Good morning.
Do you like to travel?
Last weekend I was away from home, and it was so great.
This weekend, I am at home, and that is great too.
Though I had a sensational time last weekend, I’m definitely a homebody kind of person. I love my place, and my space. I love being quiet.
I’ve been reading a few posts this week about the event that plane took me too last weekend, which was a blogging conference. There are so many things to “take away” from big events like that, action plans to implement, changes to make, products to launch, contacts to follow up.
So many things.
Here’s what I’ve taken from it – I travelled lighter this year and found that freeing.
Yes, physically my luggage was much lighter, and smaller, thank goodness, but I also feel like I went with less fear and anxiety and worry about fitting in and networking and being, well, shazam-y.
Phew.
This year I worried much less about clothes or fitting in, topics which understandably seemed to create a lot of anxiety for people. I rocked my usual style of being pretty casual. Jeans, or my new and oh-my-God-so-comfy 17 Sundays joggers, throw on a top of some description, and I’m good to go.
I think that the shift in my attitude allowed me to meet people in a relaxed way. I met some fabulous people, and I hope the seeds of some new friendships were sown.
The content of the conference was great, it always is, and the sessions I liked best were the ones delivered with passion and enthusiasm.
Some people are drawn to conferences because of the international “headliners”. Though they’re great at what they do, I couldn’t give two figs about anyone’s global reach or follower count. Last year I’d never heard of the headliners, it was the same this year.
This session alone was worth the price of admission.
Darren Rowse, Mr ProBlogger, asked us about ourselves, our purpose and how we use our time.
These things have nothing to do with blogging per se, and they’re the bedrock of it.
What Darren pointed out was, like everything in life, the stuff we produce on our blogs, comes from who and how we are.
When we are living well, pursuing the things that light us up, taking care of ourselves, our blogs will show that.
When we run ourselves ragged, jam too much in, or stop caring, that shows up too.
That’s why I’m here, typing while the sun comes up this morning.
I want to write from who I am. I want everything here to be real, and hopefully relatable.
I’m not selling anything, making money, or plotting becoming the biggest blogger in the world.
I don’t want those things.
I just want you.
I want you to read along with me, to teach me, perhaps to learn from me, or see something from a different perspective.
I want to make you laugh and think and reflect.
I really want you to pick up a paint brush or pencil and express your creativity! That stuff is gold.
Maybe this little blog will never “go” anywhere, maybe it will. That’s not the point of it.
The point of it is what’s happening right now.
After I hit publish on this, you’ll be reading these words and I just want to remind you this morning that you matter, that you CAN be the person you want to be and that this is a place where dreamers are welcomed.
Like Darren, I want to know, how are you? Not in a supermarket check out convo way, but really… how are you?
What lights you up? What frustrates you?
If you had one wish for yourself (not your kids or your partner), and one wish for the world, what would they be?
My answers orbit around these themes – self-acceptance, creativity, and encouragement.
They are my lofty goals, and little by little, I’m living them out.
How about you?
With enthusiasm,
Annette x
PS I love hearing from you! Use that comment section ✌🏼️
I Give You The Verbs 
It was such a pleasure to meet you in person last weekend. As for the how are you question – I am still a little overwhelmed by ProBlogger but also inspired. I am not quite sure how I can carve out more time when it feels like I already steal it from my family. I am looking forward to a day with my boys and a school reunion (eek!) tonight. Thanks for asking 🙂
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Hey Robyna, it was great to meet you! Just remember, even though life is busy with family, some of the limited time we all have can and should belong to you. Enjoy the reunion – I’d run a mile!! 💖
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I love reading your thoughtful, reflective and honest words Annette. I don’t read a lot of personal blogs but I do love reading yours.
I am well although it has taken me all week and many early nights to begin to get over last weekend. I feel inspired, motivated and a little unsure of where to start but otherwise, all good here. x
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Hey Vanessa, I loved your post this week about #pbevent. Just loved it. Such great reflections, something about the way you put it together really jumped out at me. Thank you!
I think motivated and a little unsure is actually a great place to be.
And thank you for reading and supporting my blogging, it means so much to me.
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well that was the perfect read this morning. Thank you Nettie.
I am pretty well actually.
