From White Habit to Grey Hoodie

A few weeks ago when I hopped back into what I hoped would be a regular, consistent blogging practice, I began with a post Quick Notes Saved for Later where I briefly recapped ideas I’d had that never became full blogs. [Of course, I’ve missed a few weeks now — maybe a month — but I’m still eager to get back into the regular swing of things.]

One of the topics from those notes that I didn’t include was, “Why I’d wear a grey hoodie if I ever presented a TED talk.”

I’ve wanted to do a TED talk for many years — about one thing or another. Mostly because I’ve always enjoyed public speaking. And I think I have some “stuff” worth saying.

And to be honest, for years I had two secret wishes: to write a great American novel and to be a nationally known speaker. Notice — I said a wish — not a goal. And while I’ve spoken at professional webinars to hundreds and thousands of nonprofit fundraisers across the country, I wouldn’t say I’m nationally known by any stretch of the imagination. And now, my wish is no longer secret!

Over the years I’ve spoken to crowds in the hundreds — and even thousands. In fact, simply speaking to our high school students in Hong Kong meant I spoke (and even led the singing) before over 1200 students at each morning assembly.