Can I pull back the curtain for a moment?
Yesterday nearly did me in.
In keeping a Promise to the Audience and my important client, I have paid for it over the last 30 hours, as I am now stuck in my bed, icing every part of my body, after doing an event outdoors.
The set up was ambitious – 4,000 people gathered in an outdoor rodeo stadium. Stage set in the middle of the arena, on the dirt, with great sound and screens for my powerpoint, yet not enough room for me to sit and speak for this one. No shade in direct sunlight, it was 7:30-9:30 AM in the sun, in my black clothes, waiting on stage to begin my speech. I had to balance on my good leg which really hurt my hips and other body parts. By 10:30 AM I closed the speech, received a generous standing ovation, and slinked to my car after 3 hours in the sun. My leg was throbbing, my head pounding, sweat covered every inch of my body.
I have only left my bed a few times in the past month since my leg injury, and since it can’t bend for a few more weeks, have to pick and choose when and where I can push myself.
Yesterday I pushed myself. To the limit. It was physically the most challenging event I’ve ever done, and I have more horror stories of tough events than most speakers and performers I know.
But as I got in the car, ice on leg, and breathed in the AC, I was filled with gratitude for the chance to share The Promise with 4,000 new friends. I was in excruciating pain. We drove out of the arena past attendees, who had also been subject to the sun and heat, waving and yelling thank you as I waved back and smiled. I felt someone there needed to hear the message, and more than anything perhaps, needed to prove to myself that I could do hard things still, even with this dang leg injury.
This experience with my leg has opened my eyes to the suffering, the injured, the people who experience challenges seen and unseen. I am so grateful for the suffering, as it is teaching me to live better, and feel more love for others. It is a true blessing. Few things have shown me how to live life better, and live The Promise, at a greater level.
If you’re suffering, I admit it, embarrassed, that before this, I may have said a quick prayer in my heart for you and that was it. But now, my heart has grown. I see you. I feel it. I’m sorry. And I’m with you. Grateful to be on this journey with you. Let’s share a crutch. And I can honestly say: You’ve Got This. Keep The Promise.
Thanks for coming to my JASxTalk.
#ThePromise #gratitude #keynotespeaker
Photos above by: Brandon Cash
Photo by Josh “Big Show” Hewlett
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Promise Legacy Project Coach
- World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to Create Legendary Leadership through the Power of Commitment
- Author of “The Promise To The One”
12 Responses
Dear me…..You did it! And I know for sure there was more than one person who needed to hear your message. It is also beautiful that your compassion for others is deeper etc.
You are doing your work,, Jason. Blessings,
Louise
Louise! Thank you my friend for this comment and the goodness you always bring to my life. I’m hopeful many found it helpful that day, as it was good for my soul to be there.
I was there! I was one of the 4,000 and believe me I needed to hear what you shared. Thank you for suffering and keeping your promise.
Summer! Thank you so much for this kind message. It lifts my spirit to know it helped you!
Thank you, Jason, for keeping your promise on Thursday. I was one that needed your message! My family, my staff and I have benefitted!
Thank you so much Billi for this amazing comment. I’m thrilled to know it was beneficial for so many of your family and staff!
Great post my friend. For the record, even when healthy, working in that environment? Holy cow. Only one of the greats could handle it. Well done!!!!
Brad – you’re so cool my friend. And yes, I said the same thing – even someone in pretty perfect physical condition would have had a tough time with it. But I’m grateful to have been there, a great deal of people have reached out and said it was helpful. I know you know how that feels.
I am a Nebo employee and I wanted to say thank you! I needed to hear this to feel ready for school to start. I feel more prepared and want to be there fully for my kids because of your speech. Thank you for speaking to us! Come back soon when you’re not injured and it’s inside.
Also a random note, that face is my families signature funny face in pictures. We probably should join you on stage sometime. Hahaha
I love that your family does these faces as well! And thank you for this, Jessica, I’m grateful you felt the connection of this message and took the time to write! Have an incredible year!
These are life lessons you think you “know” but can’t possibly until having the actual experience. Gives such a larger understanding of how the Savior gets our suffering that comes in no other way that coming to REALLY “knowing.” Love you tons Brother.
Mindy
Beautiful words my friend. Exactly the right way of saying it. Thank you and love you back!