I really, really wanted to attend Gabby Bernstein’s Spirit Junkie Masterclass in NYC for a third time (yep… three times) but when I saw that Jay Shetty was to be a guest speaker, I freaked out a little.  Like a lot.

I manifested the shizzle out of attending and it totally happened.  The universe wanted me to be there.  I rarely had weekends off and I had it off.  A friend invited me to share a hotel room. It timed perfectly around my parents vacay for watching my cat.  My soul needed to be there so my human part made sure that it happened.  And NYC, you never disappoint.

Sunday, our third day, rolled around and that morning, there he was.  In the isle next to the stage with a line up of people waiting for a pic.  I was shaking a bit as I squeeled into my IG story.

*side note*  Guy’s… I’ve worked and have met MANY celebs.  Seriously, I’m not shaken up and/nervous by just anyone.  This hardly ever happens.  But I was for reals shaking.

It was his turn, we heard him speak.  He was AMAZING and then he sat with the other speakers to the side of the stage.

I knew I had to say something to him.  I knew it since I heard he was speaking.  I knew it would be speacial and not just a line up kinda thing.  I felt that the right moment would come up and, for some reason after our break, I didn’t want to take my seat.  I hung out on the stairs into the theatre watching everyone have a warm up dance party.  I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but I felt I was to wait.

I waited for some reason.  He was in the main room with everyone dancing and I waited on the stairs taking it all in.  He was surrounded with people wanting photos, validation and to be seen by him.  I waited.

He walked by being escorted by a volunteer, bathroom break?  Meeting? I thought.  I followed and they went outside, was he leaving?  I have huge boundaries and respect for people in high demand, I don’t ask for selfies when I work with celebrities, I try to make conversation as though they’re just a normal person, like a barista or neighbour.  They are often a person with very little privacy and I honor that.  But…..

I paced in the lobby feeling the pull in my gut of what to do, to stay inside and miss my chance or to run out, possibly get turned away, dismissed, let down.

A spirit junkie friend ran out to take a quick photo with him.  I don’t even remember following.  I said “Jay, I just have to say thank you so much for all of the work you do, I’ve been a fan since you started, I share your videos all of the time and got so many people into you and your message.  You make me so proud to be half English *gushing on*…

He said Thank you about five times as I rambled on fanatically, I said “you inspire me, I have a message I’m nervous about sharing with so many spiritual and wellness workers, buying unicorns from Walmart being made by unfairly paid workers in China with the #highvibe or making themselves and the planet sick by using toxic over-priced products, or buying gemstones mined by children…”

He said “yes, this is so important, I wouldl say to keep it positive and share what’s going on.  Don’t call anyone out or shame anyone.  Where are you based?”  “In Canada, Ottawa, but travel a bunch” (and now I’m wondering why the ef he asked that… damn it) I then asked “would you mind taking a photo?”

Then I said, “I know I have a strong voice and presence, I’m one of the ones in the audience who raised both hands when you asked “who’s funny?”  He said “…To keep going…”

I offered an out by starting the “I don’t want to take up anymore of your time…” But he kept talking, very interested in my ideas, had suggestions and advice for me, was so caring and thoughtful, focused on me and not what was going on around him, like the girl waiting for a photo.  We chatted for a couple more minutes and I offered to take the photo for the girl waiting.  His car arrived, I said “thank you so much” as I shook his hand.  And I walked (sure did feel like a girly skip) inside.  I don’t remember getting back to my seat and I was shaking again when I got there.

The feeling of suggesting a topic to someone of this caliber and have them lit up and engaged felt incredible. To be seen by a hero of yours is unparalleled.  The validation is great, but being on the same platform as them, even just for a few minutes, opens up that possibility for me to reach that level all of the time.  Have these conversations many more times with thought leaders.  My soul was singing.

‘Till next time Jay Shetty.  I know there will be one.

Follow your gut.  Get to those places your soul wants to go.  Let it lead you.