Ladies, Give Yourself a Big Hug And Do It Often
Danny Bader is a near-death survivor, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host. Danny brings a unique perspective and powerful message to his audiences, drawing from his own experiences to support, inspire, and influence them on their life’s journey to greater levels of fulfillment and resilience.
As I sit on a plane returning from Aruba, I find myself reflecting on the incredible women I had the privilege of speaking to at The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, and The Courtyard. These remarkable ladies gathered for a powerful International Women’s Day event, themed “Accelerate action,” a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the unstoppable spirit of women.
The ballroom had stunning floral tablecloths, rose-filled centerpieces, and an atmosphere filled with warmth and connection. But what stood out most were the radiant smiles of the women in the audience, each one eager to learn, grow, and support one another.
During my keynote, I shared key principles from my recently published book, A Radical Reverence for Your Life. Through science, stories, and statistics, I emphasized the power of self-awareness, how we live, how we love, and, most importantly, the urgent need to never take this beautiful gift of life for granted.
At one point, I introduced a principle that always sparks a powerful response: Love Your People Fiercely and Let Them Love You. As I wrapped up this thought, I posed a simple yet profound question to the room:
"Do you know who you need to love the most?"
Silence. A few thoughtful expressions. Then, slowly, a few women pointed to themselves.
Yes, ladies, you need to love yourself fiercely. You need to prioritize your well-being, nurture your own spirit, and cultivate the powerful energies of inspiration, resilience, recovery, gratitude, and joy. Only when you pour yourself into it can you continue being the extraordinary wife, partner, mother, sister, daughter, leader, friend, and superhero that you are.
After the talk, several women approached me, sharing how this message struck a deep chord with them. And this morning, as I was leaving The Ritz-Carlton, I ran into an incredible female leader I’ve known for a few years. We hugged and exchanged goodbyes, and she thanked me for my words. When I asked what resonated with her the most, she paused, her eyes welling up. With a small, knowing smile, she said, “Loving myself and putting me first.”
I hugged her again and told her I was holding her to it.
And now, I challenge you, too.
To all the amazing women reading this: Love yourself first. Not someday. Not when you have time. Not after you take care of everyone else. Now.
Danny Bader, Keynote Speaker, Author
Danny Bader's transformation from a harrowing near-death experience to a source of inspiration is indeed remarkable. His journey highlights the incredible resilience of the human Spirit and serves as a testament to the power of turning adversity into growth and opportunity. As a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host, Danny uses his experiences to craft a message that touches and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. His unique perspective allows him to connect with people on a profound level, offering them not just motivation, but tangible strategies for navigating life's challenges to create greater levels of fulfillment and resilience always.
