Welcome to Nothing is Accidental.
Some of us describe our lives as happy accidents. Some of think life is a series of predetermined outcomes. Whether you subscribe to the “everything happens for a reason” mantra, or you believe that we are the only determinants of our outcomes, I will share my experiences with the seemingly accidental moments in life that change us, touch us, and inspire us.
When I wrote Accidental First Lady (on the Front Lines) and Behind the Scenes, I was a self-described unwitting wife to a lawyer-turned-politician who fell in love with civic service. He believed he could make a difference and improve others’ lives and the community by running for office.
Correction.
We believed he could do that. And he did, 8 times, with me by his side and behind the scenes. I raised children, volunteered in my community, returned to work after a decade at home (but not really) with our kids, nurtured friendships, and sustained a marriage, all in the public eye.
By the time he was elected mayor of Florida’s 5th largest city, I was an overnight first lady, a term I laughed, if not scoffed at. As he neared the end of his 2nd and final term 8 years later, I appreciated that first lady was a term of endearment and respect. Yet, it felt unearned. I felt like I didn’t possess the pedigree or resume to be called first lady of anything. This 22-year political life was unplanned, if not accidental, birthed over over a bottle of wine, after a suggestion from a friend that Rick run for office.
Reflecting on my book’s chosen title, I wondered about the other poignant moments in my life.
Is life a series of accidents? Or, does the universe place us in situations and with people who help us chart our unique course?
I will explore musings such as these from experiences I’ve had, people I’ve met, books I’ve read and serendipitous moments that haven’t yet happened.
Perhaps the greatest lesson in writing Accidental First Lady was learning the value in our stories. We all have them. They’re unique. They’re worth telling. They’re worth reading. Shared experiences are catalysts for connection. Couldn’t we all use more of that in this increasingly difficult world. I believe in the power of learning from others - those you know and the ones you meet in an elevator, airplane, or in the store.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, too. After all, the power is in the conversation.
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I hope you’ll consider reading my thoughts and sharing yours. My words are free. My goal is to build a community. I may consider asking readers to support my writing with a paid subscription, but my goals are simple: to learn from you, my readers; to connect with folks who can enlighten me; and to hone my writing skills. I appreciate you joining me in that quest.
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