#BAMC16
Last weekend I attended my first ever blogging conference. In many ways, it was my birthday gift to my blog. At the end of April, I will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of SMART Living 365. But what does any of that have to do with you, my dear readers? Just like with so many other SMART topics, when we think about it, we can learn and grow from any situation we experience. Even better, when we open our minds and our hearts, there is a good chance we can also have a fantastic and fun time. With that in mind, I jotted down a few things I learned over the weekend that I thought might prove SMART for us all.
The conference I attended was Bloggers at Midlife, or #BAMC16 as it heavily broadcasted on social media. With millions of blogs existing on the internet, it can be challenging to find your niche as a blogger. It can also be isolating and lonely. Fortunately, the founders of BAM decided to throw a conference and bring over 150 midlife bloggers and sponsors together to learn from one another, be encouraged and have fun. What did I bring home with me? Here are a few of the takeaways:
Find your tribe or your BFF (Blogging Friend Forever!) Like most everyone there, I
T.O. Weller & I at #BAMC16
had never met any of the other bloggers in person before I arrived. Of course, I follow and read some of them on a regular basis, but that’s not the same as knowing them in person. However, one blogger named T.O. Weller and I had SKYPED and emailed several times before arriving. T.O., or Tracey, is the author of NeverTooLateToWrite.com and from the first time I read her work I resonated with her message. Fortunately, she appreciated mine, and through the internet we became friends. When I heard she would be attending #BAMC16, I knew I would have at least one friend there to connect with. After spending four days together, laughing, talking and sharing ideas, I now consider Tracey my BSF, or my blogging sister forever.
Happily, I also connected with about a half-dozen other women who I have always read and admired. While I may have considered myself their friend before our meeting, the act of looking into each other’s eyes while talking, whispering in their ear with a private thought, and hugging them one-on-one is a priceless advantage. Before the conference, I would have called them friends. Now I call them BFFs!
Tracey, Me, Tammy & Roxanne…just a couple of the BFFs I met at #BAMC16
The thing is, it doesn’t matter whether you or I connect with each other at a conference or anywhere else. What is important is that we reach out and form close relationships. I’ve written plenty about how vital community is to our health and happiness, and this is a perfect example. Is it risky? Yes, it can be. Any of these women could have ignored me, or even worse, rejected me after meeting at the conference. But without risking the possibility, I would never have been given the opportunity. Do it!
Never stop learning or growing! I know, I KNOW that I say this frequently here on SMART Living, but it really is a 365-day challenge. A huge part of an exciting, fulfilling and meaningful experience here on planet Earth is continual growth. Even after five years of blogging SMART Living and three years before that on another site, this conference offered dozens of tips and ideas to explore and consider. While a big part of me is proud of what I have created in the past, if I stopped now my blog, my writing, and my life would begin to shrink and atrophy. Instead, in the months to come I am challenged to integrate a new blog design, some video, and possibly a closely-aligned sponsor or two. Who knows? What I do know is that everyone of us, no matter what our interests and passions, needs to continue to grow and learn for as long as we live in order to live SMART 365.
Break your routine and get out of your comfort zone! Like most of us, I can get pretty comfortable with my routines. Spending a bunch of money to go to a conference where I really didn’t know anyone, to learn things I wasn’t sure I needed to know, and spend time doing who knows what, can be challenging. Did I go anyway? Absolutely. And isn’t that the SMART message we all need to hear on a regular basis? As we’ve all heard before, I doubt there will be a time at the end of our lives when we say to ourselves, “I wish I stayed home and surfed the Internet more.” Get up, get out, and get moving!
Laughing and having fun is a big part of a joyful life. In case you are wondering, this conference was far from a two-day work intensive. The #BAMC16 organizers made sure to include ample and delicious food, generous and creative schwag from the sponsors, and a 70’s Disco Party with a DJ on Friday night. While laughing and dancing with 50 new friends might not be something that makes your heart sing, it highlighted my weekend. What is SMART, of course, is finding and then doing what makes each of us tingle deep inside with joy.
