Blissdom Recap: Making Progress

February 28, 2012

Hi friends. I made it back from Blissdom, a blogging conference in Nashville, on Sunday. My partner-in-crime Holli went with me, and I had a good time. More than just going to the conference and learning things, I realized how I’ve grown slightly in confidence but have a lot farther to go. I’m working on recognizing progress more than just on the scale, but also in how I am living my life.

Holli drove, and I took the 3 hour trip to Nashville to write some.

There was a newcomers group gathering Thursday afternoon, and I quickly felt my old social anxiety issues creep up. A room full of people I didn’t know, and feeling uncomfortable, fat, and with my confidence level in the toilet. This was different from Fitbloggin’ since there were a lot of mom bloggers and bloggers in different niches. Thankfully, I had a chance to go back to the room and recoup before I got too panicky. Holli and I then made a field trip outside of the hotel, and then had a hastily-thrown-together dinner with Emily and Dani, both residents of Nashville.

Holli and I at the opening reception

I was so thankful Holli was there to keep me from being a wallflower the entire night. We met some lovely people and I started to feel more comfortable in my skin.

A moustache is always good for a laugh.

The Lorax!

The sessions had a lot of “table time” where you discussed different ideas from the speaker with your table. Leah (Bookieboo) of Mamavation was the community leader for a few of the tables, so it was good to have a familiar face around. The group was pretty broad: beauty/fashion/health and fitness. I ended up getting to talk a little about my plus size fashion blog, so that was fun.

Joe Jonas performed for us. I was taken back to my New Kids on the Block pre-teen days for about 30 seconds.

Rascal Flatts then played - fun!

then we got to pose with them! (notice I'm still rocking my boot)

At the beginning of the conference, this was the negative self-talk that consumed me:

No one knows or cares who you are. You’re not a mom, not a photographer, not someone who knows all the big blogging names here that you should. People will roll their eyes when you say you’re a weight loss blogger. How can a size 24 person be a weight loss blogger? I know that I’ve done a lot to make progress, but I wish I had made more before I got here. I wish I were more outgoing so I could talk more with people. What do I have to say?

I went to a session called “How to be present in a demanding world.” This is something I struggle with immensely as I feel like I’m always looking to the future to change how things are now. I’ve always been a chaser – I chase something, then when I get it, I’m already off to chase something else without even acknowledging I reached a milestone. In the session, a young man named Sammy from  Kenya told his story about how to live in the moment. His story was more awful than many of us could imagine, so his perspective was great.  These are two things I’m focusing on intensely right now, and I was glad to hear them from him:

  1. Gratitude. Practice it, live it.
  2. Don’t compare yourself to others. You may want to be like someone else, but someone else wants to be like you.

All-in-all, it was a great experience. I got to meet some wonderful people and learn some good things. Of course, the music and entertainment was fun as well.

A few victories that I’m focusing on:

  1. The conference was at Opryland, which is MASSIVE. Seriously, I had no idea despite all the warnings. Even with my clunky boot on, I made it around without getting winded or sweaty. Conditioning, for the win!
  2. I got some confidence up to introduce myself to people I’ve read for quite a while now.
  3. I didn’t overeat the wonderful food or drink myself silly. Seriously, it was so hard. I don’t even know what a Shamrock Shake is, but for some reason, being on the interstate made me want one. I settled for coffee.

Next conference for sure is FitBloggin‘. Still contemplating BlogHer, Fitness Bloggers Conference, and BlogWorld Expo. Any of you going to those?

  • http://twitter.com/CompilationTape Meghan

    I felt the exact same way!  I felt so awkward walking up to other bloggers, etc.  but I learned so much.  I feel so inspired:)  

  • http://lifelynstyle.com/ Lyn @Life Lyn Style

    i met you at fit bloggin last year.  Can’t wait to see you there again this year!

  • tammy_bright

    The Opryland Hotel is huge, but it is one of my favorite places!  I’m glad you had a good time, and you will be much more prepared next year!

    PS.  A Shamrock shake is a mint one for St. Patrick’s Day!  I didn’t know they were available around here, but I picked up an Egg McMuffin the other day, and saw it on the menu.  Then tonight, I saw a commercial for one!  Mint chocolate chip is my favorite ice cream, so I’d better stay away!

  • http://dietschmiet.wordpress.com/ Deborah (Schmiet)

    It sounds like such fun! I’ve never been to a blogging conference but am keen to go to one. I love your victories and that you enjoyed yourself in the end.
     
    Also Emmie, I was surprised by your negative self-talk… here I am, a blogger from the other side of the world who looks forward to each of your posts. I don’t even know any US mummy bloggers (I know of a few Aussie ones), but tend to follow weight loss / health & fitness related bloggers - and I’d be thrilled to meet you one day.  (I know my ‘don’t sell yourself short’ message is a bit trite… but I do mean it!)
     
    Deb

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1594431572 Christie McLamb Inge

    I’m going (and speaking!) at Fitbloggin and can’t wait!!

    • http://www.skinnyemmie.com Emily Sandford

      I’m speaking too! *fistbump*

  • http://copynoll.wordpress.com/ Christina

    Two things: 
    1) I’m so jealous that you and Holli got to go to this awesome conference, in one of my very favorite cities! Next time I demand that you kidnap me and take me along. :)
    2) I am always amazed when I read about your negative self talk. Every time I have been around you I have found you to be confident, engaging and social. I don’t think I would have realized (had I not been reading your blog) that you struggle with social anxiety. In fact, the first time I met you, I was feeling very self conscious that you would not be interested in knowing ME. So, I think it’s funny how we all have this little voice that tells us we aren’t good enough, but really, we are all thinking the same thing. Bottom line: always reach out to others, because you never know if they are also feeling social anxiety. Sounds like you did just that at the conference and had a wonderful time. So glad! :)

  • http://www.luxechandelier.com steph anne

    Cute outfits!! Where did you get the blue and black dresses that you’re wearing in the pictures? 

    • http://www.skinnyemmie.com Emily Sandford

      Thanks! The blue dress is from Old Navy and the black dress is from eloquii

  • http://www.debontherocks.com/ Deb Rox

    I LOVED seeing you there. You are smart, gorgeous, funny and CHARMING. So glad for a few moments in your company.

    • http://www.skinnyemmie.com Emily Sandford

      Thank you so much Deb, I have so much respect for you that you’ve now made me giddy! #nerdalert

  • Emily @FamilyNLifeLV

    It was so great to meet you there!!  I still can’t believe we were sitting next to each other and had no clue!! LOL.  Wish I would have been in that one session – sounds like something I needed!!

    • http://www.skinnyemmie.com Emily Sandford

      there are lots of sessions I wanted to go to – can’t wait until the recordings are up. So great to meet you.

  • Pingback: Conference Clothes Take One

Previous post:

Next post:

Copyright Skinny Emmie © 2013

Disclaimer