As most of you know, this last weekend I attended my first ever blogging conference. It was truly a wonderful experience, but a mix of emotions for me. I don’t consider myself a true blogger in the sense that I am a “successful” blogger (according to my own standards). Upon the conclusion of the weekend, I came home with a new found passion for my blog and my life.
Let me explain…
I originally started my blog as a push from some friends. I’ve always had a passion for home design and creating decor on a budget (mostly out of necessity).  Since I started my blog over a year and half ago, I have been constantly comparing myself to the blogs that I read regularly and coming up short. Not the best way to be encouraged. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT compare yourself to others!!! We are all unique in whatever we do and all at different stages in our journey. Something I learned this weekend from Jon Acuff (awesome speaker, btw).
So, even before I arrived last Thursday @Blissdom, I had been struggling with wanting to be more personal on my blog. My original purpose of sharing a factual and more step-by-step blog, has changed. I want to start sharing myself more. I want my blog to be a platform for me to express myself in other ways, not just creatively. I want to be able to share my faith and my struggles. I’ve been afraid to change my “voice.” When I thought about changing how I approach this aspect of my life (because my blog is a part of my life), I knew it was pure fear. I prayed about how to move forward and remembered this scripture:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Another version uses the word “timidity” for “fear” and “discipline” for “sound mind.” When I started truly looking at the words that I’ve said a thousand times already in my life, I realized just how much they applied to my current situation. Not only was God telling me to be bold and trust in him, but that through him he will give me a platform to share his word, love on people as he loves on me, and give me the wisdom to navigate this new world he is opening up for me.
How great is it “listen”!!!
I’m not sure how or where this new found knowledge will take me, but I know God has laid it on my heart to be more personable. My biggest fear is that people will stop reading, but you know I’m OK with that now. My blog will still be geared toward DIY and home decor because that’s what I love. BUT from now on you will hopefully see my personality and what makes me, me come through.
SO…
Here are some of the other things that happened this weekend, not so heavy. 😉
Notice the “wind blown” effect. :) This is my close friend, Heather. She was my travel partner for the weekend.
We met some amazing women. You know how when you meet people for the first time, it can sometimes be awkward? Well, I can absolutely say that there were lots of authentic and transparent people that I had the privilage of meeting last weekend. Unfortunately, I didn’t get many good shots.
This is Kristi, some of you might know her as Creative Kristi.
The sponsors were incredible. The amount of swag we received was probably more than we paid for the tickets. Some of the sponsors even had booths just to pamper us. This was the Glade suite with make-up artists and places to have your nails done.
There were concerts throughout the weekend, as well. Joe Jonas, Rascal Flats and Chris Mann.
This experience was wonderful and I hope the people I met will become life long friends!
I’d love for to you to check out some of the amazing women and bloggers that I had the pleasure of getting to know this weekend (this is only a small few):
Ruth @ Living Well Spending Less
Edie @LifeInGrace
Patty @ Finding Serendipity
Emily @ Simply Complicated
As members of the blogging community, whether you have a blog or are just a faithful reader, we are each others support system. A wonderful friend of mine always says, “Blog Friends are Real Friends!” Now I get it!
Have a blessed rest of the week!
~Angela
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Oh Angela! I just think it is so amazing when we feel God nudging us in a new direction. It can be terrifying on the one hand and then thrilling on the other. It sounds like you had such a wonderful time at Blissdom and I’m so excited to be along for the ride with you…wherever the journey takes you! 🙂
Vanessa
Vanessa,
Thanks for the encouragement! It’s not easy putting yourself out there! 🙂
I’m excited for you Angela-and, I’m looking forward to what will only add to your already beautiful blog. 🙂
Tasha, THANKS!! You are such a sweetheart!
Angela, l love reading your words of being yourself. Sometimes we all compare ourselves. I’ve been guilty of it in the past and I hate to say that I stopped reading some blogs, because i didn’t think I was measuring up to what they were doing, but with prayer and understanding on my part that I am me and not them and my success will come in God’s timing not when I want it, then the pressure seemed to be lifted. I’m back to reading those blogs, because I gleen inspiration from them and not dissappointment in myself now.
Lisa, it’s SO hard not to compare! Thanks for the encouragement!
I popped over from Edie’s blog… Nice to meet you. Blissdom always looks like so much fun, and it sounds like you were inspired… It sounds like I found your blog at just the right time.
Thanks, Rebecca!! I’d be honored to have you along on my journey! I’ll be checking you out, too! 😉
Hi Angela- I think this is going to be a good change for you. When I first started blogging I was writing about my kids and what I was feeling. My “friend” said…well, you will never get “out there” as a blogger unless you are showing decorating and your rooms and your home and your projects that you work on. I told her that was not what my blog was about…and that if I never got any more followers than the ones I had (family and friends) that I was okay with that. I wanted it as kind of a history for my kids/grandkids and that I wanted them to remember me just as I am…kinda crazy and in love with them. And, so, one follower at a time my blog has grown. I am certainly not a BIG blogger but that is not where I need to be. I share my sense of humor and my faith through that and I feel like I KNOW the people that are following…and I follow back and comment and develop relationships. To me, that is what this journey is all about…and I am betting you won’t lose a single follower or a single commentor. They’re here because they like YOU! xo Diana
Diana, you have such a great heart! Thanks for the encouragement, it means so much to me. I am “Letting GO” of the insecurities!
~Angela
angela! i had such a wonderful time with you! it was sooo nice to meet you… i also had a wonderful and inspiring time in blissdom. funny how it makes you re-assess everything. me, too… gives us so much to look forward to! 🙂
xo
Patty, I agree! It’s funny how your whole perception can change in a matter of days. In all actuality it’s been a work in progress and last weekend was that kick-in-the-butt I needed! 😉
I look forward to keeping up with you through your blog and hopefully we will see each other again soon!
~Angela
Thanks for sharing this. It just confirms why your such a good friend. You have a good heart. I can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts.
Thanks, Michele! Your opinion means a lot to me!!! Call soon so we can catch up.
Angela-
It was SO nice to get to know you at Blissdom. I think it is awesome that you’ve been inspired to make your blog more personal! Trust me, your readers are coming for you whether you know it or not. Can’t wait to hang out again next year! 🙂
Ruth
Me too! Thanks for the encouragement!! Did you see my FB message? I have something I would like to mail to you.
~Angela
Hi Angela-
Just getting some of the Blissdom stuff done. I enjoyed meeting you, and wish we had more time to talk.
Me too! I can’t believe I’ve already been back a week. I saw you won some furniture on Sat. night, how fun is that!?!? Keep in touch!
~Angela