Wf1 & Oprah’s The Life You Want Tour in Seattle!

 

“Claim your power.
See yourself from a different perspective.
Stop holding onto the past.
Look ahead in a new direction.
Take your glory and run.”
– Oprah Winfrey

 I have a question for you…

What happens when thousands and thousands of women (and some men!) unite under one roof to be inspired, ask questions and live life to their fullest?

EXACTLY THAT… People grow, they laugh, they cry and they DANCE. No, I am not talking about Ellen… I am talking about the one and only Oprah Winfrey. Only Oprah could pull off an event of such magnitude with organization, love, and joy.

Oprah’s Live the Life You Want in Seattle, Washington, was truly a gift to all that attended.

So this is how it went down for me…

The week before the event, I reached out to Oprah and her team (with great humility, much hope and a bit of doubt) and asked them if I could possibly obtain a press pass to interview any or all of the speakers at this great event. After I sent my email I said a prayer and surrendered – just like Oprah taught me to do for the past 25 years! Well, low and behold, a few days later, as I was walking out of my dentist’s office (who by the way had just commented to me – “ You look different, but not in a good way” and also told me I needed a root canal!), I got a call from Oprah’s team telling me I was approved to blog about the event and that they would be sending me pictures from their photographers!

It is quite an honor to have been contacted by this powerful mentor of mine who has singlehandedly changed the way western women view themselves and their place in the world… Needless to say I was thrilled.

At the opening of the event on Friday evening, Sam (Women For One’s new Managing Director) and I were about 5 rows back from the stage on the floor of Key Arena. The energy was palpable. I could feel the music in my bones and my heart was wide open. The DJ – yes they had a DJ – was playing fabulous and relevant music for us to open up to our physical, mental, emotional and energetic bodies with the information that was about to be shared with us.

And then…

Oprah took the stage…

For the entire evening!

She shared her story and lessons that she knows for sure. I have heard them before, and each time I receive new information because of the place I am in my life. I know this sounds a bit crazy, but all of the women that I was surrounded with were truly happy… laughing… sharing… and more importantly – uniting with one another.

As usual, Oprah was extremely visible throughout the entire weekend. She held a powerful container of support and love for the speakers and each and every attendee. Her gift of inclusion made each of us feel like we were her best friend sitting in her living room just chatting about the beauty and pain of life and all it has to offer.

Another powerful aspect of this retreat was the diversity of presenters. I particularly resonated with Elizabeth Gilbert and her story. She spoke about how stories do not define a person, but actually present an opportunity for us to choose how we want to continue to create and experience life. She was my motivator and my cheerleader to persevere on… Thanks Liz!

Then Mark Nepo took the stage. Wow. This philosopher and author of the mind-blowing book, The Book of Awakenings, was the most heartfelt of all the presenters. If you have not picked his book up yet – you are missing out. Rob Bell and Iyanla Vanzant also delivered incredibly powerful messages that resonated with the audience. For me, I was not as moved by their lessons because I search for the mind/heart connection when I experience a talk.

But besides Oprah herself, I have to say my favorite part of the event was connecting with the PARTICIPANTS. Being witness to the absolute presence of souls that yearn to grow, strive to give and seek to understand their purpose, moved me beyond words. It gave me hope and a sense of belonging that has been missing in my life for several months. This year I have been challenged with the lesson of discernment. Discernment of choosing where and with whom I want to spend my energy with in my work and personal life. Even though I believe that there are no wrong choices, there are lessons and I was faced with many of those in 2014.

But on this day, at this empowering event, with thousands of other seekers of truth and happiness, I felt a belonging that had been missing. A void in my heart was filled with a sense of heartfelt connectedness to everyone on this planet.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Oprah. But most of all, I am forever grateful to the “regular people” just like me that are seeking truth, kindness, peace and joy in their lives.

With Love,

Kelly