finding my bliss

I swore to myself I wouldn’t write  about Blissdom.

I realize that few of you are bloggers and probably care little about the ins and outs of the bloggy world.  You come here to read about how to use coupons and ways to live stylishly on a budget.

(At least I think that’s why you come.  I could be wrong.  You tell me!)

But I digress.

I didn’t want to bore you all with tales of a conference that my non-blogging real-life friends (who I’m pretty sure don’t read this blog) called a “convention,” clearly picturing it as one of those freak-filled Star Trek or Twilight things where the nutters, I mean fans, come dressed as their favorite characters and give each other secret handshakes.

Let me just say, for the record, that mommy bloggers are not freaks.

(Okay, I realize that my opinion may be slightly biased, but still.)

I spent three days surrounded by some of the most passionate, smart, talented, funny, sweet, die-hard, kind, generous, witty, and creative women I have ever met.

I was so nervous.

I am not a natural extrovert.  Putting myself out there with total strangers fills me with almost as much anxiety as public speaking or being locked in a room full of snakes. I was terrified by the thought of showing up, knowing no one, being surrounded by 600 mean girls whose blogs were far superior to mine, and having not a single person talk to me for three days.

I needn’t have worried.

I left inspired, not so much by what I had heard, though much of that was incredible, but by who I met.  Everyone (perhaps with the exception of one) was friendly and welcoming and more than willing to share their wisdom, advice, and friendship.

Of the hundreds of women I came into contact with and dozens of women I had conversations with, every single one was amazing.  There are even a few (you girls know who you are) whom I know are destined to be life-long friends.

I had a ton of fun, often found myself alternately giddy and overwhelmed, and learned more than I would’ve ever thought possible in such a short time frame.

But mostly, I came away with this:

1.  Don’t be afraid to try.

Too many times we let our fear or our shame of not being perfect hold us back.  Brene Brown’s opening keynote address inspired me to try things I have until now been hesitant to pursue.  (You’ll just have to stay tuned to find out what those things are.)

2.  Put yourself out there

Just do it.  The rewards are so worth that knot in the stomach.  Keep your head held high and it will all work out in the end.

3. Twitter rocks

I just started and I’m already kinda addicted.

And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

(I decided to stay home in my pajamas and write this post instead of doing my normal Sunday night shopping.  Rest assured, tomorrow’s post will feature Monday morning shopping instead!)