What I Learned at BlogHer11

One word to describe my time at BlogHer: incredible.

I had three objectives:
1. Learn new techniques to improve my writing technique
2. Learn about the business of blogging
3. Meet bloggers (both ones that I have been reading and new ones)

I am proud to say that I accomplished all of that and then some.

My favorite session was The Write Brain Essential Blog Content Development Workshop. The speakers were so inspirational that I was moved to tears. They got me thinking about a lot: why I blog, what are my goals, what does success look like. We also got to work with others and share ideas. I learned great techniques to incorporate into my writing practice. It was everything I loved about blogging: reading, writing, and connecting.

I learned a lot about the business of blogging when I attended Mind Your Own Business: Bad Blog Pitches (The Other Side of PR – Blogger Relationships). My background in education has done nothing to prepare me for the business side of blogging. I don’t have a deep understanding of marketing and public relations principles. The speakers in this session were great because they not only educated me on the public relations side, but they also inspired me to think about my blog in terms of what I have to offer different brands.

The sessions were fantastic, but I have to tell you that connecting with bloggers in person was. Just. Awesome. Annie from Real Mommy Chronicles was my roommate. I had only met Annie once in person, so it was very nice to get to spend some time with her and learn we had a lot of the same interests and goals. I’m glad I got to know Shannon better because even though we live in the same area, it’s hard to find time to get together.

I was thrilled to meet women that I’ve long admired like Stefanie Wilder Taylor, Wendi Aarons, and Elizabeth from Flourish in Progress. Not only is their writing hilarious, insightful, and inspiring, but they are totally cool in real life, as well. (This, surprisingly, is not always the case).

I was also excited to meet bloggers I just learned about like Nancy from Wife of a Dairyman, Katie from An Authentic Life, Tracy from It Builds Character, and Sara from Periwinkle Papillion. I cannot wait to start reading their blogs!

I had a fun time reconnecting with Lindsay from Silly Mom Thoughts. I met her briefly last year, and surprisingly, she remembered me . . . although she didn’t recognize me. I thought it was because I had lost a few pounds or had gone blonder, but she said it was that I appeared more confident. Which seriously, was the best compliment ever. I didn’t realize how much I had changed, but hearing that validated the inner work I have been wanting to accomplish.

I also had a chance to meet Erin and Eden from The Skinny Scoop. I love working with Skinny Scoop because they are not only a fun site, but they are very honest and keep their word on promoting and technical support. Having the chance to meet the co-owners was really special. I was bummed that I didn’t get a chance to meet Claudia, the one who has been so helpful with everything Skinny Scoop, but that just means we’ll have to arrange another time to meet. :)

I was glad that I accomplished everything that I wanted to, however, I don’t feel like I have arrived to any solid conclusions about myself and my blog. In fact, the more learn, the less I know. And I am more than OK with that because as I ponder my goals, I will have a better idea of who I am. And as I learn more about myself, I believe that my path will become clearer. All of this can be overwhelming, but I feel inspired at the same time.

Thank you so much, BlogHer, for this amazing opportunity for personal growth and meeting some wonderful people. It was amazing.

So let me ask you, what are your personal goals? What do you want to achieve out of life?

My Pre-BlogHer11 Post: Otherwise Titled My Mini Nervous Breakdown

Before I make my pilgrimage from Detroit to San Diego for the incredible event which is BlogHer, I seem to be experiencing great mounds of chaotic thoughts dipped in excitement and sprinkled (heavily) in guilt and anxiety. Sounds delicious, right?

So here is my running scroll of thoughts. Unfiltered, of course:

- I need to make my final To Do List

- Hey, don’t forget to put “get birthday gift for Marie’s friend’s party.”

- Oh, yes and with that gift, be sure to remind Harrington that Marie *MUST* wear her water shoes in the locker room when they go swimming at this party.

- Should I clean the house? Hellz to the no. . . I cleaned last week.

- Hmm, is it possible that Thomas will have that much needed attitude adjustment by the time I get back?

- Don’t forget to paint your toes, for Christ’s sake!

- Pack my suitcase (carry on that is. I talk about the contents of that suitcase here, here, and here).

- Do not forget to pack those two last minute toiletries or your hair will be a mess.

- You know what sounds like a good coping mechanism? Having a shot of vodka with my morning orange juice.

- Wonder if California falls off into the ocean this weekend.

- The dirt pudding I made with Marie was secretly more for me than for her. I needed the quality time because when I get back, three weeks later she’ll start kindergarten. (Did you hear that thud? That was my heart dropping to the bottom of my stomach).

- Oh, be sure to pack plenty of Tums.

- Also, be sure not to make an asshole out of yourself.

- If you do, in fact, get to meet Stefanie Wilder-Taylor (you know, from Baby on Bored, Sippy Cups Aren’t for Chardonnay, and her newest book, I'm Kind of a Big Deal: And Other Delusions of Adequacy ), don’t do what you did when you met Amy Wilson from When Did I Get This Like This?  Not. Cool.

- Deep breathing is not working, maybe because my kids are climbing the walls in this torturous heat. Either that or the guilt and stress of leaving The Babes is eating away my intestines.

- This leads me to believe that I need to get out more often. No way should leaving home be this hard. At least it isn’t for Harrington. He just throws all this stuff in a suitcase about 2.5 minutes before he breezes out the door. I am sure there is a lesson in that.

I can’t wait to tell you all about my time at BlogHer11. Be sure to check out my Facebook page or on Twitter for updates and photos!

Have a great week!