For years, I've wanted to attend Reese Witherspoon's Shine Away conference, but for whatever reason, never made it work. This year, when I saw tickets were on sale and with the early bird pricing, I jumped at the chance. Especially since it was on the backlot of Universal Studios. How cool is that?!

 

As it got closer, I started wondering if I should have invited a friend or my mom to go. I didn't have a hotel and everything I looked at was outrageous. Initially, I was planning to drive down both days, but decided I'd gotten what I wanted out of it on the first day. Next year, I'll plan ahead and make better arrangements, because it would be great to stay for both days in their entirety. 

 

In the end, it was one of the best days I could have imagined. I left town around 7:30-7:40, and made it down to Universal Studios by 9:15 or so. I got a bit turned around with the parking because my GPS kept telling me it was on the opposite side of the street. After trying to drive on the lot, they pointed me in the right direction and I parked in the general parking lot down the street, just near the start of CityWalk. 

I went through check in and security, and made it to the other side of the conference rater quickly. I walked around, stopped by a couple of the booths, but wanted to get into the main area for the first session, which included Reese Witherspoon and Mariska Hargitay. 

There were so many incredible panels with women in many different areas - TV, film, books, social media, medical and everything in between. 

 

Here are a few takeaways I wrote in my notebook or have reflected on in the days since. 

 

🌟 No one truly knows what they're doing most of the time, especially when starting a new chapter or embarking on a new adventure. You never know where your career is going to take you, but there are seeds planted in every job or previous experience you have for your true passion and calling. It just sort of unfolds over time. 

🌟It's never too late to start over or try something new. We count ourselves out so much, but there's still time. Reese didn't discover Delia Owens (Where the Crawdads Sing) until Delia was in her 70s. The book has had major success and even went on to be a major motion picture. Just because you're no longer in your 20's, doesn't mean you can't still find success or achieve a dream. 

🌟"You already know what you know." -Jen Hatmaker | You know when something is over, when you have overstayed your welcome and you have to trust your instincts/intuition on those moments. Your body knows when something isn't right, and it's time to pivot, things are closing or a habit is just no longer serving you. 

🌟You are a trustworthy narrator in your story, so trust yourself. It's as simple as that. You are the CEO of you. YOU are the one who gets to change the narrative of what's being said about you or how others view you. (This was a theme in multiple panels). You have to be the advocate in your own life, whether that's your health, your work or just daily tasks in everyday life. 

🌟Don't be afraid to go to these events solo. I usually attend these things by myself, but this was one that once I got there, I wish I'd invited friends or colleagues to come with, and plan ahead of time. Both experiences are great. But, it reminded me to push myself out of my comfort zone, meet new people and talk to others when I might not normally if I was with my own group. 

I didn't expect to feel so emotional. But, I guess part of attending these conferences and sessions is to look inward for personal growth. It's a mix of reflection, dreaming and asking yourself the hard questions.

 

We were also the first official stop on Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's book tour for their novel, “Gone Before Goodbye," which we all got advanced copies of before it was released on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It was so cool to learn more about their writing process and how the idea came to be. 

Lunch was provided in The Commons area, a fancy commissary like all the studios offer for their actors and executives working during the week. There were options of sandwiches and wraps. And, of course, since it was LA, there were several options of quinoa side salads. Delicious, by the way! There were snacks to grab throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, like protein popcorn and pretzel bites to grab on your way out, which I did. There was a Starbucks/coffee shop on the other side and they had a special Hello Sunshine menu with coffees and teas, which was so nice. Outside, there were booths set up with coffee, wine and other beverages to keep everyone hydrated. I wanted to grab a coffee before I headed back home but it was already closed. The water stations everywhere really came in handy though.

All around the conference are women from all different fields, backgrounds, walks of life. But, each one of them, driven, passionate, brave, collaborative and excited to learn and grow. Whether you're in a session or at lunch, there are opportunities for you to introduce yourself or talk with others around you. I met one girl from Tokyo, Japan. Another who was part of Hello Sunshine's Collective, Morgann Book and the CEO/Founder of The Birthday Party Project. When I was at lunch, I smiled at a lady sitting across from me. She was with a group of others, eating lunch, and smiled back. When I got home, I realized it was Jess Weiner, marketing extraordinaire. She spearheaded the Dove's Real Beauty Campaign and so many others that have sparked conversation around body image and rethinking beauty standards. I used to read her column in Seventeen Magazine when I was in high school and early adult years - She did follow me on Instagram though, so that was a win. Crazy! I also had a chance to say hi to Raegan Ovard (Young Sheldon) and Jen Hatmaker. Throughout the day, I walked by countless authors I admire too. Now knowing what to expect, I want to be more prepared next time of how to talk to someone should I see them in the ‘wild.' 

There was a window where we were able to pick up our goody bags. They were packed to the brim with skincare, beauty and stationary items. They gave us these heavy duty Hello Sunshine Shine Away branded canvas bags. Good thing they didn't take cash for the Reese's Book Club bags, because I was ready to buy one. In the bag were sunscreens, lotions, serums, a planner notebook, hair clips, snacks and so much more…We're talking name brand items. It was so fun pouring everything out on my living room floor after I got home that night, trying things on, using the clips, eating some of the snacks. 

The floral arrangements were everywhere and GORGEOUS. They truly were the main character - decorating tables, the arches of the set backgrounds and shop signs. Just stunning and smelled beautifully! Then, of course, there was the lineup of guests, the setups, the workshops and experiences they offered. I would love to be a fly on that wall of the meetings and debriefs for an event like this, just to see where all the ideas and brainstorms come from. They bleed passion and sunshine, and it shows. It's infectious and makes everyone who attends feel like, they too, can make the magic happen and achieve what they want. 

Now that I've been to the event, I can