Thursday, January 19, 2012

Getting Over The Fear

So here's the deal. I want to go to SNAP. (SNAP is a craft and social media conference in Utah, targeting the best bloggers representing modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind-blowing events and home DIY). So then go, right? What's the problem?

Well, you see, I'm shy. The thought of going and knowing no one scares me. I mean, obviously I'm going to be alone in the corner when everyone else in the room is bffs. Ok, I'm exaggerating. But honestly, the thought gives me anxiety.
Shyness and anxiety have been things I've dealt with my whole life. It takes me a while to open up and be myself around people (then why do you have a blog, weirdo?). Let's just say it's a lot less daunting for me to be myself on my blog, than to introduce myself to a bunch of people that I *may* know of, or that *may* know of me.

So I've been pondering and pondering this "dilemma" in my head and then I realized something. I need to get over it. Face it. Deal with it. Do it.

I'd be meetings hundreds of other girls. Girls who inspire me. Girls who share the same interests as me. Girls who understand the reason and work that goes into a blog. Networking will be done, but more importantly, friendships will be made. Why would I ever pass that opportunity up?

So. I'm going to go, officially. As long as you promise to say hi to me if you see me! ;] I still need to figure out the details as far as flights and hotels (anyone need a roomie?) but I'm going to go. I can't miss it!

If any past-conference-goers have advice or tips for this newbie, I'd love to hear what you have to say!

And........are you going to SNAP? 
What about Creative Estates?

19 comments:

  1. I want to go too! But i am with you in the painfully shy boat......if you want to room together, email me your plans =).

    ReplyDelete
  2. DO IT!! i know how its like dealing with being shy and having anxiety, but think about it, you'll regret not going if you let it hold you back. Have fun!!
    -kelly

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have been looking into blog conferences a little recently. I have not heard about SNAP until now, but it looks like a lot of fun! It is a little too far for me to travel on a budget right now, but if I was able to go I would be happy to meet you!

    Before you go, create a playlist that pumps you up that you can listen to every morning. Wear your most confident outfit and a big, beautiful, welcoming smile. People will come to you if you are giving off a positive vibe.

    Can't wait to see your post from the event!

    -Elisha

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous10:45 AM

    This sounds like so much fun! I'm glad that you're going to venture out and go, despite your shyness an anxiety. I, too, also battle with the same two things. It gets in the way of a lot of fun opportunities, but it's also something I'm in the mix of working on.

    Have fun!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm glad you're going. You are going to have so much fun, and I bet you'll find at least one person that will be your best friend the entire weekend...that's what always happens to me :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Um - hello my twin, nice to finally meet you ;)

    Everything you said in here describes EXACTLY how I feel about everything... meeting new people, being shy yet being able to blog and be open online.

    I encourage you to go. I've missed out on many great things b/c of my anxiety and my fear. Let's start kicking fear's butt!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This sounds exciting, and I can completely relate to u about taking time to opening with people and coming over tht anxiety...i m the same too, but I m sure if u dont go u would regret it later.....and regretting latter is worst! SO why not Go and plz do share ur experience....

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great post.

    I have to be honest. I am a total extrovert. Posts like yours really help me to understand the needs of the many different women who are coming to SNAP! I really appreciate your willingness to share.

    We are excited that you're coming and happy to reassure you that there will be MANY people in your same boat. I am always surprised at how shy so many bloggers are.

    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Julie Ann- I'm so glad you're coming to SNAP! I saw Heather's (Just Lovely Things- love her) tweet to you about it through QBM the other day.
    I am the same- my friends in real life would never ever call me shy. Ever. But I get into these kind of things (conferences) and get nervous. I went to a few last year and am SO glad I did. You will LOVE it!
    (and we are still accepting QBM apps too ;)
    I look forward to meeting you in April!

    ReplyDelete
  10. no way! I have almost this exact same post scheduled to go up on my blog tomorrow. I'm going to Creative Estates, and I'm like "what if no one likes me??" I can be shy in these kinds of situations especially if everyone else already knows each other, but once you get to know me I never shut up. SO excited that you're going to be there. We can overcome our shyness together :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous5:52 PM

    exciting! And don't worry about the anxiety/shyness. I'm the same way, but you've gotta face it because it's totally worth it :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love to go to something like that! I would have the same issue with shyness (mine is so bad I'm nervous about even taking photography classes :/). But I bet you will have an awesome time! If it wasn't so far away I would think about going. Maybe next year? lol I should see if there's something like that closer to home. I already can't wait to hear how it goes! lol. Don't forget to take lots of business cards!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous8:46 AM

    I've so been thinking about going but don't think my friends will come so you won't be the the only one alone.

    ReplyDelete
  14. i just read your post, i entered too, and i totally understand! I like to talk with strangers for 5 minutes but the thought of spending a whole weekend with ppl who i dont know and who know each other better makes me feel super shy too! i wish we could all get the free ticket! good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'll be there--somehow I managed to win the first ticket they gave away last year! A whole year seemed like such a long time...and now it's just 3 months away! I'm starting to hyperventilate a little. But at least it looks like I'll be in good company in the corner ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous10:35 PM

    I would feel the same way as you. I would love to go but I live in Canada and I can't afford a trip like that. Good luck. I'm a new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm voting you go to SNAP and we need another roomie!! Email me!! :)

    -Kelsey

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh by the way - I'm totally nervous, scared out of my mind, don't know what to do or say!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am shy too and it freaks me out to go into a room not knowing anyone. You will have fun at SNAP and I bet you will meet a lot of great women! I'm going to creative estates :) I'm so excited, but so nervous. I know exactly how you feel!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA