more of this, please.

Share this post

The Honor of a Lifetime

simranjeetsingh.substack.com

The Honor of a Lifetime

A magical experience offering the opening address at SXSW

Simran Jeet Singh
Mar 15, 2023
5
Share
Share this post

The Honor of a Lifetime

simranjeetsingh.substack.com

Growing up, I never would have imagined that I would one day give the opening address at SXSW. In part, because I never heard of SXSW as a kid (ha!). But also because, back then, it was so hard for people like me to imagine belonging in spaces like this one.

To be invited on SXSW's biggest stage. To share my stories and learnings with thousands. And to receive so much love in return. It's all a dream come true. I'm so grateful for all of it. It's been such a magical week.

May be an image of 1 person, beard, standing and text that says 'SMART ENERGY 6aoH SXSWL Itaú S < NK gettyimages Diego Donamaria SX S'

I shared stories of growing up in South Texas, the same area where we were all gathered. I shared the challenges and the difficulties, and as my parents taught me, I also focused on the positive and good. I shared that chardi kala (eternal optimism) is not about sugarcoating our hardships or ignoring our problems. It's about learning to see all the good that's around us too. It's an outlook that we can develop through a daily practice of noticing and gratitude.

Countless people have helped bring me to this moment, countless people continue to teach and shape me. I'm so grateful for all of the love and care and kindness you've brought into my life.

May be an image of 1 person, beard, standing and text that says 'S SXSWK 2023'


I have to give thanks to my incredible conversation partner, Laurie Santos, a professor at Yale University and host of an incredible podcast called The Happiness Lab. It’s been so great getting to know her, and I’m excited to share that I’ll have an interview coming out with her in the next couple of weeks.

May be an image of 2 people, beard, people sitting and people standing

I also had the gift of meeting some personal heroes of mine, people who are doing all in their power to bring light into this world. This includes Michele Norris, Chef Jose Andres, and Daniel Lubetzky. What a special weekend and what an honor. I’m so grateful for it all.

Image
5
Share
Share this post

The Honor of a Lifetime

simranjeetsingh.substack.com
Comments
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Simran Jeet Singh
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing