See Theo Run

When Christine of Vancouver Mom asked me to share the podium with superstars Amber Strocel and Tracy Rossignol at the 2012 Top 30 Mom Blogger event, my first thought  was: “Are you crazy?” Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the prospect of speaking in front of 150 people to trigger a state High Anxiety.

So of course, I said Yes!

Action shot

I worried about my 3-minute speech incessantly for several weeks before the event coming up with clever ways to bail on my commitment: “I have a tickle in my throat; my neck hurts; malaise.” At a certain point, it seemed rude to cancel so I organized my thoughts, edited them, re-edited them, and practiced.  Theo was singularly unimpressed with my delivery turning away to play with his trucks every time I cleared my throat and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.

Thankfully, the whole thing went off swimmingly much to my surprise. No vocal cracks or shaking, just a light sweat and a feeling of total euphoria when it was over.

What I know now about mom blogging is this:*

You are never alone.

When you think your idea is too silly or ridiculous, blog about it. Someone can relate.

When you think you’re the only one who feels lonely or overwhelmed, blog about it.

If you think, an idea is too common, everyone talks about it, (my child won’t sleep!) blog it. The subject hasn’t been exhausted yet. At 2 am, someone is reading.

If you think, this is too painful, too scary or too dark, blog it.

It matters to someone.

If you believe your child defines the very term adorable, post a photo montage, slide show or video! You have fans.

When you think. My blog is so incredibly lame, I have no idea where to go with it, blog it.

On this, you are certainly not alone.

Not sure how to express yourself? Write a list. There is no blogging challenge that can’t be solved by a series of bullets, numbers or ABCs.

Want to connect? Comment on other blogs, chat on Twitter, join a carnival, link up. There’s always someone listening.

When you think, my writing sucks, know this: Blogging can be about great writing, but at its heart, it’s not about grammar, punctuation and good spelling, it’s about sharing the messiness, the hilarity, the emotions of motherhood for others to relate and respond to.

Blogging isn’t about me or you, it’s about us.

Sure my blog is about my journey. Yes it reflects my voice, and yes it’s my point of view. But really, a blog post is just the start of the conversation that continues in the comments or on other blogs on Facebook, or on Twitter. That’s where the magic happens.

Blogging isn’t about ads or clickthroughs or products. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Blogging can help you find your tribe whether its adoptive moms, attachment moms, birthmoms, granola moms, urban single moms, depressed moms, lesbian moms, feminist moms, enviro-moms, smartypants moms, working moms, stay-at-home moms, free-range moms, foodie moms, moms of twins or even triplets and of course stylish moms. There are tribes for all moms.

Blogging can take you to dark places but it can be funny and light too. Lets face it, motherhood is where hilarity and despair duke it out on a daily basis.

Your blog will morph and change over time, and you will wonder why you’re doing it, where this is all going and what the point of it is.  And you’ll figure it out. You’ll blog about it.

Blogging is a great way to meet people IRL. I mean really how many of us started blogging thinking we’d be clinking glasses and getting our nails done with over 100 like-minded women.

We are not alone.

Thank you.

* I can’t be 100% sure this is exactly what I said!

Thanks to the Vancouver Museum for being such a spectacular venue and Vancouver Mom for putting on such a great event.