I’ve been traveling nonstop over the past month. That includes touchdowns in Miami and Los Angeles and my first trip to Mexico, specifically Cancun. I enjoy meeting new people and seeking new adventures, so these days have been terrific.
Two of these trips have been for conferences. It was my third time at ColorComm and my first time at BlogHer. For me, these trips are personal investments. The day job doesn’t sponsor them. I do. I go because I’m curious and always trying to find and expand my path.
Miami, Los Angeles & Cancun in just one month. I'll take that!
It’s an amazing treat to be in the company of women who are confident and, well, doing thangs. Listening to their stories and achievements lights a confidence within myself, and I return to my “normal” life refreshed. An interesting thing happened at ColorComm. One of my favorite executives, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, EVP of diversity and inclusion at CBS, noted that she didn’t work her way to the top; she CREATED her way to the top.
This theme replicated itself at BlogHer. I was in a sea of women (yes, many mommy bloggers) who are sharing their life experiences through blogging, vlogging, podcasts, etc., and they’ve found a way to monetize their influence. Not because they are perfect, but because they share their lives pretty much just as they are. They come from a variety of backgrounds - makeup artists, law students, doctors, actors and even reality stars (Kim Kardashian), so you don’t need an expertise in shooting videos to be a vlogger.
Now, me, I have ideas. I have desire, and I even have some financial flexibility. What I struggle with is execution of this path. Let us not forget that one definition of execute is to “carry out a sentence of death.” I think my fear focuses on that definition rather than the amazing opportunities that my own creativity may offer. I like the predictable.
Luckily, in Cancun, I stepped out of my comfortable box. This was a vacation, but it was a vacation unlike others I’ve taken. I shared this trip with my 13-year-old nephews, and let’s say lying by the pool while reading a book isn’t their style. My sister scheduled an Adventure Day, and for me, this day of firsts included horseback riding, ATV driving and zip lining. While nervous, I enjoyed them all, and it was my best day of the summer despite being wet, muddy and probably stinky. I was exuberant and feasted off my endorphins. I'd like this to be my every day, and I'm not asking for perfection. I actually thrive at solving challenges. I just need a path that...OH STRIKE THAT. I'm going to CREATE a path that fits me.