I just returned home from Lake Tahoe after participating in an extraordinary event called CEO Space.
My life is forever changed…again.
During the 8 day long trip I was inspired to transform my passion (Giggle On) into a business. I know I can do it! I also laughed and cried and played and chatted with dozens of wonderful people. I feel like the luckiest lady alive. CEO Space was a lot of fun!
My Life Matters
At the end of the trip, my fellow CEO Space friend, Eric, walked up to me, looked me straight in the eyes and said “Your Life Matters“. I shared with Eric the reason I started Giggle On! and in sharing my story, I brought him to tears. It meant so much to hear those 3 words from him that I started to cry too. My life does matter and YOUR LIFE MATTERS TOO! Thanks Eric 
Meeting Lisa Nichols
Another top moment of the week was my chat with Lisa Nichols.
Some of you may recognize Lisa Nichols from the movie The Secret. Others may know her as the co-author of Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul. Some may know about her work helping teens and preventing teen suicide with her program, Motivating the Teen Spirit.
A Shared Mission: Saving Lives
I recognized Lisa from the movie The Secret but I was unaware of her work with teens and suicide prevention until last week. Once I realized we shared similar missions, I listened closely to every word that left her lips.
After a very moving presentation and speech she delivered on March 18, 2009, I spoke with Lisa in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency in Lake Tahoe. Her talk moved me, and many others, to tears. Her work with teens is truly inspirational. She has helped thousands of people.
I was compelled to thank her personally for her work and for the speech. I walked to the table where she was signing autographs and answering questions.
Pick Me, Pick Me
A large group of people were clamoring for her attention. If I could read minds I would have sworn they were saying “Pick Me Lisa, Pick Me”.
Some folks wanted to chat, some wanted autographs and pictures and others, I imagine, just wanted to be close to a celebrity.
I am not one to get star-struck.”Touching” fame has no interest to me but I did want to let her know I admired her work in the area of suicide prevention. People doing good work should be thanked.
Stop the Clock, Hold the Phone
I told Lisa briefly about my mission at Giggle On! and my motivation for for creating the site. Tears filled my eyes as I spoke. I thought about Jim. It felt like he was there with me. I could feel every beat of my own heart.
Time stopped.
I told her I was having trouble getting my message out. I said I was unsure if my message was too polarizing, too confusing.
How egotistical of me to think I could actually save a life?
Save Lives – No Matter What!
With the group of people around her growing by the second, she looked straight at me love with support in her eyes and said (and I paraphrase):
Don’t be afraid to shine your light. Don’t be afraid of your greatness. If your goal is to help save lives, save lives. Do not apologize. Say yes and keep going no matter what!
The group around us grew silent as she spoke. The sea of admirers parted and gave her space to talk with me. Everyone listened intently. It felt as if the world stopped for a few minutes. I needed to hear that message in that moment and I needed to hear it from Lisa Nichols.
Lisa walked over and hugged me and I cried tears of joy and tears of acceptance. Someone else, someone like her understands what I am trying to do. She saves lives too and she gets it.
Shine My Light…No Matter What!!!
WOW – those words moved me.
I will not be afraid to say, I WANT TO SAVE LIVES!
Yes, Yes – Lisa…Yes, Yes!
I will not be afraid to encourage life, playfulness and smiles.
If Lisa can do it, I can too. I will not quit, I will not give in. I will not give up. No Matter What!
Lisa has a new book coming out called, can you guess, No Matter What. I pre-ordered 10 copies of the book and plan to give away a few copies here at Giggle On! in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for contest details.
Just to note, the picture of me and Lisa was taken a few days after my chat with her. I met her the first time while wearing my Feel-Good Do-Good sparkly Giggle On! shirt (a portion of the proceeds go to charity – ORDER HERE).
For those of you who know me well, you know I am not a fan of wearing pantyhose and dressing up. Sure, I clean up well but I’d rather be wearing jeans. By the time Wednesday hit, I threw on my Giggle On! hoodie and my purple Vans sneakers and hit the floor. I was the queen of Giggle On! coolness! muah-ha-ha-ha – Causal dress ROCKS! 
If you like this post, please share with your peeps. Thanks!
Don’t Give Up! Giggle On! … NO MATTER WHAT!
Related posts:
Divine Inspiration slaps me upside my head
Back in the Saddle Again, Overcoming Fear
Beer, Bong Hits and Candy Bars
- the foundation for full blown fits of belly-aching laughter; laughter in an uncontrolled, silly or giddy way; to laugh repeatedly with short spasmodic sounds in a light manner.
