Much as people suggest you have an elevator pitch to sum up your blog in a few lines before you arrive at BlogHer, it's essential to have an elevator summary of your experience to bring home. Everyone asks how it was, but no one wants all the details we're eager to spew after our few days of learning and fun. But it's hard to pare things down.
The sessions were top notch. I know some people don't go for the sessions or to learn new blogging or social media skills. A couple of people I chatted with regretted bothering to register for the entire conference because they spent all their time meeting with private companies and going to private parties. I don't get that. I think they're missing out on one of the most important, enjoyable aspects of the conference, but who am I to tell them differently? I have read the recaps of a few people who complained about the quality of the sessions. I couldn't disagree more. I don't know what people expected (to learn how to make a living from blogging and get a book deal in under a year?) but I went to focus on the craft of blogging, learn about using blogging to become a better writer and find fresh inspiration to use my blog to fuel advocacy and reform. I got all that and much more. I made intense connections with people who understand exactly what I'm trying to do and are basically living my dream despite dealing with chronic pain. Nothing could have been more inspiring or encouraging for me. It was disappointing to have to rest so much. I wanted to attend sessions and stroll through the expo floor all day and attend parties all night, but that wasn't realistic. I know I have firm limits and no choice but to respect them. I was once a person who could overdo it and lament how tired and hungover I was the next day just like any other young adult. Now my body won't stand for that. If I don't willingly rest when my body needs to it will make me, which is not pretty. So I listened to my needs and took it more slowly than I wanted to. It was hard to hear about how much fun people had at the parties I had RSVP'd to and found myself unable to attend. Really hard. I felt like the nerdy kid who skipped the prom. I knew I'd done what was right for me, but I still left left out and wished things were different. It will fade with time. Little insignificant disappointments like that always do.
