DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE...
I've always dreamt about seeing Oprah, and that dream came true Monday, April 16th, 2012. The greatest part was not only did I see Oprah, but I saw her Spirit Mod Squad too. Her Life Class Tour consisted of some of the greatest leaders of all time. I was blessed to be present with Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and not to mention Oprah. Being a Certified Professional Coach I really appreciate her Life Class Tour, it represents what self betterment is.
On Sunday the night before I was to head to Toronto, I was filled with anticipation, and excitement, I couldn't sleep, it felt as though I was a child on Christmas Eve. I headed up stairs to put my little one to bed, and then off I went into my room to pack my stuff for tomorrow. I must have tried on 5 or 6 different outfits to see what would look better, it had to be comfortable because I knew there was going to be alot of standing, so heels were out, and uncomfortable fitting clothes were out.
Time to hit the hay, I have a big day tomorrow, so I set my alarm for 6:30 am, and tried to sleep. Before I knew it, the alarm went off and it was time to get "up". I bounced up turned on the straightener, and pulled out the chosen outfit. I got myself ready and then woke my husband up, so he drop me off at the Brampton Go Station. Once I arrived I purchased my ticket and then went to the platform to wait for my train to Union Station.
Next Stop...Union Station, I arrived at 9:10 am, and headed for the Fairmont Royal York across the street. I hadn't planned on staying overnight, but my wonderful friend Janet Auty-Carlisle invited me to stay up in her suite, so I took her up on the offer. I walked into the Royal York and thought wow, how beautiful. I texted Jan to let her know I was there, and I look to my left and she was right ahead of me, so she turned around and finally after 4 years of knowing her we finally "met". It was so wonderful to finally meet her. We went to the Epic restaurant and had a tasty breakfast and had a long over due chat.
Once breakfast was done, we headed up to the suite to drop off my bag, and wait for another couple of ladies who would be joining us for the Life Class Show. Once everyone reached the room, we had a bit of a chat, and then decided to head to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to wait in line for the anticipated show. While in line we met some wonderful people, I really loved hearing about their "stories" and what brought them to the Life Class Tour. We finally started making our way up the line, it didn't seem to long at all. Once inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre we were directed to a holding pen, where we were segregated depending on where you were sitting. The four of us ladies nestled into the Emerald Sitting Pen, once getting situated a few of us went out after and grabbed some food at the concessions stands.
So time ticked away, the energy was off the charts, soon enough we were escorted in, and showed to our seats. As we were getting closer and closer to the stage I was internally freaking out LOL, we ended up a few rows from the stage, it was incredible, our seats were amazing. Once we got in, we took pictures, got some great snapshots and memories, spoke to different individuals and then we were told to settle in our seats.
Jessica Holmes from Canadian Air Farce was the MC, she was spunky, so funny and was a great MC. The first speaker introduced was Brett Wilson from Dragons' Den, he came out and spoke a few words.
Deepak Chopra ~ I will remember and take away some of his spiritual teachings, something he said really resonated with me, "Holding onto resentment is like holding your breath - you suffocate". He also said "what people do is none of your business. Let go if someone will not accept your apologies. It's no longer your issue". People are too busy getting caught up with each other's lives they forget live their own life.
Iyanla Vanzant ~ I can relate to her so much, just from a few things she shared reminds me of some of the challenges I dealt with in my life as well. When she speaks, I feel she is speaking directly to me, she has a way that makes everything feel okay, and that you are stronger then whatever your issue/situation maybe. A few of her words that struck a cord with me is "Until you learn to heal the wounds of the past, you will continue to bleed into the future" and another one that I will remember is "People have a right to change their minds and it has absolutely nothing to do with you". She has a wonderful gift, and I was blessed to be a part of that at the Life Class Show.
Tony Robbins ~ Wow, he had me at hello, he is amazing, I can't wait for the day that I can participate in his "Unleash The Power" tour, watching him I was in Awwww, his energy is captivating, his words are strong, and teachings are off the charts. I could listen to him all day. Tony empowers people to permanently transform their lives and create the world of their dreams. He is so in tune with life. He talks to a father on Skype and directs him on what to do when building a relationship back with his kids. It isn't necessarily the words it is the action that will help bring the kids back to him. He also talked about making changes in your life, and different stages of love. I have broken them down below;
3 steps of changing your life, and changing your thoughts
- You need a Strategy
- You need to Change your Story (People become addicted to their story)
- You need to Change your State
4 stages of love;
- Baby/Brat Love - Where it's all about you
- Horse Trading Love - You give, so you can get something in return
- Real Love - You give because that is who you are
- Spirit Love - You give until it hurts i.e. Nelson Mandela
Bishop TD Jakes ~ His words were profound, when he spoke, I felt as though he was talking directly to my soul. A few of the quotes that stood out and again really resonated with me; "In order to be successful at anything you must be fully engaged". "You expect somebody to love on a gallon level and they are a pint person". "Forgiveness unchecked becomes cancer of your soul". He is one of the 25 Most Influential African Americans, and leading voice of innovation. He is an inspirational speaker, and the Senior Pastor at The Potter's House. I appreciated greatly being in his presence, he is intense, you hear his words and it makes you focus on what is happening inside of you.
Oprah ~ When Oprah came out, I was in complete awww, my heart was racing, I was beyond excited. I know she is a business woman, and a great one at that, but what I discovered is just how real and humble she truly is. She thanked everyone for their time, and really spoke to how full her heart was. She was super excited knowing that she broke a record and had the biggest "classroom" ever. I was so proud and happy to be a part of Lifeclass in Toronto. Oprah talked about having a calling bigger then her talk show, and the 17,000 people between the morning and evening represents just how big that calling is. Being in her presence just makes you want to be the best person you can be. Oprah is a catalyst for change, she is a true leader, and an inspiration, I admire her deeply. She talked about people's stories, while in line I discovered EVERYONE does have a story. People were there on
a mission, they wanted to fill their hearts, and listen to their souls. The evening was about Forgiveness, and each leader had valuable insight.
Once the show was over and we left, a few of us ladies headed back to the Epic Restaurant at the Fairmont Royal York to reflect and talk about the evening. It was nice to be amongst like minded people and talk about things that matter to each of us. I really enjoyed listening to a few of the individuals stories, and even better met some new friends.
In closing, it was such an amazing evening of learning with such influential leaders. My heart is full, life is changing, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I've had a very challenging year, and to be able to attend Oprah's Lifeclass was truly a blessing. I will forever be thankful in the lessons I learned and the perspectives I hold.
EVERYTHING STARTS WITH A DREAM, AND A VISION, DO IT NOW, MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Much Love to you All xoxo
Shelley
A few more snapshots...
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| In the Emerald Holding Pen |
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| Sisters we met in line |
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| My new friend Kay |
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| Much Love for My Mentor ~ Jan Auty-Carlisle |
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| Awesome Time Ladies |
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| A Close Up Of Me at Oprah's Lifeclass ~ My "15 mins" of fame ;) |
