If you really knew me...

Social media has a way of making us feel popular. We feel a twinge of pride from having hundreds of Facebook friends, thousands of Twitter followers, and blog readers from all over the world.

But there is a line between tangible and virtual.

Not too long ago, a well-respected and heavily-followed social media expert committed suicide. For many of us, we immediately thought, "How could that be? He had so many followers!".

But a social media follower is not the same as a real-life friend. It is easy to feel alone, even in the thick of a crowd.

If you really knew me, you would know that...

I write the truth.
I write from my heart.
I am what I write...

But I am probably too embarrassed to talk about it in person.

My first blog conference is coming up on Saturday.

I am a nervous wreck.

What do I wear?
Are comfy shoes okay?
Should I try to be trendy?
Or should I just be me?
What if "me" isn't good enough?

What if I hate it?
Can I leave early and go home to my family?

If you really know me, you will understand that this step is a big one. Blog readers know my heart. They have read my dreams. They are aware of my fears.

And I am about to come out from behind the computer screen... as ME.

I still have no idea what I'm going to wear.

- - -
Inspired by one of Mama Kat's prompts from her prompt-generator HERE.
"If you really knew me, you would know that..."

Why I blog (and what's next!)

"So, you have a blog?"

"What do you write about?"

"Why would anyone want to write without getting paid?"

"Why do you blog?" 

Good question.
Seventeen months ago, I blogged because I was feeling stressed and depressed. Being the modern gal that I am, I shunned the old school journal and turned to the computer and a simple site called Blogger to hash out my feelings. Then I figured, I may as well try to get some people to read what I write. Maybe get a comment or two. So I joined Twitter. I publicized blog posts on my Facebook page. Then I made a separate Facebook page for my blog. I did a giveaway or two. I participated in blog hops. I joined a fantastic group called the Georgia Social Media Moms, where we share tips and provide ongoing support for one another.

Somewhere down the line, blogging changed for me.

Yes, I still use blogging as my outlet, to say what I need to say, to put my needs and questions out there in the universe. I continue to blog about my amazing daughter and all the trials, tribulations, and laughter that come from having her in my life. But now, 3MomsIn1.com is more than that. It is also a showcase for occasional creative writing. It is a way to connect with like-minded people with a willingness to share their experiences and memories. It is a method for practicing, and hopefully improving, my writing skills.

As my blog following has grown, I have grown as a blogger.

I am not afraid to insert myself into a Twitter conversation or speak up in a Twitter party because I know my ideas are welcome.

I am not embarrassed to post about my feelings and failures because I know someone out there has been through it too. 

I no longer say, "I have a blog." Instead I announce, "I am a blogger."

My next big step? A blog conference.

When I first heard of blog conferences (and some of the price tags associated with them), I scoffed. A conference? Definitely not something for me. My sporadic reviews and advertising sales don't make up even a sixteenth of what I would need for a "real" income. Nor do I need them to be; that's not what my blog is about. Why would I ever go to a conference?

Now I know why. To meet other bloggers. To grow my skills. To remind myself how to network. To bust the walls of my social anxiety. To have some time away from home with people I can identify with. To be something more than "mommy".

I will be attending Bloggy Boot Camp Atlanta in late October, and I am beyond excited! I know some of the sessions won't apply to my casual blogging style, but they will be interesting nonetheless. I can't wait to meet the other bloggers in attendance. BBC Atlanta is going to be a great first conference, especially given my shyness/anxiety issues when I'm looking real life head-on. BBC uses an assigned seating approach that changes periodically, so we are never stuck sitting quietly on the edge of a clique of BFFs.

And it's in Atlanta, so I can come home to kiss my sleeping little girl before crashing in my own familiar bed.

Bloggers, why do you blog?

Anyone else going to BBC Atlanta?

**What this blog needs? More comments! Don't be shy! **

If at first you don't succeed

When I was a kid,

Daddy always said to me,

  Get up! Try again, I believe – don’t you see?

If I tripped and banged a knee,

  Stand back up and keep going

If I fell from my bike,

  Try again, no more woe-ing

When a friend turned her back,

  It’s okay, you’ll make more

When a guy broke my heart,

  Wait, keep looking, there is love in store.

If I cried, he was there,

To hold my hand, or stroke my hair.

But those moments passed,

And he would say at last,

  Try again, I know you can -

  You are able! You are strong!

  And I’m your biggest fan.

 
(Post inspired my Mama Kat's *pretty much world famous* Writers' Workshop. This week, I selected this prompt: Write a poem about starting over.) 

Rainbow (continued)

I received a comment on this morning's Self Confidence post. One of the most enjoyable comments I have received in a while. A comment just too beautiful not to put front and center tonight.

A heartfelt thank you to Onesie Mommy who left the comment. Visit her blog - it is truly lovely.

Onesie Mommy said...

I don't know... maybe she is a rainbow...

Your daughter is unique... rainbows can shine even when it rains. That's pretty unique.

Your daughter is beautiful... so are rainbows.

Your daughter is smart... Rainbows can display a multitude of colours at the same time. Pretty clever if you ask me.

Your daughter is funny. I don't know how many natural events that can sport a silly little leprecaun and a pot of gold at the end of it.

I'd say your little girl IS a rainbow. She just doesn't know it yet.

    [OnesieMommy.com]


- - - - - -

Exciting day! In the comments of the very same post, I was honored with a blog award!

Thanks to Samantha from Mommy To A Princess. I love the "My *Favorite* Bloggirl" Award!

Now it's my turn to pass it along:

  -- OnesieMommy

  -- A New Kind Of Normal

  -- Amber Page Writes

Thanks for brightening my days with your stories, ladies!

Self Confidence

Amelia: "Mommy?"

Me: "Yes?"

Amelia: "I'm very upset."

Me: "You are? Why?"

Amelia: "I am sad because I am boring."

Me: "You mean you are bored?"

Amelia: "No, I am boring."

Me: "I don't think you are boring! Why do you say you're boring?"

Amelia: "I'm boring because I'm not a rainbow."

Me: "You want to be a rainbow?"

Amelia: "Yes. And I can't. I want to be a rainbow and I can't...
 I am very sad."


So, now I am speechless. My beautiful (non-boring) child is 3 years old. I am not ready for self-confidence issues!

"Self-esteem is your child's passport to lifetime mental health and social happiness"
-- AskDrSears.com

It is never too early to teach our children they are smart, beautiful, and the light of our lives. My kid? Is not a rainbow. She is a unique, beautiful, smart, funny girl.

If I do one thing for my sweet child, I will make sure she knows it.