I can't believe it, but summer is finally coming to a close. {insert sad face}This past summer, I have been writing a series of posts in a partnership with Prudential. In the first post, I reflected upon the question "when was the moment you were inspired to be who you are today?" I wrote about how I realized that my parents were instrumental in shaping a lot of the values that grounded me from an early age. They taught me to work hard but focus on what's important. Don't get too upset about the minutia of life.In the second post, I looked ahead, thinking hard about what are my life aspirations? For me, this came down to three things: keeping learning and never sit still, invest in relationships, and always give back.
In this third post, I will reflect simply on "what did I learn?"
In July, this all came together for me when I traveled to New York City for my first BlogHer conference.
Prudential, my sponsor, had invited me to attend BlogHer in New York. Not only would I get to participate in all the conference activities, I would also be able to meet and talk to other women who had been involved in the same #womeninspired series. I always love visiting New York City, so I immediately jumped at the opportunity. 
At the conference, we heard many inspirational keynote speeches from women who have overcome a lot of hurdles in order to get to where they are today. I really enjoyed hearing from Selma director Ava DuVernay, a female black director whose many gifts and talents, intense energy, and pure determination not to give up catapulted her to the top of a field largely dominated by white men.
At a smaller roundtable discussion later and in a Google Hangout that was filmed after the conference (see below), I met and heard from many of the women who had also asked themselves the same questions I had to ask for this Prudential three-part essay series.
People came from all walks of life. Some had struggled financially right out of school and had worked really hard to conquer their finances, finally wiping out their debts and getting their lives back under control. Others had just taken the leap and quit their "day jobs," starting on the path of doing something they really loved. And others were still trying to figure it out. They were up front and totally honest about their doubts and fears.
That same weekend, I visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for the first time. Seeing firsthand and hearing others' emotional stories about how that unforgettable day permanently impacted their lives had a profound effect on me.
You really never know when the stable life that you know might be ripped out from underneath you. It was definitely a strong reminder of what my parents had taught me from the beginning. Focus on what is important. Don't let the little things in life bother you too much. Keep learning. Build those relationships. Always give back.
A few weeks later, I participated in a Google Hangout with several women from BlogHer as well as with a Financial Expert. I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on how sound financial choices are important for reaching one's goals. Everyone on the panel agreed that money is not the ultimate goal, but you have to think about it because it affects so many aspects of our lives. Being responsible with money, especially at an early age, can drastically affect how the rest of your life goes. I appreciate the reminder to think more actively about what I do with my money. In the previous post in this series, I had shared the following:
"As I look at my time spent as a whole, I realize a lot of it is taken up by work, this blog, and travel, which is still mostly for my personal enjoyment. As I look forward to this next few decades of my life, I hope to change that ratio and to have more of my time and resources spent helping others in need."
About a year ago, Bryan and I set up a giving fund so we could be more intentional about how we invest and plan for the money that we give away. I hope to continue being intentional in all aspects of my life, always being mindful of how I spend my time, energy, and money to only pursue and build up that which I find meaningful and has long lasting value.
From this advice what do you find most valuable? Is there anything you can apply to your personal situation?
