What 2016 Taught Me

For me 2016 started off as the Year of Yes!.  I bought Shonda Rhimes book, settled in on the first day of the year and read the book from cover to cover.  I saw a lot of similarities between myself and Shonda Rhimes and found myself in a place where no had become the norm in my life.  Because of, well many reasons, no was my place of comfort, my big fluffy blanket, my safe zone.  If I could say no, that removed the responsibility, the obligation and the possible disappointment, frustration and/or hurt.  But then this Year of Yes thing came along.

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How I started2016!

So what did the Year of Yes r 2016, teach me?  Just a few things.

1.  A closed mouth does not get fed.  You need to be open and vocal about what you want and/or what you need.  Make your requests known.  Let people know that you are in the room and that you exist.  If there is something on your mind or in your heart say it.  Do not allow life or opportunities pass you by simply because you didn’t speak up.new noorm2

2.  Yes can become your New Normal.  Yes can push your boundaries, however you are still in control and can ultimately redraw those boundaries.  Think of it as life gentrification.  Adjusting the boundaries of your life to fit the person that you are growing into.  Actually, this will be necessary as you open yourself up to things and experiences you may have previously shied away from.be good to yourself

3.  Don’t let the growing stop on December 31.  Carry what you have learned into the next year and keep improving on yourself and keep and keep making your life better.  Do not become stagnant after you just opened yourself up to all of these amazing opportunities.  Keep growing and keep thriving.

2016, as any year had its ups and downs.  There were some personal setbacks and there were also some personal gains.  The year ended on a very high note for me (more about that later).  I learned a lot, I experienced a lot and I changed a lot.  Change is an inside job and 2016 was a perfect example of that.  As I worked on my Year o Yes, I learned that most importantly, I needed to say yes to myself and to what I needed and what I desired and I learned in 2016 how to do that without feeling guilty or fearing judgment.

So 2016, thank you for the lessons learned.  Thank you for the friendship and relationships that developed, thank you for allowing me the freedom and the opportunity to be authentically me and to be free to soar.  Thank you for removing the Spirit of Stuck and allowing me to run and to walk when and to crawl when I needed to.  Thank you 2016 for showing me that the only thing that can stop me is Me.  2017, I have been expecting you and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me.

 

Be Blessed! Be Fabulous!

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BlogHerFood 16

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This time last week I was just getting back home exhausted from a weekend of eating, learning, eating, sharing, learning, networking, eating, meeting new people and experiencing new brands and did I mention earing?  This was my weekend at BlogHerFood16, oh yeah and the closeout party.  It was an amazing experience and a great investment.

Last November was my first experience with BlogHerFood.  It was held in Chicago, my hometown, and it was an excellent way for me to learn more about the craft of blogging.  While not a food blogger, I felt that surely there would be some universal lessons that could be learned at the conference so why not.  It was a great decision.  I learned more than I ever thought I would as well as met people who are still a prat of my life today.

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This year was no exception.  BlogHerFood16 was a great conference and an excellent opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest in the blogging community.  For those who think that this conference is only for food bloggers, you are wrong.  This conference is for anyone who wants to learn how to take their blog to the next level and how to use the latest and greatest tips, tools and techniques to be successful at blogging.  This conference is more intimate than the annual BlogHer conference, so it provides you the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed and less hectic environment than the annual conference.

The attendees at the conference as well as the presenters were awesome.  The Food Network Stars, the Smolletts, of Smollett Eats  gave a cooking demonstration of one of their famous family recipes and we were able to sample some of the food as well.  Helluva Good hosted a reception with the Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond with champagne and appetizers.  And for the closing keynote we were treated to the wit, wisdom and comedy of The Chew’sCarla Hall, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Lisa Lillien.

In addition to the presenters and workshops there are the sponsors.  A few of my favorites this year were Owls Brew as well as Helluva Good!.  Helluva Good had a recharge lounge where you could charge your electronic devices as well as sit back and enjoy endless chips and  dip.  Or veggies and dip, for those working on their figures.  Hamilton Beach was there as well as Analon, Bay’s English Muffins, Martins Potoato Rolls, and Canadian lentils among others.

If you were every contemplating whether or not to attend the conference, don’t hesitate.  The knowledge imparted as well as the people you meet and the things you learn are definitely worth the investment.  The workshops and presentations while mostly for food bloggers can be used for any blogger.  The atmosphere makes it easy to mix, mingle, network and ask questions, have discussions and learn from other bloggers as well.

And side note, these ladies know how to throw a party.  The closing party was at Maggie Maes on 6th street at a huge rooftop party space with more food, drinks and dancing.  It was a great way to end the conference and to spend time with new friends and old friends, laughing, dancing, and partying in the wonderful Texas weather.  I can’t wait for next year.   Hope to see you all there!

Stay Blessed…….Stay Fabulous!

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