The Next Time You Doubt Yourself
If you know me, you know I love reading, writing, and cooking. So when I had the opportunity to see Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, live at Symphony Hall, there was no way I was passing it up.
I’m all about experiences over things, and this one was definitely for the books (pun intended). I got to share the night with my kids and my best friend, Johanna. My kids, now adults, grew up watching Ina after school. We even cooked an entire Thanksgiving dinner one year using only her recipes. Yep, we’re Ina Superfans, and we’re not the least bit sorry about it.
The night was special because it celebrated Ina’s long-awaited memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens.
How long-awaited? Oh, just 30 years.
As someone with a PhD in All Things Ina, I’ve devoured every podcast, article, and interview she’s done in relation to this book launch. So when I heard she thought no one would be interested in her memoir, I had to laugh.
I mean, say WHAT?
This woman went from analyzing nuclear policy for the U.S. government to becoming a culinary icon, and she thought no one would find her story fascinating? She’s the one who taught us that roast chicken can (allegedly) land you a spouse! And she worried her memoir wouldn’t fly off the shelves? It’s wild to think someone with such an extraordinary journey—nuclear policy to national treasure—could doubt the impact of her story.
But here’s the thing: Ina’s doubt is the same kind of doubt so many writers struggle with. "Is my story any good?"
I hear it as a writing coach and often say it myself regarding what I’m sharing in my next book. So yes, it’s A Thang.
If someone as legendary as Ina can question the value of her story, then it’s safe to say this self-doubt is typical. I know I felt better when I heard it (I mean, after getting over the initial shock of it all).
Writers often think their story isn’t dramatic enough or flashy enough to matter. But the truth is people connect to authenticity, not drama. It’s not about having an elegant or chic life—it’s about telling your truth.
Ina didn’t need to jet-set around the world to captivate us; she simply shared her passion and her journey. Sure, she spends time in Paris and lives a pretty chic life in the Hamptons, but those are just the perks of her fame, not the heart of her story. And that’s the magic of storytelling—your story doesn’t have to be extravagant to connect with others.
Whether you’ve lived a quiet life or traveled the world, your voice and experiences matter.
So if you’re sitting there wondering, "Is my story any good?"—remember, even Ina Garten had doubts. But she shared her story anyway. And trust me, there’s someone out there waiting to hear yours, too.