Saturday, July 18, 2009

What BlogHer Means to Me

I remember this time last year- I was new to blogging and kept seeing this term "BlogHer". Every other post I would read mentioned it and my eyes would glaze over because 1.)I didn't know what it was 2.) I wasn't going and 3.) figured I would never be able to go to such a thing.

Oh have times changed!

That's your cue if you're still in the "eyes glazing over" phase- this is probably going to be an all BlogHer- all the time zone for the next 2 weeks- deal!

I now know that BlogHer is a convention of bloggers (mostly women, but not discriminating, but that's where the "Her" comes in). It is in a different place each year- this year- Chicago. You can learn about the business aspect of a blog, advertising, formatting- all the shit I'm clueless about. That's why I probably won't be found in those sessions.

However, it's going to be a hotel full of bloggers.

I have blogged for a little over a year. When I started, my complacency with being a stay at home mom had begun to fade. My husband's anxiety and fear of the unknown had become my sickness as well. I needed an outlet- for what? At that point, I didn't quite know.

I knew I was sad and lonely. I knew I needed something to call my own. I knew I had a lot to say. I knew my creative juices were simmering within me and being held back for fear of political incorrectness. I knew my kids and my husband deserved someone that was happier and well-adjusted.

I have poured my heart and frustration onto the keyboard at times. I have put things out here, I wished I might not have. I have gone through a couple near nervous breakdowns and many bouts of depression. I've shared embarrassing stories and admissions. Through it all, though, I found that outlet I had been looking for. I no longer feel like I'm going to bust. I finally have something that is under my control.

Along the way, I have found a community of people that understand, empathize or just listen. I've found so many times that I'm not the only one feeling the way I do.

The only weird thing about this, to many, and I suppose to me also, is that these people that have given me such hope, talked me through difficult times and been there as a support system- I have never met.

That's where BlogHer comes in. I finally get to meet some of these people "In Real Life" (that's the tag line of the conference).

I've never said the statement "I blog" in my real life. There's a stigma that goes along with that and it's just another headache that I don't need- and let's be honest- my blog is not exactly the "mommy blog" that we want circulating around my kids' strict Catholic school!

That's not to say that I don't want to say it. I do. Believe it or not, I've been proud of some of the stuff I've put out here. I'm damn proud of what my blog has done for me. It has gotten me to search for me again. It has given me the confidence to be me again and not just say the things I think I'm supposed to say.

Next weekend, among meeting some of the people that I credit with saving my sanity and embracing me as me, I am going to be surrounded by people that get it.

Next weekend I will proudly say "I blog."

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16 comments:

Scary Mommy said...

I'm proud of my blog too. And I'm psyched to meet you! :)

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] said...

BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA!

I shall hump your leg hard in 5 days.

Jennifer said...

I have to say I am new to your blog and found it by following a tweet. AND...I couldn't be happier I did. This is my kind of place..you are real!

Can't wait to meet you in a couple of days!!

I BLOG TOO!(Though people in real life still do not get it)

Ash said...

Amazing how this little slice of the world does help to keep us sane.

Thank the Lord.

I'll try not to be jealous of you as you party hop at BlogHer - have an awesome time!!

Sniff.

Rachel said...

Hell YES! Amen sista!

Last year I was new too and had no clue what BlogHer was.
This year.. I know differently, I know that it's where I finally get to touch in person the people who've become the friends of my heart over the last year.

Ilove this.

Mrs4444 said...

"I am going to be surrounded by people that get it."

Next weekend I will proudly say "I blog."

That's IT! You hit the nail on the head. Also, we will meet people who know all about us and love us anyway, right?! :)

Honeybell said...

I haven't been commenting anywhere much lately, but wanted to say: I was here when you started! I TOLD YOU you were gonna be a Rock Star!

Very excited for you, and a little jealous.

Sue Wilkey said...

6 more days!!!!!!!!

When I say "I blog" to people around here they look at me like I'm retarded like I said "I email".

Nobody gets what hot shits we are!!!!!!!!


;)

see ya at the bar!

The Mom Jen said...

Look at you all "growed" up! ;) I'm so glad you are going and you will have some rockin' roomies, so jealous, think of me at least once! ;)

Nicole Marie said...

Oh I so wish i could go to blogher...I would have loved finally getting to meet u! I think we have almost the same personality. Maybe next year.

Anonymous said...

Great post! I am new to this blogging thing, and from the sound of it... I'm you a year ago. I talked myself out of doing this last month and am finally giving it an honest try. Even though my writing may be random and of no real relevance, it feels good putting it out there... and like you said, saying what I want to say not what others want to hear for once! KUDOS TO YOU... and have fun at BlogHer!

Linda S said...

High Fives!

Can't wait to meet you. You are one chica I must track down! Not in a creepy stalker way...ok, maybe a little...but Blogher is going to be great!

Kim said...

Damn, I wish I was going.

Annie said...

You just completed your 12 step blog program. I'm so proud! Have fun!

(and having JUST came home froma girls weekend................you will LOVE it- it ROCKS!)

Teacher Mommy said...

I am not going this year.

I really really really hope I can go next year.

In the meantime, I'm glazing over in order to quell the jealous hate that rises in my heart at all the nonstop chatter by you lucky, lucky bitches who ARE going.

Just sayin'.

Lisa-licious said...

Girlie, we are going to have too much fun! How cool that we will all get to meet? I SO know you will be hanging out in our room...I am so excited!