While there, I learned SO much more than I ever expected to learn. I left each session I attended with so much more and even confidence for my lil' blog.
I'd like to share some of the slivers of wisdom I was able to retain while at the conference.
"Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle."
This was said by the ever so smart and hilariously entertaining, Jon Acuff during the opening keynote. I think this quote really stuck with a lot of people. After he said it, twitter blew up quoting him. It really hit home for me, and so many others. We, as bloggers, constantly look at other "bigger" blogs and wonder why we can't be in the same place they are. We never think that they were once at the same spot we're in now. We've all been in the same position. We need to quit comparing ourselves to others, and know that we're all different, NOT the same.
"By realizing your life is a sum of choices, you are empowered!"
The first session I attended at Blissdom was Living & Embracing the Best Life for Yourself ran by the incredibly talented Jeannette Kaplun. She made me realize that we control the way we feel in our lives. We have the power to make the choices to be happy and embrace life. She asks us to embraces the choices we've made, forgive ourselves for bad choices we've made or things we had no control over. Also, we need to live in the moment, and not worry. Worrying is useless and a total waste of energy.
"You're a writer when YOU say you are, screw everybody else."
My favorite session, How to Fall Back in Love with Writing & Create your Best Work Yet, was conducted by the very inspiring Jeff Goins. He taught us that in order to do our best work as a writer, we have to first believe in ourselves. To become a writer, the first step is to say it outloud - I'm a writer! All of us are writers. We writer about the stories of our lives. The best thing we can do for our blogs is to stop writing for the approval of others, and start writing for ourselves. Simple as that.
Again, I never imagined I'd leave Blissdom with so much knowledge. I felt inspired, overwhelmed and emotional all weekend long. I can definitely say that this has been a life-changing experience for myself AND my blog. I can't wait until next year!
Be on the lookout for the fun post of crazy times (oh, and we had plenty!) at Blissdom.
Also, I'm guest posting over at Neely's blog today, sharing my 5 DOs and a DON'T. Go check it out!
