So we are one month away from The Haven Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am about going, but even more so how nervous I am about it.

I believe every newbie that goes to the conference has some fear or another about going. After all, we are all writing through a computer. Never talked to one another and all we know of how that person looks is by their profile picture.

When I think of this fear I remember this alone

“To get anywhere sometimes you have to step out of your Comfort Zone”

Comfort zone? You know leaving your house and traveling thousands of miles, to talk to strangers. Introducing yourself and not quite sure any of the people you just talked to has even heard of your blog, meeting big time brands that you may get a shot at working with, and then doing this 3 days in a row!!!!!

Lets talk about FEARS

How about the fear of forgetting a persons name that you comment on their blog all the time, but know their blog name and not them. Or Ohh ohh I’ve seen your face millions of times and I totally remember that amazing light fixture you created, but can not remember what your blog or name is. Atlanta Georgia in the midle of July? ohh jeez if I don’t get pit stains from anxieties they are totally bound to happen from the heat.

Dress code? Do I wear my DIY clothes when I’m attending a workshop? or should I get all dolled up since I am hanging out with a bunch of women all day (and you know we are always looking to impress)

How are my business cards? are they pretty enough, professional enough? too professional? too crafty? too boring? ?????

Yea that’s scary!

But here are some really good reasons we are all going and so I hope this helps you too my friends and maybe just a little honest confession from your Haven rookie over here will help ease your anxiety as it has mine.

1. Meeting people that have the same obsession and talents that you have!

2. Learning many new things about blogging you never did.

3. Having opportunities with new brands.

4. and of course Making New FRIENDS!

So, these are the reasons I keep focusing on. Whenever the fears jump out at me, I am reminded that this is a great opportunity, there is no way that it can be bad (maybe just slightly uncomfortable). I am also not going to be the only one in the world that will be there for the first time not knowing a single person (except through their blogs) and having to make that awkward introduction and ice-breaking conversation.

Please Stay a While