Monday, February 27, 2012

So, Now What?

On Thursday, February 23rd, I boarded a plane bound for Nashville to attend a social media conference that I knew very little about. Unsure of what to expect, I left behind judgment, expectations and my toddler (for the very first time) and hoped for the best. 

Now? I can say without a doubt that attending Blissdom was one of the greatest decisions I could have made for myself and for I Love You More Than Carrots. There's just something so incredible about sitting in a massive ballroom of a beautiful hotel surrounded by like-minded men (yes, men!) and women who shared a similar passion to tell their story. 

More importantly, to tell it in a way that was not only unique to them but inspiring to others. 

You see, I've realized that those who don't blog don't necessarily "get it." They don't understand that compelling feeling to chronicle one's life, one's experiences, the evolution of one's family and share it with an internet full of strangers. But these people? They get it. 

Together they helped cultivate a renewed passion for writing and telling my story. As the community leaders and speakers that I had the pleasure of meeting shared not only their success but also their failures, their knowledge as well as their struggles, I felt stirred to do the same. 

To say that I returned from Nashville feeling renewed would be an understatement. It would also be an understatement to say that I returned from Nashville feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. 

It is my hope to share some of what moved me at Blissdom over the course of the next few days. Heck, if I'm being honest, it will probably take weeks to organize the swirling thoughts in my head, but once again, I feel compelled to do so and hope that it will move you, too. 

My only hope is that I may do so in a way that does justice to what I've learned not only about myself but also the amazing blogging community that I'm so happy to be a part of. 


Oh and The Toddler? Survived a whole four days without me. And I without him. Mind-blowing, isn't it? 

It feels good to be home.



21 comments :

  1. I can't wait to hear your thoughts - I need some inspiration and well... Time to get my thoughts out these days! I love that you had a great time, and that le toddler survived :-) I knew he would, but it is hard to take that first trip! Enjoy him Momma and do something extra fun and special today.

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  2. I am so glad to hear you had a wonderful time. And I am dying to hear details about Blissdom, the speakers and everything in between!

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  3. Can't wait to hear all about it. Husband agreed to let me go to at least on blog conference next year. Although he was like "people go to non-work related conferences", why yes hunny they do.

    Glad the monkey survived.

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  4. So glad you had a good time! It is true that people who don't blog just don't get it, yet it has become such an important part of my life. Looking back and seeing my own past and my family's past through my words is almost priceless. There are times when I want to quit, or get sick of some aspects of blogging, but I remember the TRUE reason I do it. Sounds like Blissdom was great, can't wait to hear your thoughts!

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  5. We missed you! So glad you're home, and I loved reading your tweets and seeing your pictures...I know you've got so much in store for us, and I cannot wait to see what's to come for ILYMTC! Happy Monday, sweet girl. Hug that precious little boy today :) I know C missed you, too!

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  6. I can't wait to hear more about what you learned! Hopefully I can take some of it and learn a few things too! So wonderful to see you and hug your neck! You're even more wonderful in person!

    AND-----so proud of you for leaving Carter and giving up that control for 4 days. I know that was hard! AND....you both survived! HOORAY!!!

    LOVE YOU!

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  7. Can't wait to hear all about it! Loved reading your tweets!

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  8. I'm really looking forward to hearing about Blissdom. I wanted to go this year but financially, it just didn't work out. So, so good to hear it was a worthwhile and encouraging experience! Looking forward to your future posts about it. :)

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  9. So glad you had a wonderful time love!! I think I need to get my butt in gear and find a way to Blissdom next year!! It sounds like a perfect mom-cation as well! Xo

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  10. Welcome back! I'm sure you'll have some great posts about everything and what you learned...especially getting away for a few days...and coming back to that cute little boy...as hard as it may have been, the greeting you got when you returned was probably all worth it!

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  11. I cannot wait to hear all about it! I am glad you had fun! Xoxo

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  12. Welcome back! Glad that you had such a great experience and can't wait to hear about it!

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  13. I can't wait to hear more. glad you had a good time! :)

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  14. I'm so glad Carter survived! I'm sure he was so excited to see you yesterday.

    It was SO great to meet you! Seriously, you're great and exactly what I thought you would be like!

    also? BRAVO on the short paragraphs;)

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  15. I enjoyed keeping up on Twitter and I can't wait to hear more stories. So glad you had a fun trip and that you and the little man survived!

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  16. I loved reading your live tweets so I'm excited to hear your whole take on it.

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  17. I have no idea where to begin with my Blissdom thoughts. I posted some pics, but as for my serious thoughts, well - I just cannot wrap my head around it! I am so inspired by the weekend!

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  18. I cannot wait to read more about how your weekend went! I loved seeing all your Twitter posts while you were enjoying your time at Blissdom! Looked like you had a fabulous time!!

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  19. I seriously need to be surrounded by other girls who "get it"!!

    Blissdom is on my agenda for next year :)

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  20. I can not wait to hear about Blissdom! I hate organized events so I need to hear why I might want to go next year AND I am broken hearted over not getting to meet you! Seriously! xoxo

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  21. Glad to hear you had a great time! Looking forward to hearing about it!

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