I can’t even put into words how profoundly and deeply being a part of this event, TEDx HeironymusPark moved me. Everything about it from rehearsals to the big show was overwhelming. The intensity of the preparation and focus from the speakers to the organizers was incredibly inspiring. It was such an intense and overwhelming experience in the best possible sense. Every so often, if we’re lucky, we get to be a part of something special, an occasion for the memory books. This was one of those moments.
I’m blown away by the people who helped make this event something that was far beyond my wildest expectations. Everything about this experience was so over the top, dialed in and pro. Amazing people, incredible presenters and courageous stories. There was so much vulnerability and big heartedness on display. Everyone was ALL IN. Everyone involved was fully committed to adding value and being of service to others.
One of the things I was most impressed by at this event was the lack of ego. Oftentimes at events like this, there’s a lot of posturing, one upmanship, and a competitive feel, but at this event there was none of that. From the lead organizer to the volunteers, from the emcee to the audacious tech crew, from the audience members to the presenters, everyone was cheering one another on, building and lifting each other up. I can’t speak for all TEDx events (though I’m a big TED fan), but I can tell you that this TEDx was truly something special. I was completely unprepared for the outpouring of love and support that I received from audience members, organizers and fellow speakers before, during and after my talk. So humbled. So grateful.
There’s something special about the Bitterroot, about TEDx, about ideas worth spreading. This was a day filled and fueled by badassery, compassion and a desire to inspire and make a difference. I look forward to sharing my talk and those of fellow presenters once they’re up and on the YouTube channel.
Until then, may each of you embrace the healing power of rituals and routines in your day to day lives. Keep striding and stretching my friends.
With nothin’ but love, Michael W. Leach
Side-note: This is for any of you sneaker-heads out there. Those are the Adidas Ultra Boost Parlay additions I’m rocking. They definitely give a little cushion and bounce but most of all these shoes represent Adidas’s collaboration with Parlay, a partnership with the mission of keeping plastic from entering the ocean. They estimate that each of these shoes keeps eleven plastic bottles out of the ocean. It’s a relatively small number considering the 4.8-12 million tons of plastic entering our ocean each year, but being a water lover and conservationist (and sneaker guy), this is an easy cause to get behind.