At a recent event I attended in NYC, hosted by vYve by Vayner, a new start-up by Gary Vaynerchuk, I had a profound experience that I simply had to share with you, my friends.

Let me first set the stage:

We’re at Hudson Yards in a private venue with 12 people; six innovative entrepreneurs, and six top tier marketers, all who said YES to growing as leaders and individuals. This vYve maiden voyage has this goal: define our ‘what’s next’ over the course of four months. My goal? Whatever that is, to do it with all my heart and soul.

We kicked off with a beautifully crafted clean lunch prepared by Chef Palak Patel, author of Food is Love, and Dr. Mona Vand, Pharmacist and ‘food as medicine’ champion. The food was not only artful, but it was also delicious and carried me through what turned out to be an 18-hour day.

Next up, Mandy Rassi, CMO at Michaels Crafts, provided us with all the essential materials to craft not just art, but our very own back stories from the most vulnerable parts of our hearts and souls. This exercise wasn’t only about creating something to open our hearts and minds to our potential, it was about embodying authenticity with our every-fiber, crafting a true reflection of our inner selves. I couldn’t help but feel like a child again pasting magazine swatches into collages of my ideal world, only this time I was using stickers of bees and butterflies, trophies and dollar signs.

Creating, in many ways, mirrors the art of living. Each choice is like a brushstroke of paint, every decision a sticker or unique texture that adds to the overall portrait of our lives. Wouldn’t you agree that the materials we choose, the colors we blend, and the people and patterns are all manifestations of our inner thoughts and feelings?

This act of creation teaches us a valuable lesson about life: the importance of intentionally crafting our days and our work to mirror the aspirations of our hearts. You’ve heard me say it many times over the years: the world we live in is a reflection of our hearts. I learned this lesson deeply after my Near-Death Experience in 1995. And let me just say, the next time I die, I’m looking forward to hearing ‘well done, my child’ because I’m allowing what God has planted in my heart to bloom and produce fruits. It’s doing things like this that helps me live with conviction and confidence.

I’m writing this in July, because it’s an ideal checkpoint in our calendar year—halfway through. The longer days filled with light are perfect for reflection by the beach, on tranquil walks, or bike rides through breezy trails. Whatever your choice of rejuvenation, I encourage you to create these moments authentically, with intention and your full heart.

Just as we all began to craft our ‘what’s next’ in NYC, I hope you will continue to craft your own life with the same authenticity and passion. I know this takes courage, and someone who believes in you along the way. I believe in you.

Stay tuned on my social channels for stories, lessons, and life insights that I hope will move you to make your days as beautifully and intentionally as you can.

With love,