The Adventures of Lucy & Ethel: A Lesson in Joy, Friendship, and Living in the Moment
On Sunday, May 31st, my best friend Roz and I embarked on what we affectionately called “The Adventures of Lucy and Ethel”, a three-day getaway to Disney. Now, if you know me, you know I am a planner. I like schedules, itineraries, color-coded calendars, and a clear understanding of what is happening next. Spontaneity and I are acquaintances at best.
Yet, somewhere between the laughter, the people-watching, the snacks, and our countless moments of simply enjoying each other’s company, I was reminded of a lesson I have been teaching others for years but needed to embrace more fully myself: joy is often found in the unplanned moments.
We went to Disney with no grand agenda other than to visit Lucy’s “happy place” for Ethel’s birthday, enjoy one another’s company and have fun. There were no workshops to facilitate, no sermons to preach, no deadlines to meet, and few responsibilities to manage. For three days, we gave ourselves permission to be live in the moment. And what a gift that was.
There is something sacred about friendship that has weathered seasons. Roz and I laughed until our stomachs hurt. We reminisced about old stories. We created new memories. We took pictures, rode rides, enjoyed good food, and embraced the childlike wonder that Disney invites us to experience. For a few days, we laid down the weight of adulthood and picked up the gift of joy.
As we walked through the parks, I found myself thinking about a recent interview with Michelle Obama in which she reflected on a realization many of us encounter as we grow older. She shared that she has become increasingly aware that she likely has fewer summers ahead of her than she has already lived.
Those words felt especially poignant this week in light of the shocking and sudden passing of Chicago’s own Spencer Leak, Jr., a respected funeral industry leader, businessman, and community servant. Spencer passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 56, leaving family, friends, colleagues, and an entire community grieving his loss. For many, Spencer represented excellence, compassion, service, and a commitment to helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
His passing serves as a sobering reminder that life is both precious and fragile. One day we are making plans for the future, scheduling meetings, booking trips, and talking about what we will do next year. The next day, we are reminded that tomorrow is not promised. News like this has a way of interrupting our routines and causing us to pause long enough to ask ourselves an important question: Am I truly living, or am I simply preparing to live someday?
That thought stopped me in my tracks. Not because it is sad, but because it is true.We spend so much of our lives preparing for tomorrow that we sometimes miss today. We save experiences for “someday.” We postpone joy until the project is completed, the children are grown, the finances improve, or the schedule clears. Yet life has a way of reminding us that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
The truth is, we do not have unlimited summers. We do not have unlimited opportunities to gather with friends, take the trip, watch the sunset, sit on the porch, plant the garden, laugh until we cry, or create memories with the people we love.
As someone who teaches self-care, soul-care, and harmony, I left Disney with a renewed appreciation for the importance of living in the moment. Harmony is not simply about managing responsibilities well; it is also about making room for joy. It is about recognizing that our souls need laughter just as much as they need rest. They need adventure just as much as they need routine.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is have fun. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is leave the to-do list behind. Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is embrace joy without guilt.
The Adventures of Lucy and Ethel reminded me that life is meant to be lived, not merely managed. So as summer unfolds, I want to encourage you to ask yourself a few questions:
· What brings me joy?
· Who makes me laugh?
· What experience have I been postponing?
· What memory do I want to create this summer?
· Where might I need to trade routine for spontaneity?
Take the trip. Call the friend. Eat the ice cream. Watch the fireworks. Take the walk. Book the cruise. Visit Disney. Plant the flowers. Dance in the kitchen. Laugh loudly. Live fully.
This summer, give yourself permission to be a little more like Lucy and Ethel. After all, we may not have as many summers left as we think. And that is exactly why each one is worth savoring.
My trip with Roz reminded me that joy is not a reward for finishing all of our work. Joy is part of the work of living well. It nourishes the soul, strengthens relationships, restores perspective, and reminds us of what truly matters.
Here’s to friendship. Here’s to adventure. Here’s to spontaneity. Here’s to joy. And here’s to making this summer count.
Live now. Love now. Laugh now. The moment is already here.
Dr. Toni