Carlyn and Chris Anderson, the Curator of TED, a nonprofit devoted to sharing valuable ideas through ‘TED Talks’
One of my goals for 2018 was to do a TEDx talk. Imagine my excitement when TEDxWilmington accepted my application to give a talk in July! Not only was I walking on air, but my family was proud, my friends were excited, and then – the event was canceled.
My excitement vanished like a wildly deflating balloon. To recover, I took an uncharacteristic day off of my book projects and replaced my productivity with a pint of Coconut Bliss vegan ice-cream and several naps to numb my pain.
The next morning I gave myself a pep talk and by that afternoon I was back into the swing of being a full-time author. Although writing, marketing and promoting my books focused my disappointment in a positive direction, the memory of losing my TEDx opportunity remained.
About a month later, I opened my email and caught my breath as I read the words – “The TEDxWilmington tribe is delighted to inform you that you have been officially selected from a large pool of applicants to give a TEDx talk at our 7th Annual Conference on Thursday, September 27, 2018!”
I had been over the moon excited to be selected for the first TEDx event in July, but now my joy felt like it extended into the next galaxy. I realized that when you lose something that means so much to you, having a second opportunity feels that much sweeter. And like a precious gift, you value it that much more. Because of this second chance, I am committed to giving the best talk of my life.
When life hands you a disappointment, don’t dismay. Take a nap, focus on meaningful work, and keep hope alive. A second chance may come when you least expect it.
Stay Pawsitive!
Carlyn MDO
Ps: for tickets and more info go here: http://www.tedxwilmington.com/blog_cmontesdeoca/
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For over twenty years, Carlyn Montes De Oca worked in the film industry on movies such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Three Men and a Little Lady. When the high stress and demanding hours combined with poor nutritional habits began to have a negative effect on her health, Carlyn made a change. Working days and going to school at night, Carlyn pursued a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and graduated Summa Cum Laude. READ MORE
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