I attended my first blogging conference called BlissDom. It was amazing. Yes, I found my bliss. I learned a lot and met tons of wonderful people. While I was there, I kept seeing this acronym: IRL. I will be honest, it took me a little while to find out what it meant.
But, first let me say that I dislike acronyms. It makes me feel silly when I can’t figure them out and for some reason, I feel like they take away from true conversation.
My daughter taught me a new one a few weeks ago: the girls were bickering and I told my oldest that she really just needed to “mind her own business,” she then followed that up with, “you mean MYOB mommy?” What?!? I’m familiar with the acronym BYOB and the similarity made me feel awkward. Or, how about the time when my youngest responds to something in astonishment and says, “MOG”. Yes, she meant OMG, but I didn’t correct her. I don’t want her saying that anyways.
As you can see acronyms and I, we don’t mix. But, IRL, this one stuck with me. Not the acronym, of course, but the real words: In Real Life.
This blogging world is a fascinating one. I have “met” so many people online and have made connections across the world. When I went to BlissDom, I got to meet so many of these wonderful people In Real Life.
I’m grateful I got to meet them, in the flesh, look into their eyes and have a real conversation. What do I mean by that? One where I am able to see their body language, give them a reassuring nod in agreement, and give them a hug as they shared something personal. I was able to do what I do best: talk with my hands, laugh out loud, listen with my ears and eyes, and enjoy the moment.
In real life feels so good and provides context to our connections. When I want to make big decisions, make new friends, or deepen relationships with the people I love, I want to do that In Real Life. Because that is what real life is all about.
So, thank you BlissDom for giving bloggers some IRL time. It felt really, really good.
(Photo above is me with Hilari of Be Sweet blog. She is amazing and I’m so thankful we had a lot of IRL time at the conference.)
I love this post! My favorite part of Blissdom was meeting wonderful women who I can now call “friends” (instead of just “blog friends”). I am so glad we got to spend time together and I look forward to what’s to come!
Loved meeting you and really looking forward to everything that’s to come!
It was nice meeting you in person at Blissdom. You’re as genuine in real life as you come across on your blog. I love how passionate you are about being present for your family.
Thanks, Kacey! It was wonderful to meet you, too. I’m so glad that we connected! 🙂
**like**
I feel the same way about acronyms- insecure! And I completely agree that Real Life interactions trump tweeting and posting any day (which you have probably figured out by now 😉
It was so wonderful to meet you at Bliss (and Kacey and Heather too!). Hopefully we will nod and smile and hug again very soon.
My goodness, your use of words is just /so/ fluid and poignant. This is truly your craft. <3
It was so nice to meet you at Blissdom! I look forward to following your blog! Hope you're having a great weekend!
-Lindsay
Lindsay! It is so great to hear from you! You are so sweet. 🙂 Meeting you was great and I’m so glad that I have such a great network of women to look up to/get inspiration from…please keep in touch!!