Clip from the Greek Theatre show, Michael Franti performing “I’ll be waiting for you”- with lyrics “The best things in life aren’t things/They’re living, they’re breathing.” It’s a song about being there for other people, ready to catch them when they fall.
Now, I wasn’t a Michael Franti fan…not until last night when I witnessed him in action at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. I’ve never seen so many middle aged people boggeying on down! We were an eclectic audience mixed with former hippies, little children, older gentleman and young people and we were all dancing the night away. The way he interacted with the audience, it was clear that there was no distinction between the performers and the audience…we were whole, uniting through music and soul.
His music and lyrics were uplifting and moving. He encouraged us to hug our friends next to us and show appreciation. That’s exactly what I did…appreciating this great evening with good friends. I felt the impact Michael had on people with his music- community, unity, love, meaning…
I was thinking about impact and people…then it hit me…
I don’t have the most subscribers on YouTube…
My video views aren’t nearly as much as the video of a barfing kitty…
Nor do I have millions of hits on my blog…
but none of that truly matters.
For the 25,000 v’stars out there and counting (leading with soul and self empowerment)…I’m proud of each of you! You’re making the world a better place, by creating meaning for yourself, evolving and making a positive impact on others. What we’re putting in place…is exponential goodness and for that, makes me feel fuzzy and proud.
I guess what I’m saying is…QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!
In the same way Michael Franti’s music and spirit touched me, I hope you are inspired by his lyrics to live with meaning with everything you have- your life.
This week, I am in LA for the YouTube Partner Conference & VidCon 2010- so expect fun interviews with YouTubers about dating topics!
In the meanwhile, below is a post that I wrote and intended to post this past January, as a reflection of the whole year 2009 and what I’ve learned.
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It was such an incredible year for me with lot of BIG changes and life-altering experiences, so I thought I’d share them with you. Lessons and gifts that 2009 offered me:
1. It’s easier to run away from things (thinking that you’re escaping), but running blindly gets you no where and often times you realize, you’ve just been running in circles.
2. Complacency: We can be complacent in:
o Relationships
o In how we act in social settings (wallpaper, sticking to our own circle)
o Expectations of ourselves, to avoid failure
3. Intense or strong reactions or walls, stems from EGO.
4. Lost IS an opportunity in disguise. This is when evaluation really kicks in. Is this what I really want to do? What is my purpose? Am I living the best life? Doing my most potential? Am I happy? When a door closes, another door opens. Recession, job change, lost of job, has made so many young people evaluate how they are spending their time, if they are really doing what they want: because you can lose your job in a heartbeat. Do what you love so you don’t feel like you’re just floating by.
5. My biggest fear: Being oblivious to how things really are or how people feel. Who’s reality really matters?
6. Most importantly, I’m appreciative of how fortunate I am. From the great opportunities that come my way to the fantastic people I have in my life- I must be the luckiest person on Earth.
Being able to focus on a path of coaching & self-awareness- what I’m deeply passionate about. I have a mum who’s supportive of me, by expecting my unexpected decisions (doesn’t mean she stopped worrying about me). Luckily, I get spend most my time helping people and helping with transformations. And lastly, I feel extremely lucky to have good quality friends, especially my classmates who have been unconditionally supportive and loving.
In 2009 was such a year of invigorating experiences:
o Fantastic friends that went on a memorable RV roadtrip to Disneyland for my 28th birthday
o Spending time with my Boston family in May. My aunt made fried chicken and I love me some fried chicken!
o I met Robin Thicke- a gentle and charismatic person
o Incredible 4th of July, celebrating one of my closest friend’s bday filled with baby farm animals, funnel cake, the best fireworks show and Sunday neighborhood family parade.
o Living and working remotely for a month in the mountains of Costa Rica- rain forest, volcano, horseback riding, getting to know my friendly Rican neighbors
o Roadtripping around the country & discovering the South giving out Free Hugs near Christmas time: Nashville, New Orleans, Austin, Grand Canyon, great new friends
o Life-changing spiritual coaching program with the most incredible and supportive fellow classmates, deep personal development
And of course, what would I do without my v’stars?! I’m very thankful for you and the joy you bring to me, yourself and the world. What lessons are you grateful for?
New mantra: I choose to live by choice and not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, and not used; to excel, not compete.
I spotted this on a pornstar’s twitter bio. No Joke. and I like it!
V’stars, what is your mantra?
