Like so many girls growing up, I absolutely loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries.

I didn't just enjoy the books.
I wanted to be Nancy Drew.

She was curious, courageous, and never seemed afraid to open a door everyone else avoided.

Apparently, I took that part a little too seriously.
When I was about thirteen years old, I was walking a trail in Monticello, New York, with a group of friends. Off to the side sat what looked like an old abandoned shack.
"Let's go in!" I announced.
My friends all had the same response.
"No!"
So...I went in anyway.

Thankfully, there wasn't a villain waiting inside, but it was obvious an elderly couple had once lived there and had probably passed away many years before.
Instead of feeling frightened, I felt something very different.
I remember quietly hoping they had found peace and had a beautiful journey onward.
Looking back, perhaps that was my first clue that my path would be a little different.

Life has a funny way of dropping clues long before we understand what they mean.

Years later I became a nurse, and I loved it.
Serving others felt like exactly where I belonged.
Of course, hospitals weren't always as idealistic as I hoped they would be, but caring for people never stopped feeling like a privilege.

While I was Head Nurse in Queens, New York, I worked with a nursing assistant named Lacey.
She was wonderful.
She understood what needed to be done before I even had to ask.
We became a terrific team.

Sometimes after work we'd stop at a diner for coffee before I drove her home.
One evening we happened to look out the window just in time to see a car flip over.
Without saying a word to each other, we were already running.
Gas was leaking.
A man was trapped inside.
Together we pulled him to safety while Lacey sprinted to a telephone booth to call for help. (Yes...there really was a time before cell phones!)

After that experience, life settled back into its ordinary rhythm—or so we thought.

One evening over coffee, Lacey shared that her ex-husband hadn't paid child support in a very long time.
"He says he doesn't have any money," she said.
"But he works?"
"Oh yes," she answered. "Construction."

That was all my inner Nancy Drew needed to hear.
"Would you be willing to help me help you?"
She looked curious.
"Sure."

On a certain morning we parked across from the construction site. I suggested she wear a scarf and dark glasses so her ex wouldn't recognize her.
Armed with binoculars, a camera, and what I believed was excellent detective work, we waited.
Sure enough, at the end of the day workers lined up and were paid—in cash.
When her ex stepped forward, click...click...click.
Nancy Drew would have been proud.

After the photographs were developed, I handed them to Lacey.
"Take these to court."
She did.
She received the child support and back payments she deserved.
Case closed.

I have to admit...
I loved being Nancy Drew.
Maybe that's one reason I've said "yes" to so many unusual adventures throughout my life.
Not every "yes" has been comfortable.
Some have stretched me.
Some have surprised me.
A few have taught me lessons the hard way.
But far more have allowed me to help someone else—or helped me grow into a better version of myself.

Over the years I've realized that being a detective isn't really about solving mysteries.
It's about paying attention.
It's about noticing what others overlook.
It's about asking one more kind question.
It's about having the courage to step forward when everyone else steps back.

Most of us won't solve crimes.
Most of us won't become nurses.
Most of us won't chase clues with a camera and binoculars.
But every single one of us has opportunities every day to become a quiet detective of kindness.

To notice when someone needs encouragement.
To ask if they're okay.
To lend a hand.
To stand up when something isn't right.

I've also learned something else.
I truly love what I do...
And I do what I love.

Whether I'm sweeping the floor, writing a book, teaching a class, comforting someone who's hurting, or helping detectives search for answers, I try to bring the same heart to every task.

That's become my personal code of ethics.

Do it with kindness.
Do it with integrity.
Do it with curiosity.

And if you happen to channel a little Nancy Drew along the way...
Well...
That isn't such a bad thing.

The world could always use a few more people who notice the clues, care about others, and aren't afraid to open the next door.

With love,
Nancy

Don't want these emails anymore? You can Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences