Oceans of Opportunities—The Power of Saying Yes.

Hello, everyone!

Spring has officially sprung here in Tennessee, and I couldn’t be happier! With warm weather, vibrant flowers, and trees bursting with new life, it feels like nature is throwing a party. Of course, this season can be a bit fickle too—just a few nights ago, we were on high alert for tornado warnings and flash floods. While they say, “April showers bring May flowers,” I sometimes find myself wishing for a bit of a break from the rain. Nonetheless, whether it's sunshine or showers, I'm embracing this beautiful season as a perfect opportunity to continue my journey of saying yes to new experiences.

Last year, I shared a blog post titled Embracing the Power of Saying Yes. As this new season arrives, my commitment to this philosophy has been reignited, compelling me to enthusiastically pursue fresh opportunities—both in my professional life and in exciting adventures.

In March, I had the incredible opportunity to be the opening speaker at the Junior League of Nashville’s 2025 Women’s Leadership Conference. This inspiring event emphasized the importance of investing in ourselves and nurturing what truly matters in our lives and communities. I must admit, as the event approached, I experienced moments of sheer panic, questioning why anyone would want to hear from me. However, I pushed through that self-doubt and connected with some amazing women who motivated me in unexpected ways. I also learned a valuable lesson: it’s never too late to embrace new challenges, even if they make me a little nervous—like speaking for thirty minutes without notes in front of a ballroom full of accomplished leaders from across Tennessee.

A few weeks later, I found myself saying "yes" again—this time to an exciting adventure in the stunning Riviera Nayarit in Mexico. Just as I had embraced new challenges at the conference, this trip pushed me further out of my comfort zone. With days filled to the brim with activities, it was the perfect place to fully embrace new experiences.

As I’ve blogged about before, I absolutely adore a good beach getaway. Some of my most inspired writing has come from lounging under an umbrella, sand between my toes, and soaking in the soothing sound of the ocean waves. But here’s the twist: I never actually go near the water. Even at stunning beaches like 30-A or Sea Island, I find myself happily staying on land, savoring the view from the sidelines. And when it comes to boats? Well, they’ve historically been a definite no-go for me, thanks to a little monster called seasickness.

This time, I decided to embrace my new approach: say yes! So, I took a deep breath and resolved to hop on a boat—not just any boat, but an amphibious vessel that transitions from land to water. Now that’s what I call an upgrade in my aquatic adventures. I went on several short trips, and guess what? I didn’t just endure the ride; I loved it—especially since my stomach and head cooperated, helping me avoid seasickness. My favorite outing was a mesmerizing afternoon cruise. As the sun warmed my face and we glided across the sparkling waters, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom as nature unveiled its glorious spectacle all around us.

On our way to Booby Bird Island (yes, that’s really the name), we were greeted by a flock of these quirky birds with their striking blue feet. If you’re curious to learn more about them, check out the series The Americas on Peacock, narrated by the one and only Tom Hanks.

As we cruised along, we kept our eyes peeled for humpback whales, which frequent these waters from February to March. While we didn’t spot any on the boat ride, I had an unexpected whale sighting the next morning—watching a mother whale teach her baby how to use its tail. It was beyond heartwarming. Watch the clip below.

Later that day, my husband and I decided to take a little land detour to the charming town of San Pancho for a mezcal tasting. I’ll be honest—this spirit usually isn’t my go-to choice, but the experience turned out to be unforgettable. Our bartender, Sam, was like a mezcal magician, expertly nudging me outside my comfort zone. The highlight? A unique concoction infused with ants—a twist that surprised me with its delicious flavor. To fully embrace the adventure, I also tried roasted crickets. It turns out they pair wonderfully with this distinctive drink.

As my trip neared its end, I realized I hadn’t fully embraced the spirit of saying yes. Beyond my boating adventures and leisurely strolls along the water's edge, I hadn’t truly connected with the magnificent Pacific Ocean. It was time to do more than just dip my toes in; I wanted to dive deep into the ocean experience. I decided to go paddleboarding—a perfect choice since I could sit (thanks to my wrist injury) while still soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

A wave of trepidation washed over me as I left the shore and ventured into the unknown. Here I was, floating in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean—far from my usual comfort zone of beach chairs and umbrellas. Yet, as I drifted, the pride of taking this leap began to replace my fear, and I allowed myself to revel in the stunning views surrounding me. That is, until something gliding toward me caught my eye… fins! My imagination went into overdrive, and I immediately thought, “SHARK!”

But as it drew closer, my anxiety melted away. To my surprise, it was a friendly family of stingrays. For a full five minutes, they swam gracefully alongside me, and in that moment, I felt an incredible bond with nature. I may have even attempted to “talk” to them, hoping to stay on their good side. It was a breathtaking reminder of the wonders that lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

Mexico is truly a magical place, bursting with natural beauty and vibrant life. Because I chose to say yes, I uncovered even more joy and connection during my trip. Inspired by this unforgettable experience, I’ve made a new resolution for 2025: I’m saying yes to learning Spanish.

Until next time…

And as always, I’ll wrap up this blog with a recipe from Where the Grass Grows Blue and share three things I’m currently obsessed with.

Chocolate Chess Pie – “The chocolate chess is always a favorite of the menfolk, while the coconut cream, with meringues so high they resemble perfect little mountains, is more to the liking of the softer sex.” Chapter 12 Amazing Gracie

• 1 unbaked pie shell

• 2 eggs

• 3 tablespoons of cocoa

• 1½ cups white sugar

• 1 small can evaporated milk (5 oz.)

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

• 4 tablespoons of softened butter

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a fork to prick the shell of the pie several times, then bake for five minutes and remove.

2. In a bowl, mix the other ingredients thoroughly before pouring the mixture into the pie shell.

3. Bake for 40 minutes or until it’s set.

Pro tip: Place the pie shell on a cookie sheet before baking to catch any potential spills!

Three Things I’m Obsessed with in April

1. The Americas on Peacock: With Tom Hanks narrating, this series offers a captivating journey through the wonders of the supercontinent (yes, I just learned that term!) encompassing North, Central, and South America.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Salsa Verde with Diced Avocado: During my adventure in Mexico, I discovered this delicious gem and found myself enjoying it with every meal. It’s especially divine on eggs. With tomatillos, peppers, and onions, this new twist is going to elevate my taco nights back in Tennessee—especially since the chef shared the recipe with me.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Sound Baths: Admittedly, I first heard about sound baths from obsessively watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (no judgment, please!). Skeptical but intrigued, I tried one in Mexico, and it was nothing short of amazing. The experience left me feeling relaxed and spiritually aligned.