55, and Still Dreaming Things into Existence.

You can want something with your whole heart and still feel nervous when the opportunity arrives. Giving a TEDx talk has been on my vision board/bucket list since 2010. One of those dreams you say out loud, then quietly wonder if it will ever actually happen. 

I’ve always believed things happen exactly as you need them to. That doesn’t mean I always understand the timing while I’m living through it. Some of you will be shocked, but I can be impatient (ok, no one will be shocked if they know me). I wonder why something hasn’t happened yet. Then an opportunity arrives, and I realize how much more I’m able to bring to it than I could have before. Funny how the universe does that. I wanted to give this talk for years, but I got to do it with everything I’ve lived and learned along the way. 

So many of you have been part of the story that brought me there. This community means so much to me. Your encouragement and the experiences you’ve shared have stayed with me, and getting to share this moment with you makes it even more meaningful. 

On October 17, I turn 55. And honestly, what a year this has been. TEDx, honorary doctorate, a commencement speech, live television, new products, the new Botanicals line. It’s a lot to take in. I want to pause and appreciate it all. These are things I once hoped for, and here I am, getting to experience them, with all of you. 

I believe in speaking things into existence. Admitting what you want, even when you have no idea how it could happen, gives you something to move toward. You still have to show up, nerves and all. But when you do what you love, I believe the universe has a way of providing. This year has given me plenty of reasons to keep trusting that. 

Going forward, I want to keep doing work I care about, sharing what I’m learning, and connecting with this community. 

My hope is that the talk gives you a little encouragement, especially if you’re unsure where you’re headed. Looking back, some of the experiences I couldn’t make sense of helped bring me here. Sometimes you’re finding your way even when it doesn’t feel like it. 

Thank you for being part of my story and for cheering me on. I still have a few dreams I’d like to say out loud. 

Watch my TEDx talk below. I’m so glad I get to share it with you.