Going to this blogging conference and connecting with other creative and powerful bloggers was just what I needed to celebrate my blog now and in the days to come. Of course, many of the ideas I took away from there aren’t really new or unique. Instead, I was reminded of some simple and SMART ideas that make for a great life. Whatever you do, and wherever you go in the days ahead, I encourage you to make them part of your SMART life, 365.
Please help me make SMART Living better in the days to come by answering all six of the questions below. (scroll down to find them!)
Dear Kathy, I just stumbled across your blog, I have read half of your last post and am about to continue to read some more of your writings. It is very interesting!
hI Juli! Welcome to SMART Living 365. I’m glad you like this post and I hope you enjoy more of my articles. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I am so glad that the last month I got introduced to your blog. All those 5 years, I bet you have inspired so many people! I love how you describe your experience in the conference along with meeting amazing bloggers on your way.
There are still so many things to learn about blogging! Wishing you all the best to your blog and I took the survey too. Have a beautiful day!
Zaria
Hi Psychic Nest! I’m glad you found me too and that you’re enjoying the blog. The “journey” of blogging can be so rewarding and yes, there are lots of opportunities for our growth. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment! ~Kathy
I’m glad you went, Kathy. I loved looking at all your pictures and was so happy that I knew so many of you (a tad jealous too, if I’m honest!). I filled in the survey form. Just to let you know that your blog makes a difference, so all your investment of time and money, will certainly not be wasted. Good luck and keep growing – like all of us are trying to do! ?
Hi Corinne! I so wish you could have made it too. You are someone I would really love to sit down and talk to and already consider you a BFF! Thank you for taking the time to do my survey and for your ongoing support. I so admire your constant messages of upliftment and encouragement so it is an honor to be in your circle! Thank you! ~Kathy
You are so cutting edge with that survey. Yowza! I wish I could meet you in person because you radiate kindness and a pure heart. I am so glad you met your BSF and I’m so glad you are in my community. I admire you (can you tell?) so keep up the great work and Happy Anniversary! I love what you do.
Hi Cathy! Hahahaha…thanks for thinking I’m so “cutting edge!” You should try it yourself. Polldaddy.com is pretty easy to use and I just use the free version so far. I don’t know why I don’t use it more often because it is a fun way for people to interact. And I was sorry that you weren’t able to attend #BAMC16 because I’ve always considered you one of my BFFs (blogging friends forever) too. Maybe next year? I hope so. Until then please continue to share all the positive and empowering news you share regularly on your blog. ~Kathy
Congrats on turning 5 years old!!! In the blogging world, that’s a truly incredible milestone. Did you ever think you would be around after so many years? Just thrilled for you.
Your articles are wonderful and I feel like we are old friends just sitting around chatting when I read your latest post. You have a way of writing in such an easy conversational way that it feels truly comforting to read what’s on your mind.
Keep up the great writing and hope to see a dozen more years of articles!!!
Hi Wendy! Thank you! How long have you been blogging? I think for just about as long because it seems like I’ve been reading your blog for years now. I consider it an honor that you like my blog and a high compliment that you feel like we are old friends even though we’ve never met in person (yet!) I hope some way, some time, that changes because I do consider you a BFF! Let’s both keep writing long into the future and sharing the news about happiness! ~Kathy
You are just one of those rare people I feel a connection to even though we are essentially pen pals. I feel lucky to have met you in the blogging world and am happy to call you a friend. 🙂
By the way, I began blogging in February 2012. Amazing how time flies.
Hi Wendy! Ahhh…I knew you’d been a blogging friend for quite a while. With a ka-zillion blogs here on the internet I too am happy we found one another. Thanks for your ongoing support through all these years! ~Kathy
What a fabulous conference, Kathy! And thank you so much for sharing what you learned from it with us!