11 responses so far ↓
1
Lg Marge
// Mar 26, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Christa! So glad you had an uplifting, reaffirming trip to Tahoe – It sounds like it was just what you needed to keep your giggle going strong. I’m very excited too about your TV debut!
Love and hugs from a fellow pantyhose hater…what is it with the crotch on those things anyway…it’s either down at your knees or giving you the worst camel toe of all time!!
2
Anita
// Mar 26, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Christa, what a wonderful trip. It brought tears to my eyes and I wasn’t even there. You bring joy to all and all those who have lost.
And I hate pantyhose too.-what’s with that?
3
Lisa
// Mar 26, 2009 at 8:43 pm
My girl Christa….. what can I say, I laughed and cried with you and loved you for who you are and who you are becoming. I think your mission is what is needed and I support you fully. Funny how many women were wearing your Giggle On t-shirt in Tahoe by the weeks end…. keep it up, the world needs your heart!
4
Svasti
// Mar 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hi Christa,
Sounds like you’ve been inspired, and that’s fantastic!
I do believe you have a wonderful site here, and plenty of possibility.
I’m so with you on the jeans and t-shirt attire. Except if you’re going out for cocktails. But you’ll never EVER see me wearing pantyhose. Those days are long gone!! Its bare legs or nuttin’.
5
Christa
// Mar 26, 2009 at 9:59 pm
To all my pantyhose hating friends – I love you all.
Why is it we pay like $5-7 bucks a pop for the opportunity to torture ourselves.
Why is it we can put a man on the moon but we can’t create runner-free pantyhose? I’m just sayin’
Argh! *laughing*
@ Svasti, you are a wise woman to avoid PCS, pantyhose crotch syndrome. I’m itching just thinking about it. Pass the lotion.
@ Lisa – girl, you so rock. I loved hanging out with you in Tahoe. Tahoe is my favorite place on the planet and God brought me so many new friends, including you. Remember the bliss you felt on the beach, remember naked foot skinny dipping and remember your special rock. Hold the happy memories in your heart. I will
@ Anita – I was moved to tears so many times last week I lost count. The universe has so much wonderful stuff for us – we need ask and receive. I think it’s really that simple. -right now, I want the universe to send over masseuse, I’ll leave the door open –
@ Large Marge – you continually slay me and in the very best way. Me, TV? Who would have guessed?
I am ready for my close up! *laughing*
Giggle On! my peeps, Giggle On!
6
Annie
// Mar 27, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Christa,
My deareast, amazing, giggling girl…YOU are an inspiration to so many of us out here in the world! This is so wonderful to read about this experience you had! Thank you for sharing the moments with us.
I’m not only looking forward to your feature in the News Journal, but also your TV spot!!
I will absolutely read Lisa’s book. VERY inspirational and amazing woman, like you!
XO Welcome home.
Annies last blog post..Cherry Danish
7
Kelli
// Mar 27, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Can’t wait to hear about the interview! You are more amazing than you even know! Between you, me and Patti, we can achieve great things together and help so many people!
8
Francesca
// Mar 28, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Your hair looks great in this photo with Lisa.
I was honored to do your style before your TV interview Friday. You looked HOT! I look forward to doing your hair again for the next spot.
Thanks for adding CMP Design to your links page. I’m thrilled to be on your favorites list. Ciao Paisan! muah
9
JD at I Do Things
// Mar 29, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Wow, what an incredible and motivating experience. Lisa sounds like an amazing woman. I can’t wait to find out where you go from here!
JD at I Do Thingss last blog post..I Got a Tube Shoved Up My Nose so you don’t have to
10
Aly
// Mar 30, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Thank you for doing this. Your website is amazing. It’s been 5 years since… and this still brought me to tears.
RIP Ang. You’ll never be forgotten.
11
Kathy Hanna
// Jun 1, 2009 at 4:27 pm
2 cucumbers
2 celery stalks
2 kale leaves
2 green apples
2 pealed limes (optional)
2 green chard leaves (optional)
Mix it up and enjoy. Can stay in refrigerator 2-3 days
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Carrot Cider with Ginger
1 c apple cider or apple juice
2 small carrots
1/4 tsp fresh ginger root
1 sprig parsley
1/2 c ice cubs
Mix together (P.28)
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1/2 c apple cider
1/4 golden delicious apple
1/4 c pineapple
1/8 tsp ginger root
1 1/4 cups ice cubs
Add your own tequila and have a good time.