Mr. Seth wrote a blog post today, YOU ROCK, about putting pressure on yourself to do big things, when it only takes a lil bit to make a difference. Now, I totally get that he’s trying to motivate people. That…just 5 minutes of action can be significant. I’m a fan of the guy…he’s cute (in an inspiring- the world- kinda way). By the way, I’m well aware that men don’t like being described as ‘cute’ but I’ll give that to him anyway. I loved the overall message of his blog post.
But something about this part just didn’t sit right with me when he wrote, “You rock. This is deceptive. You don’t rock all the time. No one does. No one is a rock star, superstar, world-changing artist all the time. In fact, it’s a self-defeating goal. You can’t do it.”
Saying that is like saying “You’re wonderful. This is deceptive. You’re not wonderful all the time. No one is…”
Saying that would dismiss you as a whole.
Here’s what I think. YOU’RE WONDERFUL or YOU ROCK. You own it. It’s not exactly about what you do. It’s about you as a being. It’s you as a whole.
You feel me? Got all ghetto with you for a second there. I TRULY BELIEVE each and everyone of you…ROCK! It’s in you. That potential is brewing, if not expressed already. It’s not about what you do. It’s about who you are and the attitude & contributions that comes from there (inside you) when you fully embrace your awesomeness.
So, my question to you is….When you realize that YOU ROCK, this inspires you to _______________? V’stars, I want you to fill in the blank.
Vanae’s Tip of the Dae (inspired by Seth Gobin): Take a deep breath and take the time for your inner goodness to express kindness and share something. (well, not referring to swapping spit)
I wanna share the rest of Seth’s blog post, that I really dig… “Five minutes to write a blog post that changes everything, or five minutes to deliver an act of generosity that changes someone. Five minutes to invent a great new feature, or five minutes to teach a groundbreaking skill in a way that no one ever thought of before. Five minutes to tell the truth (or hear the truth).
Five minutes a day you might do exceptional work, remarkable work, work that matters. Five minutes a day you might defeat the lizard brain long enough to stand up and make a difference.”
It’s Valentine’s Day and Vietnamese New Year- a double whammy. This morning, my mum and I, visited my brother at his quiet spot on a grassy hill at the cemetery.
It’s tradition- we bring his favorite soda, Dr. Pepper, and Doritos and small plates of Vietnamese food. We each said our little prayer and lit incense for my brother.
My mum gather another small bundle of incense and as she burned the fragrant tips, she told me to share one incense stick and prayer for each tombstone around us. And that’s exactly what I did.
Starting from the right of my brother’s grave, I said a prayer in Vietnamese for that individual (whether they were Vietnamese or not), wishing for peace and love for them. As I made my away around to each tombstone, I thought about the lives and spirit behind each person. I mean, for each marble stone captures a whole life of a real human being who has a loving family.
Long lives. Those born in the 1920′s.
Short lives. Those who deceased after only a few decades.
But there I stood, planting an incense into the moist ground right in front of each tombstone. I had a moment with each person’s spirit. Spreading my love. And I realized how proud I was to be my mum’s daughter…how much love she gave to even strangers.
Maybe that’s who I get my personality to help people and spread love. Actually, I know that I got that trait from my mum. and I’m proud and thankful at the same time.
This is what Valentine’s is about. LOVE.
Love surrounds us. Share love for one another- stranger and all.
Ever thought ‘I would love to share my article on Vanae.com?’ Well now you can! I have been getting articles and questions from those who want to post a guest blog article here. So I’m currently accepting submissions from guest bloggers!
Here are the guidelines:
- Must tie in the theme of dating, relationships, sex, spirituality or personal development
- No more than 500 words
- Be sure to include a short description about you, your blog and a url link.
Submit to: ayvanae@gmail.com
I will review each submission and will contact you if I decide yours will make it on here. Who knows, if your shietz good I might invite you to become a regular guest blogger here on Vanae.com
As evolving humans, we are constantly learning and churning our awareness into growth. Even in the last year, I know I have gained a lot of lessons especially about myself (through my integral program). So I ask you for this week’s Game Dae Wednesdae:
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the last year? Whether it’s about yourself or it relates to dating…I want to hear all about it, so leave it as a comment below!
My biggest lesson: Getting in touch with yourself and being honest as you are vulnerable, that’s a great start to depth and meaning. This has taught me that I am, where-ever I go. I’ll know myself more if I’m honest about who I’m not.
V’stars, what’s your biggest lesson(s)? And how has it impacted you?
Sign up for my HOW TO APPROACH & COMMUNICATE live video workshop on 2/5 @ 6pm (pacific time) to chat with me live! Click here.
