Sometimes the road to our front-row isn’t smooth. There will be detours—unexpected turns, setbacks, and challenges that test us. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to walk that road alone.
I was reminded of this recently by two dear girlfriends of mine. We met 20 years ago at a conference where we bonded over our shared passion for elevating women in the foodservice industry. Decades later, those connections remain strong—and they showed up for me in a big way this year.
As many of you know, I’ve been navigating a painful detour in my own life with the loss of my beloved spouse, my Frenchie. These two women knew what I needed before I even did: a weekend away filled with love, laughter, and connection. They planned everything—reservations, activities, and plenty of time just to be together.
A Chair on the Mountain
One highlight was taking a ski lift up to the top of a mountain near Park City, Utah. At the summit, tucked among the rocks, was a single chair. I sat down, looked out at the breathtaking view, and thought: the view is worth the climb. The view from the top is always worth it—but only if you keep moving forward, and only if you let others help you along the way. This is why I encourage you to focus on your friend connections.
Friends like these aren’t just companions; they are lifelines. They:
- Surround you with unconditional love and support.
- Provide a safe space to be vulnerable, honest, and real.
- Hold up a mirror so you can see yourself more clearly—and gently course-correct when needed.
This isn’t just about a planning a weekend getaway in the mountains (although I highly recommend it!). It’s about investing in the relationships that lift you higher.
If you already have a circle of friends like this, treasure them. Stay connected. Make time. If you don’t, it’s never too late to start.
Here are a few simple ways:
- Invite someone for coffee.
- Schedule a lunch date or a happy hour.
- Join a group or community built around shared values and goals.
- Lead with generosity: add value to their lives, and let trust grow naturally.
Your Front-Row Challenge
- Take a moment today to look around your circle. Who are the people that help you climb?
- Who are the ones who see you, love you, and nudge you toward your best self?
- Invest in them. Make time for them. And if you’re still searching, take the first step to create those connections.
Because when you reach your front-row, you may realize how valuable friends were in getting you there, which makes the view so much sweeter.
Happy Front-Row Friday!
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
P.S. Walking through the Salt Lake City airport, I saw a quote from Edward Abbey that perfectly reflected my experience on the mountain. “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
