How a Sucky Setback Can Spark Magic

And foster lessons that create greater connection.

Last month, I shared the journey Dinah and I took last December leading up to our talk at her school.

It was a big day for Dinah as it would require her to stand in front of her school of 425 total students and lead an assembly with me on the book she co-authored.

I wanted to make the day even more memorable.

Following the assembly, I wanted Dinah to walk into her local Barnes and Noble, thinking we were getting a Starbucks treat, only to see I Believe In Me! on the shelf.

This would prove tricky as Barnes and Noble did not carry our book in their physical store; it was only online.

After some persistence and research, my assistant connected with the General Manager and shared our vision. They were in! We sent out the books and gave her the details for the big day. T-minus one week till the assembly!

On the day of the assembly, I shared the news of our Barnes and Noble adventure with the family members who came to the school. They also wanted to be there for the big surprise. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face!

When the assembly ended, I grabbed my phone and saw several missed calls and texts from my assistant. She let me know the books weren’t at Barnes and Noble.

They never received them.

My heart sank, and I felt a knot in my throat. How could this happen?

We had been planning for this special moment for weeks, and it seemed to be going sideways before my eyes.

I called Barnes and Noble to find out what had happened. I learned that over the weekend, someone had broken into all five of their mailboxes and taken all their deliveries.

There was now confusion, sadness, and anger swirling inside of me. Who does that? Who takes a bookstore’s mail two weeks before Christmas?

I took a few deep breaths to center myself and choose my response. I decided I would tell Dinah the truth. She was already at her grandma’s house with her cousins, waiting for me to give them all the green light to head to the Barnes and Noble.

When I arrived, I sat in the living room, where everyone was hanging out. I shared that I had disappointing news to share and told them what happened.

What followed was something that, looking back, ended up being more special than I Believe In Me! being on the shelf at the Barnes and Noble.

Everyone listened to me share that someone had broken into the mailboxes and taken all of the Barnes and Noble deliveries, our books included.

A few family members shared their unique perspectives as the kiddos listened. Watching the adults share their stories was intimate, beautiful, and touching.

Dinah’s auntie Sharon shared one that will stay with me for a long time. She said that given it was Christmas time, possibly someone who didn’t have money to get their family gifts took mail that didn’t belong to them.

We may never know what happened; however, our family decided to “author” our own story that day. One anchored in compassion and acceptance.

As I wrap up this tale of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, here's a thought: What's your story looking like these days?

Life's like writing a book with surprises on every page. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—like our little adventure with Dinah that turned into something more meaningful than we imagined. It's in those plot twists where the real magic happens, showing us what we're made of and what matters most.

Consider the story you're writing as you go about your day. Are you including plot twists of kindness, courage, and unexpected adventure?

Whatever you do, keep writing your story, one choice at a time. Who knows? It might just turn into your best chapter yet.