Monday, April 3


First of all, as I write this date, I realize that I am coming up on 2 months on the road. Holy cow has it gone by quickly! I am sitting in a cafe called Shokola, located in Kimihurura, a neighborhood in Kigali.  It has the most peaceful ambiance.  I walked in and spotted my seat immediately! There is a mixture of seating options depending on if you’re coming to enjoy lunch, a work meeting, or even a solo experience.  I chose a grey chair seated by a standing side table.  

I chose this chair because I own this chair! It’s my favorite piece of furniture and just brings me so much joy!  It’s as though I’m sitting in my home, writing to you today!  Needless to say, sitting here has been quite enjoyable!

I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge how much it means to me when friends around the world check in;  whether it’s just to say hello, comment on a particular blog post, or catch me up on life in Tampa.  Today I had the loveliest conversation with a friend that I met in 2010 in Arizona! I just think that’s amazing! This particular conversation was exactly what I needed today! 

I think about this idea often. The idea that we are able to change someone’s day, the course of someone’s life even, just by one simple conversation.  I noticed this when I was a consultant for ADPi. I remember having conversations with women that I had known for merely hours, but I would later hear that they decided to run for a position, they had that difficult conversastion, or they changed their major.  Regardless, big or small, what you say matters. What you say can move people forward. I am encouraged by that reminder today! (And Kim, thank you for reaching out today! What you said matters! I appreciate you and couldn’t have needed our conversation more today!)  

I have been fortunate to have friends check in – and a couple that have been involved every step of the way.  (Thank you!) I am a relationship cultivator… I think it’s important.  Keeping relationships over the years, regardless of how they may ebb and flow. The ability to just share your life with others, supporting one another, whether near or far.  There is magic in that. Some prefer to have a small circle. Others big. Regardless of what you choose, I would encourage you to make the effort to keep those relationships going.  It would be easy to fall of the face of the earth in this situation.  To that point, there have been a few people that have reached out to me… not me to them.  I want to thank YOU.  Being remembered, being thought of, matters. It is nice to get a message out of the blue, and not in response to yours! 

I am grateful for you friends!  Thank you for sharing in this journey!