I would go out of my way to avoid conversations, even in public.
I’d pretend not to see people and walk right past them, avoiding eye contact at all costs.
But two years ago, something extraordinary happened that changed the course of my life.
It all started when I reached out to one of my husband’s idols, Tom Carroll, a two-time world champion surfer.
Tom is not only an incredible athlete but also one of the most humble people I’ve ever encountered.
It was my husband Trav’s 40th birthday, and I wanted to make it special.
So, I gathered all my courage and reached out to Tom on social media, hoping he could send Trav a birthday message.
To my surprise, Tom recorded a video!
It was an incredible gesture that made Trav’s birthday unforgettable.
Fast forward to this Monday.
I had decided to take some much-needed ‘me’ time, feeling overwhelmed and eager to dive into a new book.
Trav wanted to surf, so I thought I’d go along and enjoy some quiet time while he was in the water.
It sounded like the perfect plan!
But as life would have it, our peaceful day took an unexpected turn.
While the weather was sunny and warm on the Gold Coast, where Trav decided to surf was an hour south, and it was pouring rain.
When we arrived at our first spot, I couldn’t believe my eyes
—there was Tom Carroll, right there in front of us!
This was it, my moment!
A moment that could easily pass me by if I let fear take the reins.
But I knew deep down that this was my opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and seize the day.
I wanted to wait until Tom finished filming with his crew, not wanting to interrupt their work. But as I stood there, heart pounding, I realized that this was my chance.
Trav had no idea what I was about to do—I didn’t tell him because I knew he’d try to talk me out of it, and I might have listened.
So, I waited for the perfect moment.
As soon as the filming stopped, I knew it was now or never.
I told Trav to wait for a second as I walked toward Tom.
Trav, confused, asked what I was doing, and I simply winked at him.
There I was, walking toward a film crew, three incredibly handsome surfers, and Tom Carroll, who, even as an older man, still has a presence that’s hard to ignore.
My hands were shaking, my voice trembling..
—you know that feeling when your nerves get the best of you..
and your voice betrays you?
That was me.
But I took a deep breath, tapped Tom on the shoulder, and as he turned around, I said:
“Hey guys! So sorry for the interruption, Tommy, I just wanted to come over and say thank you! Two years ago, I reached out to you on socials to wish my husband a Happy Birthday, and you sent me a video back! It truly made his day and meant so much to me. Thank you!”
Tom was shocked and humbled.
He didn’t know what to say, but he called Trav over, and we stood there, chatting for a few moments.
I thanked him again for taking a moment out of his life to bring happiness into ours.
In that moment, I was proud of myself.
Proud of stepping into the person I want to be—the person who doesn’t let fear hold her back, who seizes opportunities, no matter how terrifying they may seem.
And the cherry on top?
That night, when I logged into my socials, I had a message from Tom Carroll himself!
Check It Out Here 👇🏼