Embracing Life's Curveballs: Finding Silver Linings and NYC Adventures

I’m writing to you coming off of another fantastic weekend in New York with my family. This is an annual trip I take with my aunt and cousin to shop, see shows and eat all the fabulous food the city has to offer. Ah, New York—where every corner tells a story, and every meal is an adventure!

This trip has me remembering how important that when life throws you a curveball, to try your best to take the high road and make lemonade out of those lemons. There is something to say about the ability to reframe your mindset and find the silver lining in difficult situations. By embracing the power of positive thinking and taking proactive steps, you can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Whether you're facing a personal or professional setback, you always have the opportunity to shift your perspective and find a new sense of hope and purpose.

Per usual, I have a real-life example for you. I was set to fly into the city last Friday, arriving mid-day with plenty of time to have dinner and see our first show. I’ve flown this route many times and never had an issue with timing.

We boarded our flight in Charlottesville (shoutout to CHO, the best airport in the world) on time, but that’s where the “on time” stopped. We then proceeded to sit on the tarmac for many hours. Long story short, we made it to New York about 7 hours later than planned.

Fortunately, I was able to shift my perspective and see a positive outlook on the trip.

• I still made it to the city and even though I missed the show, I chose to make a last-minute restaurant, had an incredible meal. Fun fact: solo dining is my jam!

• I was still able to spend a wonderful weekend in the company of some of my favorite people.

• Thankfully, we had two more nights to enjoy the city! We were able to witness outstanding performances of & Juliet and the hilarious comedy duo of John Oliver and Seth Meyers.

• Thanks to the perfect weather on Sunday, we spent the day walking around the Upper West side, which led me to the holy grail of food—a Nova Sandwich at Zabar's, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

This philosophy isn't just for personal anecdotes; it's a guiding light in business too. From weathering the storm of a shutdown to the ebb and flow of trends, we've mastered the art of adaptation. Through it all, we've emerged stronger, wiser, and ever more committed to serving our cherished community.

So, here's to embracing life's twists and turns, finding beauty in the unexpected, and raising a glass to the journey ahead.