I‘ve always considered it a red flag when blogging starts to feel like high school. You know what I mean, right? The insecurity, competition, endless popularity contests. Last week at BlissDom, however, I experienced the flip side again—the freedom of youth mingled with the wisdom of experience.
Ugly emotions surface when you compare yourself to others, when you weigh your worth beside someone else’s and find yourself lacking. Here’s the thing: there will always be someone who does it better than you, whether it is write, photograph, craft, build brand relationships, or whatever.
But is comparison and competition really how adult friendships are formed?
And isn’t this ultimately about friendships?
Online friendships are forged in the comment box and the email conversation and the Skype room and the phone call, and cemented at conferences and local events and if you’re really, really lucky, while cruising the streets of Nashville listening to Paul Simon in a sponsored Camaro convertible with red racing stripes.
Or acting silly in a Smilebooth.
For me, this BlissDom conference wasn’t about keynotes, concerts, sponsor suites, and swag—although I certainly enjoyed them all—it was about connecting deeper and growing friendships that distance doesn’t diminish.
Dawn, this makes my day. I’m so thankful for you and that Camaro and good, good memories. 🙂
I will always remember our Camaro ride!
Loved this, friend! Yes, yes, yes.
And that top photo? Had me laughing right out loud! Every one looking so — Bondish… and Holley? Looking so perfectly happy and her loveliest self.
I love you, sisters.
Always yours,
Ann
Yes, Bondish for sure! Wish you were there!
I love this – and you – so very much. Thank you for being my real-life, angst-free friend, for being my Blissdom (and Relevant) roomie, and for the sweet card you left for me! xoxo
Mary, thank you for being a fabulously compatible roommate!
Dawn — SO glad you invited me to gush about handmade at dinner Saturday night 🙂 you’re a real treat!!! xoxoxo
Gussy, thank you so much—you’re the best!
Oh such fun!
I’ve been to only one retreat/conference with other online friends. And my favorite part was deepening life-connections, even more than the “official” business.
P.S. — You’re likely very Shred-Worthy.
I wasn’t able to shred there, but goodness I did some walking!
*looking* Shred-Worthy. Excuse the typo?
🙂
those are some fantastic photos! wish i could have been there. you always get a good car to go to conferences!
Those Smilebooths are fun, and yes, this car was a doozie!
Sigh… Aside from the precise location of the seatbelt buckles in the backseat of that Camaro when you’re sitting in the middle, the entire weekend was fabulous. 😉 Love you, Dawn!
Tsh, sorry about those buckles, but boy, that was a fun ride. 🙂
Oh what a perfect post to start the day with – this was fun in so many shades – LOVE this and you Dawn!
Lisa-Jo, I had such a good time hanging with you and getting to know you better.
SO good finally meeting you! You’re as amazing in person as I thought you’d be!
Meghan, I just wish I’d had more time to get to know you!
You guys took advantage of that SmileBooth!! 🙂 Blissdom 2012 was so amazing on so many levels. I’m still smiling just thinking about it!!
Smilebooths ROCK! 🙂
Great pictures, Dawn! My only regret is that you didn’t need to change in our room this time! 😀
You look like you had a blast. I wish I had gotten to meet you. But you’re right, the events, sessions, and swag are fun but I was even more blessed by all of the really special women I met and the relationships I now have with them. Maybe I’ll meet you next year. 🙂
Yes, Alia – maybe next year!
Without the ‘Living Room’ of Relevant … I didn’t bump into you every five minutes for refreshments in the whirlwind that was Blissdom … but you were looking as gorgeous as ever!
Awwww, thank you! I loved that “living room of Relevant” – it was a great way to connect (and rest).