This past weekend I was in Nashville for the Blissdom blogging conference and my trip was full of emotional ups and downs. Here are four reasons why I got weepy at Blissdom:
1. Kevin Carroll. His keynote was so powerful and thought-provoking. He summed up the theme of Blissdom before the sessions even began: find your passion.
2. Speaking of finding your passion… No, I haven’t quite found mine yet. Thanks for asking. But I’m getting there. I sat listening to bloggers who have accomplished what I hope to. Bloggers that blog their passion and educate, inform, and inspire. And I thought about where I’m going with my blogging and with many other facets of my life.
3. I didn’t have a roommate and therefore no built-in buddy. Ultimately, this turned out to be a good thing, but at first it was tough for me. I wandered from session to session, trying to find some friendly faces during the networking breaks. I found several people I knew and also met a couple new people. I forced myself out of my shell. But when it came time for dinner and the cocktail party on Friday evening, I was alone. I had left my cell number with a few people and asked them to call me to meet up, but no one did. So I bravely walked down toward the night club where everyone was lined up to see Harry Connick Jr, and I found Carmen. She saved me that night. We bonded. She is an amazingly strong woman who taught me in one short night what it means to take care of yourself.
4. Then there was the National Tea Party Convention. When I got to the amazing Gaylord Opryland Hotel, I discovered that the convention was going on in the ballroom right next to Blissdom. I watched, somewhat longingly, as the attendees filed into sessions and milled around the common area. I endured the disparaging comments and tweets from many Blissdom bloggers who oppose Tea Party values. I learned that Sarah Palin was speaking that evening. On my way to dinner, I walked right by the room where she was speaking and had an odd little anxiety attack. I was there, surrounded by people who think very much like me, but didn’t feel confident enough to talk politics with them. Story of my life. I do everything half way, never making the time or effort to fully commit to a passion. At dinner, I cried to Melanie, who really must have been thinking, “What is up with this girl I hardly know crying to me about her life’s ambitions?” But if she was thinking that, she didn’t show it. She listened like a BFF and gave me some excellent advice.
So now it’s time for me to take a little hiatus. I won’t be blogging for the next few weeks. I’ll be staying away from Twitter. I’m taking some to really think hard about what direction I want to move in with this blogging thing. And when/if I return, I hope to be ready to focus on my passion.
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, girl. This is the story of my bloggy life. Finding just one passion can be hard. It takes a lot of commitment. Give yourself some time. It’s good to take a breather every once in a while and look at things with a whole new perspective. We’ll be here waiting when you come back and we’ll cheer you on. That’s what friends are for. ;)
Twitter: HeadlessMom
February 10, 2010 at 1:21 am
Sounds like all in all you enjoyed the weekend. I wish I could have been there to let you cry on my shoulder!
Anyway, taking a break sounds good. Can’t wait to hear what you come up with next!
Headless Mom´s last post: The Drop Off Line
Twitter: bethislaughin
February 10, 2010 at 8:06 am
I hope your break does you some good and you come back refreshed! It is so hard to find one thing, I know I’ve tried to think of what my “blog passion” should be and come up empty handed every time. It isn’t easy!
Beth P´s last post: Wordless Wednesday – My little guy at 18 months.
I think you are putting way too much pressure on yourself. At least you are living your life aware of personal goals and ambitions. So many people just go through the motions each day and never take the time to focus on what really makes them happy.
From what I see, you are already fulfilling several of your passions:
1) You love to write and you do this weekly (if not daily).
2) You love to design blogs and you do this as well.
3) You love to scrapbook and you always send the best homemade cards and make awesome memory scrapbooks for family and friends.
4) You love your family and you have committed yourself to homeschooling your kids.
So I think you should just keep doing what you are doing – Discover new passions, retire ones that no longer make you happy and stop obsessing about finding that “one true passion”.
Thanks, MomvsWorld. I am definitely hard on myself. But I don’t think that’s always a bad thing. I’m doing a lot of things I love, but I feel like I’m doing none of them WELL. I’m doing everything half-assed.
