Pre-kids Kayla took on-a-whim trips all the time. Two littles later, my spontaneity has waned. But when I got an email about a ticket to the Go Blog Social writing/blogging conference in Kansas City — with just a week’s notice — I knew it was something I wanted to make happen.
Because I have an awesome husband willing to take the reigns at home and lovely bloggin’ mama friend (here’s lookin’ at you, Erin!) down to make the trek with me, I was able to sneak in a lovely little getaway. (Annnnd, I chopped off six inches from my hair a day before I left. Successful lob? You be the judge.)
I found myself immersed in the gorgeous Berg Event Space in KC’s Power & Light District, scribbling notes (and, let’s be honest — lots of tweeting) inspired by some on-point girl bosses.
An unofficial theme emerged at Go Blog Social 2015: Authenticity. Here’s what I learned:
- “Only 3% of people write down their goals — that 3% accomplish more than than the 97% combined.” @sugarbeecrafts
- “Only good can come from supporting other people.” @withgracegold
- “Sometimes our own fears set us back from what we’re designed to do — tell our stories.” @alissamcircle
- “Let people know you’re not perfect.” @eflirtexpert
As women, we wrestle with authenticity. It’s tough to be vulnerable — it’s uncomfortable to put ourselves out there. But when we do? Big things happen, friends.
I came to the conference weary about my online presence. I wondered if I was just adding to the noise. (Switchfoot has an old song with lyrics, “If I’m adding to the noise, turn off this song.”) and that’s kind of how I was feeling. I doubted that my words mattered.
And then Alissa Circle, co-founder of Pollinate Media, kicked off the conference with so much truth.
- “You have a story to tell. Tell it. Don’t try to mimic someone else.”
- “Don’t play the comparison game — write what you’re passionate about.”
- “Be authentic. Write about what you love — that’s the greatest thing about blogging.”
Alissa gave tangible, real-life tips for work-at-home mamas. Her advice for scheduling your day and making yourself — and your family — a priority was so life-giving to me as I navigate that mythical work-life balance as a freelance editor/part-time journalist/blogger/mama to littles/pastor’s wife/small-town dweller/ALLTHETHINGS.
Meggan Wood, creator of the absolutely lovely Lily Jade designer diaper bags, left me encouraged that you can create beautiful things without sacrificing the heart and soul behind your work.
Go Blog Social was a little fist-bump and small rest from a pretty wild and crazy life. The one-on-one girl time I got with my friend Erin refreshed my soul. Being in a room full of creative women living life on purpose? Energizing and encouraging in all the right ways. (Though, I missed my tribe and was so thrilled to come home!)
Oh! We also received some prettttty awesome swag bags filled with amazing products like this swoon-worthy Kevin Murphy Resort Spray and my new fave face lotion — Lumene Blur Now Pore Minimizer. Maybe I should become a beauty blogger. 😉
If you’re a Midwest dweller diving into online media, be sure to follow Go Blog Social.
(Thank you to the gorgeous Katelyn, for the ticket and opportunity to attend.)
*Affiliate links used when applicable.
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Such a great recap–I love your highlights from Alissa’s presentation. This was such a fun, inspiring event, I’m so glad I went too. It was great meeting you there (and now following along here) as well!!
Thank you, Shea! You are the sweetest. It was so nice to meet you, too! Let’s stay in touch! xo