a love letter to DO

Imagine on your deathbed you were able to see two films of your life: One showed highlights of what you actually achieved. And then the other showed highlights of what you could have achieved with your ability, your talent, the opportunities that came your way etc.

It would probably bring you to tears to know what else you could have done. The heights you could have climbed. The people you could have met. The races you could have run. The ideas you could have made happen. The change you could have made.

If only when you had come to the edge, you hadn’t taken that step back to safety. If you had just kept going after failing that one time. If only you had believed in that crazy dumb idea enough to tell the world about it.

Yes, if only you hadn’t, well, played so damn small.

– David Hieatt. Co-founder of the DO lectures and Hiut Denim

Dear DO’ers,

Thanks for dreaming this space into being.

You have created a place where magic happens, where there are no egos, everyone is equal, and valid, respected, and welcomed. I feel, for the first time in a long time, like I have been heard and been able to contribute to something meaningful and lasting. Thanks for keeping it small and for making it a place where ideas can take shape.

Thanks for the fire pits, the music, the nourishing food and the volunteers who do so much to make it all look so effortless and run so smoothly. I’ve felt what it can be like to see things from backstage, behind the kitchen counters, and am so grateful to all of you for making me feel so well cared for. Thanks too, for the enamelware that makes it feel like the camp kitchens I grew up in and for letting me show my appreciation with hugs and huge heartfelt thank-yous.

Thanks for remembering my name, for looking me in the eye and listening when I talked. Thanks for reminding me that storytelling is an important part of everything and that community is a word that people remember and live. Thanks for asking me for my stories and for telling me yours. Thanks for saying “let’s do something magical together” and forming meaningful connections over endless cups of tea.

Thanks for reminding me that failure is something to be embraced and learned from, not feel bad about. And thanks for showing me that being successful in business doesn’t mean humility and kindness are forgotten, or that customers are just a way to make money.

Thanks for reminding me to play, ask questions and get involved.

I am quieting my cleverness, living where my heart is, going back to the beginning and taking everything I’ve learned. I intend to pass on my DNA through my actions and DO my story rather than simply telling it.

Thanks for giving me another reason to narrow the gap between my two films.

With humility and gratitude,
Leonie

We can all shine
– Sian Tucker