Every so often, I receive a message that stops me in my tracks. One that reminds me why I do what I do. Recently, after speaking at the Joy Summit, I received this beautiful note from an attendee, and I have to share it with you:
“I just wanted to take the time to let you know how much your speaking at the Joy Summit meant to me. When I met you, I did not know what to expect from our interaction but when I heard you speak, I was so touched. Seeing you on the stage with all your energy and full authenticity felt like I was looking into the future at my daughter’s face. My daughter is a four-year-old and I am a 40-year-old mom again! She has always been high energy and full of movement which is extremely different from my personality and that of my 18-year-old daughter. I have tried since she was a young baby to corral that energy and create another calmer and quieter human but she could never comply. No matter how much I yelled, punished, or pushed back, mentally she held firm to the NEED to move, sing, dance and yell, bounce, and explore everything. For years it’s been a struggle to just want peace and quiet. When I saw you on stage though I saw a powerful woman getting paid to have all the energy she could muster and having learned that energy was ok from a young age from the example your mother gave you. I was compelled immediately to embrace my daughter’s energy and stop trying to stifle it and imagined her bouncing and dancing on a stage in the future too. You have literally changed the way I parent and because of it we are both happier. I immediately came home and engaged in a little loud yelling and big dancing and she has been happier, more laughter, and to my surprise calmer. It’s almost like she can get it out and balance. So, I just had to write you and let you know that you and your Oy to Joy presentation, your energy and your spirit led me to a discovery within myself and my family that I will never forget and will be with me each day I parent.”
Â
When I read this, my heart swelled. This is why I step onto the stage. This is why I share my journey—from Oy to Joy. Because when we learn to embrace who we are (or, in this case, who our children are), we unlock potential, connection, and joy.
Â
At times I thought my high energy was something to tone down, in order to blend with others. But my mother, in her wisdom, taught me differently. She gave me permission to be—to dance, to speak, to move boldly through the world. And now, through my work, I get to pass that permission forward.
This mother’s story isn’t just about parenting. It’s about leadership, relationships, and life. How often do we try to manage instead of embrace? How often do we stifle what makes us—and others—uniquely powerful?
Imagine what could happen if we leaned into our authentic selves instead of holding back. If we let go of expectations and embraced possibilities.
Â
That’s what I help people do—whether on stage, in workshops, or through my coaching. If you’re ready to step fully into your own energy, your own joy, and your own impact, let’s connect.
Â
PS: If this reflection resonates, feel free to share it with someone who might need it. And if you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can bring these kinds of personal and inspiring stories to your next event, let’s connect!
PPS: I’d love for you to join me on my YouTube channel, where I share more stories, inspiration, and tips on resilience and joy, and let’s continue the conversation!
PS: If this reflection resonates, feel free to share it with someone who might need a little joy. And if you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can bring these kinds of personal and inspiring stories to your next event, let’s connect! Check out my demo video here.
PPS: I’d love for you to join me on my YouTube channel, where I share more stories, inspiration, and tips on resilience and joy. Subscribe here and let’s continue the conversation!
Â
And as always,
Be Positive. Be Yourself. Be the Champion You Want to See!
Â
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Champion Catalyst Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Champion Catalyst Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Â
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
Â
