When I got home last night after 8 hours of running around as a volunteer at the TEDx Front Range Event in Loveland, Colorado, I looked in the mirror and realized something. Whenever I attend an event and learn a lot of new information in a short amount of time, it takes me some time to process what I learned. The t-shirt I was wearing had “Feed your brain” written in huge letters across the front. I spent the entire day feeding my brain to the brim with new information and inspiration for creation. When I left, I was on cloud 9. I felt like I should be exhausted, but instead I was exhilarated by the inspiring ideas presented by the 20 plus speakers.
On my way out, I said my goodbyes and noticed that most of the people I interacted with were exhausted and dragging. Why?
In order to “feed your brain” you have to “feed your brain!” I made a smoothie and brought it with me to the event along with some healthy snacks (carrot sticks, an apple, and a Lara Bar) that I munched on when I could sneak away from the action and take a short break. This made all the difference. The foods served in the break room were energy-zapping foods and not energy-boosting foods. Can you relate? Instead of dragging out the door with no energy left like many of the volunteers and attendees, I left inspired to take action.
Another thing I learned at the TEDx event was the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring people and seeking out mentors. One of the speakers that really inspired me was Sierra Goldstein. She’s a 14 year old “high school drop out” who started and ended her talk with the fascinating question “am I a failure?” Good question. Considering that she enrolled in the Be You Innovation Lab in Loveland, CO which is an alternative high school project to help students follow their passion, I would hardly deem Sierra a failure. At the ripe age of 14 years old, she became the youngest certified yoga teacher in the country and teaches regularly, has 3 well-followed blogs, is currently fundraising for a trip to India to write a book about the traditional healing culture, and is working on starting a business to help people get access to real food locally to help them heal (I’m working with her on that part). This is a bit of a departure from public school, eh? Empowering youth to follow their passions is an amazing thing and Sierra is living proof that it works.
One final thought about the TEDx event, was the question I had swirling around in my head all day. “What I am doing that’s worthy of standing on stage and sharing it at TED?” Now, I care far less about the “standing on stage” part than I do the significant contribution. TED’s motto is Ideas Worth Spreading.
What are you doing to contribute to the greater good and share your Idea Worth Spreading?
It’s amazing how often we may see the worthiness of our ideas needing more value. You believe in them, believe in your own strength to be up their shining forth and inspiring others.