A Chance Meeting

Remember that Digital Marketing class that had me gasping for breath, wondering how I could finish? Well, this gal helped me cross the finish line. More proof that sometimes it really is about the friends we meet along the way.

Meet Kelly Miller. Blogger. Entrepreneur. Mom. Awesome Human.

Let me back up. The class, made up of students from across the country, logged on to Zoom once a week. If I had to guess the number of students, I’d say well over a hundred.

 

Long story short, we got put into the same breakout session one day, and after discussing the assignment, we both discovered we’re from the same little desert town, Yuma.

 

We met up at my favorite coffee shop to study for the first test, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I wouldn’t have completed the class without her help and encouragement. I came up with every justification: “This is too technical for me.” “You win some, you lose some.” “The money isn’t wasted because at least I made a friend.” Although that third one is true.

 

Every time I decided to quit the class, she’d send a text message saying, “You’ve got this,” or “I know you can do it.” Kelly would respond to my homework questions and ask if I’d be attending the call that week.

 

It was an at-your-own-pace class, so a real boon came toward the end when the instructors announced a two-week extension to turn in any missing assignments. That’s when we both kicked it into high gear. Apparently, we share the same penchant for procrastination, er, ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. (For the record, Kelly never considered quitting the course.)

 

In addition to being the cheerleader I needed, it turns out Kelly is quite the astute business woman. Not only does she stay busy with her day job and mom job, but she runs her own social media marketing business and operates a lifestyle blog.

 

Her love for the desert is inspiring. See, we desert dwellers must wear a special set of glasses to optimize our experience here and ignore the fact that it’s still 110 in October. (Though temperatures are expected to lower in the next couple days.) The beauty isn’t flashy like a tropical resort poster. You take pleasure in a tiny cactus flower and an occasional Anna’s hummingbird who visits your yard.

It takes a brave soul to live here; it takes an extraordinary soul to relish in the splendor of it.

 

Kelly is such a soul. She didn’t have to convince herself; she fell in love with the desert immediately. For me it took a little longer. In fact, I’d say it’s just happened over the last few weeks, and seeing things from Kelly’s perspective has helped.

 

Check out Kelly’s blog, Life in the Desert, and follow her on Instagram. She’s captured the desert vibe expertly. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Wouldn’t you agree that one of life’s most wonderful gifts is a person who comes along at the exact moment you need them? It’s happened to me countless times, and I’m hopeful I’ve been that person to someone at some point. I’m grateful for the good people in my life, the roles they’ve played, and the encouragement they’ve given. Maybe take a moment to think about someone who’s been that person for you and send them a line.