I didn't really want to go to FierceCon this year.
FierceCon is a conference
for the members of the
Forever Fierce Revolution HERE
It is a group of women committed to
redefining what it means to be middle age.
To Rewire and Inspire
I was hesitant to go
not
because I didn't think it would be greatbutbecause I have been in a personal slump recently.Truth be toldit's been more like grappling with trying to keep depression at bay on the daily.
Going to a conference seemed way too much for me.I decided not to go several timesbut a little voice in me kept sayingJust Go.
I did goas soon as I realizedit wasn't even depression keeping me from goingit was really onlyFear.
I spent the entire day before FierceConputting outfits together.I usually style outfitstwo weeks out when I'm on my A game.This time I was trying really hard to get to maybe a C+ game.
I had put all of my time the month beforeinto a Reveal Party for our son and his beautiful wife
who is expecting.You can read about the party HERE
My personal stylewas feeling a bit off for my liking.I definitely prefergoing to conferences feeling my best about myselfso I have more to give to others.
This time I was definitely going to the conferecncenot to inspirebut desperately seeking Inspiration!
I decided Jeff and I could most likely make a lovely weekend out of our travel to beautifulRedondo BeachandI knew I could find some inspiration atFierceCon
Rewire and Inspire!
I just had to me brave enough
to show up!
This was our second time staying in Redondo Beach.We were here last year for the original conference.
It's a lovely place for a weekend getawaywith marinas, piersand beautiful beaches.
The first event of the weekendwas an evening party.
I was amazed at the amount of workthat was put into the decorationsfor the event!Catherine and her people did an amazing job.
Catherine is the spearhead and creator behind
not only
FierceCon
but the
Forever Fierce Revolution
as well!
You can find her fabulous blog HERE
Besides my search for inspirationI came to FierceConwith wanting to give one dear friend a real hug.I was able to do that.
So for me the evening was a success.I still felt so much more awkwardthan I usually do at events.
But I kept pushing through.
I think pretty much the whole weekendI battled with just wanting to go home.
I felt so overwhelmed.
I told myselfjust look to one event at a time.
So Jeff and I had a lovely morning on the beach.
After our morning walkwe enjoyed a beautiful brunch.Then it was time to get back to the hotelto change.
This picture pretty much sums uphow frazzled I felt at this conference.I usually can not wait to wear outfitsI've styled for occasions.This time things just felt off!
I had styled outfits that were too specific
andnot even realizing the temperature that weekedwould be pushing the high 80's.
I reworked some outfits and off I went to the event I was really looking forward to!
It was a panel discussion with some of my favorite bloggers!
My friendsif you get a chance to go next yearI absolutely recommendFierceConfor this alone!
Of course there are so many other reasons to gobutto hear all of these women's storiesas to how they started bloggingwas just incredible.
I was so glad I was sitting in the backbecause I was so touched by each story
I think I was crying the whole time!
It really is so remarkablehow we all have our own stories by this age.
And I have never been so proud
to be a partof such an inspiring group of women.I wasn't inspired by just the women with highly successful blogsorsocial media numbers.
I was just as inspired by womenwho ventured out on their ownto attend FierceCon!
Because I know first handhow hard that can be to put yourself out there!
We all have a story by this age.
We all have a choice to make this time in our lifethe best time.
There is so much to be said for getting up each morningand looking for the very best in life.
To claim our age.
To claim our ability to be Resilient!
To inspire where we can.
And to be open and vulnerablein our need to Be Inspired.
I have never been a 'joiner'in my life.
But I am realizingmaybe it's time I was.
Because we are all so much better together!
So I will definitely be back at FierceCon next year.
And I have a few notes to myself to make it easier on myself next year!Because this year was a hard one attending.
But I am so proud of myself for
showing up
even though!
Next year I will ....
~ Remember not to compare.There are so many women doing so many great thingsit was too easy to think oh I want to do that too!
So I have to remind myselfthere is only so much time in a day.
If I want something else bigI need to let go of something I already love in my life.
~ I will put more time in before the conferenceconnecting with people going.I neglected to do that this yearso I too often felt I was walking into a new classroom.
You know the feelingwhere it feels like everyone else is already best friendsand you're outside the circle.
I know for a fact that's not how it really wasbut I also know how easy it is for old memoriesto flood in whenyou're feeling nervous and overwhelmed.
~ I will do a better job packing.Which means I need to have an organized wardrobeto start with!
Packing this time made me realizeI need to edit so much out of my closets.Since I have been back from the conferenceI have been culling all of my closetsand making a list of what I need to add.
Going to conferencesand even just travelingis hard enoughthere shouldn't be melt downs in just the packing stage.
I am determined to make it a smoother calmer process.
And when I do you know I am A Good Girlfriendand will share.
I leave for Boston in two weeksso I am alreadyin packing prep mode!I'm definitely refining my packing process!
If you are interested in attendingFierceConnext yearand I highly recommend it!you can find out all about it here.
If you do come and are feeling nervouscome find me!
I will be more than happy to help introduce you to some absolutely amazing women.
And just knowif You are thereYou are Amazing Too!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life