Update: I’m Going to Blissdom!

When I last saw you, I was having a pretty bad day. In fact, I was having such an awful day that I thought I’d share it. I spread the news here, on Twitter, and on Facebook. And people answered. YOU answered. Thank you so much. I appreciated everyone’s comments and sympathy. It meant so much to hear from you. Typing words doesn’t convey my appreciation, but if you could see me, or talk to my family, you’d know that my attitude has improved immensely since you stepped in.

I want to say THANK YOU (oh, yes, it’s worth yelling) to three women in particular: Kim Moldofsky, Alli Worthington, and Barbara Jones. When I posted the link to my sad and frustrating day, Kim chatted with me on Twitter about it. I felt better, knowing that she had dealt with similar issues and had worked through it. Then 20 minutes later the phone rang and it was my friend, Alli. Kim had told Alli about my post. Alli’s first words were, “Honey, how can we get you to Blissdom?” And we talked. I cried a little. And I’m going to Blissdom. Thanks to Kim, Alli, and Barbara, I’m going to Blissdom!

That’s a big deal; let me tell you why. Writing the book has been one of the best experiences of my life, but it was also one of the most draining. I was lucky to be able to do it with my very good friend Shannon, but it was stressful even so. That project left me burned out and unsure of whether I wanted to continue being online or not. I went back and forth and talked it to death with my friends. And I decided to stop for a while. But even that was stressful. I worried. And different life stuff happened and I worried more. Then Alli called and said in her soothing voice, “Honey, how can we get you to Blissdom?” And I melted. Because what I was missing were my online connections and being part of something bigger than myself.

I talked with my husband and we agreed that I need the trip to Blissdom. I need it to connect with my friends, to work on some of the ideas I’ve been percolating, and yes, to see Harry Connick, Jr. Because if Harry can’t cure what ails ya, then nothin’ can.

I went to bed last night thinking of ways to grow. I went to bed with a sense of purpose I’ve been lacking for longer than I care to remember.

I woke up this morning with a need to move forward. Today I

• told Alli and Barbara I’d see them in Nashville.
• worked all morning at my daughter’s school being as useful as I could be.
• decided to celebrate my grandpa’s life by remembering his laugh, the way he would say ‘tall instead of at all, and how his voice sounded when he was happy.
• contacted another bloggy friend to propose a business partnership of sorts.
• pitched in to help with some Blissdom projects.

It felt so good to be productive again, to be adding to others instead of taking away and being negative. When I called Shannon today, she said, “It’s so good to hear your voice happy again.” And I owe that to you. Thank you to everyone for being there for me. Thank you particularly to Kim, Alli, and Barbara. I don’t know if I can really tell you how much appreciate you. But I do. Thanks. I’ll see you in Nashville!

(If you’re coming to Blissdom, I’m begging you to come talk to me. I want to see you, meet you, hang out with you. And I’m not one to say it if I don’t mean it.)

Tagged as: appreciation, Blissdom