I’ve just returned from my very first blogging conference as a blogger. Heading into I really had no idea what to expect. People told me to pack lots of shoes (that was easy!), they said to ensure I had oodles of chargers and power for all my devices, and to bring lots of business cards.

(Those are my feet. I was the first person in line to pick up my registration for #BlogHer13. I’m a keener:))

Little did I know the experience that awaited me. Let’s start first with Chicago. What an incredible city! Stunning architecture, amazing green spaces, the shopping on the Magnificent Mile:) I’d never visited Chicago before, but would definitely go back.

Like with most things I do, I went in full force. I took every opportunity that came my way and did things I was scared to do, like visit the SkyWalk at Willis Tower (the former Sears Tower) a whole 103 stories above the streets of Chicago. I almost lost my lunch and my legs nearly crumbled beneath me. But, with the support of my blogging friends around me, I did it.

This is me 103 stories up at the SkyWalk Willis Tower (side note, did you know there is where one of was filmed!)

As I drove home from the airport late Saturday night I was thinking of all that happened during my four days in Chicago and a song came on the radio.

The song summed up the experience, it summed up what I had found through . I found my inner ninja.

As I sat in the sessions (my favourite was finding your Instagram Style!) I realized a few things:
1) I am a good writer
2) I have something to say (even if the only person who reads this is my mother! LOL – hi mom!)
3) when I don’t know what I’m doing, I have a network around me to help
4) and finally, I can do anything if I just put my mind to it and do it!

I’ve let my inner ninja out.

There were two sensational keynotes that really drove this home for me. The first was Guy Kawasaki. His message was clear, just do it. If you want to write a book, write it. If you want to get it published, publish it. If you want a network around you to support you, build it.

And so, I am going to Lean In. As Sheryl Sandberg said her inspiring keynote, pick the thing that scares you most and do it.

So I am. I want to write more so I can write a book. I want to photograph more because I find beauty in that. I want to speak my mind and share my voice. I want to create beauty around me, in food, and in projects that make our home truly ours.

As the song says, “no matter how hard they tryin’, no stopping me since I’ve found my inner ninja!” And to remain true to myself, I’ll be the ninja in heels.

Thank you organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and speakers for making this a great experience. Thank you also to the network of bloggers who continue to inspire me, and support me.