rich, happy, and hot

Last weekend, around this time, I was at the Urban Zen Center. The Urban Zen Center is a beautiful event space for "a multitude of forums" that explore the initiatives of Donna Karan's foundation: to preserve cultures, sustain wellness, and empower children. I spent a total of 26 hours of three days there while volunteering for Marie Forleo's Rich Happy & Hot Live.

A few months ago, I couldn't have told you who Marie Forleo was. I became aware of her existence while working with The Well Daily, and the opportunity to help at her event came about soon after. To be honest, I was turned off by the name, "Rich Happy & Hot." It sounded too gimmicky and superficial, and so unlike the priorities that I hold myself to. Upon further investigation, however, I learned how amazing Marie is. She is more than just a life or a business coach; she's fun, and smart, and kind, and she certainly doesn't take herself too seriously.

With that said, I still didn't know what to expect with Rich Happy & Hot Live. All I knew was that Kris Carr was going to be there, and I adore Kris Carr. She is one of the most luminous women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only does she teach others how to take care of themselves, but she inspires them to do so in the sweetest of ways. I really believe she's a revolutionary.

Anyway, as I was saying, RHH Live... I figured if Kris Carr considered the event worth speaking at, then I sure could spend a weekend soaking up the goodness in, while doing a bit of good myself. It exceeded my expectations. If you don't already know Danielle LaPorte, or Ramit Sethi, or Regina Thomashauer, you should. The way they share may make you feel uncomfortable, the ways they deliver their genius may be unfamiliar,  but the essence of it all is valuable beyond belief.

I'd have to say that my favorite speaker was Simon Sinek though. A "visionary thinker with a rare intellect," he is the author of Start with Why.  I had never heard of him, but I had chills the entire time he was on stage. 

His message: "You have to know why you do what you do; You have to hold yourself accountable; Every decision we make in our lives is a piece of communication; The most basic human desire on the planet is to feel like we belong; Nobody is inspired by your plan, they're inspired by your dreams." 

He explained how, "when people love you, you don't have to be the best, you don't have to be perfect," but, "we have a natural capacity to find those who believe what we believe." That is exactly what made Steve Jobs so incredible; "He didn't invent any Apple products, he just gave people a reason to go to work," and to buy.

Late on Sunday night, I stumbled into a small Indian restaurant in the West Village with a new friend of mine. I was hungry, exhausted, and hungry. I devoured a vegetable simosa, red daal, naan, and rice while we shared more about our lives and reflected upon the phenomenon that had just taken place.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to experience it. Unlike many of the women in the room, I wasn't an entrepreneur. I do not want to create nor sell products, and I doubt I ever will. But I was inspired. I still am. Plus, I got a brand new blog profile picture out of it, and change like that is always fun.

Have a fabulous weekend. No matter who or what you pretend to be this Halloween, I hope you play safely and remain true to yourself. As I tweeted, "If you want to know where your heart is, look to where your mind goes when it wanders."

P.S. I love my new job.