I adored Ina Garten’s latest book, “Be Ready When Luck Happens.” Like Ina and her recipes, it’s inviting, wonderful, and full of flavor. If you don’t know Ina, her recipes are like a warm hug for your tastebuds, full of comfort and zest. Indulging in this book will satisfy your hunger not only to know more about Ina and her passion for food, but also will give you insight into how to live authentically.

Ina’s memoir is incredibly candid, moving, and inspiring. While some celebrities try to appear perfect, she openly discusses her challenges, struggles, and self-doubt. Her stories truly tugs at your heartstrings.

Ina’s Childhood

Ina’s childhood was difficult. She describes a visit to her childhood home as, “It was like visiting a house of horrors.” Neglect, lack of love, and abuse were present in her parents’ behavior. Her dad even told her, “No one will ever love you.” It’s hard to imagine a dad saying those words to his child, but it probably occurs more frequently than we realize.

She says what happens to us early goes in deep. I do believe that is true. She acknowledges that the critical voice in her head which says, “Don’t do it, it will turn out badly,” will always be there. However, her upbringing has fostered immense compassion in her.

An Inspirational Journey

Naturally, her story delves into food, sprinkled with a few recipes, and how she became the “Barefoot Contessa.” It also touches on her personal and professional obstacles, relationships, and the importance of trusting your instincts and standing up for your beliefs. She shares her wisdom and guidance on building a life based on YOUR own terms!

She’s an inspirational leader who shows us how to pursue our dreams. She’s not focused on reaching a certain destination or achieving monetary success. She’s more about listening to your inner voice and following your heart.

Thirteen (yes, a baker’s dozen) valuable and uplifting lessons I gained from Ina Garten:

1. Believe in yourself, trust your gut, and follow your instincts. Have faith in you!

2. Focus on staying true to vision rather than trying to build a brand. When you focus on your dreams, the brand will follow.

3. Swing for the fences.

4. Limit your liability. What’s the worse that can happen?

5. Never, ever compromise on quality.

6. Don’t get in your own way. Try it first.

7. Things change. Ensure you have the option to leave a situation if you’re not enjoying it. For instance, she agreed to do only thirteen episodes to test if she enjoyed it before committing to additional shows.

8. As Jeffery, Ina Garten’s husband, says, “You never know your good breaks from your bad ones.”

9. Challenges shape your success. They make you stronger and wiser.

10. Find one person who believes in you. It helps to trust in your abilities and builds confidence.

11. As Oprah told her, “You weren’t lucky. You made your own luck.”

12. Listen to what others have to say, but always follow your own instincts.

13. Have fun, eat well, and make time for friends.

Implementing a few of the suggestions above can help you live a more purposeful, meaningful, and well-balanced life. That’s what I’m all about: living more authentically. And do it in a way that feels right to you, not what other expect. This is the way we embrace and love our true selves.

Every day, our small choices have the power to influence the direction of our lives. Take a play from Ina Garten’s playbook and take charge of your life and steer it in the direction you want it to go. Her path has been a blend of sweet and salty times. But oh, what a scrumptious and delicious journey it has been!

Good reading and bon appétit!

Click here for more information on Ina’s Book! Makes a great gift!