RISE Conference with Rachel Hollis
RISE Conference 2020
Just over a month ago I was on a flight home from attending RISE Conference 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida hosted by Rachel Hollis & Hollis Co. I had no idea what was ahead of me a few days prior but what happened was one of the most incredible and eye-opening weekends I’ve ever had.
Personal Development Catapult
I learned so much about myself, my fellow sisters, and it has set me on this crazy journey for 2020. I have been on a personal development journey for the last couple years (in my line of work you really have to or you just won’t make it lol), but this event was pushed me further than I ever have gone like a catapult.
Conference Setup
Rachel Hollis has seriously outdone herself! This must be one of the best conferences I have ever been to. They were quick on their feet to make adjustments to make sure everyone was happy, enjoying their time, and make the event run smoother. Box lunch line day 1 anyone?
From the quotes and photo areas all around the arena, to the posts immaculately wrapped to transform the Hertz center into Hollis Co land, to all the water containers setup around the arena for our strive for 5 water intake.
The workbook was BEAUTIFUL and literally the first workbook I won’t just scan my notes and toss. Shocking for me since I’m the anti-hoarder and throw/recycle everything.
The Hollis Co swag was amazing (can’t wait for them to add shirts or sweatshirts to the line because I’d love to have one - hint hint Hollis Co.). Save up because you are bound to want something from the shop! I got a hat and a ‘Not Sorry’ necklace.
They have lockers for your purse if you can’t bring it in and don’t want to leave it in the car. Men’s restrooms converted to women’s because hello water intake! Staff running around the building waiting to help any way they can, smiling, dancing, and excited you are there.
Lessons Learned for Next Year
A few things I would personally do differently for next time I attend (because there will be a next time):
Wear all athlesuire or comfy clothes, you will seriously thank yourself! You are literally up and down so many times, 5-4-3-2-1 anyone? You will also be doing mini workouts at your chair (don’t be scared it’s mostly dancing silly and it’s a lot of fun to get you awake and ready to go).
Bring a reusable water bottle or have in your mind to buy one. It’s part of Rachel’s Five to Thrive to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Therefore, you’ll be drinking a TON of water while you are there! Not to mention running to the restroom 5,001 times each day. Don’t fret over it, but if you are pregnant definitely sit on the end for easy access. ;)
Eat the stupid salad! At our event we had the chance to purchase box lunches and I did, and I forced myself to get salad. Y’all we were only there for 3 days and I swear to you from me eating the stupid salads for lunch, drinking the stupid water all day, and the mini dance parties the bloating was down and so noticeable in the mirror to me. It was a HUGE wakeup call to me to see that TINY change but give it a try. I mean I even feel better so I’ll for sure be doing the stupid meal planning. HAHAHA
Don’t bring a laptop to the event. I HATE taking notes by hand. I know they say you remember way more when you write it by hand, but I can never write fast enough and type way quicker. However, I followed fellow RISE sister’s advice and skipped on the laptop for notes. Luckily, I listened because you are up and down so much it doesn’t make sense. Not to mention the workbook they give you is a stinking WORKBOOK! Like not one of those cheap workbooks it’s the nicest conference workbook I’ve ever received, and I’ve been to many different types of conferences. Trust me, you’ll want that to take notes.
Wear waterproof mascara. While I was good at diverting tears and not making eye contact with anyone else crying, I still did tear enough that no non-waterproof mascara would hold up to that. Trust me!
Sit toward the end of the aisle if you can. No matter how much you have a bladder of steel if you are drinking the water you should you’re going to have to make several trips to the restroom. Sitting on the end is the easiest so you don’t have to jump and wiggle past 20 other girls to get out. Even if you don’t get an end seat your sisters will understand if you must get up, but I tried to be strategic. ;)
Come with an open heart and mind. Be prepared to do some work after the event too if you are like me. I am a processor and have a hard time coming up with an answer on the spot to things (part of my journey), but you definitely won’t complete every page in your workbook so make sure you go back after the conference to go through it and do the work.
Be ready to LAUGH, CRY, AND LOVE on your fellow sisters!!!
Continuing the Journey at Home
I didn’t let the enthusiasm I had at the event end when I came home. We have been able to keep up the habits we started after that weekend up until now. Further, I am currently working with Dave Hollis in his Life Coaching program. Each month we have a topic we dig deeper into. I wasn’t totally sold, but working through it is almost like at home therapy for things you didn’t even know you were holding onto. Anyhow, more on that to follow as I get deeper into that course.
A New Annual Event for Me
If you have a chance to go to a RISE event don’t hesitate. It was honestly one of the greatest last-minute decisions I ever made, and I have really been able to take hold of 2020 by the horns. I hope the same for you no matter what your journey looks like! Just beware, don’t let Rachel see you yawn if you are up front. ;) Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Get ready to RISE! LET’S GOOOOOOOOO!!!
