“You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.”

Six years ago today, I rode the train to Washington DC; I was headed towards major change!

I planned to meet up a former college student from 2007 who was living in Oregon and visiting DC for an event to raise awareness about fetal alcoholism syndrome.

Then I hoped to head to a space on the National Mall where the Deadly Moppets were setting up their lounge space for Catharsis, a Burning-Man inspired event. I had met some of the Moppets in June at the Wickerman burn and was so touched by their kindness and outreach as I was in the middle of a heartbreaking divorce.

However, none of these new friends would be at this build day and I agonized whether or not I would have the nerve to overcome my social anxiety amongst a group of strangers.

Meeting up with my former college student gave me the nerve!

I was so inspired by her story and everything she had overcome that it put my struggles in perspective. I hugged her goodbye and waved to her as I walked towards the crowd of burners putting together the shade structure.

I was so nervous when I approached the group!

However, I received a warm welcome when I announced, I’m here to help!”

I met Roger for the first time that day. I’ll never forget his warm smile that made me feel … right at home.

When the day wrapped up, I had planned to take an Uber back to Union Station but was offered a ride back. Sandwiched between my new friends in the backseat, I laughed and felt at ease and in awe about the day’s outcome.

Roger told me later that he was impressed that I was there to work, coming all the way from northern Maryland just to volunteer. Three years later, it would be Roger who made the journey — traveling to my rural farm to help with a shed and then sticking around to work as a farmhand and lend a hand with my children.

Would I have had faced my nerves and made that trip if my former student hadn’t been in town? Fortunately, the Universe made sure that didn’t happen.

“A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.”

– Tao Te Ching