It's hard to convey because words aren't enough

I’ve been back from the Evolution of Women in Social Media (EVO) conference for three full days and have been trying hard to digest all of the incredible depth and simple awesomeness that was the conference. It’s a bit hard to find the words to even describe it to you.

I was there for work. We had decided to sponsor a suite so we could engage more with parents and talk to them about Designs Without Compromise. And while I feel that was extremely successful and I am thrilled to pieces for my “work self”, I am also so grateful to have experienced EVO as an individual.

To begin with, I was able to connect again with one of my favorite charities, the Make a Wish Foundation. I had volunteered with them many, many years ago and absolutely loved it. At EVO, we had the chance to hear directly from a wish family (truly heartwrenching) and listen to how social media has changed how they approach wishes. It’s really thrilling when you know something simple like Twitter and Facebook can make such a positive impact on an organization. Then, at one of the first sessions, a group of us were able to make contributions to MAW by brainstorming ideas around their Summer of 5,000 Wishes Campaign. We came up with ideas for blogger outreach, video, and more. I left feeling like a piece of me had been missing but was now full.

Then, there was the atmosphere of community. This was so much more than just a listening conference. Not only did I talk to people, but I made friends – true connections that I hope continue on for a long time.

But the end all, be all for me was the Closing Keynote on Living Authentically. The speakers were full of such obvious smarts I wanted to put them in my pocket and carry them around with me at all times. I say obvious because all of the amazing awesomeness that came out of their mouths seemed so obvious if we all just took the time to think about it. But we don’t. So it evades us and we all constantly search for the inspiration, for the answers to live better, be better. We all have stories. We are all extraordinarily ordinary and that is a beautiful thing. It’s why we read each other’s stories. It’s why we share the stories in the first place. As Brene Brown stated, “we are all made of strength and struggle.” Everyone has something to share.

We need to feel connected. We need to belong.

I felt honored to be in a room of strong, powerful women and it made me eager to hear their stories and so grateful for those who are reading mine.

It’s scary and exhilarating to put yourself out there, but as was stated at the conference, we should all:

Sink into the joy even when it’s terrifying. – Brene Brown

It’s hard to convey because words aren’t enough – EVO wrap-up

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