You know, when I started blogging, I had NO idea of the folks I’d meet out in the blogasphere. But I love many of them, and you’re one of the top! I just love your insights, and feel so connected any time I read your blog.
What a wonderful world this has opened up!
Hey Susan! It was a good conference. What made it particularly powerful was the women there. I got to meet quite a few of them but wished you could have been there too. You are definitely part of my BFF (Blogging Friends Forever) as well as a friend who considers herself a writer first and foremost. I’m looking forward to the time when we finally meet in person too. ~Kathy
So do I! I feel as though I know you 🙂
I am happy that you enjoyed it. I was bummed to not be able to go this year, but maybe next year if its closer. I went to the first one and loved it!
Hi Rena! I was bummed you weren’t there either! I would love to have met you in person. I’m hoping that will happen next year for sure. ~Kathy
I loved meeting people in person–it adds another whole dimension. IT was fun. I found women I had not heard of and got to meet many, like you, who I follow and have had conversations with.
Hi Walker! You were definitely one of the people I hoped to meet and connect with while at #BAMC16. Not only do I admire your writing, you are also a “rightsizer!” Thanks for your words of wisdom on the “panel” and I look forward to staying connected with you in the days to come. ~Kathy
Looks like a great time! I need to go next year!
Hi Rosemond! YES! If you are a midlife blogger I recommend you attend if you are able. While not all of the information was what I needed, the advantage of connecting with so many great women who understand what you do is pretty powerful. I’m (selfishly) hoping it’s on the west coast because then I know for sure I’ll be there! Thanks for commenting! ~kathy
I love doing a conference as a birthday present to your blog! And, yes, connections are so important. Though most members are much younger than I, I love my local blogging group. Even those connections have been important and doing events with them around town is more fun. I am glad you had such a great time at BAM.
Hi Pam! Yes…it was a great boost for my blog and my own goals and intentions for my writing career. And thank you for your words of wisdom on one of the panels. Besides making connections and developing friendships, there is so much we can learn from one another to better our blogs, our writing and our lives. I’m looking forward to next year already! ~Kathy
These are such great and inspiring take-aways from the conference! Such a pleasure to meet you and all of the fun that went with that. Congrats on blogging 5 years!! You seem to have the right formula!
Hi Terri! You were definitely one of the women I enjoyed meeting in person. And we are sort of California-neighbors because you live in the Sacramento area. One of these days we just might get together. And I’ve been wanting to put my #Chicos gif on the post but wasn’t sure how to do it. That was a fun thing we did….oh, and dancing! Yes, you are a good dance partner!!! Until next time! ~Kathy
That sounds like a great experience… sorry I missed it! I was actually in Las Vegas at the same time but at another event. Maybe next year there won’t be a conflict and I will be able to attend.
Hi Janis! I am almost positive that you would have enjoyed it too. Like I said in the post, it was wonderful to connect with so many women that that we read and chat with online. That’s too funny that you were in Vegas at the same time…it would have been fun if you could have dropped in for a short time to say “Hi!” Maybe next year? One of the possible locations is LA so I definitely put my vote there. ~Kathy
It was great to meet so many bloggers I have followed and felt like I already knew. I am somewhat recovered now and will be writing my #BAMC16 blog post today. You are a delightful woman, Kathy, and I am so glad we finally met IRL!
b
Hey Barbara! YES! Wasn’t it wonderful to look across the room and say, “hey, I know you!” You were definitely someone I had hoped to see and meet IRL and now I’m including you in my BFF tribe! Please stay in touch and if I can ever help you and your blog in any way, just ask. That’s what BFFs are for! ~Kathy
Happy Blogaversary! The conference looked great and I know I would have loved meeting IRL you and many others. The timing is difficult for me.
Hi Haralee! I was so disappointed you weren’t able to attend the conference because I’ve always considered you a BFF too! Maybe next year? Much as we bloggers all like our online work, the IRL thing is still very powerful. ~Kathy
Happy to see happy people of smart family who left their comfort zone for sharing their personal experiences in a new zone which proved more rewarding . Proud to be a Smartee reader. May you find my survey helpful.
