I’m just settling back into the work week having just gotten back from the Magnolia & Darling event with in Waco Texas! It was such a refreshing and inspiring couple days. We celebrated the spring issues of two perspective changing magazines that champion women, Magnolia Journal and Darling Magazine!!

The first day started off with a cocktail hour at the new Magnolia Table which is a new restaurant that’s launching in a few weeks. IT WAS GORGEOUS!!! I was geeking out on all the beautiful tiles and textures that Joanna puts together. We had an amazing dinner there and we got to hear from Sarah Dubbledam and Joanna Gaines on intentional living. The goal of the night was to connect, share stories, insights, life, and have a great time. The night wasn’t only inspiring visually, but it was inspiring on a soul level as well. We ended the night with a calligraphy class learning how to write thoughtful and intentional notes to friends one letter at at time. My letters weren’t to pretty, but I’m thinking it was the moment that mattered.

The second day was at a CUUUTE brunch at a retail shop called Wildland Supply Co. We had mimosa’s and conversations about using our words wisely, because what we say MATTERS!!! In an online world in which people flippantly criticize and speak un-thoughtfully, we can be agents of change using our words for good and being slow to speak. Then when we DO speak, it actually means something. We ended with hugs, taking photos of each other and exchanging contact cards.

After returning home from my trip, there have been a few things I've been reflecting on. So, below are the top things I learned in Waco.

5 Things I Learned At Magnolia Market In Waco Texas

01 - Embrace Your Obstacles

When I see what Chip and Joanna have built in a such a small town it’s a beautiful reminder that you can REALLY make your visions become a reality despite your obstacles.

There have been times in my life where I have discredited myself or my dreams saying things like “I could only do that If I lived in a big city” or “people in my area wouldn’t appreciate this particular style” or “that kind of concept wouldn’t work here”. But visiting Waco Texas this weekend inspired my perception.

Waco is a VERY small town and one that is unlikely to become a sought after destination. The small town could have been a HUGE obstacle for the Gaines but they didn’t let it stand in the way of working towards their dream. Today, people fly from all across the country to visit their shop and eat in their bakery. Online articles say that Magnolia has in some ways put Waco, Texas ON THE MAP. Their story is a true testament to blooming where you’re planted. So, embrace your obstacles & make it part of your story.

02 - To Be Successful Tomorrow You Have To Start Today

Chip & Joanna started fixing up homes together on their own long before a television network was interested in broadcasting their craft. They were not driven by the idea of success they were driven by doing what they loved. Knowing their story has inspired me to not get distracted by the potential of success but instead focus on doing what I love. So, start doing what you love today and the success will follow.

03 - Never Stop Being A Learner

On the second day of our time together at this event, there was about 8 of us around a small table having an in-depth discussion. The girl across from me, Debby Ryan was THE ONLY girl in the group feverishly taking notes on what we were all saying. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she has millions of followers online and a very successful career on the Disney channel. In the world’s perspective, she could easily be the most “successful” at the table. However, she took a humble posture and desired to learn anything she could. It was a refreshing reminder to me to never stop being a "learner"…no matter how accomplished you become.

04 - If Something Bothers You, It’s Probably Because You’re Meant To Fix It

The Darling team led us all through a POWERFUL session about being agents of change within our industries or spheres of influence. A notable quote from Teresa Archer was: “If something in your industry bothers or saddens you, it’s probably because you are meant to fix it!” The 3 following questions prompted a DEEP and wildly inspiring discussion.

   •   What is a cultural norm or situation you encounter daily that saddens you?
   •   Now imagine a world or your sphere without that negative reality. What would it look like or include?
   •   Consider what you could do with your time & resources, practically, to begin to move the needle on this issue?

05 - Be Intentional With Your Take-Aways

When we went back to the hotel room, my friend Kristen asked me “what kind of connections are you looking to take-away from this trip”? That question really got me thinking. So many times I leave events like this and say “that was amazing” and leave it at that.

Recognizing the take-away is the first step and then being intentional about pursuing that connection is the second step. So, on this trip one of my take-aways was that I realized I need more connections and conversations with experienced dreamers and doers on a regular basis, just like I experienced on this trip. So, in order to make those conversations happen, I need to intentionally pursue the Darling community and others communities like it.