LIVE TO TELL - SPEAKING EXPERIENCE
6:29 PM Posted by MS.NOVA
Becoming a writer and motivational speaker is truly a second chapter for my life. Honestly, when I was getting dressed for the event, I thought about my life ten years earlier, back to twenty year old Nova with terrible self-esteem, big dreams and baaad roommates. This day was something she could have never fathomed.
L.A was having a record breaking heatwave that week (as in 113F/46C kind of hot) so everyone was feeling a little edgy, a little snappy. This event, the Women Empowering Women Symposium was really important to me so I wanted to do a great job, which often means I over think things, leaving two ditches above each eyebrow. Analysis paralysis - where you thinkthinkthink until you can't do a thingthingthing. Marc, my patient and supportive husband, encouraged me to 'go up there and have a conversation. When you speak from your heart Nova, that's when you shine.' I was shining alright, from the sweat and oil on my face (ha!) but I took his advice and it all came naturally.
My motivational talks and workshops consist of a similar message:
- STEPS TO LOVE YOU MORE
- TEMPORARY VS. ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS
- CHANGING YOUR ENVIRONMENT BY CHANGING YOUR MIND
I was scheduled for 30 minutes, but at the laaaast second, Kisha Mays (the wonderful!) told me I had to cut it to 20. I talked myself out of potential panic and wrapped it up at 18:00 on the dot. BOOM! When I was finished, so many people wanted to shake my hand, say 'thank YOU', and tell me their own stories that were similar to mine. I got verrrry personal in this talk, a looking back, I think I can get my message across without spilling all the content of my diary.
The ladies I met afterwards were so gracious and encouraging and to shake the hands of women I've admired for years - awesoooome! There will be more, much more in the future from me and BUT I LOVE ME MORE. To those who have been along for the ride, buckle up!
: )
(me in action! the lovely Nicole Ari-Parker, amazing (and tall!) Laila Ali, Kristin Davis a.k.a "Charlotte" eeeek! and my fellow speaker for the evening, yoga instructor Jolie Cash)
November 22, 2010 at 8:33 AM
you are awesome and i love u!
December 13, 2010 at 2:57 PM
You were AMAZING! I so look forward to working with you....Such a trooper...lol...