Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

I am going to try to post a video response every day so please check by! A huge thank you to everyone involved in putting this together, so much goes into an event like this.   My site is so new that I don't even have a disclosure policy up, so here goes.  I purchased this trip at a greatly reduced rate, however any and all opinions expressed are mine.  I will always be honest in my opinions.

Quick Follow Up To Blissdom Post!

There is so much more to say about Blissdom but most of it will have to wait until after I get home from Disney World. (see my upcoming post for that story!)  I read my last post again and realized it sounds like we sat in a circle and did each others' hair and nails, and sang Kumbaya.  No friends, that was not the case.  Yes, everyone that I encountered was friendly and kind, but we didn't have any drum circles going.  There were groups of women who had forged close connections through their online relationships, and they were eager to spend face to face time with those friends.  My point is that even though there were groups, they made room for others.  They tolerated interruptions for introductions with grace, and answered questions and engaged, even though they were excited about the time they had with friends.  From the most experienced to the least, everyone was encouraging and there was a solidarity about this strange online world we find ourselves in.  My point is that even though you have a group that you are so excited to be with, taking the time for a stranger (or a newbie) can make all the difference in the world!  The women at Blissdom did this well, and I want to thank Alli Worthington, Barbara Jones, and Paula Bruno for setting such a great tone for the conference.

The Myth of the grown up Mean Girl

Our world conspires to make us believe that women do not support each other.  The myth begins in reality.  The worlds of middle and high schools are filled with "queen bees" and "mean girls" and the "misfits" who are deemed targets.  We are led to believe that this behavior continues into adulthood.  We are led to believe that women are more interested in tearing each other down and criticizing each others' fashion choices.  I want to tell you all that if you believe that is the way the world operates, it might be time to find a new group of women.

I am currently attending Blissdom 2010, a blogging conference.  I am new to the blogging world and was very nervous about attending my first conference.  I am just figuring out what to focus on in this blog.  I haven't written regularly in years and my writing shows that.  I don't know the language these women speak.  What I have found here surprised me.  I have found interpreters.  I have found women ready to share the wealth of knowledge they possess.  I have found women encouraging each other to tell their stories.  I have found women who want to see other women succeed.  I have found women forging communities in new ways.  It is educational, challenging, and incredibly encouraging.

I was afraid of not being accepted here.  A large group of women is intimidating.  However, instead of harsh critics I have discovered a nurturing community of women.  They are here to learn and to encourage everyone to develop and refine their unique voice.  I am excited to add my voice to theirs; tshirt, jeans, and all!