Ever since last Sunday morning I have been trying to figure out how to write this post. I’ve still got so much to say and I’m not sure how to fit it into one post. This conference was LIFE CHANGING. Now this definitely wasn’t your normal blog conference. All 200 plus women were there to do one thing: to make the most of Him. I mean really, 200 like minded women who share a common thread all in one room. When will this ever happen again? Okay well next year but really- truly- this was AMAZING!!
I went into this conference very nervous. I knew and had met others that would be attending and this wasn’t my first go around with a blogging event, yet still my introvert self was nervous. I promised myself one thing- to not be an introvert. I wanted to meet new women. I have longed for a community like this for so long and to finally be surrounded in it and not take advantage of it would be so wrong. And so I did, I actually walked up to women I didn’t know and introduced myself. And they didn’t laugh, they didn’t say I wasn’t pretty enough, or my design work wasn’t good enough, or even that my blog wasn’t big enough. Instead we became friends. Pretty Rad.
I did not expect to get all touchy/emotional. I expected to be all strategy, to build my business and learn. Oh boy did I learn- just not as expected. I felt my heart pulling me into a life session instead of my planned strategy session and was instantly moved, and I cried almost uncontrollably, along with everyone else. I then shared a part of my story, not to everyone just my roommates for the weekend. Truth is, I only share a glimpse of me to you- I just don’t like sharing it. I’m so misunderstood. I’m definitely not a ‘pretty girl with a good life’ sure life is good, but I’ve had a whole lotta heart ache in my past. And it all came crashing in. Last weekend, out of my comfort zone and around nobody I ‘knew’. Good thing homegirls in #615 aka roomies were there to listen. We bonded. and cried. laughed. possibly snorted. and kicked our feet like little kids. then cried more.
God began working on me in so many ways this weekend. My marriage, my life, my business, and with the war that’s going on inside of me. He’s still working. I can’t put my hand on it but there was something about this weekend that just made me feel closer to Him. Like he was standing behind me the entire time. An amazing feeling.
I can definitely say our common thread became a whole lot thicker and stronger after Influence. All things through Him.
Oh how i wish Luke could come to school in Northern VA. it would be so wonderful to get to spend real time together! Next week we MUST gchat. What works for you? Any day is good for me except for Wednesday morning.
I love you. the end. And yes I maybe teared up while reading this, in my yoga pants, while sipping my coffee and my hair in a side knot bun. I’m a mess, and I love it. I love that I have friends that have been broken and then put back together by our mighty God. You are a treasure forever and ever amen.
Hey there! I’ve had such a fun time reading everyone’s recaps….I’m so bummed I didn’t get to go this year….definitely trying my hardest to make it a reality next year. I’m so glad it was a great experience for you! Love the pics!
-Kristen
Dang you Nicole. Here I sit..at work, with tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms. I so appreciated your openness this weekend and your abilitiy just to share from your heart. It was so awesome to see how we all bonded so well…I just love you. But I think you know that
Praying for you little lady!
I love ya, girl! So glad you had a great weekend. Sure wish I had been there!