Has someone ever told you “no” or left you reflecting on a failure, thinking, “I can’t believe I made that mistake”? I’ve had plenty of those moments—some playing out on reality TV, where life is messy, raw, and beautifully unpredictable. From heated arguments to embarrassing missteps, I’ve learned life’s lessons through chaos and competition.

One moment stands out: racing for a million dollars on the final leg of The Amazing Race. The adrenaline, the stakes, and the rush of hope as we received a clue: “Head to the Neon Graveyard.” I’d lived in Las Vegas for years and knew this place by heart. Yet, a string of unexpected misfortunes—a driver who couldn’t use a GPS, wrong turns, and poor decisions—cost us the lead. Ultimately, we lost the race. It was devastating, but reflecting on it now, I realize how much I learned: about problem-solving, resilience, and focusing on what’s within your control.

Have you ever lost a million dollars …. twice ? How would you react?

Fast forward to today. Standing in my kitchen with a cup of coffee, making breakfast for my kids, I think about how life, like that race, is messy and unpredictable. Failure often feels final, but it’s not—it’s a lesson waiting to unfold. At the time, failing a nursing class felt crushing, but it forced me to reassess and refocus. These moments, whether on reality TV or in real life, teach us to laugh at ourselves, embrace the chaos, and move forward.

It’s easy to dwell on the pain of rejection or failure. The coach who overlooked you. The teacher who didn’t help. The opportunities that never came. I’ve been told I wasn’t “famous enough,” that my ideas wouldn’t sell, and that no one cared about my work. On The Traitors, I excitedly shared my first fashion collection, only to hear someone say, “You dress like community theater.” Ouch. But here’s the thing: others’ opinions don’t define us. Our resilience does.

Life’s a choose-your-own-adventure story. Sometimes you pick the wrong page, and the result isn’t what you hoped for. But the beauty lies in how you adapt. That race didn’t end the way I dreamed, but it taught me how to laugh at missteps, embrace the unpredictable, and find joy in problem-solving. Life is messy, but it’s also a privilege to face its challenges and grow. I can now laugh at this story while telling friends and family while at the time it felt crushing and like I would never rise above.

So here’s my takeaway: mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities. Learn from them. Let them shape your path, not stop it. And most importantly, find the humor in your missteps—because, in the end, it’s all part of the wild, wonderful ride.