Is There Room for You?

I had the distinct privilege of being asked to speak at the Catholic Women’s Blogging Network // Twin Cities this past weekend. My talk was on branding and social media and monetizing. But the true kernel of my talk answered this question: is there room for you? Another blogger? Another creative? Another woman looking to be known and to feel connected?

The answer was and is always; yes. Yes, there’s room at the cool kids’ table for another blogger or maker. Yes, the whole blogging world should feel like the cool kids’ table. Those distinctions aren’t found in our network. We are all cool. We all have something distinct to offer. There is audience enough for all our voices.

This doesn’t mean we don’t need to hone our craft! Room for improvement abounds over here on this lil blog of mine. It’s humbling to look around at how much better and smarter many of my blogging sisters are hustling. It’s a good kind of humbling because it inspires me to put more energies here.

But when women who attended the conference asked if the world really needed their voice? Yes. The answer is always yes.

Yes because I want to learn from them. I want to hear their peaks and valleys on this life journey. I want to be a reflection of God’s love for them.

We do this sharing online thing for lots of reasons. Sometimes I share because I am insecure about my experience and hasten to find reassurance it’s normal, or it’s relatable. Other times I share because I’m chasing that dopamine rush of feedback, affirmation, and attention. But I try to have my primary goal for sharing be to give greater honor and glory to God. He’s the One I owe my gifts to, howsoever small they may be. He’s the One my work should point back to, overtly or quietly.

Laura laid out how to write better, when to find time to do it, and the publication process. Haley shared her journey as a blogger and offered tips and insights along the way. Anna and Jacqui and Susanna made the whole day run smoothly and beautifully with delicious food and decor. The afternoon workshops provided a relaxed atmosphere for one on one questions and feedback. The gifts in our swag bags and big giveaways were extraordinary!

If you can, attend one such gathering. You’ll meet kindred spirits (Nancy and Laura and I couldn’t stop gabbing after all these years of blogging sisterhood). You’ll have a chance to hear from people further down the path than you. And you’ll leave feeling (hopefully!) that yes, there is always room for you and all you have to offer.

See you next year at #cwbntwincities !