Every year in September I attend A Girls Guide to Cars event at the Jacob Javits Center. Last year, I even got to attend the event in Dallas, Texas. However, as we all know this year would be different due to COVID-19, we are not able to see each other in person. However, we were able to see each other virtually and it was a great event. They were so many great virtual experiences with this event.
On September 22, 2020, I got ready for all the virtual fun.
We started the morning with Yoga For Normal People hosted by Abigail Bassett. Abigail had been hosting these events for three week. What was great about these sessions was that you did not have to be a yoga expert to discover the benefits. This was a fun way to have fun, and start the day by relaxing. It allowed us to center our thoughts, strengthen our body and reset our spirit. I have to say starting the day with the Yoga class, did remind me how important self-care is to all of us.
After Yoga it was time to get into our sessions. The first one was “The Power of Sanctuary with Lincoln.” Seema Bardwaj, hosted this session, she is the strategy and service manager for Lincoln. This session gave us insight into how we can create a bubble of calm and relaxation in our lives, even when we are in our cars, doing all of our errands and running around during this hectic time. Getting away for a few minutes in your car can be the key to you getting control of your life. It does not matter if you never leave your home, just a few minutes of peace can help you become calm and centered.
The next session was “Tasting and Listening” class with Revel. We all know that Revel is the in-car systems found only in Lincoln Motor Company cars. This session was unique in that it featured how chocolate tasting and listening to music can help to recharge your soul. It was so interesting to learn that chocolate and music has so much of an affect on us. After listening to the speakers it made so much sense to me.
That session was followed by “Overcome the Unexpected with Alana Nicholas and Toyota.” This was an inspiring session. Alana Nichols’ accomplishments is a three-time gold medalist in basketball and skiing in both the Summer and Winter games. It’s almost impossible to believe that she does all of this without the use of legs. Alana, a Team Toyota athlete, is the definition of “Start Your Impossible,” the campaign slogan from Toyota that frames the company’s sponsorship of both the Olympics and the Paralympics. In Tokyo in 2021 she’ll join the games as a commentator and the following February she’s hopeful to compete in Alpine skiing. At times during this pandemic, I have gotten depressed and wondered what is going to happen, this session inspired me to remember that each day is precious.
The final session was “The Juggles & Struggles of Work, Life & Home with Stacey Bannor and Volkswagen.” We can all relate to having to balance work and home life especially in the time of the pandemic. It was awesome to hear from Stacey Bannor, founder of Bannor Toys talk about managing work, family, and life. She talked about creating balance and also how while we are taking care of others, we need to take care of ourselves also. Stacey also talked about what it took for her to create her business. She is truly an inspiration and show us what we can all do.
I am so grateful to Scotty Reiss and Connie Peters for all they did to bring this event to life for us. I learned so much and it will guide me through the rest of the year.
