What I Learned at Blissdom

I’ve spent the last couple days processing my trip to Blissdom.  (In between kissing on my boys, trying to get caught up on blogging, enjoying our news interview, attempting to get unpacked–emphasis on attempting–and kissing on my boys a little bit more).

I wrote a big long list of ‘things to do’ while flying home, but I won’t bore you with those details.  Simply know that over the next weeks and months, I will be implementing some changes that will make this blog a better resource for you, my readers.  I can’t wait!

But beyond a list of things to do, if I could sum up the biggest take home from this conference, it would be this: The internet is a powerful tool. I have been so blessed by the money-saving information that the internet has provided for me–and I trust that you have been too.  The ability to connect and share information through the internet has changed how we do life.

I think of my Mom, who has a very entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout my childhood, her creative endeavors included things like authoring a creative writing curriculum and creating a mystery mail program for kids.  (All while raising 6 children!)

What is amazing to me is that we didn’t even own a computer until I was a senior in high school.

All of the research, writing, publishing, and promoting of her material was accomplished by typewriter, phone, and snail mail.  I don’t even know what to say.  No Twitter? No Facebook? No Wikipedia?  No Google?  {Gasp!}

At the end of typing this post, I will click ‘Publish’ and reach thousands of people with the click of a button.  Yes.  The internet is a powerful tool.

(If you’d like an amazing example of how powerful the internet can be, check out Stellan’s story.  His Mommy was one of our keynote speakers.  You may need a couple hours and a box of tissues–but it’s a beautiful story.)

I think my biggest take-home was a sense of responsibility.   Just  because the internet has made communicating with the world as simple as the click of a button, doesn’t mean that I have any less responsibility to be sure that what I share is helpful, meaningful, and connects with you as a PERSON.

This blog continues to grow and I love that! I want you to know that I am grateful for each one of you.  I may not be able to sit down with you and share a cup of {fill in your beverage of choice} while we discuss the latest moneymaker at CVS or how we’re doing at sticking to our budget.  But I want you to know that I value you!  More than anything, I want to be a positive, encouraging, and helpful resource for you.

And that’s what I took home with me.

And as for what I wish I could have taken home with me?  Harry Connick, Jr.  {He gave us our own little private concert!}