Cristina Marie: Love Your Life NYC Event

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend an event I had mentioned in a previous post called Love Your Life. It was hosted in the city by Lynette Lewis with guest speaker Jen Ramos of Made By Girl. Both of these women were so inspirational and I learned a lot about myself and being a career woman.

Going into the night, I had no idea what to expect. I was just hoping to leave with some advice and motivation, being that things right now (career wise) are a little on the stressful side.

How do I feel post-event?

Words cannot even begin to describe what I got out of that event. From advice, to networking, to inspirational stories...the event was a really big eye opener and almost like a push to keep moving forward towards what is waiting for me.

The night started out with a little icebreaker in which Lynette would ask questions and if it related to any audience members, they would go up to the stage and receive a package of delicious mini cakes. I actually went up in regards to having made a small step towards a goal of mine: starting/working on my blog. I then shared what my blog is about and the name of it. (Nice plug for some new followers haha)

After discussing some of the upcoming events (one of which I will be attending in January, the Leading on Purpose Workshop), Lynette introduced Jen. I don't even know where to start when describing how much more of an inspiration Jen is to me now after hearing her journey throughout the years. After numerous failed business attempts, to personal struggles, to finally starting up Made By Girl in 2006, Jen is a true example of what it means to not give up on your dreams.

Here are some takeaway tips you can use to follow your dreams as well!

Jen's 5 Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Figure out your passion: What gets you out of bed every day? What do you want the future to bring? Think about the one thing (or more) that you can't imagine your life without. Find what you have a love for and truly motivates you, then go for it!

Do your research: If you're starting something new, chances are you don't exactly know what you're doing. Take the time to reach out to people currently in the business you are beginning and ask as many questions as possible. Learn as much as you can about all of the things you don't know and even things you think you may know. All that information can't hurt!

Don't quit your day job right away: Before making any rash decisions, establish a support system. You don't need to waste your time worrying about ways to pay the bills when you're trying to establish something new. Use any free moment you have during lunch breaks, at night, and on weekends to work on your dreams. Once things come together and you are certain you can support yourself financially, then you can consider leaving your job.

Focus on your goal: As mentioned before, spend every free moment possible in the most productive way to get closer to reaching your goal. It is important to remember what your goal is; don't try to do everything, just do you.

Don't just dream, DO: You can't reach the finish line without taking steps. Don't just talk about what you want to accomplish and make lists of the things you want to do (guilty!). Actually go out and make it happen!

Something else that really struck me was the idea that there is beauty in pain. You know all of those quotes that say "you can't have a rainbow without some rain"? Well, LISTEN TO THEM! After hearing Jen's experience, it hit me that everyone goes through hard times and the negative phases. You just need to push through them and focus on what really matters to you. The more certain you are about what you want, the closer you are to achieving it.

It was great being able to relate to what Jen experienced in terms of figuring out where to start, how to move forward, and dealing with those negative voices (including your own). These are some of the things I struggle with every single day. Before this event, I thought I was the only one. I thought "well, maybe this isn't for me. I don't know what I'm doing, maybe I'm not cut out for it." But what Jen and Lynette showed me is that everyone has those doubts, everyone starts somewhere. Just take one step at a time.

Another thing that was touched on at the event was dealing with your fears. One of the bigger fears I have deals with worrying about what other people think. This tends to translate into my blogging life as well. After meeting and talking with another blogger I admire, Ashlina of The Decorista, she told me that everyone has their own perspective on things. You just need to own up to what you believe in and do you! Oddly enough, this fear also sneaks its way into my fashion. I actually had my outfit planned for about a week, but for some reason when it came time to rock it, I got nervous. Here's what I wore:

Top: J.Crew (similar) || Leather skirt: H&M || Booties: Steve Madden (similar)

I'm so glad I was able to attend such an amazing and uplifting event! My eyes, ears, heart, and mind were all opened and filled with the most inspirational and motivational of things. I can't wait until the next Love Your Life event!

I can never get enough of the city!