Redefining at Mom 2.0

“I have what I call ‘moments of great gumption'”. – Meredith Sinclair

“All I have to be is me.” – Allison Slater Tate

“Allow your schedule to be altered.” – Danielle Walker

“For tweets – it should be something you would say to your friend.” – Kj Dell’Antonia

These are not my words. They are words of other women that I heard this past week, during my first time at Mom 2.0.

The conference was focused on redefining motherhood. During the week I heard words of empowerment and encouragement.  I thought of new ideas, and inspiration was found in many places, including on the hills overlooking the Pacific ocean…

 

 

I often say the main reason I go to these kinds of events is “to see my friends” and that is very true.  But I also go to make new ones. I am certainly a Quality + Quantity kind of gal in that department and for me, that is the best equation.

 

 

Some might ask why I spend a bunch of money and take time out from my family if I do not have more lofty goals while at a conference like this.  Others might even judge me for it.  Little do they know that I always come away with something, that although I cannot put a monetary value on, I can certainly apply an emotional and sometimes even professional one.

I enjoy talking to brands and Mom 2.0 definitely had great ones. I may even consider a new Kia for my next vehicle and no, no one paid me to say that.  Perhaps if I was able to drive it around Laguna Niguel every time there would not even be a question… 😉

Doesn’t Kristin look perfect next to that awesome Cadenza? We had such a great time cruising the PCH! Now if only I could afford one of those cute houses overlooking the ocean!

Dove also sponsored a wonderful morning yoga session (and the whole conference!) before the sit-down sessions kicked off.

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I do also sortakinda enjoy learning things about SEO and writing and the methods to other people’s madness. Little nuggets of wisdom and information are usually my takeaways and many times they can help me in ways I would not have expected. This time I was reminded to name my photos and tag them properly in my posts. And some other important things too… (I took lots of notes).

AND, we heard Rita Wilson speak and sing! She has a really great voice (I had no idea!)

 

Another thing about this specific conference that I really enjoyed was meeting some of the ladies from the TODAY Parenting Team! I was invited to create a little video with them as well, while in their suite, and it was my first time to get a microphone attached to my body! That was interesting!

 

And – talk about redefining myself… I can certainly say that I have done that in the last few months.  Back in October of last year I was a  “SAHM” who wrote the occasional thing someone paid me for.  Now I am a single parent, in the midst of a divorce, working two part-time jobs and adjusting to quite a different lifestyle.  This may sound terrible to some, and don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been a bed of roses, but my marriage was no longer a good one so… things are improving for me emotionally, as well as in other ways.

One thing that really does help with this IS seeing my friends. My cup certainly runneth over in that department -talk about an emotional boost! These women love me for who I am and who I will evolve to become. They build me up and help me do the same for myself. I honestly could not ask for better online friends (and this is only a select few of them).

Val, Kirstin, Leigh Ann, Tonya, Melissa.

 

And then there was also our 4th roomie Anne! She’s the best! 🙂

 

I also had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful writers for the first time, like Kim, Allison, and Amanda.

And the IRIS awards were pretty epic, I won’t lie.

 

I have already purchased my ticket for next year.  I really liked the size and the vibe of Mom 2.0 and seeing so many familiar faces and of course, friends. Plus, finally meeting Jessica was pretty awesome. She’s the sweetest.

 

 

I’m excited to see where life goes before I make it to Orlando next year.

 

Stay tuned… 🙂