I am on my 4-week odyssey, taking time away to reset, write, work with my book coach, and, when my husband Jim joins me, visit dear friends who are also colleagues in the work of Love. Valencia…Barcelona…Winchester…Dorset!
But first…18 hours alone in Rome.
After a direct overnight flight from Seattle to Rome, I dropped my bags in my closet-sized hotel room complete with a hard, single bed, took a quick shower, and hit the cobbled streets of Rome.
I wandered around seeing the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, before deciding to find a rooftop bar for drinks at sunset.
While I was navigating my way to the highly rated “Jim's Rooftop Bar” - the name a good omen - two Italian women, who were looking at their phones, trying to navigate somewhere too, and laughing, looked up at me and said, "Don't you want an Aperol Spritz too?! Are you alone? You should join us!"
"Sure! I'd love to. I'm going to a rooftop bar!"
"Great!" they said. "But first, we are going to see the Spanish Steps."
"Great! I'm in. Let’s go! And…hello, I'm Renée."
“Hello! We're sisters, Debbie and Roberta." Those names made me laugh out loud - my parents are Debi and Robert. Another confirmation I was in good company.
Confession: years ago, I would have hesitated and missed the moment. Or I would've talked myself out of it, telling myself, “They don't really mean it. I'd be inconveniencing them.” But I've learned to push those thoughts aside and say “Yes!”
So off we went to find the Spanish Steps. It turns out they are MUCH BIGGER than our Tacoma version!
Silly photo with Roberta and Debbie at the Spanish Steps in Rome
Next we made our way to the bar, an upscale spot that was fully reserved but took us anyway. There I learned my new friends were born near Venice to a family of 10. Debbie now lives in London with her British husband. And Roberta in Milan with hers.
We talked and laughed for hours on that rooftop, sharing about our lives. I'm certain to see them again in Tacoma, Milan, or London.
I set out alone that afternoon, with a plan to see the sights and enjoy a sunset drink. I ended the evening with two new friends. That wasn't my plan. And it was the best part of my time in Rome.
Roberta, Debbie, and Renee on Jim's Rooftop Bar in Rome, 10-18-2026
Here's the thing, Loving Leader: Leadership can be hard, and sometimes you may feel like you are on your own. We get so caught up in our plans, responsibilities, and the needs of others that we can miss the people and possibilities right in front of us.
But the world is full of people who might become friends, encouragers, or unexpected gifts in our lives. We just have to make room for them.
And that takes two things.
First, get out into the world. It is hard to find others when you are alone behind your computer screen. And you don't have to go all the way to Rome! Loving people are in every town and city. Step away from your desk, go where people are, and leave a little room for the unexpected.
Second, say Yes! Or extend an invitation someone else can say Yes to. I’m so glad I said Yes! to Debbie and Roberta! I could have stuck to my plan and missed the best part of my day.
When will you next step away from your desk and into the world?
Will you be open to the unexpected? Ready to make an invitation or say Yes if one comes your way?
The encouragement and connections your heart needs are out there. Go find them and tip the planet from fear to Love!