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Glad to hear it Sueby Sue xxxx
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As always you write so beautifully Annette.
I’m well – thanks for asking. 😀
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Well you just made my day Hilary. Thank you!
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I am new to your blog and am enjoying it immensely. So where I am and how am i doing?
I am fine thanks. Getting to ready to go on a 6 week trip OS with one of my sisters for my 50th. Getting excited and nervous at the same time.. just need to get through the next 3 weeks at work..then……..eek
Steff
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Hi Steff, welcome! I’m always curious to know how people discover IGYTV, please let me know if you don’t mind.
A big trip to celebrate your 50th sounds fantastic, especially shared with a sister. Where are you off to??
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Annette, this is a lovely post.
I too understand about what you got out of PB. Sounded like a ‘much better’ event for you all-round.
Me? I am getting there. That’s about it..as my husband reminded me when I was having a few low moments this morning we are all “works-in-progress”. Just became an email subscriber even though I read your blog in other spaces.
I started my plan to write a blog post every day this year and so far I haven’t missed. It is a way of connecting and also giving myself a writing purpose each day.
Denyse x
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Thanks for subscribing Denyse!
More and more I find myself not just comfortable, but happy with being a work in progress.
Seasons change, and bring their own adjustments – keep creating and filling yourself up. xxx
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I’m with you. That whole first session with Darren and Jadah was the highlight for me and the best way to kick off ProBlogger.
Right now I want to spend just a small portion of my day not tired. Always tired. I just can’t shake it so I am trying a few different things in my day and starting firmer routines inspired by Darren’s presentation. I’m not taking as much care with myself as I should and it is a change I hope to make.
Great post and thanks for linking up in the Ultimate Rabbit Hole.
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Hey Karin, always tired is no good, I hope you get some rest and new routines in place.
And I loved how what Darren and Jadah spoke on flowed – it was like they tag teamed the one session.
I love link ups, great way to find new blogs to read.
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Well hello! I am well thanks is the first thing out of my mind, but the real truth is that I am incredibly tired, waiting up to put another load of washing in the drier and could have done with bedtime about two hours ago. It’s been a BIG day. I wish someone would just tuck me in to bed!
What lights me up is writing… and what frustrates me is not getting the time and space to do it.
I would wish for health. For me, for my family, for the world. Not just body health, but emotional health… no more fighting and nastiness. Yep.
Sounds like a nice Saturday been had over there!? Fresh sheets and painting and slippers and you time! I’m so jelly. 🙂
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That’s a good wish my friend ❤️
Yep, writing is amazing!
Big hugs for you and a virtual tuck in. Sweet dreams.
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love this post! Sounds like you were left feeling both inspired and confident which is awesome!
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I had such a great weekend Sarah, I love being around bloggers!
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Gee I enjoy your writing Annette 🙂 It was great watching Problogger from afar, seeing people I know online meeting up and enjoying themselves. I recently attended a conference for the second time, and like you, packed lighter, felt more confident and enjoyed it a whole lot more.
My wish for the world is that we all laugh more together and enjoy our differences. A wish for me…well, it’s to hit 40 in a couple of weeks feeling strong, happy and authentic. Thanks for asking!
xx
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Hey Sally I can totally get behind both your wishes – strong, happy and authentic is where it’s at. 💖 I love being in my 40s, though I’m closer to the other end of them!!
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I love how Darren opened the conference. I felt like he spoke to me, hello Well being! So glad you came and were less anxious than last year. Every time I saw you, you looked carefree and calm. I think some of your calmness helped settled my nerves.
I’m doing better and the Problogger experience added to my positive attitude. I feel renewed and excited.
Zoe xx
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I’m so happy that you’re feeling positive and pumped Zoe. Keep looking after yourself.
I did feel calm and relaxed at the conference, I went to sessions, skipped sessions, spent time with new friends, and time by myself. It was fabulous.
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Annette,
Love your posts.
My head is still buzzing from Darren’s talks. I remember you commenting about not getting stressed out about style blogger fears on want to wear. I totally agreed. Going lighter is something I have been trying to do for a few years now. I start with a smaller suitcase than the one I would have taken in the past. Sometimes it is really full. Shoes is one thing I have really cut back on. And too many coats.
