**A Crash Course in Surrender**

I vividly remember one day last February, sitting at my desk and asking myself, “What do I most want?” Almost instantly, the answer bubbled up: “An all-expenses-paid luxury trip to Italy!” I laughed, thinking, “Well, that’s not going to happen.” Yet, just a few days later, I received a message from Greg Reid—the visionary behind Secret Knock—whom I hadn’t connected with in many years. He offered me the opportunity to speak on the Dave Koz Somma Cruise in September—a luxury jazz cruise through Italy, with a stunning itinerary that included Rome, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and more. I’d speak for one hour, dine with guests, and enjoy seven days of Mediterranean luxury, complete with business-class airfare, a spacious suite, and meals by a Michelin-star chef.

Heide, Arielle, & Carla in Rome

My dear friend and sister of over 30 years, Heide Banks, called the next day, saying she needed a vacation. I knew my soulmate Brian wasn’t keen on traveling, so I immediately invited her. She said yes, and we spent the next several months looking forward to this dream journey. I also reached out to another longtime friend of ours, Carla Picardi, who lives near Venice, to join us in Rome before we embarked on the Seabourn Ovation.

Meeting jazz legend Dave Koz!

Our time in Rome was magical. We explored ancient streets under warm blue skies, indulged in fabulous food, and revealed in each other’s company having deep conversations about everything under the sun. On our second night in Rome, Dave Koz hosted a party for the speakers and musicians (Valerie Simpson, Bob James, Craig Robinson more!) on a rooftop, where I first had the opportunity to meet the masterful musical artist. Warm, gracious, and incredibly kind, Dave is truly a loving, kind, amazing total mensch and has a gift for bringing people together. It was easy to understand why his jazz cruises had a loyal following. If this is a cult, I want in!

Cinque Terre with Heide Banks

Our first port of call was Cinque Terre. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling well and attributed it to jet lag. But by the next morning, my health had clearly declined. I visited the ship’s spa for acupuncture, and shortly after, I found myself in an ambulance, drifting in and out of consciousness. I awoke in the ER, on the island of Corsica, France (a 9-hour ferry ride from Nice). I was surrounded by medical professionals who spoke only French. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and COVID and was then transferred to the ICU. Heide explained to me that she had packed up all our things from the ship and was now in a hotel. She repeatedly assured me she would stay by my side, never leaving me.

ICU: I felt like a VooDoo doll with all the IV’s and tubes

Those days in ICU were a time of surrender and peace. I floated in and out of a calm, quiet state, feeling safe, trusting, cared for and grateful. My doctor, a remarkable woman who had worked with Doctors Without Borders for 22 years in Sierra Leone and similar locales spoke good enough English and was someone I would have enjoyed spending time with outside the hospital. Thank God for Heide. She was able to visit every day and Brian and I spoke frequently on WhatsApp. I could always feel his deep love, care, and support. I know he was constantly sending me his magical healing vibes.

After my first week there, my niece Ashley, a flight attendant with American Airlines (and soon-to-be commercial pilot), flew over to relieve Heide of her selfless devotion. There’s no doubt in my mind that Heide and I have a soul contract of many lifetimes.

With Ashley in the charming capital, Ajaccio, Corsica

On day nine I was finally released. Ashley and I tried to return home, but a strike delayed our flight. So, we spent another 4 days in Ajaccio, Corsica, where we settled into a delightful routine, walking through the charming village, indulging in delicious meals, and letting my body recover. When we finally boarded our flights, I felt stronger and deeply grateful for this unexpected journey and the people who supported me along the way.

As I sit with the memories of this experience, I’m deeply moved by how it transformed me in ways I could never have imagined, ways I’m still coming to understand. What began as a search for a luxurious escape evolved into something far richer—a journey of trust, surrender, and a profound appreciation for the people who lifted me when I needed it most. Life doesn’t always hand us what we expect, but often it gifts us exactly what our souls need. My heart overflows with gratitude for each moment of this unexpected adventure, both the beauty and the challenges, that have become a part of me forever.

With love and gratitude,

Arielle