Sailing Into My New Life
Last summer I found myself at the end of an 18-year-long relationship. It felt like my life was falling apart and I was devastated and confused. However, life works in mysterious ways.
A few months after the break up, I received a phone call from my friend, Tonia DeCosmo, informing me that we were picked for a casting for a show called Below Deck. There were thirty women considered, but only seven women would to be picked to be on the boat. At first, I said “no” right away due to everything life had thrown at me – my divorce, my businesses, and my other obligations. Despite my initial response to pass up on the opportunity, Tonia urged me to give it a shot.
I still hesitated, doubting whether I would fit in with these powerful and famous women, but with some more encouragement from my friend Tonia, I decided to take a chance.
The next week we all jumped on a Zoom call. The person interviewing asked us several questions about ourselves, our hobbies, occupations, etc. Even though I have accomplished many things in my life so far, I still felt a little out of place. I felt like I didn’t fit in with the remarkable women who were also being interviewed.
The next morning, I sent an email declining the opportunity to Bravo, expressing that I didn’t think I was the right person for the show, especially considering my unfamiliarity with Below Deck. Additionally, did I mention my fear of flying? To get to the boat, I’d have to fly, and flying was something that plagued me with fear.
My friend understood and picked someone else to go instead of me.
Upon hearing me pass up this opportunity, my daughter-in-law and son insisted I shouldn't let this chance slip away. I can remember their voices telling me,
“Mom, this is the opportunity of a lifetime! You don’t want to pass it up, and this can be an escape from the pain and a distraction from what you’re going through with.”
Their encouraging words struck a chord with me, and their persistence made me reconsider.
At the same time, the young lady from Bravo emailed me back and asked me if I would reconsider my decline and be on the show and that they would love to have me as one of the 7 women aboard the boat. I called my friend and told her I changed my mind and asked if there was any way I could still go, as I wanted to retract my decline and take a chance on going.
To my surprise, luck was on my side because another girl had backed out and I was able to go.
Little did I know this decision would turn out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I couldn't believe I found the strength to overcome my fear of flying and journeyed to Italy, a place I had never imagined I would ever visit. Not only did I get to spend time on an amazing yacht with the fabulous Captain Sandy, and great crew, but I also had the opportunity to meet wonderful people and explore incredible places that had only existed in my dreams.
I really believe my late mother played a part in this unexpected turn of events. It felt as though she was watching over me, guiding me towards this experience to help me find the strength to overcome my pain and fear. It turned out that this journey was exactly what I needed to heal and move forward.
I will forever be grateful to Tonia from Power Magazine, who granted me this chance and believed in me enough to be on Below Deck. I am incredibly appreciative to have had the opportunity to travel with an incredible group of women. This amazing opportunity came unexpectedly, and it taught me a valuable lesson. Things happen in our life for a reason, and sometimes, even the most devastating incidents can lead to new chapters in our lives.
I want to encourage all the women out there that have been going to some kind a similar experience like mine and remind you that anything is possible if you believe. Even in the darkest moments, hold on for one more day because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Life works in mysterious ways, and it might just surprise you with a new beginning. You simply must be willing to say yes.
