Three Words

There are some really great posts about conferences and events, and worrying about making an impression, knowing your own boundaries, how to connect in a crowd of people and I myself understand certain aspects about being anxious at large events.

Despite being told that I’m apparently ‘good’ at networking, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: They stress me out.  My cheeks hurt from smiling by the end of the night and I usually drive home replaying conversations in my head and questioning why I said certain things or if I sounded like a complete door knob.

Conversely, I do enjoy myself. I wouldn’t put myself in situations that I hated, and I don’t hate being around great people.  I like having fun and interesting conversations (even if they take a lot out of me!).

I’m a bit of a coin that way – two sides (but still worth the same? I dunno, I feel there’s a great analogy in there somewhere but I’m late).

But I think what all of us do being going to these events, or while we are at these events is question ourselves way too much. Am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Am I funny enough?

We all need to stop.  Because the answer is always yes.

And maybe we don’t mesh with people A, B and C over there, but people P, Q and R are pretty awesome and seem to be similar to myself so that’s ok.   There is no right or wrong when it comes to who we meet.

Sometimes it’s about finding our ‘tribes’ – the people that we just can find that spark, that connection with.

All this to say that I think we need to stop the self doubt. Stop the worry over image and appearances (and while you’re at it, read this amazing post by my friend Little Miss Mocha).

So here’s a little homework.  

All of us have different strengths.  Different qualities that we will be bringing to these events.  The fact that we all bring something different to the table is one of the reasons why these events end up being so amazing.

Your homework? Think about three words that you would use to describe yourself.  Three POSITIVE words. And keep them close to you when you are at these events.

I’d love it if you shared those three words in the comments.  If nothing else it will help prove my point about diversity 😉

Ultimately, I just want you to think about the fact that we don’t need to be the same, we don’t need to find a way to ‘fit in’.  We just need to be ourselves.

If you are attending Blissdom or other events this coming weekend, have a great time!!!

oh what’s that? I should do my own homework? 😉

Three words I’ll hold with me:

Happy, Supportive, Savvy

**this took forever for me to come up with these words! stupid homework!