What Being In The Right Room Can Inspire
I almost didn’t go.
I was wiped, sore, and still recovering from pushing myself the day before… but a friend I used to work with reached out, said she had comped tix and she'd drive, and suddenly it felt like, “Okay… I can do this.”
That one small yes changed everything.
Because what I walked into at the I Choose Me event, hosted by Jennie Garth, best known for her iconic role on Beverly Hills, 90210 and now a voice for reinvention and self-growth, wasn’t just another panel.
It was a room full of people telling the truth. ✨
When Success Sounds Different in Real Life
What stood out most to me wasn’t the accolades on stage… it was the honesty behind them.
Amanda Kloots, known for her work on The Talk, shared what resilience really looks like after loss, not just surviving, but rebuilding with heart.
Sarah Shahi, known for Sex/Life, brought a powerful perspective on confidence, reinvention, and owning your story.
Ben Higgins from The Bachelor opened up about vulnerability and redefining success beyond public perception.
Gabrielle Carteris, known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and her leadership at SAG-AFTRA, reflected on longevity and using your voice to support others. She had even been paralyzed at one point and I was just happy to give her a hug.
Tyler Merritt, known for his work around empathy and perspective, delivered one of the most powerful reminders about truly seeing people.
And then there was Bozoma Saint John, former CMO of Netflix and one of the most respected voices in marketing.
Her story hit differently.
She turned down a major opportunity, something that looked incredible on paper, because it didn’t feel aligned… and then cried for two months.
Two months.
Not a polished pivot. Not a highlight reel.
Just real.
And eventually, something even more aligned came along.
That stayed with me.
Because when you’re in a season of reinventing yourself, that kind of honesty feels grounding.
The Human Moments That Say the Most
The rest of the day carried that same grounded, honest energy.
Jeannie Mai, known for The Real, hilariously spoke about self-expression and owning every version of yourself.
Dr. Daniel Amen connected mindset and mental health to how we show up in our lives. He had some really incredible tips.
Gabby Reece, former pro volleyball player and wellness entrepreneur, shared insights on discipline and redefining balance.
Devi Brown grounded the conversation in mindfulness and inner alignment.
Cameron Mathison shared his personal health journey and how adversity reshapes perspective.
And one of my favorite moments…
A speaker’s shoe broke right before going on stage.
She walked out barefoot and owned it.
No apology. No hesitation.
Just handled it.
Which honestly felt like the theme of the entire day.
The Unexpected Joy (and Weight) of the Experience
And then… there was the gift bag.
Which honestly felt like its own curated experience.
It wasn’t just “stuff,” it felt intentional. A mix of cozy, elevated, and wellness-forward pieces that mirrored the message of the day.
Inside were thoughtful items like a sleek glass water bottle from BKR, a soft lace piece from Soma, a beautifully designed clutch from IHKWIP, cozy essentials from Barefoot Dreams, sunglasses from Velvet Eyewear, wellness products like Rizz Gummies, and a candle from WEN.
And of course, a signed copy of Jennie's new book, I Choose Me, which felt like the perfect takeaway from the day.
Also… very real moment.
That bag was heavy.
Like… “this might actually send my back into a spiral” heavy.
And yes… it did.
But somehow, even that felt symbolic.
Right now, I’m learning how to step back into life while still listening to my body.
Not all or nothing. Just… awareness.
The Thought That Stayed With Me
At one point, sitting in the audience, I had this quiet thought:
“I could see myself up there one day.”
Not from pressure. Not from comparison.
Just a calm… that feels possible.
And that’s what the right room can do.
It doesn’t force you to become something.
It reminds you of what you already are becoming.
Final Thought
You don’t need to have everything figured out to step into spaces that inspire you.
Sometimes you just need to say yes, show up, and let the experience shift something inside you.
For me, this was one of those moments.
And I’m really glad I went. ✨