I was an only child of a messy divorce at a very young age and moved around a lot.
As my mom’s relationships evolved, my life evolved which required lots of change.
Changing schools, changing houses, changing families, changing friends.
I wanted nothing more than consistency but like everything in life, it’s during these uncomfortable times where you discover your innate superpowers.
I was very shy and found starting new schools intimidating (who doesn’t!)
I can still feel walking into the lunchroom, not having a group of friends established or even one friend to sit with at lunch.
I would be that kid eating their lunch in the bathroom if I weren’t too embarrassed to get caught sitting alone.
But I’m good at pushing myself through fear.
So I would find an opening at some lunch table and sit down, heart pounding, praying someone would acknowledge my existence.
And what would happen after was interesting.
My mom always packed me these awesome lunches filled to the brim with the best treats that the kids would ooh and ahh over.
I’m talking fresh-baked cookies, fruit cups made with fresh fruit, and bagel sandwiches the size of giant hamburgers.
Because I couldn’t possibly eat even half of my lunch, I started offering it around the table.
This was how I formed my first real friendships.
Breaking bread at the lunch table.
And isn’t it interesting that I’ve built my entire career around this exact principle?
I didn’t even realize it until I was in a masterclass with Daniel Priestley and he asked us to think about our origin story.
I was 7 and I subconsciously understood what to do to get the other kids to connect with me.
Food brings people together.
Sharing creates trust.
Every dinner I host, every client event I create, every business relationship I nurture – it all traces back to that scared little girl with her perfectly packed lunches, hoping someone would want to be her friend.
At my earliest age, I understood that gathering together to sharing food, tell stories and have a communal experience is how humans connect.
So, what’s your origin story?
I dare you to think about it… I bet you’ll find something interesting there.
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