So many incredible things happened this week. You could say my WOW! cup runneth over. 

I published an essay. One of my goals for the year is to write more essays. On Monday, Insider published a piece I wrote on how taking an improv class from Second City was helping me grieve the loss of my husband. I’m super proud of this essay, and I was humbled by how many people reached out to me to tell me that the lessons I learned were helping them deal with their own personal struggles. I feel blessed to touch others through my writing.

Second City followed me. I got a notification that The Second City followed me on Instagram. Not only that, but they also mentioned me in a Story. What??!! Unfortunately, I saw this notification too late to see the story. I’m sure it was about my essay. I’m truly honored.

A 9/11 ceremony deeply moved me. My niece Marley’s father-in-law, Brian Kaufman, worked on the 89th floor of the World Trade Center South Tower. He promised his son he would take him to his first day of kindergarten, which happened to be September 11, 2001. That decision saved his life. I watched him recount his experience in a video of his speech during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Brian helped me understand that those lost weren’t just people on a list; they were brothers, sisters, fathers, sons, and mothers who would have contributed so much to the world. 

I saw Keith Urban! Number 10 on my List of WOWs is to see Keith Urban in concert, and it finally happened! On August 31, I got an email from the Grand Ole Opry that he would appear on September 13, so I quickly grabbed tickets for fifth-row seats. My sister and I went and had a fantastic time. Keith was incredible. The night was definitely a WOW!

I witnessed someone else’s WOW! Moment. The Grand Ole Opry is a two-hour show with seven artists. The other performers were amazing, as well. My sister and I especially enjoyed Drayton Farley, who was making his Opry debut. In between songs, he admitted that it felt surreal. “One minute you wonder if you should quit, and the next you’re here.” I’m confident that the night was a significant WOW! Moment for Drayton, and he nailed it. 

I hope sharing my experiences inspires you. What WOWs did you have this week?