Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

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💡Aha! Moment

Last week, I attended a celebration of life service for my sister-in-law's father. It was both heartwarming and deeply reflective. The service was beautiful, filled with love and memories that genuinely honored his life. Seeing the family gathered, especially all the grandchildren, reminded me of how much he would have cherished that moment. I loved how involved he was with his grandkids; he was always the first to volunteer to take them all to the park at family gatherings!

What made this even more poignant was that he had been battling Alzheimer's for years—a strange and cruel disease. Having lost my own grandfather to it, I know all too well the heartbreak of losing someone long before they physically leave this world. It's a slow, painful process of saying goodbye, even as you're holding their hand.

As I looked around the service, I noticed how everyone dealt with their emotions in different ways. Some openly gave in to their feelings—a brother comforting his sister, tears flowing freely. Others fought hard to keep it together, anxiously looking around, trying to distract themselves from the words being spoken and the emotions filling the room. And then there were those who used humor, finding solace in laughter, even at this moment. And yes, looking around was my attempt at holding it together. I even found myself counting the folds in the curtains, staring at the ceiling fan, analyzing the stained glass windows, and spotting hidden Mickeys (yes, Disney!) in the church—anything to distract myself. But the moment I saw my nephew put his arm around his older sister to comfort her, I was a mess. Then I nervously looked to my left to see if my mom and sister had noticed I had lost it.

That's when it hit me: Why does it matter if I lose it? I was moved by his life and the loss his grandchildren, children, and wife were feeling. Why do we feel the need to hold it together or hide our emotions?

In that moment, I realized that emotional vulnerability is a sign of love and connection, not weakness. Grief is deeply personal, and everyone handles it differently—whether through tears, distraction, or humor—and each way is valid and human.

As I sat there, another thought struck me, lingering long after the service ended: Why do we wait for weddings or funerals to come together? Why does it take a life event to make us pause our busy lives and prioritize these connections? Life gets busy, I know. But perhaps it's worth considering how we can make time for these gatherings without waiting for an "event." Because, in the end, it's these connections that truly matter.

In just a few short hours at his service, I had these Aha moments. Alzheimer's has taught me that saying goodbye can begin long before someone physically leaves us, which is a truly heartbreaking lesson. And I was reminded that we shouldn't wait for significant life events to prioritize spending time with those we care about. Perhaps it's time we start prioritizing our connections in the here and now.

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - Attending a weekly 20-minute Pause Session has been a game-changer. I'm going to be honest—I never knew I needed 20 minutes every Monday to help me stay grounded and rejuvenated. Sepi Eivazi and Sarah Reuter founded the Pause Movement, which is open to event professionals and anyone looking to deepen self-connection. Every Monday, we gather intentionally for 20 minutes as a hospitality community to focus on grounding ourselves and rejuvenating our spirits for the week ahead.

Each month, the sessions concentrate on a different energy center of the body, encouraging you to move and breathe into areas that often become blocked or stagnant. I have found that I am more relaxed, present, and aware after these sessions. If you want to check it out, join us on Monday, August 26, at noon CST: https://lu.ma/90jw1i9m?tk=Ykr0TA.

📖 Read - I don't know about you, but I still love going to see a movie in the theater. On the other hand, my husband would always pick watching at home. I found this recent Wall Street Journal article interesting. The article shares that White audiences, who have traditionally made up the most significant portion of moviegoers, have been slow to return to theaters post-pandemic. However, Hispanic audiences are emerging as a growing demographic in movie ticket purchasing. This shift in audience is crucial for the industry to understand, especially as it aims to grow in a post-pandemic world.

👀 Watched - I recently watched the first two episodes of Hard Knocks Training Camp with the Chicago Bears. As a long-time Bears fan, I was excited but also had a few critiques. While I love the Hard Knocks series for its inside look into football training camps, I found myself getting a bit tired of seeing the coach's wife and kids in this first episode. I was eager to see how they would develop our rookie quarterback to lead this team and to see how all the team pieces come together in preparation for a winning season.