Yes I’m great thanks and oh I never know the key note speakers either and I have been to 5 problogger conferences now. I think they are in a totally different world to the one I hang out online.
Regards, conference junkie, fran
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Darren is so good isn’t he?!
I have a fantasy about taking carry on only, not sure I can get there, but I can definitely take even less than I did this year.
So glad you enjoyed the conference, and that you stopped by to read and join the conversation here too.
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Hello Annette!
Your post was a lovely thing to read this morning 🙂
How am I feeling? I am exhausted because yesterday I spent the day with some pretty amazing people at the Melbourne Writers Festival. That and your post has made me want to do more about this learning thing and benefiting from the experiences of others. I feel more inspired about my blog and my writing in general
ProBlogger sounds like it was a great time, I think I’ll be going along next year!
ps, comfy clothes and feeling comfortable are the best
Thank you for sharing your experience there!
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Hi Claire, I enjoyed your blog this morning too.
I wish the Melbourne Writers Festival was being broadcast on TV, I can’t do big crowds again this weekend, but it seems like a fantastic event, Mark Latham aside!
I’m all about comfy, in every area of life. Bring on the trackies!
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Hi Annette! A lovely, authentic post! I have no lofty ambitions for my little blog either but I lov that it motivates me to THINK about things, to DO things, and that it feeds conversation. I love making these connections online but then that they also feed into the real world. I like that all of these people I’m connected with open windows into other ideas xx
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Yes! That is exactly what I love about it too Carolyn!! Hobbyists forever…. or until the big bucks start getting thrown around… hahahahahaaa
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I really like this post Annette! And I loved the way you approached ProBlogger. There seemed to be lot of pressure (from the posts that popped up on my Facebook feed) to make your blog and personality shine through your outfit, to show how awesome you and your blog are through what you wear. I find this really exhausting! And potentially excluding. Obviously for style blogs what people wear is really important, but it isn’t the point of ProBlogger, is it? I haven’t been so I really don’t know, I was just casually observing from afar. Perhaps the posts I saw were a very narrow selection of the PB responses 🙂
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Hey, thanks Deanna, the week before the conference, their FB group went a tad mental with what to wear worries. and I had to step away from it as I felt like people were working themselves into a bit of a state. It is a very big event to go to for the first time, especially if you go by yourself, that part I got completely, but the comparisons and stress and us vs style bloggers stuff, blergh, no thanks. I know some of those girls and they are utterly delightful and would NEVER look down their noses at anyone’s attire. The conference was sensational, and I make it a bit of a holiday for myself too, so I don’t feel the need to go to every session, which means I got to relax and have a grouse time. It’s a conference I’d highly recommend to anyone who’s keen to get a bit of bloggy inspiration.
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That does sound exhausting! Next time I have to pack for a trip that requires extensive socialising I shall remember your ProBlogger posts 🙂 The last big conference I went to was full of Physicists… there was no red carpet and definitely no what to wear advice!
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Only exhausting if you let it be and buy into the stress of it. Zero impact on my experience this year!
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Annette, I do enjoy your posts. I am sorry I don’t comment. the problem is mainly that I am such a klutz with the technology (but improving!) that couldn’t until today work out how to do it. Of course today it was sheer luck, so who knows whther I will ever find it again….
I did envy you when I saw that you could attend a whole conference on blogging. What largesse! Our little city of Adelaide is quiet and gentle to live in, but definitely doesn’t have the population for such grand occasions. Guess we can’t have everything.
I am wondering if Darren Rowse is Australian? Here in SA I knew a young boy by that name. He was a lovely little chap, a good mate of my sons, but both families moved from the district and then the inevitable happened.
Well, whether I find the comments again or not, I will be reading…
Thanks
Pauline
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Pauline, your comment makes me so happy! Thank you so much for reading, and for persevering with leaving a comment.
Darren is a local, he lives in Melbourne with his family. He’s a VERY talented, passionate bloke and a great source of encouragement and resources to lots of bloggers.
Adelaide has some great bloggers – Jenni of Styling Curvy, Sonia of Sonia Styling, Helen of Recycled Interiors, Louisa of LouisaG.com.au and many more.
Thanks Pauline!
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