get so lucky??"

The answer always came back to that day last summer. That table. Those dominoes. That trip to Lily Dale. That boat ride. Those relationships...  

Beyond that, it also comes down to her having the courage to slam the door to a chaotic chapter of her life, which created the opportunity to opening a new door. One filled with new friends, hope, and promise.

The Trip Was Made Possible by My Mom

None of these adventures would have been possible without my mom, Cecilia who introduced me to the Chautauqua Institution and also lovingly watched the kiddos, held down the fort, and made space for me to experience these moments of joy, rest, and rediscovery. Her support wasn't just helpful—it was foundational. Because of her, I was able to step away, breathe, and return with a renewed sense of self, gratitude, and purpose.

The Lesson: Stay Open to New Experiences, They Can Change Your Life

The trip was more than a fun getaway—it was a reminder. That life isn't done surprising us.

That blessings often arrive disguised as ordinary moments.

If we stay prayerful, faithful, and willing to embrace new relationships, new chapters will unfold—chapters richer and more joyful than we imagined. So, if you are in the midst of unrelenting chaos, have the courage to slam the door close even though you don't know what is coming next or whether a new door even exists. I promise you, another door is out there and can appear out of nowhere.