A few weeks ago, I found myself settling into my seat for an early morning cross-country flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). My plan was simple: catch some sleep during the flight and arrive in Los Angeles feeling refreshed and ready for a week at ALT Summit, where I’d be joining fellow creative entrepreneurs who share a deep appreciation for design. While I’m passionate about learning to grow my business and have a keen eye for good design, I must admit that I had never considered this conference to be my cup of tea. However, a friend and mentor of mine, who loved attending ALT, assured me that it always sparked her creativity. Little did I know that this experience would not only reignite my creativity but also offer me several valuable life lessons. Here, I’ll share the seven important lessons I learned during my seven days in Palm Springs while attending ALT Summit.
7 Valuable Lessons from My 7 Days at ALT Summit in Palm Springs:
1. Say “Yes” Even When You Want to Say “No”:
When I transitioned from my full-time teaching job to entrepreneurship, I found myself questioning the wisdom of attending ALT Summit. A week in Palm Springs, with its blue skies and warm weather, might sound like an opportunity not to be missed. However, life sometimes throws curveballs that make it tempting to decline. In this case, my hesitation was fueled by self-doubt and my mother-in-law’s emergency knee surgery.
I seemed to be looking for reasons to back out of an experience that would take me out of my comfort zone. But when I discussed the possibility of canceling my trip with my husband, his response was clear: “Why wouldn’t you go? We’ll be fine.”
I’ve learned from experience that it’s often during moments of discomfort that I learn the most. ALT Summit was no exception. Despite the initial apprehension, the chance to meet new people in a new setting at a conference that was entirely new to me turned out to be just what I needed, and I was grateful that I decided to attend.
2. Embrace What Happens:
As a first-time attendee at ALT Summit, I had no specific expectations. Instead of setting rigid goals for the week, I chose to embrace whatever experiences came my way. I decided not to be disappointed if I couldn’t attend every session I wanted or if I missed seeing friends or sponsors. Instead, I allowed myself to rediscover my creative side by participating in activities such as block printing, making silver hoop earrings, and learning wood burning.
During the week, I connected with others over shared interests, established new business contacts during lunch, and bonded with fellow runners on early morning runs. My new mantra became “embrace what happens,” which transformed my conference experience.
3. Expect the Unexpected:
As an influencer, I often enjoy perks such as partnerships with great companies and opportunities to test products or vehicles. My approach to sharing these experiences is rooted in honesty, positivity, and humor. So, when I was presented with the Mitsubishi Mirage as a last-minute replacement for the originally planned car for my LA to Palm Springs trip, I had many questions and doubts about this compact vehicle.
Initially, I wondered how I would fit two checked bags and carry-on luggage into the trunk. However, I quickly adapted to the situation and appreciated the compact car’s benefits, including excellent gas mileage. Over the course of the week, we managed to fit all our luggage by employing some Tetris-like packing skills, ultimately gaining a newfound respect for this budget-friendly car.
4. It’s Okay to Put Myself First:
Conferences can often leave attendees feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Given that ALT Summit spanned an entire week, my dear friend Lisa and I decided to take a day off and escape to Joshua Tree to prevent conference fatigue.
Instead of adhering to a packed conference agenda, we embarked on a spontaneous road trip in our Mitsubishi Mirage. With no fixed plans for the day, we drove and stopped wherever we pleased. We admired blooming flowers, listened to birds, marveled at rock climbers, and explored desert paths. Taking a mental health day away from the conference, which already felt like a vacation according to my Instagram, may have seemed indulgent, but prioritizing my own needs over the conference schedule proved invaluable.
5. Take Away One Thing:
At ALT Summit, my friend Amber Dorsey shared a valuable tip: “Take away one thing.” While instructing us on creating flat lays, she emphasized the importance of removing one element to simplify the composition and reduce clutter.
This advice resonated with me not only in the context of photography but also in life. What if we all removed one thing from our lives to simplify and reduce stress? During ALT, I gained new technical skills, made meaningful connections, and contemplated my future in business. I returned with a commitment to apply my newfound knowledge and continued to learn from the remarkable women I met while also mentoring others. Additionally, I decided it was time to remove certain individuals from my life.
For years, I had supported people who didn’t reciprocate that support. These “sometimes friends” would reach out only when they needed something, seldom cheered for my successes, and feigned friendship when it suited them. I realized that my time and energy were better spent on genuine friendships, and I decided to remove these “sometimes friends” from my life.
6. Recognize the Good:
On two consecutive trips, I had unknowingly chosen return flights on Southwest Boeing 737 Max jets, both of which were unexpectedly canceled. While the first experience was challenging, my recent encounter was different. I contacted Southwest and was connected to Adrian in Chicago, who swiftly found an available seat on a nonstop flight back home.
Adrian’s assistance meant the world to me, especially considering the difficulties I had faced during my previous trip. Recognizing the good in situations, even during challenging times, can make all the difference.
7. Life’s Too Short to Not Enjoy the Donuts:
As someone who exercises primarily to indulge in her favorite treats, I firmly believe that life is too short not to savor the things you love. In my case, that includes a delicious donut or a mouthwatering In ‘N Out Burger. During my time at ALT, I certainly indulged in both!
For those visiting Palm Springs or attending ALT in the future, I recommend stopping by Swiss Donut for delectable donuts, bubble tea, and colossal croissant sandwiches. Other local favorites include Tropicale for its ambiance and cocktails, Elmer’s classic diner with exceptional food, The
Broken Yolk for unbeatable breakfast options, and In ‘N Out Burger for a timeless classic.
When departing from LAX, don’t miss LAX Tacos, where you can grab burritos, tacos, and fresh churros from a drive-through or soak in a bit more of Southern California’s sun in their parking lot before your flight home.
In conclusion, my week at ALT Summit in Palm Springs was filled with valuable life lessons that transcended the conference itself. From embracing the unexpected to prioritizing self-care and recognizing the good in every situation, these lessons have left a lasting impact on me. And of course, life is simply too short to resist the temptation of enjoying all the donuts!
