This week I have been in Arizona for United conference, which is a photography based conference. I was very (VERY) nervous to teach/speak, and that is not something that normally happens to me. Actually, quite frankly I wanted to run to the bathroom, hide and act like “Kristy” wasn’t there. The main reason was this: I was talking on something that hits very close to home. I am not one to wear my heart on my sleeve and being vulnerable is hard for me…. like really hard. The title of my talk was “Sowing Success, Freedom, and Happiness.”
I think this is why I was nervous… I had to be vulnerable. I was talking on something that I strongly believe, but don’t always execute on (do as I say, not as I do kids!! :). If I am being completely honest, “successful” is not something that I always consider myself as. I have started companies that were mediocre or have even failed. I have done things with hopes of finding purpose and freedom but felt trapped. At times, while chasing dreams I have lost sight of the “why” and missed living in the “moments.” In other words happiness has and is sometimes that is a fleeting thought, because I let what I perceived as my own failures and short-comings define me.
Yesterday at lunch someone asked me, “As a speaker do you learn anything here?” My immediate response was ” Um, totally…” I have learned that next talk I give there will be not bullet points on my slides (even though my Type A brain likes them.) That during my classes in the future, I will print out notes to make it easier for everyone that attendees. I will also grab email addresses from everyone in room, to connect afterwards, to just say… “You’re doing it! Keep going! I am cheering for you!!” Last, I have also learned from other speakers what-to-do by going their talks and breakouts.
I woke up with this on my heart and realized what I REALLY learned. We all have a story, a reason and a “why”. Like Mary pointed out, our Instagram feeds show 10% of the story-the pretty stuff- but what I really enjoy doing this week was learning that other 90% by cultivating relationships.
I also learned that one of my biggest flaws about being an entrepreneur is also one of my biggest strengths… I am a doer, but I need to learn not to be an over-doer. When I see an opportunity I go full-force-blazing in the wind, sometimes forgetting to celebrate what has been done, and what has been accomplished. I am really hard on myself, as are so many others. After my breakout I had women in tears. My heart ached for them and with them because I see me in every one of them. I could relate.
We DON’T give ourselves enough credit!!! We don’t celebrate all the small stuff! Today is a good day friends! Thank you all for the renewed breath of fresh air! I needed it and I know so many others did too. Here are a couple pictures from United!
I mean…. can you tell I don’t get out of the house much? 😉 That is totally a cactus friends! Thanks to Ashley and Graham for putting up with my dorky side!
Also thankful for the time I got to spend with Jenny my business partner with Start Planner and Start Kickin Booty!
Thank you to Cassia from snapping a couple pictures from my Fuel session and my breakout! And huge thanks to ShootProof, KISS, and Black River Imaging for making this trip possible! Companies that I use and love in my business!
This picture cracks me up… But this is how I was feeling inside.
So thankful and proud of every single one of these photographers!!! YOU GOT THIS!
Thankful for Todd(Elisa his wife), Elizabeth, Field, entire Showit crew and for all the others speakers, attendees, and ultimately friends that I made at UNITED! I know one thing is for sure…. I WILL BE BACK!!! And I will also continue to sow!
