Becoming Ms Nationwide

One day you’re a regular woman, burned out AF, looking for a little fun. The next, you go to a concert and discover a whole new aspect of yourself.

For me, it was March 2, 2024, a date that is now eternally etched into my brain. That was the day Mr. Worldwide imprinted on my soul.

A couple of weeks prior, I’d bought last-minute tickets to see The Trilogy Tour, featuring Ricky Martin, Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias. The draw for me was Mr. Martin, one of the most dynamic performers I’ve ever seen. Such talent, joy and stage presence. The other two were a bonus, like sprinkles on your cupcake.

Prior to this night, I had an awareness of Pitbull. Rapper, sunglasses, Miami. That was the extent of my knowledge. How I had made it this far – twenty years after he entered the game with his first album M.I.A.M.I., and over a decade after his meteoric rise to fame – is anybody’s guess.

For one glorious hour that evening, I was immersed in his world…his band surprised me straight out of the gate by opening his set with Enter Sandman by Metallica. (What, wait? I thought this guy was a rapper…) Then he came on stage and the electricity in that room jumped up to one million joules. It was feel-it-in-your-bones tangible. Every song was a banger, the hooks easy to grab and sing along with. His sexy dancers made me gasp more than a few times as well.

At first glance – or the first time you see his hips in action – it’s easy to see the appeal of Mr. Worldwide. If you’re a female with a pulse, your first reaction is probably some version of oh my god. Let’s face it, the man is incredibly sexy and incredibly charismatic. There is an undeniable, visceral response to this man’s stage presence.

But what stayed with me after that concert wasn’t just physical, it was energetic. I was literally high for two straight weeks after, as if caffeine had been routed directly into my bloodstream. Life suddenly felt more alive, more vibrant than it had in a long time.

For several years leading up to that night, I had been advancing in my career – and with it, the pressure and responsibility. I was exhausted, burned out, physically drained, mentally and emotionally empty.

I had spent years accepting that work was life. Suddenly, I wanted more. More joy. More fun. More of that magnetic energy. Going back to “normal” was not an option. I flew to Tampa the following weekend to see him again.

I’ve seen him twenty-two times (and counting) since then. Some of my friends think I’m crazy, others tell me my passion and enthusiasm are inspiring. Regardless, their reactions are not mine to carry.

What does wholly belong to me is that journey that followed, the self-discovery it unlocked, and the woman I am becoming because of that night.

Consider this an invitation to join me. Whether you recognize bits of yourself through my observations, get a little giggle or smile, or are simply curious…welcome to Ms. Nationwide.