▼ CLICK BELOW TO EXPLORE ▼
A DECADE+ OF STORYTELLING POWERED BY THE BEST WRITERS ON THE PLANET

BE PART OF THE LEGACY

TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Why There’s More Than One Of Us Here

Some people stay for awhile,
and move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to a new understanding,
leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same.

– Flavia

Have you ever stopped to ponder just how many relationships you’ve been a part of since you entered the world? We often think of relationships in terms of significant others, those grand romances that make movies and novels so exciting. But let’s face it, our daily interactions with everyone, from the chatty neighbor and the server at the restaurant, to our loyal pets also define our existence. It’s like the ultimate social network, minus the hashtags and selfies. From the day we were born, our life has been a series of connections, each playing a role in our personal growth and evolution. Whether it’s our birth mother, family, friends, or even the barista who knows our coffee order by heart, our life is a rich tapestry of relationships, like pearls strung on a silver thread. These connections add flavor and depth to our lives. Without them, life would be as bland as a rice cake with no peanut butter.

We are each driven by a deep urge to form an intimate connection with the world around us and most of us do this through relationships. If you take a soul look at this, you will see that your need for relationship actually stems from your basic human need to overcome your earthly sense of separation.

~ Caroline Reynolds

As my friend Carolyn Reynolds inferred, relationships are the colorful threads that weave the gift of life into a vibrant tapestry of oneness, offering experiences and emotions that we could never savor alone. That is why there is more than one of us here. I mean, can you even imagine being the only person on the planet? BORING! Unless we are planning to live isolated on a mountain, relationships are inescapable. But where does it all begin? Every day begins with the most intimate relationship of all—the one we’re with ourselves. It starts with that bleary-eyed moment in the morning when we gaze into the eyes of the being staring back at us in the mirror. Just think of it as a daily meeting with your most important client: you.

The real question isn’t whether we will have relationships, but how mindfully we engage with them. Our level of awareness of our oneness with Life dictates what we bring to these connections and what we gain from them. The poet Flavia said it well: some people leave lasting impressions on our hearts, changing us forever. Every interaction, whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers, leaves “footprints” on our hearts. If we are mindful, these encounters, whether delightful or challenging, offer us opportunities to learn about ourselves and the roles others play in our lives. The heart of this reflection is the importance of conscious relationships. The more aware and spiritually grounded we are, the more genuine our connections become.

Authenticity Is The Secret Handshake
Of  The Soul, Unlocking Deeper Relationships

THE TAKE AWAY: True authenticity allows us to be ourselves and creates space for others to do the same. This isn’t just possible; it becomes second nature for those committed to personal growth. Relationships are essential for both personal and collective evolution. When we consciously engage, these connections provide a mirror to our souls, reflecting our deepest selves. Relationships are fundamental to our earthly journey. From the cradle to the grave, the bonds we form enrich our lives, making the journey bearable, but worthwhile. With all the conflict and confusion unfolding in our world today, a deeper embodiment of this truth by the collective majority could heal the world. Appreciate your relationships—every one of them matters.

So why not approach this journey with awareness and intention? After all, life’s too short for shallow interactions and missed connections. When we embrace the rich tapestry of relationships, maybe, just maybe, we’ll find that life is a little more colorful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more fun.

How beautiful is that?

Dennis Merritt Jones
Dennis Merritt Joneshttps://dennismerrittjones.com/
Throughout his lifetime, author, speaker, and mentor, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones has been on a quest to inspire and lift people to a higher expression of life. His vision is to guide people to their purpose, knowing that when one fully awakens to who they are and why they are on the planet, they share their gift to humankind and create an enriching life for themselves and the world around them. Dennis is the award-winning author of six books—three of which are recipients of a Nautilus Gold or Silver award—and hundreds of articles and blogs. He has written and released the following books: The Art of Abundance - Ten Rules for a Prosperous LifeThe Art of Being - 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your LifeThe Art of Uncertainty - How to Live in the Mystery of Life and Love ItYour ReDefining Moments - Becoming Who You Were Born to BeEncouraging Words - Proof That Who You Are Matters; How to Speak Science of Mind, and; When Fear Speaks…Listen - The 7 Messengers of Fear. Dennis believes we each have the capacity and, ultimately, the responsibility to contribute something positive to this world, leaving it a better place than it was when we arrived. Reflected in his writings and presentations, his teachings promote a contemporary life-affirming, spiritually logical, and positive outlook on life. As a keynote speaker, Dennis is equally comfortable addressing an audience seeking spiritual inspiration or those seeking a purely secular motivational message. He uses his understanding of universal principles to draw upon wisdom from both Eastern and Western philosophies. As a mentor, Dennis works with individuals and non-profits to assist them in clarifying their vision and mission. He believes that there is a deeper consciousness of unity, cooperation, and reverence rising in humankind where the value of all life, regardless of ethnicity, geography, culture, or sexual orientation, is sacred. He believes this consciousness of unity, cooperation, and reverence for life and the planet will be one of the most significant influences upon society as we approach the challenges of 21st-century living.

DO YOU HAVE THE "WRITE" STUFF? If you’re ready to share your wisdom of experience, we’re ready to share it with our massive global audience – by giving you the opportunity to become a published Contributor on our award-winning Site with (your own byline). And who knows? – it may be your first step in discovering your “hidden Hemmingway”. LEARN MORE HERE


RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 "MOST COMPREHENSIVE LIFE & CULTURE MULTIMEDIA DIGEST" AWARD

WE ARE NOW FEATURED ON

EXPLORE 360° NATION

ENJOY OUR FREE EVENTS

OUR COMMUNITIES