There are only 10 sleeps until I board a plane all by myself and head to Mississauga, Ontario to attend Blissdom; a Canadian blogging conference. I don’t travel alone… ever. I get flustered, and have been known to get lost even in my own territory. OK, I’m not scared… I’m terrified.
It was months ago that I bought the ticket, booked my room, and made the flight arrangements.
Since then, I’ve been getting ready; working hard to make sure that my blog is running smoothly, and that all my content is easily accessible through menus and links. I’ve been posting regularly, both to my blog and to all my social media sites.
I’ve had my hair cut, purchased a few new clothes, a purse, a small suitcase, and even a pair of boots… seriously… I’ve never owned a pair of boots in my life (I also stocked up on corn pads and cushiony socks…).
And now the doubt is setting in. What was I thinking? I’ve spent more than one restless night with that bouncing around in my head. Last night was particularly hard, so this morning I walked around the yard, and tried to focus on the beauty and wonder around me. I felt compelled to write about my fears in the hopes that I can just get it out and move on. I have a lot to do in the next few days and I can’t be getting all paralyzed like I quite often do.
What do I hope to gain from the conference? I keep seeing that question on the Blissdom fb page, and they advise that you should have an answer. I can’t just say “oh, I thought it would be an interesting experience…”
As I was lying down on the grass staring at this leaf, my simple answer came to me “I want to post meaningful content, grow my blog, and see where it takes me”.
So, I guess going to this conference was part of that plan, or I wouldn’t have committed to it.
Leap, and the net will appear.
John Burroughs
I so appreciate you dropping by and lending me an ear…
Have a wonderful, peaceful, and relaxing Sunday.
well, that leaf shot was worth all the worry going through your head to get you down on the ground for it. :)
i know you’ll manage when the time comes and will be glad you went.
Thank you, TexWisGirl!
I think you are already headed toward your goal….you faced your fear and talked about it and then you defined your purpose for the trip. The rest is smooth sailing and you will be so proud of yourself that you took this big step all on your own…..I hope you will share what you learned with the rest of us….I have the same feeling about my blog as you….
Thank you, Nancy! I will share my experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly! :)
I think your trepidation is very understandable because there’s two big challenges you’ll be facing 1. Traveling by yourself which you’ve said has sometimes gone a bit belly up, and that anxious feeling when one is geographically lost is awful so it makes sense that you don’t want to chance that again, which causes more anxiety, loss of confidence, increased possibility of feeling flustered – a vicious circle! and 2. Facing the unknown as to what expect from the conference. It’s probably a good thing(easy for me to say from afar) that you’re going through these emotions now rather than you running on pure excitement and then the panic hitting you smack bang just as you’re departing, because like you’ve done today you’re able to take care of that anxiety like taking this photo which has helped you centre a bit. Thanks for sharing how you are going. Renee
Thank you so much, Renee! You have no idea how much your encouraging words mean to me!
If it’s any consolation, I’m scared too. Suddenly I feel scared that I’ll be gone for a week with the kids at home with Dad, and it feels like nothing in my closet fits, that my blog needs a makeover, and I kind of feel like my blog isn’t good enough. But it’s just jitters. And remember that I will be with you! We’ll do this thing together! :)
And you are going to be amazing…you can do this!
xoxo
Yes! Together!! :)
As others have said it is understandable with something new is about to happen to have fear. Don’t let it get you down, I know easy to say, move one foot in front of the other, and think what is the worst thing that can happen? It is probably not going to happen even your worst fear. There are many helpful people around that can help with directions while traveling, just take your time, take deep breaths, try to enjoy the experience. Try and take you mind off maybe by taking pictures with your iphone alone the way of your trip from leaving your house, getting to the airport, getting your ticket, boarding the plane, taking your seat, looking out the window, getting that stiff drink. etc. Or you could make a list of prompts and look for these prompts along your journey that might take your mind off of things and take pictures. You will have a great time and if not chalk it up to one hell of a blog post when you get back. :)
Thank you, Barbara! I am going to take your advice and make a list of photos that I need to take. Thank you for this priceless idea!
Okay. Been there. Done that. Last year I went to Shutter Sisters Oasis, knowing only people I’d met online, nobody I’d met in person. Like you, I HATE traveling alone. I mitigated the trip somewhat by flying from Kentucky to Phoenix, no stops. I got my luggage, got a cab, stayed in the hotel by myself. The next morning three of my friends from FOL met me there and we drove together to Palm Springs. Barb … it was one of the best experiences of my life. I blogged about my fears and posted it on the day that happened to be the first full day of Oasis. But you’re right … blogging about it helped me. What made me push the ‘send’ button to commit was Kim Klassen’s post, ‘If Not Now, When?’ Indeed.
You’ll have a fantastic time! I can’t wait to hear about it … and I wish I were going with you!
Thank you , Dotti! If you found it to be one of the best experiences you ever had, then I am determined to do the same!
It is only natural to be apprehensive but what an amazing opportunity you will be so proud of yourself. I too have never flown anywhere by myself and I want to visit a friend in Spain next year and I am petrified !!!! My mantra is get there early listen to my ipod and just breathe ..
Thank you, Viv! Going to Spain! Awesome! Please make sure to keep us informed!!
You can do this, Barb! You’ve prepared like a good girl scout, now go and soak it all in! I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience that you will remember forever.
Thank you, Gail! I sure hope you are right! :)
Please try not to worry. It really won’t help. If something goes haywire, I am sure that you will be able to figure it out or find the right person to help. Fear can get in the way of your inner knowing.
Beautifully put, Patti! Thank you!
You will have a wonderful time, meeting like-minded people is one of the best experiences. And if you get lost, think of the fodder it gives for a blog post. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
Thank you, Deanna! I will be sure to “tell all” :)
You are going to have a blast ~ I am a little jealous but will live vicariously through you until you return and tell us all about it! No need to worry ~ they are all just people ~ same as you and I (or me).
Thank you, Lori! You are always so encouraging and kind!
I can so relate to what you are writing and I do admire you!! I’m sure the conference will be just gorgeous and I can’t wait to hear about it afterwards!
Thank you, Rosie! I’m excited, and scared… :)
Look forward to hearing about your first travels alone and the conference. Traveling mercies. I’m betting it will be lots of fun and to meet and interact with other bloggers first hand would be great. :)
Thank you, Peabea! I so appreciate you stopping by to reassure me!
It’s funny how we can be surprised that others are scared when we think we should be the only one. You CAN do it. It is possible and you will have a blast and wonder why you fretted so afterwards. My photography friend here is like you. We went to Photoshop World last year and she about had an ulcer before just getting ready. After wed been there a couple days she said, I think I can come by myself next year! Huge step. It’s always the unfamiliar that gets us I guess. Don’t let the fear rob you of the joy.
Oh, Roxi! You always know what to say! Thank you! :)
You will find that when the day comes, thinking about it was more terrifying that actually doing it. I’ve had to travel abroad by myself and been ill with worry (in fact I’m like that before I fly, even with hubby with me). But on the day you realise that you’ve just got to get on with it – and oddly I calm down. You’ll be fine – and you’ll have a great time!