I am here in San Jose, California, USA for the National Achievers Congress (NAC)—the world’s biggest gathering of top business mentors and people inspired to achieve and make significant contributions to their community. And who else are fit to speak than world movers themselves – Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki?

With approximately 5000 attendees, the enormous San Jose Convention Center is jam packed. To help facilitate the three-day event, I volunteered for Day 1 and 2, and will be attending at the last day. Once in a while, I love to serve instead of just sitting among the crowd. It’s both a learning experience and a form of paying things forward.

With the theme “Decide Today to Triumph” the NAC aims to equip participants with practical strategies on how they can focus their mind to achieving realistic goals such as setting up their businesses, raising capital, making investments work, succeeding in their work and life, and formulas on how to be financially free. The top three speakers were drawn from a survey on which business mentors participants would like to learn from.

Donald Trump

A Forbes-listed multi-billionaire, successful entrepreneur, and a popular TV personality, Donald Trump is known for his mega real estate businesses, hotel and leisure resorts, running the Miss Universe pageant, and for hosting the successful show “The Apprentice.” This American business magnate also authored almost 15 books with topics focused on business management and his personal success strategies. This is my first time seeing him, and I do hope that I can get a picture or short interview despite his tough security.

Anthony “Tony” Robbins

I had an opportunity of meeting Tony in Vancouver, Canada. This charismatic man who stands at 6 feet and 7 inches exudes so much power on the stage audiences are glued! A best-selling author, in-demand motivational speaker, and a frequent guest at popular TV shows and mega-events, Tony is now hosting his own show Breakthrough with Tony Robbins in the Oprah Winfrey Network.

His best-selling books include Unlimited Power, Awaken the Giant Within and Unleash the Power Within among others.

Robert Kiyosaki and wife Kim Kiyosaki

One of my goals this year is to increase my financial literacy so I can continue to do what I love to do and not worry so much about money. The first thing I did was to resume Rich Dad Poor Dad coaching program. Having sold my business couple of years ago, I have more time now and so does my husband Ted who has recently retired from his job. Fortunately, Ted expressed his intention to participate in the program and came 100% on board. In the first audio tape, Robert shared that it was in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada where he and his wife Kim Kiyosaki wrote their long term goal for Rich Dad Poor Dad, a time when they were also going through financial difficulties.

Today, Robert and Kim teaches the world about Rich Dad – a new way of thinking money and achieving personal financial freedom. The husband-and-wife tandem also created and patented CASHFLOW, a popular board game that teaches financial concepts on investing, saving money, and making money work for you.

Apart from Donald, Tony and Robert, my mentor T.Harv Eker who is the author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind will also be speaking at the event along 10 other top gurus and mentors.

I will post more updates about this event and share my learnings as well. Until then, I hope all of us will be inspired to achieve the small and big dreams we set for ourselves today!

Do tweet about the event too using #nacsj2012 and find my tweets via twitter.com/jhet_vanruyven

I was having fun riding the gondolas on top of Canada’s Whistler mountain when I had a minor accident. While getting off the chairlift, I slipped and hit my tailbone. Because I already paid for the whole-day rides and wanted to practice snowboarding, I shrugged off the pain. A few minutes later, I told myself that I need to give my body a break. It was when I returned to the hotel that I learned of the shocking news of Whitney Houston’s death.

Sadness filled my spirit. Flashes of memories and familiar songs flooded my mind. My heart felt the loss of a best friend I never knew. It was because Whitney was the voice I hear all throughout my journey from teenager to adult. In fact, her song “The Greatest Love of All” is my all time favorite—a song I even used while speaking in conferences in Asia and North America.

Whitney’s vocal power, awards earned, and record sales remain unsurpassed to this date. She influenced a lot of great artists and many celebrities claimed that no one comes close to her vocal range and talent. This is why when she died beyond her years as a result of substance abuse, the world felt the tragic loss of an amazing, unique talent.

While sorrow sweeps the heart of many, it is the great musical legacy of Whitney that more people across the globe will remember.

My mentor, renowned author and speaker Dr.Wayne Dyer uses her song, “The Greatest Love of All” on his seminars. A month ago, he asked us to listen to this song while during his “Mastering the Art of Manifestation” seminar on a cruise in South Pacific. He told us to really listen and pay attention to every word. Aware of Whitney’s substance abuse addiction, he even commented, “let’s send love to Whitney. She could use it herself these days.”

Listening again to the song, tears well up. The lyrics just apply to almost any challenges we have in life.

For our children and people we can influence.

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be

On being our own person.

Everybody’s searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

On failure and success.

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity

On value and love for self.

Because the greatest love of all is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all inside of me
The greatest love of all is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

My message to Whitney

Whitney I know you found love at the last moment of your life here on earth. You are a gentle spirit and you only wanted the best. Thank you for the gift of your voice.

Yes, you will always be loved Whitney. You left a wonderful legacy, and you reminded many to love, have respect of, and value themselves.

And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.
And I… will always love you.

Whitney “You are home, you are safe, and you are loved, now and always.”

I love to hear thoughts you have on Whitney, her life or her songs. Share yours and help continue to touch lives of many.