Free thinking
I have so much to say.
And yet, I still need time to process it all before I can share it.
Should I talk about the amazing time we just had at Disney World? How my kids couldn’t stop grinning and squealing that pure-kid squeal that could only emanate from someone so small and filled with joy?
Should I share the wisdom I learned from Guy Kawasaki or Chris Brogan? Maxine Clark or Kathy Ireland?
What about the family time? The lessons I gleaned from my kids and stellar husband?
Ohhh…and the videos….sigh. There is much editing to be done.
Not to mention, I still have thoughts to share on Blissdom.
What about the fact that I am heading to the OLYMPIC GAMES IN VANCOUVER in less than 84 hours to act as a correspondent for Procter and Gamble? I am over the moon….AND, I have this amazing interview to share with you - I talked to 2002 Women’s Bobsled Gold Medalist Vonetta Flowers and we chatted about what it is like to be an Olympian. I cannot wait. I am overjoyed.
Does it make sense that my head is spinning? Or that I am exhausted and just really want to snuggle with my husband (who has likely fallen asleep while I’ve written this short note)
And….. I still have to SHOP AND PACK for Vancouver - because, really - who has Olympic Games worthy gear just hanging around at their house? Clearly not me.
I have missed just sharing from my heart - and that will start again tomorrow.
Good night, friends…..
Blissdom Lessons Learned
More Lessons Learned from my friend Meredith…..
On Blissdom….In the beginning…
In the beginning, there was Little Me.
Little Me had a small website and a tiny blog. And no clue what to do with it.
Enter Twitter. Grand Entrance Blissdom.
Witness the community circle, pet her hair, compliment (despite an utter lack of worthiness) and offer to help.
Help? What’s that?
Advice, Friendship, community, passion and understanding.
And that was last year.
This year? Trumped all that.
Why?
Not because it was bigger - though it was.
Not because it was fancier - though it was.
Not because I knew people - though I did.
Not because I understand more - though I do.
But because this is now my world. I belong here - and it is these women, the women I first met last year, the ones I talk to on Twitter and skype and text…..the ones I JUST met this weekend….it is THEM. The ones who still wrap me in the snuggie version of community and hug me until I realize I am not the only hugger in the world. They share until I can say SEO and know what it means…until I understand WHY I need to make changes to my blog…until I welcome every smile, every everything.
Over the course of the next week, I will share more about this experience. It deserves more than one post….it deserves video, writing and screens with links to people you should visit.
Because that is BLISS to me.
Harry Connick Jr. Performs When the Saints Go Marching In and Who Dat?
Thank you, Harry Connick Jr. for delighting us with “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Who Dat?” at BlissDom 2010.
A few favorite things about Blissdom
The anticipation.
The drive here with my friend, Molly.
The volume in the room as people see each other.
Meeting someone in person who I have only known virtually.
Reconnecting with the people who made this a special event for me last year.
The belly laughs.
Tweeting from across the room - it is like passing notes in class.
Learning that writing is a craft, not simply a gift.
The dancing.
Harry Connick Jr….I mean, seriously.
Having roomies - it is like a college flashback.
Video. Video. Video.
Connecting. Smiling.
Speaking on my first Blissdom panel with some amazing women: Audrey, Jo-Lynne, Jendi and Esther
And of course…..
The hugging. I’m a hugger. I love the hugging.
Did I mention the hugging?
The Katalyst
I am a “public speaking’ junkie - meaning I LOVE to listen, observe, and learn from people who have turned this particular ‘job’ into an art form.
You know….the kind of person who wraps their words around the room to keep any other thoughts from entering your brain? You are focused. You are inspired. You are engrossed. You laugh and if you are as sensitive as I am, you might feel you eyes well as they share.
I heard one of those people today at Blissdom.
His name is Kevin Carroll. On his site, he is described as an “author, public speaker and an agent for social change or a ’Katalyst’.” His story is riveting.
His message: to apply the lessons you learned on the playground to your daily life (like maximizing your day speaking up and expect the unexpected) and to embrace ‘play’ and passion. I love that.
I mean, I really love that. I thrive on hearing stories like his and love to walk away inspired.
And that is what I am doing.
He is, as billed, a Katalyst.
Make a Difference Monday
In just a matter of days I will pack up my car and head to Nashville - setting my sights on the Blissdom Conference.
This will be my second year…
Last year I knew no one and was absolutely petrified. And if the Twitter chatter is any indication, there are a lot of people in that exact same frame of mind heading into this year’s conference.
How does this fit in to Make a Difference Monday? Well, there is something you and I can do to make a difference for some of those people, mainly women, brave enough to venture away from their computers and engage face to face.
Start here: Smile. Ohhhhhh….the relief that climbed from my toes when someone smiled at me. That simple gesture says a million things: “nice to see you”, “I like your dress”, “we’re glad you’re here”, “come on over and chat”.
And you know what? All of those things make a difference. Especially when you are new, especially when you don’t know anyone, especially when you are looking for someone to confirm that you made the right decision to come.
This I know for sure - some of those people who first smiled at me are among those I adore today.
(I’m looking at you Rachel, Mishelle, Megan, Alli, Amber, Robin, Jyl, Carissa, Josh and Rebecca, Anissa, Kim
Smile. You have the power to impact an entire event for someone…..and they just might turn out to be your new ’somebody’.
Wouldn’t it be nice if they remembered your ear-to-ear?
What are you doing to Make a Difference this week? Do share. I’m always most inspired when I hear what others are doing for good.