The series provides a look into the conversations the coaches and players have, as well as setting expectations and strategies. Thankfully, episode 2 picked up the pace and gave us more of that football-centric content I was craving. I hope the upcoming episodes stick to the narrative of the team's development!

✔️ Accomplished—When booking or planning events, you have to be ready for the unexpected. This week, we encountered a significant but not insurmountable challenge—a hotel that was set to host an event I was working on experienced a delay in its opening. With just three weeks before the event, we had to scramble to find a new location. Remarkably, the original hotel, the new hotel, the client, and I collaborated effectively to find a solution.

What I love about the hospitality industry is its spirit of cooperation. Despite being major competitors, two significant hotel brands came together and agreed to honor the previous contract terms. This transition was seamless for my client and the meeting attendees, ensuring their uninterrupted experience. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that showcases why I love working in this space—seeing all parties come together for the greater good.

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Illinois!

Q: I'm planning an incentive meeting and retreat for our top performers and would love to hear your recommendations. What are some of your favorite places in the U.S. and internationally for hosting these kinds of events?

A: Great question! When it comes to incentive meetings and retreats, the right setting can make all the difference. Here are a few of my favorites, but it will really depend on your group's personality and size! Here are some of my top picks, both in the U.S. and internationally, that offer a perfect blend of relaxation, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.

In the U.S.:

• Paws Up Resort, Montana: If you're looking for luxury combined with rugged adventure, Paws Up Resort is a standout. Your team can enjoy glamping, horseback riding, and a stunning natural backdrop that's perfect for team-building.
• Monterey, California: With its breathtaking coastline and charming small-town feel, Monterey offers a peaceful yet inspiring environment. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic 17-Mile Drive are highlights that can add a unique touch to your retreat.
• AutoCamps: For something a little different, AutoCamps offers a chic, modern take on the classic camping experience. Locations like Yosemite or the Russian River provide an ideal mix of outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodations.
• Sedona, Arizona: Known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is an excellent choice if you're aiming for a retreat that fosters creativity and mindfulness.
• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Whether your team is into skiing or summer water sports, Lake Tahoe offers year-round beauty and plenty of outdoor activities to balance work with play.
• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: This hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest offers a serene lake setting, ideal for a peaceful yet invigorating retreat. The Coeur d'Alene Resort is known for its luxurious accommodations and top-notch golf course.

Internationally:

• Cape Town, South Africa: A stunning city where mountains meet the sea, Cape Town offers incredible views, rich history, and nearby safari options like Phinda or Sabi Sabi for a truly unique experience.
• Thailand (Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket): Whether you want the bustling energy of Bangkok or the serene beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand offers a rich cultural experience with luxurious resorts.
• Singapore: Known for its modern architecture, cleanliness, and vibrant food scene, Singapore is a great option for a cosmopolitan retreat with a touch of luxury.
• Hong Kong: With its dynamic skyline and a blend of East and West, Hong Kong offers endless possibilities for an inspiring and energizing retreat.
• Milan/Lake Como, Italy: For a mix of fashion, culture, and stunning natural beauty, Milan and Lake Como are unbeatable. The lakeside villas and Italian charm make it an unforgettable retreat destination.
• Prague, Czech Republic: With its fairy-tale architecture and rich history, Prague offers a magical setting for a retreat. It's perfect for teams looking to be inspired by the beauty and culture of Europe.
• Mediterranean Cruise: Why choose one destination when you can explore several? A Mediterranean cruise offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, with stops at iconic cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: If a tropical beach retreat is what you're after, Punta Cana offers crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, and plenty of opportunities for water sports and relaxation.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: With its European charm and vibrant culture, Buenos Aires offers a unique setting for a retreat. It's a city where your team can immerse themselves in tango, world-class cuisine, and rich history.
• Vancouver/Banff/Lake Louise, Canada: Canada's natural beauty is hard to beat, and these locations offer stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and luxury accommodations that are perfect for a retreat focused on rejuvenation and team bonding.

Each destination offers something unique, so it depends on what kind of experience you want to create for your team. Whether you're looking for luxury, adventure, or a bit of both, these spots will ensure your retreat is a success!

I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, just hit reply and let me know.

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