Hey MD! Thanks for jumping in here and letting me know you are a “proud” Smartee reader AND for taking the time to do the survey. And don’t we all need to push ourselves now and then to do things that make us uncomfortable and open to change? If I EVER get stagnant with my writing or topics PLEASE jump in here and let me know!!!! What are friends for, right? ~Kathy
It was such a delight to spend the small amount of time we did together–and looking forward to more and soon! Like maybe before next year’s conference? xoxoxo
Hi Carol! I KNEW you were a BFF before I got to Vegas but now I know for sure! We think a lot alike, write about many of the same things, AND I greatly admire your work and your blog–how could that NOT be a BFF! I’m still wondering how we will do a past life regression with me not being in the same location as you but if we get it done it will certainly be something to write about. And thank you especially for getting a group of us together on Saturday night to talk woo-woo. It was the perfect cap to a great conference. Until next time! ~Kathy
So glad you had such a great time at BAM! I do enjoy my small writing group here, but none of them write blogs. Bloggers are a breed apart I guess. I’ll have to go to one of those conferences sometime!
Hi Laura Lee! Thank you….I do think you would have enjoyed it too. It was really nice for us being so close to Vegas that we could drive. I’m hoping next year it will be in the LA area for exactly the same reason. What was especially great was to connect with other bloggers who consider ourselves writers first, and bloggers second. Not all of us do of course, but there are enough of us to make a difference. And hey, so many interesting, funny and passionate women–how could that NOT be a good time! ~Kathy
It looks like you had a blast – and good on you for stepping out of your comfort zone and going. I was seeing pictures popping up on my fb feed from all these women having a great time and I was quite envious of you all. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to go on my own, and living in Australia kind of ruled that out, but meeting you all face to face would have been fabulous x
Hey Leanne! We really did have an awesome time. I know you would have too if you’d been able to make it but you’re right, it’s a HUGE distance from Austrailia! While I know that you know many of the same bloggers I do here on FB, there really was something special about seeing each other in person and connecting with those that match our styles and outlook. Who knows? Set the intention and it could happen one of these years! Until then, I consider you one of my BFFs anyway! ~Kathy
Enjoyed your blog for about two years now. Always very interesting.
Hey Bob! Thanks for checking in and letting me know you are out there in the blogosphere! It’s always nice to know I’m not just talking to myself 🙂 Stay SMART! ~Kathy
Good morning my lovely BSF! I popped in to read your post while George is getting groomed and I think the people here in Starbucks all want to know why I’m suddenly sporting a gigantic smile.
When people here ask me about my trip to Vegas, they assume the highlights will include gambling and shopping. Instead, I gush about how wonderful it was to meet such wonderful women and share meals, conversation and laughter with you and Thom. Gambling? Shopping? We didn’t even miss them.
When I finally make it home and I can enjoy some much needed time in reflection, I too will be thinking about next steps and what will be next in this exciting adventure. I soaked in so many creative thoughts and ideas at the conference and now it’s time to make plans … and I can’t wait to share it all with you!! I feel truly blessed. 🙂
Congratulations to you and your blog on your 5 year anniversary! Here’s to the next 5!! (That survey was a great idea — I hope you don’t mind if I borrow that one?)
Hey BSF! Isn’t it true about the Vegas questions? Gambling? Shopping? Far, far better to hang out with you and our new Blogging-Brother-In-Law Kip and all the other amazing women we met through #BAMC16, right? Driving home I was just taken with the idea that I share so much with you that we really are more than friends–sister just seemed the right word! And yes, your journey home was longer than ours so I can only imagine on the thoughts swirling in your head. As you know I’m here for you and if I can help in even the slightest way I’m honored!
Thank you for my blogaversary good wishes and feel free to use the survey idea. You know I will share the results with you! 🙂 Talk soon… ~Kathy