Authenticity Matters

Puddie and I just got back from Type A.

I started to write a list of takeaways and quickly realized that the takeaway below very much needed its own post.

My favorite part of the conference was the We Still Blog keynote and the three very unique but equally as powerful bloggers that held the audience captive with their words, their wit and their authenticity during that very poignant hour or so…

I found myself relating to each of them in very personal ways as they read their words to us.

As Tanis read her post, I remembered the difference she had made in our house over a year ago when that very post pierced my husband’s heart and got him to stop using the R word after years of me pleading with him to stop because his words and specifically THAT word did matter.

I knew the words he had been using did not reflect the supportive wonderful human being I knew him to be… but Tanis– a blogger thousands of miles away– had the right words that changed his heart.

And, during that session, her words were still as powerful as they were that night.

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As Cecily read her post, I wanted to stand and shout “AMEN”.

I thought of my weight struggles and how I am finally now on a road to getting healthy, but how fragile that road is as the growing national “concern” over obesity in our weight obsessed culture has done nothing but make me (and most other obese folks) want to eat more …

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I really have had enough of the shaming that is going on in this country in regards to food but that my friends is a thought for another post.

Cecily shed a different light on the weight conversation… a much needed light.

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As Katherine spoke to us, I so related to her words of social anxiety– as I have dealt with it for years and was dealing with it a bit throughout the conference.

And then, she read her post and  I so related to those total moments of being overwhelmed as a mother, and I too had an amazing husband who had a knack for helping me see through the weeds.

I admired the tender way she spoke of her husband and I will carry her husband’s motherhood explanation with me from now on.

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All three of these women reminded me of what a force this form of communication can be…

I am sure each person in that room (not to mention all of their readers on the internet) could tell their own story of personal connection to what was shared– yet I am sure all our stories are all very different.

What a beautiful thing.

The authenticity that dripped from each post and each speaker was one of the most profound keynotes I have ever experienced.

But with all that said, what really made an impact on me?

Throughout the conference, on several occasions, I experienced that authenticity firsthand.

They were among the friendliest and warmest people at the conference.

Their focus was not pageviews or prestige– it was people.

They reminded me of everything I love about blogging and the blogging community.

Today– back home in Indiana– I sit here thankful.

Thankful for Tanis, Cecily and Katherine.

They inspired me to be a better blogger…

A better blog community member…

To have more fun…

And, to be the welcoming and authentic person for others that they were so graciously for me.