But thanks for the reminder. You made me feel better today. :-)
wow, you really moved me. I admire your bravery to step away and seek what really lights your fire! Good Luck!!
http://www.beewisebags.com/Bee_Wise_Bags/Bags.inspiration.life./Bags.inspiration.life..html
Good luck on this! Sometimes stepping away from things isthe best thing you can do for yourself. All this social media is great, but really it is also just white noise. Good luck!
Luschka´s last post: Becoming a Better Blogger
Twitter: frenchtake
February 13, 2010 at 3:47 am
Great post, I like the retreating to gather and re-focus. Have a good time away! Looking forward to see what direction you are going to go in with your passion. xxx
Hi, I find you very inspiring. Maybe you just need some endorsement. You did a great job taking care of yourself over the weekend.
Loved your post on SITS. Enjoy your hiatus. I hope the snow and the stomach bug recede nicely.
gaelikaa´s last post: A List of Dos and Don’ts
Great post! It must have been lonely finding yourself without a roommate.
MelRoXx´s last post: The Shortest month of the year…
You know, I really hope this event will soon come to the UK……!!!!
Twitter: afedisson
February 13, 2010 at 8:34 am
I too am finding it hard to pick a passion. I dabble in many things, sort of a variety girl. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I am sure I will be inspired!
Amanda Fedisson´s last post: Breastfeeding Twins
i love nashville. i visited there a couple years ago and picked up a nasty biscuit habit from the loveless cafe!!! i baked over 2000 biscuits before i duplicated the ones i ate there. happy sits sharefest!
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest :) Good luck in your journey
Amanda in GA´s last post: Socks
I can certainly understand where you’re coming from! I hope your break clears your mind and sharpens your focus! Good luck in your discovery of passion!
Happy Saturday Sharefest! :D
Maggi´s last post: Friday Night Fab Five
Isn’t it ironic? I’m sure from the outside, no one would ever think you held these insecurities. I can completely relate to you (!). I think b/c I’m outgoing, people perceive that I would have ABSOLUTELY no problem at a conference like this. However, when you’re completely solo – and on your own – it feels like NO ONE is approachable. You feel like people have already buddied up, and they’re already settled in their little click. And, what this feeling does for ME is realize that sometime I’m those “other persons”, possibly I seem like I’ve already buddied up and I need to make SURE I seem approachable — because the reality is I would (and I’m sure they would!) completely love to include you!!
What’s also ironic is that (assuming you’ll be at Bloggy Boot Camp, as I will!) “YOU” will be in the group that is settled and knows others (being that you head up SITs!), and there will be handfuls of others (likely, me included) who may feel a little like you did at Blissdom.
I also admire you for taking a blogging break. Great idea! I can’t really do that, since I’m only 3 months ‘new’… but I’m sure I’ll feel like that, soon!
Again, I commend you for your candidness… that’s what makes an excellent blogger! I wish I could be more candid with my thoughts on my blog. I’m not there, yet! I have too many people who I know, personally (neighbors, friends, family, etc.) who are on my blog and I don’t want them “in”, just yet!
Cheers, Kat
Kat´s last post: My “Skewed” View of Romance
Twitter: franticmommy
February 13, 2010 at 10:12 am
Oh Shannon you are SO normal. we are struggling to find our passions. As for Blissdom, I am green with envy that you got to go. Someday I just pray I will have the time and money to be able to particpate in those types of blogging community events. Not to sound like a cheeseball, but I would have died of happiness to be able to hang with you at B lissdom. Hang in there Mommy. :)
franticmommy´s last post: It’s My SITS Day! WAhooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like quite the experience and a lot of cathartic contemplation!!
Yay for passion!
Blogging is a flower garden to me, a hobby that has seasonal changes and rewards. When I no longer enjoy it I will stop. I hope that is a long, long LONG time from now!
Happy discoveries to you! :)
Insanitykim´s last post: FANTASTIC FLASHBACK FRIDAY FUNNESS!
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
Jennifer´s last post: New Designs and GIVEAWAY
so honest – wonderful post. we look forward to seeing you back soon!
Man! I just found you and now you are taking a break. I hope it is a good one and I look forward to reading all about it when you come back.
Erin´s last post: Valentine’s Day Blog Exchange
Hello,
I am visiting you from SITS. I am a brand new blogger, and have felt some blog anxiety, but figured that I would just put it out there. What I have found is that the blogging community is so accepting and nice. It’s fun! Try again after your little break, and don’t be so hard on yourself. :)
Have a wonderful Valentines Day!
