If I want connection, I have to be willing to connect. And lately this is something I’m really striving for. Connection makes life more interesting and worthwhile. We all want to be loved. We all want to belong. And I know it’s through a connection to each other that we can all find joy. Since I’ve begun to share and slowly open up, I’ve felt it, and have been craving more of it. Being part of something, sharing, learning, growing together, that is where it’s at. Especially in our amazing creative community.

That’s why sometimes I pinch myself my blogging career over the last 11 years has connected me to so many amazing people and places in my life. It started out as though it would be a solitary job, but in actuality, it’s so much more! Those moments when I was willing to put myself out there, willing to take that leap and join in, that’s when the real connection was made. Years back, I went to every conference I could, met with other like-minded women bloggers, others in the creative world and blog world. I found these meet-ups, conferences, and workshops were the brilliant light I needed to fill up this part of my life, that connection, a bridge, a way to see and be seen. I was able to bond with incredible women, funny and intelligent, grow friendships I didn’t know could exist. It was a huge part of my blogging life and creativity for the first 5 years of my career. It helped me to grow and expand on the blogging and business side, creating a business that would help support my family. I am so grateful for all the stunning women I’ve connected with below over the years.

Within these last few years of my life, retreating a bit from the scene, my light was dimming and my excitement was fading. It had a lot to do with life experiences I was going through and burnout from social media. I didn’t think I needed that creative connection any more. I withdrew for a few years, sitting in solitude, letting my amazing team members take things over as I sat in the background for a while. But as time has moved along, I now realize something had been missing. I still needed to belong, I needed to have that connection. So I climbed out of solitary and joined the conversation. I made the decision to see and be seen, going to meet-ups and conferences once again. And it feels so good. How amazing is this creative community?! Pictured below, I feel so privileged to be part of this group, meeting up at a conference this last March.

And pictured below are more talented women bloggers I had the pleasure of re-connecting with this last May at Mom 2.0 Summit!

Connection is addicting. It’s inspiring and giving in a way that fills me up and makes me want to share and be part of something. I have more to say, more to learn, more to give. My creativity has been sparked through connection. It’s electric. Palpable. The energy in the room of others creating, blogging, writing, giving, and sharing. I want in. I want to be part of that again. I’m ready. I’ve climbed up and over the wall, and now I’m here, now I’m back. I’m so excited to connect with all of you!