I guess you could say I’ve been in a blogging funk lately. Maybe it’s the summer season or having the kids around more right now that’s making it more challenging to blog. Or maybe it’s the fact that my business continues to grow and keeps me busier than ever, which for the record, I am absolutely grateful for.
Or, maybe it’s the fact that attending a blog conference just hasn’t been on my radar recently. Not because I don’t want to go to a blogging conference, I often love seeing so many familiar faces. But, it was time I tried something new – something that would spark a new energy in me – something that would take my brand to the next level.
And this past Tuesday, I received just that – and so much more than I ever could imagine.
A few months ago I was chatting with a fabulous fellow colleague, Leah Jantzen, and she suggested I attend the Spark and Hustle conference lead by the uber successful Tory Johnson in New York City.
I was on the fence because I never attended a non-blogging conference before. I also never attended a conference by myself. (I know, sounds crazy but it’s the truth). Well, I have nothing but sheer gratitude for Leah because she was the one to push me to go, even if that meant going alone. And the result?
As cheesy as this sounds, it has changed my life.
I have a renewed passion for my blog.
I have a thrilling new excitement for my business.
I have an improved sense of energy, ideas, and newfound vigor for my brand.
I have new dreams.
I have bigger dreams.
I have dreams I never even thought I had.
And I have that amazing drive again – the kind of drive that is required to take my business to the next level; the kind of hard work, perseverance, blood, sweat and tears that it’s going to take to get me to that next step.
Now, more than ever before, I am ready.
I am ready to make my dreams a reality.
I am ready for the shift that is needed.
I am ready for the long hours and hard work required to get me there.
Thank you Tory Johnson – you gave me something that I’ve been seeking recently, something that no other conference has ever given me, the ability to really see my big dreams and chase them with full abandon.
You provided me with the necessary SPARK that will make me HUSTLE – and I can’t wait for this new journey to begin.
Reading this gave me the chills Heather!! I am so glad you got out of your comfort zone and came to NYC. I could not shake the feeling that you were meant to be there–that there are BIG things in store for you. I love how you found your spark and plan on rockin’ the world in a big bold way. Bravo my friend!!!! xoxo
Leah – I firmly believe that things in life happen for a reason and the people that come into our life can change the direction of where we are headed. At Spark and Hustle, I felt that shift. You are right, I was MEANT to be at that conference and now it’s up to me to take what I learned and actually make it happen.
I will be forever grateful that YOU gave me the extra push I needed to go – there are big things ahead of us mama, so happy to share these moments with you.
xoxo
This sounds amazing!
Tracy – AMAZING. I have no other words other than you really have to experience it for yourself. It’s all about having a spark of an idea and hustling to go turn that idea into a reality. Visit the site and I’m sure the 2014 tour schedule will be coming out and when she’s at a city near you – GO!!!
This really sounds wonderful! I love the joy that you came away with.
Thank you so much! As much as we love the online space, I think it recharges us to get out there and meet face-to-face. I walked away with more than I ever thought I could – and THAT is the sign of an amazing conference. 😉
Love it
Wow – I have to attend a local Spark & Hustle one of these days! I’m right where you were Heather – I think it’s the summer but I’ve totally lost my blogging mojo. Having the kids home, being out of my routine, etc. I’m dragging for sure… glad you found your inspiration again & hopefully I will too!
Whitney – YES!! And what I think I loved most about this conference is that it took me out of my comfort zone, I needed to be shaken up. As much as I love the blogging conference circuit, I needed something different to really wake me up and energize me. When she lands in Philly or NYC, you MUST go and I’ll go with you!! 😉
Definitely! I’ll have to keep an eye out. I was asked to speak at one in DC (last year? or the year before?) and was bummed I wasn’t able to make it work out.
Love the idea of the smaller conference too… not doing BlogHer this year for the first time in 5 years. Just too much – these smaller conferences are where it’s at for networking and really taking something out of the time spent there.
If S&H comes to Philly, you def have to come down and go with me!
That sounds like an incredible conference! I’ll have to check it out to see if its in other cities.
The blogging world has certainly changed from when I started and I’m still trying to figure out how I really fit into it and if I want to or should keep going.
You would love it Jackie, it is the most inspiring conference I’ve ever been to. And I agree, the blogging world has changed over the last several years, but I’m sure once you figure out exactly what you want to do with it and where you want to go, you’ll find your way!
I love that you found your spark again, but we need your hustle, Heather!
I know, right?! I need to hustle!!! xo
I have heard sooooooo much about the Spark & Hustle conference! I really need to put that on my bucket list. And I am with you Heather. After 7 years of blogging I am having many “is this pointless?” moments lately (summer slump). I need to recharge my batteries too.