Blissdom sounds amazing! I plan to definitely join you guys for the Philly edition of the SITS conference and can’t wait! The finding your passion thing really gets me. It’s so easy to become caught up in being a wife and mom, putting our all into fulfilling these God-blessed roles. But there’s so much more to each of us. I know that my passion is writing but I have no clue yet what type of outlet it’s going to eventually saddle up in. The ride’ll be great, though…and wherever God leads me I’ll follow. :o)
Have a fantastic rest of the weekend, mama!
Kelly at Home´s last post: Celebrating one year of weight loss (a.k.a. crying over highly neglected cheesecake)
I totally understand you, I’m in the same situation right now. Just lost my full time job and I can’t see the path to my future. Taking a break sometimes is the best thing to get back to “living at full”.
Laura´s last post: Son’s 11th birthday
A very brave decision. I know to my cost how addictive (and time-consuming) blogging can be. Enjoy your break, and if you come back, good luck with it!
Great post! I admire your ablility yo step back and take some time to reflect! We are always the hardest on ourselves! Hope evryone gets to feeling better!
twincerely,Olga´s last post: AlohA FridaY!!!!
It was nice meeting you at Blissdom – I’m excited to see what Blog Icing is all about!
I love your blog…it’s personal, and that’s why it’s good!
Sarah@Clover Lane´s last post: Lent
Twitter: dianamarie
February 19, 2010 at 9:47 am
Oh Shannon, this hits home so very much for me. I hope you’re doing well.
Twitter: PaperBridges
February 23, 2010 at 8:58 pm
hey, Shan! I love reading your blog, I’m always learning something new about you.
Did it occur to you that you can be passionate about more than one thing? I see you fired up about your kids (either praising or bemoaning. teehee) and hubster. You’re crazy for blogging and design. Same with scrapping and home educating. I know you like politics, but I dont’ think we’ve ever talked about it. And what do you mean by doing all half assed? How would you know if it was full ass? (lol too funny I’m writing this!) Would it mean making money or more subscribers or writing about what’s wrong with US politics? I think it’s hard to pick ONE thing when you have many interests. I’d rather have lots of interests than only one. That wouldnt be a well rounded, or interesting, friend.
Twitter: lovemedaily
March 22, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Hey There! I’m here from the sitstahood!
I just started blogging and feel much the same you do. I don’t know what my passion is. Well, I do, but I haven’t found a voice to write about design. Rather, I banter about my musings as a mommy and it’s been working for me. It looks like it’s been working for you, too!
How long have you been blogging? Are you not completely happy with your content? What is it that has been keeping you from feeling like you’ve nailed your passion?
I know no one in the blogging community thus far. Next year, I plan to go to as many conventions as I can! I think it’s lovely that you met new people and were open enough to be free with your emotions! No one makes friends with a bunch of walls up :)
Twitter: jenncallinghome
March 25, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Hi Shannon! Stopping by via the SITS site today. Boy, do we have a lot in common: 1) undiagnosed passion; 2) sadness over the whole healthcare issue; and 3) having no bloggy friends to connect with (although I think you are already on your way). You are so brave to go to Blissdom on your own. (Had I been there, we would have sneaked in to see Sarah speak.) I have never been to any blog conference, but I would so want to go. But then, I too would have to go alone, since I don’t know any other friends who are into this sort of thing. Must get out more, I know. All the best to you!
I think you’re very brave to go to Blssdom on your own anyway. I feel like not only would I need a roommate, I’d need someone to stay with me and hold my hand the whole time. Pathetic. You’re putting too much pressure on yourself, regarding specifying your blog. Random is not a bad word. I love reading blogs that just show the personality of the writer. If the writing is good it doesn’t matter what they write on, I will find it interesting, and it never gets boring that way. Throw away that stupid rule and just keep writing!
Twitter: chocnutbabe
April 24, 2010 at 4:19 am
Sometimes you’ll discover your passion without trying to. It would just land in your lap. I was lucky to discover my passions–makeup, fashion, and writing– during my teens, and I haven’t wavered since. Give yourself some time, and you will soon discover what you can be passionate about. :)