What a difference a day makes

[Amy Magan]

Earlier this week, I had a little pity party for myself on my personal blog, in the form of a post called "I don't wanna."

Today, I'm in a much better frame of mind, having attended the Smaller Indiana, Bigger Ideas conference yesterday. Who knew a business-ish conference could be inspiring, or at the least, uplifting?

In the Twitter stream yesterday, someone smartly summed up the conference theme as "Passion. Connect. Execute." (Though the editor in me wants to make it "Passion. Connection. Execution.) Several Smoosiers have spoken about their experience at SIBI, so I thought I'd share some of what stuck with me.

Singer Jennie Devoe spoke about being authentic and true to who you are. About not letting people box you in to a persona that doesn't fit.

"Break yourself out of the box no matter what you're age," Devoe said. "Dream until you die."

Devoe is the kind of woman I'd love to have as a friend. On stage, she was funny, honest, spiritual without being overwhelming.

Dave Foresell, president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, was a Garrison Keillor-type story teller, immediately engaging. Talking a little of his own personal health struggles, including his recently diagnosed kidney cancer, he said (I may be paraphrasing a bit here):

"I realize what a gift this life is and I don't want to sleepwalk through it."

Foresell also used one of my favorite quotes from Abraham Heschel:

"Just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy."

Foresell went a little heavy on the greenspeak toward the end of his remarks, but his presentation was enjoyable overall.

The final speaker was Ken Johnson, motivational speaker and chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts. This hulking, football player-size black man was energetic and powerfully uplifting. The Twitter stream from the conference (search #sibi) was full of quotes from Ken:

"It's what you learn after you know it all that really counts."

"If you are the smartest person in your life, your circle is too small."

He told of how he encouraged his children to be eagles, soaring high above any adversity, telling them to be "an eagle, not a chicken." My kids are already sorry that I learned this phrase.

"Eagles find a way. Chickens find excuses."

As a self-professed writer, I was inspired by what Johnson had to say about the power of words.

"I use words to make this world a better place."

"Words can make you feel better or bitter."

Finally, he asked a question that is still ringing inside me:

"Is anyone calling for greatness anymore?"

Smaller Indiana, Bigger Ideas was certainly worth the investment of my time. I made some notes about ways in which to incorporate some of the ideas into what I'm doing at work. No, I didn't leave SIBI feeling like I wanted to take on the world. But I did leave inspired to take on my kitchen, which was a significant improvement over the "I don't wannas."

[Pat Coyle]

Thanks, Amy. I was hoping someone would write a story like this. It was really tough for me to be engaged with each speaker while simultaneously worrying about the logistics. And I'm glad your experience had a positive effect...I know what you mean about the kitchen :-)