My Musings on the 4th #achieveitforward Vancouver Dinner Series Event - "Daring Greatly"

I’m writing this as I sit on a flight to head to the Bay Area – a last minute decision because I felt the need to go, and also a result of a few coincidences that pushed me to do so, even through my schedule at this time of year.

Last night, I had the opportunity to host and facilitate an incredible gathering of amazing women, all from the rooftop of a former dinner guest’s home, with the Vancouver skyline, ocean, and sunset as our backdrop. We discussed “daring greatly” (thanks for letting us borrow your book title, Brené Brown) – what that has meant for each of us, through our past to our present, and how it will continue to weave its way through our lives moving forward.

While our last few dinners have been in private rooms at restaurants throughout the city, we tried something a little bit different this time. I’ve purposefully chosen to have a mixture of both men and women at all of the dinners so far; but at this one, I noticed that all of the men were going to be out of town and unavailable. It’s interesting as I also pushed this dinner back by a couple of weeks as I have been going through a difficult personal whirlwind of my own over the last month. When this seemed to become a pattern, I thought instead of still trying to make it happen the same way, I’d continue to invite more women, one by one. In the end, we had a smaller group than usual, with 5 wonderful guests (compared to the usual 8), as there were a few last minute cancellations this time around.

What I came to realize perhaps after the third dinner in July, was that this dinner series (which was suggested by my former partner back in early spring when I wanted to do something more purposeful and wasn’t sure how it related to travel experiences when I would be staying in Vancouver through most of the summer), has been a huge healing and support through my own journey. It has taken me through these challenging times, and the themes I’ve chosen each month, often with the help of my dear friend Rivka, have followed along a similar path of my own experiences and needs. So thank you, thank you, to all those who decided to take a chance and join me, meeting with strangers, and baring their souls through deep conversation, all within the first 3 hours of meeting one another in most cases.

Before every dinner, I’ve made a specific list of guests. I reach out to individuals and invite them one by one, and somehow every meal has ended up with a great complement of connections that has filled my heart. A few people haven’t made it to one dinner, but then managed the next, and I feel that it’s exactly how it was meant to be.

The facilitation has become more and more smooth, and the details seem to line up to work out as well as they could each time. The connection, support and inspiration that is created within the space still overwhelms me when I reflect back on it, and my heart literally feels like it couldn’t be filled with any more love – for these people, the dinners, and the process of it all.

I’ve learned and been reminded of so many things this summer – collaboration, abundance, freedom, acceptance – and how much showing and embodying love and being real and true to yourself is everything.

We live in a beautiful world of wonder, filled with incredible beings, nature, and opportunity, and I’m excited to play a role as much as possible in creating and passing on ever more. What means the most to me, is seeing others comfortable in being who they truly are, and from this place, I believe the possibilities are endless.

In the process, we have also raised funds towards a few local charities, and most recently to support sustainability and the rainforest.

Thank you to all of the beautiful diners this summer for co-creating such wonderful experiences while joining and supporting me on this journey as it continues to evolve.

Much love,

Victoria

P.S. For those who have co-created the dinners this summer, a casual social gathering will be planned for mid-September so that everyone who wants the opportunity can reconnect. Invite will be sent soon!