West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce
- Stan Hecht
- May 19
- 6 min read
Updated: May 20
I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go.
There comes a point in everyone’s life when they have to decide what they want to do and when they want to do it. It’s the last week of April 2025 and I know that tomorrow is the General membership meeting luncheon at The Chamber. The room will be filled with a variety of interesting people-some
of whom I have met, some I’m friendly with and others will become new friends. This is my second year of my membership, and I’ve only missed two networking luncheons. One I was in Florida at the beach, and one was on my birthday, and I had plans with my sister. Otherwise, those luncheons are on my calendar.
Working alone and living alone make these meetings vital for me. I need to be among humans, businesspeople, like-minded neighbors, and friends. Especially in a setting that encourages and supports business. I love to observe how people interact and network and have often been surprised by
the interest in my own business. I also always meet someone who is either starting a business, has been in business long enough to offer sage advice or someone to brainstorm projects. It’s always worthwhile for me to attend and engage.
In addition, I have made incredibly good friends through the Chamber.
This month, however, I am feeling like I don’t want to DO anything except go to danze class and yoga, work on the two books I’m coaching, edit podcasts and keep up with life stuff. (those phone calls and errands that keep life going)
I just don’t want to do anything. Danze, yoga, and weightlifting call like never before. Podcasting is brand new and the learning curve for me has been steeper than I imagined. I’m used to writing blogs and posting them. I’ve been writing about life for over twenty years. Podcasting is a completely
new way to tell a story, and while I do have help, ultimately, it’s up to me. I feel like I’m always behind the 8 ball and trying to keep up.
When I thought about it, I asked myself, “What do I WANT to do? What brings me joy?”
Writing. Writing brings me joy that fills me up in more ways than I can count. When I am writing, feeling, researching, reading, thinking about writing, talking about writing I am in my own flow. I lose track of time.
I have a lot of my plate as many of us currently feel. I am worn out trying to keep up and the last thing I want to do is take a shower, put on make-up, find appropriate clothing, and get myself to a meeting in the middle of the day DURING danze class. I just want to stay in my tank and shorts, work on the projects I have going on and take a sunshine break.
Yet.
Another part of me reminds me that being out and about is not only good for me professionally but it’s particularly good for me personally.
I take an early class at my gym, come home, and get myself ready. I do not like anything I put on-it’s going to be a fashion crisis I can feel it, and at the end I throw on my old stand-by granimals of black trousers, tank, and sweater. I am already hot and uncomfortable. I should take the time to change into something I feel good about. Something pink.
The entire eight-minute drive to The Wildwood Hotel I think the same thing…
I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go.
It’s a gorgeous St. Louis day. Sunny, warm and breezy. What is this beach girl doing going to a meeting indoors? In uncomfortable clothes.
I hit the door and plaster a smile on my face. I am here and I will make the best of it.
Heather smiles at me when I approach handing me my name tag. I see Ariel, a lovely young woman I met at another Chamber event, and she gives me a giant hug.
I walk in and the first person I see is Julie Haefner of Haefner Homes. We are friends from Life Time-she is one of the best fitness and yoga instructors around and we have practiced yoga together. I always like seeing Julie, The first words out of my mouth, “I think I need to retire.”
Julie looks at me with that gorgeous smile and says, “Why? Don’t you just flit around and do your work?”
Well, that is a really good description of how I feel about the work I do. She hit the nail on the head. WHY would I retire when I LOVE writing and telling stories?
We have a conversation about ambition which calms me down. Jill Gray from Higher Focus Photography and the Chairperson of the Chamber joins us and we talk about wearing pink, which I am not, and I really do need to wear more of! They are both wearing pink and Jill cheers me up even more, as she usually does. They both have infectious smiles and it’s hard not to be present when in their company.
Lori Kelling, President and CEO breezes past me and says, “I loved your podcast, (https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xywFtxhgEiYgxrCxNLz7I) or (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008781395018) and you inspired me with the affirmations. I made affirmations for everyone here and I’m going to share your podcast with everyone. Will you help pass out affirmations?”
I’m stunned into silence. If you know me, that is rare. I smile in agreement.
And think to myself: “My podcast with Lacie Phillips inspired Lori to share not only the podcast but inspired her into action that would benefit everyone else?”
Oh. That’s why I’m here.
Because I want to share stories and shine the light on people in and around St. Louis. Those people who are inspiring, creating community and connection and mostly, sharing themselves.
We sit for table networking and lunch, Jill sharing her Jill’s Gems and leading the conversation. When Lori speaks about the podcast, Jill encourages me to stand up (why didn’t I wear pink?!) and Julie smiles at me from another table.
I help disseminate the affirmations Lori created and realize that I DO want to be here. I want to be in places where it feels good, comfortable and connections are being created. Not just for business, but because when you are part of a community you feel included, seen, heard, and yes valued.
I could have stayed in my yoga clothes, attended danze class, and worked to catch up on podcasts, writing and coaching. I could have skipped this completely. Something somewhere inside knew better-my intuition? My desire to be included? Meet new people and be inspired? See people I knew? Connect with new people and generally feel part of a community?
It would have been a huge loss not to attend the monthly luncheon. I would have missed all those pretty in pink. I would have missed the conversation about the affirmations, and I would have missed Lori encouraging us to share how experiences with Chamber members have changed our lives.
In short, I would have missed something I truly like being a part of. I would have missed being among humans and conversation, inspiration, and connection.
My affirmation that day: (and by the way, it was completely random)
I honor my unique path and pace.
Thank you, members of West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce, my friends, and my friends to be, Lori and Heather for reminding me that I can and will honor my unique path and pace. See you next month.
Oh, and I gave those clothes away. From now on, I will only wear clothes that do not invite a fashion crisis and yes, I will most likely be pretty in pink.
Expect Good. Defy Gravity. Sparkle ON! Honor your unique path and pace.
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