Red Rocks Casino, Certified Angus Beef Conference 2023, Hunger Games Exhibition, Caesars Palace, Circ de Soleil, Tyler Hubbard lvie at the resort, Jon Gordon keynote speaker, Gala, hotel shenanigans!

 

Negativity is all around us. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all contribute to it in some way at some point in time. Perhaps you think of yourself as a typically positive person, or perhaps that’s how others perceive you, but behind the scenes is a different story. Perhaps your inner voice is full of self-criticism and shame, or perhaps you speak negatively about others while speaking positively about yourself. 

We are all aware that we can choose how we respond to situations, regardless of how we’re thinking or feeling in the moment. We can be angry, frustrated, upset and emotional and let those things get the better of us, or we can take a deep breath, see it from a different angle, and speak the truth into our lives before the negativity becomes a dark cloud that’s hard to shake. But we’re human, and none of us are perfect. Sometimes we let our emotions get the better of us, and sometimes we cannot escape that dark cloud of negativity no matter how hard we try, and need others to encourage and inspire us. 

Recently, while away with family in Las Vegas at a conference, I had the unique opportunity to hear motivational speaker Jon Gordon open the sessions. He shared his journey of the importance of positivity in his life, and encouraged the attendees to do the same. It was powerful, and it will stick with me for a long time. 

He dissected the meaning of the word “encourage”, reminding us that the word “courage” is tucked away inside it. You need courage to encourage! It takes courage to be positive in a world that can seem awash in negativity. I can’t recall his exact quote, but those two words are critical in our lives, and we need to surround ourselves with other people who will help and remind us to be courageous when we cannot. After the speech, each attendee received a handout called The Positive Pledge. After I read it over, I couldn’t wait to sit down with my girls over breakfast and read it to them. They appreciated the challenge that it presented, and now the list is on our fridge!

While in Las Vegas, beyond the opening session I attended, our family enjoyed walking the strip, and cruising through Caesars Palace, followed by a stop at The Cheesecake Factory. We shared a Snickers and a Marshmallow slice, and I can confidently say it was the best cheesecake we have ever had. It made our meals pale in comparison! Maybe we should have started with dessert? We also took advantage of our time there to see The Beatles Love Circ De Soleil, and explore all the amenities at our hotel. 

These experiences of togetherness served to highlight everything that Jon Gordon had spoken about in his opening address. It was almost as if God had delivered His message through him, and then blessed us with experiences that would fortify us, strengthen our bonds, and gift us with joyful memories that we can draw upon during those times when negativity seems to overwhelm us, and we need to find our courage again. I am so grateful for all the memories, and will look back on the many photos taken with gratitude. Who would have thought that by flying across the country and into the States, we would come home with a new pledge about living out positivity? I am grateful for the time away and the wisdom we came home with!

https://www.thepositivepledge.com/

 

The Positive Pledge was created by Jon Gordon.
Jon is passionate about developing positive people organizations and teams and his positive principles, books and talks have benefitted numerous professional and college sports teams, businesses, educators, students and families. Jon’s books include the Wall Street Journal best seller The Energy Bus, The Positive Dog, Soup and The Energy Bus for Kids. (Taken from www.thepositivepledge.com by Jon Gordon)

2 responses to “Postive Impact in Las Vegas”

1. Amazing! Loved reading about your time away and how positive it was for your family! Always have loved the word Encourage! So much can be built on that word . Norman Vincent Peale wrote a booklet on that word and wish i still had it. Every experience has purpose. Loved how you proved it with your family 🥰Bless Y 💗U

   Reply

   • It was a great time away!

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