Lessons from the Ride — Your Chosen Crew

Lessons from the Ride

Your Chosen Crew

A story. A lesson. A challenge.

Welcome back to Lessons from the Ride.

One of the most important decisions we make isn't where we're headed—it's who we invite to join us along the way. This edition is about our chosen crew: the people who celebrate our wins, steady us through the storms, and make the ride richer simply because they're on it.

The Ride

About twelve years ago, Craig and I had a decision to make.

My brother and his wife lived in Kansas City and had found a great deal on a trip to Ireland with their neighborhood group.

Did we want to join?

There was just one catch: other than my brother and his wife, we didn't know a single person.

We looked at each other for about thirty seconds.

Then we said yes.

That one decision changed far more than our travel plans. It introduced us to friendships that have enriched our lives ever since. We've celebrated milestones, explored new corners of the world, laughed until we cried, and shown up for one another through life's highs and lows.

When we retired and moved to Florida, we found ourselves in a similar place. New home. New community. New opportunities to meet people.

Once again, we chose to say yes.

Today we're surrounded by an amazing group of friends. Just a few weeks ago, thirty-one of us traveled together to the Galápagos.

Looking back, I realize those trips were never really about Ireland or the Galápagos.

They were about the people.

One of the greatest surprises of this season of life hasn't been having more time. It's been discovering that some of our closest friendships were still waiting for us.

The Lesson

Our lives are shaped less by the places we go than by the people who share the journey.

Some people have been with us from the very beginning. Others arrive unexpectedly—a neighbor, a colleague, a teammate, someone sitting next to us on a trip we almost didn't take.

Every one of those relationships has the power to change our story. And most of the time, we don't recognize which ones will matter most until years later.

Sometimes the greatest adventure isn't visiting somewhere new.

Sometimes it's simply saying yes to someone new.

The people who shape your future may still be waiting for you to say yes.

Surprise Yourself

Take a few minutes this week to think about your chosen crew.

Who has made your journey richer? Who has encouraged you, challenged you, celebrated with you, or simply been there when you needed them most?

Then choose one intentional way to strengthen your crew.

—

Tell someone how much they mean to you. It may feel a little uncomfortable, but you'll probably make their day—and yours.

—

Reach out to someone you haven't seen in far too long and put a date on the calendar.

—

Think about someone you've met recently that you'd love to know better. Be the one who reaches out first.

One small “yes” today may become one of the friendships you're most grateful for years from now.

Who came to mind as you were reading this?

Until Next Time…

Thanks for being here. I'm so glad you're part of this journey.

If today's story reminded you of someone who might need to hear it, I'd love it if you shared it with them.

P.S. Who belongs in your chosen crew—and have you told them lately?