The doors slide open. A gust of air-conditioned air hits your face. You’re in a different city, entering a new hotel, and yet the familiarity of the moment is screaming “you’re home!”
That is how I feel every year when I arrive at the hotel for the annual National Speaker’s Association convention. It’s a convention I first attended in 1993 when I was just 13-years-old. My dad had recently joined the association and learned there was a youth program. I didn’t know a soul and was so nervous — until I met Natalie. It was her first year too, and she was as intimidated as I was. We quickly became best friends and from that day on, we looked forward to seeing each other year after year. Spending five fully immersed days in that event also allowed me to create meaningful relationships with my dad’s friends as well. Each year, the faces became more familiar, the hugs more meaningful, and the bonds much stronger.
Sometime in my twenties, I stopped attending convention. My adult life came with other priorities and commitments, and NSA became something I used to do with my dad. But my dad never missed a year. Not one in 24 years.
In 2014, despite being in the middle of an intense radiation treatment and against the advice of his doctors, my father decided to attend the convention in San Diego. Knowing how sick he was, I would not let him travel alone, so I joined him.
That was my dad’s last year at convention, and I am so grateful I got to be a part of it. As we passed the halls and said hi to all the people we knew and loved, my father turned to me with a smile, “Don’t you just love this place? These are our people.”
I never thought I could go back to NSA without my dad until I realized I would never have to. Because every time I walk through those doors, it’s like going back to his home. He may not be physically there, but he is there every step of the way.
Fast forward to 2022, and I have just returned from another magical experience at “Influence.” I had the privilege of co-chairing the youth program and give back to a program that has had such a profound impact on my life.
The legacy continues and life comes back full circle as I have become the parent, bringing my kids into my world and sharing my people with them.
And speaking of sharing my people … I am so grateful I get to share them with you, too.
On our next Connect with Caro, I get to introduce you to my dear friend from NSA, Lisa Jimenez. Lisa is the author of Mindset Reset: How to retrain your brain and transform your life. We’ll be having a meaningful conversation on how we to rewire our brains, especially around the complicated topic of wealth and prosperity beliefs. This is a free series I have created to bring you inspiration, insight, and education on all things: mindset, wellness, and relationships. Our own little virtual home away from home ☺️.
See you on Monday, July 18th at 1pm Est on Zoom. Click here to save your spot.
