I have been reflecting on my trip to Blogher 2014asking myself what of value can I add to the conversation.
For meit's on the subject of Self Care at a Conference.
I know conferences can sound fun from the outsidebut insideI think they are a lot of hard workespecially for any one with a tendency towards being introvertedor anxiety ridden.I happen to be bothso I know by nowSelf Care is a necessity that can pay off in spades!
I wrote about my Intentionsat the conference hereand rereading the post afterwardsI have to say having an intentional planreally worked.I had so many of the sacred connecting moments I was hoping for.
So today I wanted to write down the Self Care ideas that worked for meand what I will do the next time I venture to a conference.
Arrive a day early.I didn't this time … but I will from now on. There is so much new to get used to … and if the schedule is jammed packed … there is little time to get your bearings … and overwhelm is almost certain … for people like me.
I actually ended up calling my husband the first night at the conferencecryingand really just wanting to come home.I was overwhelmed and disappointed at the same time.Disappointedbecause I thought it was going to just be all funI forgot what it felt like to be out of my comfort zoneway out.
My expectations were out of proportionand I had forgotten conferences are work.Hard work if you really want to have meaningful takeaways from your stay.
I knew I couldn't live with the personal failure of just quitting and going home.
So in the morning I regrouped.Instead of doing the whole conferenceI decided To do the conference in a way that workedfor me.
That meant first offgoing for a walk and clearing my head.I walked for a couple of hoursinvestigating the city getting my bearingsboth locallyandemotionally.I realized for me to do a conferencemy first priority had to be self care.
I went back the the hotel ordered a healthy breakfastshoweredand redid my entire itinerary.
I picked the two sessions I really wanted to see.VloggingandFinding Your Visual Voice.
I went to the first one earlyto get a seat up frontnotepad in hand.Because I had taken care of myselfI was able to be totally engaged.
I chose not to go to the lunch speakersinstead I went tothe museumto recharge my soulwith some great art and alone timebefore another session.
Learning I had to do a conference
my own way
was worth the trip.
I realized
I have to respect my own soul
and
how I need to do
not only a conference
but life as well.
I am no good to anyone on overwhelm.
To bring my beat self forward it takes
investing in self care.
Leave your critical voice at home.
Pack grace for yourself and others instead.A conference isn't the time to let the crazy mean judgmental voice
rule your days.
It will sap energy that could be used for doing good.
Because I had left with intentions for the conference
I did leave this voice at home
and
instead brought a voice
that was gentle and nurturing.
A voice that reminded me
I was brave for even showing up.
That life is hard for us all at times
and
we are all doing the very best we can
with what we know now.
The voice that calmly reminds me that perfection is not required
but rather
authenticity
for true connections.
I made a conscious choice after the first day
to only focus on what was good
and to look for magic moments
and by doing so
I found them.
So many magic moments.
Pack Wisely
I did
andI was ever so grateful for it.
I had outfits pre styled for each event.
This quote by Bill Cunningham
is one of my all time favorites.
I never think clothes are frivolous
quite the contrary.
For me a great outfit
perfect for the occasion
lets me bring my best self forward.
The self that is all about engaging with others
to reflect their own greatness back to them.
The self that knows the bigger picture
is always about connections
and
spreading love.
Savoring the simple moments in life
because those are the great ones.
I have to nurture myself
so I can tap into this self
that I have begun to love
for I know her heart is pure.
This self can find the magic in life.
I can't always bring this self out
but I have learned
the more
I self care
the more often she returns.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life