Cheers, Creative Enthusiasts,
Have you ever wondered what the power of community can do for you?
Has the question: “What more can I be doing to create something magical in the world?” ever come to mind?
and finally…
How do you live a remarkable life in a conventional world?
Those are exactly the type of questions that got answered for me recently at the 2015 World Domination Summit (WDS) in Portland, Oregon – a wonderful city that is a hub of creative thinking and open-minded people. I got to experience the magic that is WDS along with over 2,000 other people for the first time this year – and it has forever changed my life and business for the better!
“Be always looking for and striving for your voice“, “Bravery is a choice – not a feeling” and finally “When you see people as your platform, you eventually stand on top of them.” – Jon Acuff, speaker and New York Times best-selling author of five books. Photo credit: Armosa Studios
When I started my company, Giant Leaps Creative, and my entrepreneurial journey, I felt alone, nervous about how to navigate running and owning my own business, and yearning for connection with other like-minded people to help guide me through the process. I turned to the vast wonders of the Internet for answers, communities and courses, and my quest did not disappoint. Via inspiring, entrepreneurial-minded and community-creating courses that I found at Live Your Legend and Rock Your Purpose Live, I discovered a wealth of information and techniques and strategies for success. But most importantly, I realized the power and value of connection with other creative, world-changing thinkers, doers and achievers who are ready to set the world on fire with their thoughts, experiences and inspiring creative projects. Through these supportive communities, I am thankful that I was encouraged to attend WDS this year.
The incredible team of ambassadors and volunteers that helped us break the Guinness Book of World Record for “Largest Number of People Eating Breakfast in Bed.” The event Worldwide Waffles was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. We broke a world record, we had a lot of fun, and we made a huge impact on a community that needs our help (all beds were donated to local homeless shelters in the Portland area after the event). Photo credit: Armosa Studios
WDS is an incredible experience that is built on the three tenets of Service, Community and Adventure as their main mission. Throughout the weekend, together we discovered answers, possibilities and opportunities exploring the question of: How do we live a remarkable life in a conventional world? They lead through example from the word “go”! There are non-stop gatherings, meet-up groups and “socials” that are more than simply “networking opportunities.” They are events filled with joy, laughter and gleeful squeals as people from literally all over the world come together to meet in-person for the first time or alternately discover brand-new lifelong friends. These remarkable explorers and adventurers all share in the vision that is WDS adding to the sense of community. Then of course, there is the event itself which includes an outstanding opening and closing party, coming together to break a world record (this year, it was the largest number of people eating breakfast in bed. Spoiler alert: we did it!), and of course the speakers themselves on a gorgeous, innovative, colorful stage un-like any that I have ever seen before. Coming from the standpoint of creativity and thinking outside the box, the event is completely outstanding and for this gal <--- not to be missed.
Two of my amazing friends, Melanie and Dorene, from the Rock Your Purpose Live (RYPL) community each sporting T-shirts that I designed and created for both the RYPL community (“Infinite Possibilities” T-shirt) and my community as well (“Be The Change You Want To See In The World” T-shirt).
Here is a snapshot of some of my biggest takeaways that I brought home to my design studio and my life:
— Meeting awesome people in real life that you have been talking to / collaborating with online is such an incredible high that keeps on giving. Surrounding yourself, even from afar with amazing people can make a massive difference in handling the ups and downs of life and entrepreneurship. – Cathy Broadwell <---- this gal, right here
— “Be always looking for and striving for your voice“, “Bravery is a choice – not a feeling” and finally “When you see people as your platform, you eventually stand on top of them.” – Jon Acuff, speaker and New York Times best-selling author of five books
— "Bear witness to and acknowledge other’s pain and sorrow instead of trying to fix it. Be a rule breaker: We need to tell new stories of how to withstand pain, not overcome it. Practice intense forms of love and bravery in a world where things go wrong.” – Megan Devine, writer, speaker and educator
— “Be brave, vulnerable and authentic.” – Jeremy Cowart, speaker and trailblazing celebrity photographer, entrepreneur and humanitarian who had an awe-inspiring and brilliantly executed slideshow to share
— “If you want to be awesome, treat people awesomely. When I’m an adult, I’m gonna try to be a kid. You don’t need money to be in charge – you are in charge of yourself.” – Kid President and Brad Montague, creators of the Kid President YouTube phenomenon and pioneers of helping foster creativity and compassion in young people
— “No one knows the future, thus business plans are moot. Commit to solving problems versus attaching to a certain goal or outcome. Success comes from persistently improving and inventing, not persistently pushing. Ask instead of answer – learn instead of preach.“ – Derek Sivers, speaker, writer, programmer and entrepreneur
— Being an introvert, or highly sensitive person or getting overwhelmed is OK. Just take a time out and come back when you are ready. You can still do amazing things in the world. Be shockingly unique. – Cathy Broadwell <---- this gal, right here
Those are some pretty kickass take-aways – and that’s only some of them! I am THRILLED to already have my golden ticket to attend next year. Look for another update in approximately 365 days. Whoot! #WDS2015
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Want to read more blog posts from attendees of this spectacular weekend event and conference? Here’s more sharing from my new, inspiring and talented friends:
Letting Go Of Fear & Finding Your Voice (by Mike Goncalves)
How New People Can Change Your Life (by Dorene Wharton)
How WDS Changed My Life (by David Ryan)
WDS 2015: The Year of Tears (by Joe Brachocki)
My World Just Got Bigger! (by Elizabeth Miner)
I am an Introvert (and that’s ok)! (by Kevin Langman)
Sincerely, WDS (by Kristen Blake)
“We made it!” The Power of Community: A gathering of amazing and inspirational women from the RYPL community including our fearless leaders, Nazrin Murphie (front) sporting a T-shirt that I had the pleasure of creating for the RYPL Community (“Infinite Possibilities” T-shirt), as well as Leah Hynes (second from the right). I am on the far left in this photo.
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Can I help create your promotional materials for your important, world changing mission or business, or help you with your new website launch, branding, T-shirt or invitation design? I invite you to contact me so that I can offer a free consultation and price quote for any of your design needs. Have an awesome week and happy creating!
To your creative endeavors!
Onward and upward.
Cathy Broadwell
Giant Leaps Creative LLC