search here

Share this page on Facebook

TIP JAR

TEXT JUSTBTHAT to 41411

Jonathan uses his life experience as an example of hope, and promise of overcoming what many have and many more would call unconquerable disadvantages. As a result Jonathan is not only powerful but moving and memorable. As a same-gender loving man, his story is nothing less than phenomenal. read more

email sign-up





Preferred format
Preferred format    

Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp
【ツ】My Twitter Updates
Powered by Squarespace

server monitor

« 3-2-1 Contact... The Throwback | Main | His Favorite Word... »
Wednesday
13May2009

Things to Remember

In my humble experience as an inspirational speaker, I’ve come to understand that VIBErations do more than words.

I delivered my first keynote speech to a group of about 300 people at Penn State a couple of years back.

> a recap http://bit.ly/VmOix <

I watched as tears fell from countless cheeks, and realized, I didn’t have on anything fancy nor were the words I’d come so ready and eager to use — after all this was Penn State — even close to what I needed to say.

I didn’t come bearing gifts of drawn out powerpoints and lengthy hand outs. I came prepared with the one thing I knew would make an impact, MY STORY!

Oh, and the order in which intended to present it (my talking points).

I’ve said, “It’s not about what makes us different because our stories transcend the borders and boundaries we create to make them unique to us. As I share my experience, I see, many have endured before me. As I continue sharing I see, more will endure because of me!”

A student walked up to me in front of that crowd and knelt down. As she wiped her tear soaked with the back of my hand. She leaned forward and kissed it and placed it on her forehead.

“Continue to share this story and you will live,” she said.

Never in my 32 years of living had I been so humbled and felt so unworthy of any human’s grace.

Here are some things to remember:

  • Everyone feels like everyone else — just not at the same time.
  • People are unpredictable.
  • Letting go is better than maintaining control.
  • Absolutely nothing good can come out of over-thinking things.

Control is 100% perspiration, letting go is 100% inspiration!

Thank you @jarejare for inspiring me!

Reader Comments

There are no comments for this journal entry. To create a new comment, use the form below.

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>