I started 2015 off with a few key goals. Work goals, life goals, health goals… your regular assortment of “stuff I need to remember” this year.

I wanted to start running again. . . or at least try to start running again. And to drink less cider so that I wouldn’t waddle into winter with the same extra padding as I did last year.

I wanted to balance things better (ha) and find more peaceful moments in the day. The ole work better not more concept.

And I wanted to cross the line as a speaker and have the chance to spread my gospel to our Southern neighbours.

Luckily #BlogU15 accepted me and all my chaos to join them as a speaker in Baltimore, Maryland this June… which was fabulous and terrifying all in one.

For those who don’t know, BlogU is the “writer-bloggers” conference.  While we are all “writers”, some are more writer than others.  These conference attendees are the book writers, the storytellers, and the freelancers in the blogging industry.

And that is a whole new group to this mamma.

A scary group.

As I walked through those doors the first morning I felt like the school nerd pushing through the doors to where the cool kids hang out.  These ladies oozed creativity, had texture to their words, and wore jelly shoes (for real)

I had a suitcase full of heels and tidily rolled dresses that never even got hung up, my conference attire that I had so frequently relied on.   That first morning arrived, as I shrugged on my boyfriend jeans… I prayed that this brilliant group of artists would accept me as I am.

The weekend passed by in a haze of jet lag and “one too many’s”. Hugs and names and me feeling the fool for not knowing enough about anybody.

I got comfortable in my flip flops and felt nostalgic, re-imagining my life being a series of cool road trips, coffee houses and poetry slams instead of afternoon tea, business meetings and de-licing the kids.

This was a new tribe to me. . . and it was good.

I felt no exclusion, I saw no cliques. I felt warm and welcomed.

And I still find myself breaking into giggles as I remember small moments from the weekend.

So, thank you BlogU, for not only taking a risk on this strange Canadian, but also for introducing me to your people.  For sharing your tribe  with me… for allowing me to taste your magic.

And to the attendees, all the fabulous women in that space, remember that fear comes in many forms, but right now ride the conference adrenaline and have the courage to leap into what you want, to make the connection, and follow your instinct.

Define your goals, state your dreams and ask for help.

I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?