You could argue that an online community is just as real as one that exists in real life. And in some ways, you would be right. We exist, we exchange, we communicate. We work and create in this online space as in any other. So why would we go to so much trouble to come together when the opportunity arises?
There is a spark between two people that can happen only when they meet eye to eye for the first time, shake hands, hug, share a business card, a smile, or introduce another friend. There is an energy exchange when friends are introduced, streets are walked together, food and drink are shared. Opportunity sparkles in a new way when conversations are had in real time, with the complexities of tone and voice and expression stirred right in. Inspiration rings more clearly when experienced with common hearts and minds nearby.
There is something special about coming together with those you know, or those you have wanted to meet, and it cannot be replaced. I work and interact online every day, but could never trade those opportunities for meeting new contacts, sharing time and inspiration with other people, or finally being face to face with old friends again.
And so it came to be that I found myself in Toronto again for Blissdom Canada (my third year attending this savvy and inspirational social media conference!) I can’t believe it’s already come and gone!
Why do we do it? We come together to congratulate one another on successes, commiserate over losses, to talk and laugh and shout and question and move one another from thought to thought, from inspiration to inspiration. We do it because we need to, because there is only one best way to truly reach one another and that is to look each other in the eye, or to take one another by the hand. We do it because every time we come together, and smile in greeting, and turn to introduce one more person to another, we are better. We come together to breathe more deeply and to risk more freely. We do it because we love what we do, and we do it better together.
We celebrated together, we learned together. We were inspired together. And then we indulged ourselves: in costumes, in conversation, in excursions made to clear our minds and challenge our hearts.
We come together to find common ground, to remind ourselves how alike we really are, and in doing so perhaps create the grace that allows us to build this community as the days and weeks continue after the conference. When we go back to our computers, to our words and work, to our quiet rooms, we will remember each other. We will remember that spark, that common ground, that smile or laughter that hinted at a bond. We will remember celebrating together, and live with the memory of being lifted, together, toward better connection and community online.
We will remember each other, and the time we shared. The distance that allows people to act carelessly online or without grace, without caring will not be ours. We will have shared time. We will have shared space. We will have shaken hands, shared laughter or made mutual friends. We become, for a time, very real and it is that which will sustain us.
For what better way is there to build positivity and community online than to come out and remind one another how very real we all are?
I’m thankful to have been in the middle of it all, yet again. There is much more to consider, to share, to write, but for now, I am again happy to have had the opportunity.
<3
And back at you.
Hi Jen, it was a pleasure to meet you at Blissdom! You were definitely on my “must meet” list. I had such a good time that I’m now finding myself sad that I have to wait so long to get to go again
Aw, how nice are you? Thank you for coming to read, and comment. So glad we had the chance to meet. ; ) And yes, post-conference letdown is a bummer…I always want to spend more time with people! See you next time!
it’s always nice to see you – it may only be once a year but still, it’s amazing.
Lovely recap!
This weekend I was welcomed into the community of writers I’ve glimpsed and exchanged with online. I felt the sparks.
Wow did you ever ‘nail it’ with this post about why we do it! (I may have to ‘borrow’ this copy for the website next year
it’s so darn perfect! Thank you for being a big part of the bliss and for supporting the conference! xoxo – The Bliss Chicks!
You are fabulous and this is beautiful. I definitely didn’t get to chat with you long enough but I’m very glad I got to see your smiling face…as I ran by.
I don’t feel like we spent enough time together this year, Jen, but I did love seeing your smiling face.
Likewise, lady, and would have loved more time. Needed a lunch, or something, yes? Next time.
Wow. I had this experience, too. I fell madly in love with some ladies this weekend. People make me purr.
I adore “People make me purr.” Just came and stalked you on Twitter for it. ; ) And I am totally saving your Blissdom post to read in a bit because it made me laugh out loud and I didn’t have time to read the whole thing.
I’m glad we’ve connected. I love being stalked! I shall commence reciprocation.
At my very first Blissdom (last year) I connected with a fellow blogger @morganizedmom and it was just like you describe…a spark. It was so wonderful to be able to see and spend time with her in the place it all began. We’ve been able to mutually support one another in the time in between. Great to see you there! Looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Great to see you as well, and yes, I’m always so thankful to have gone. To meet someone I otherwise wouldn’t, or to make a random connection that endures long beyond the conference – it is worth any time and energy to go. ; )
It was so fantastic to meet you! You are adorable!
Ha. Says the totally adorable girl. I’m so happy to have met, and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t do it in Saskatoon. This will make me crazy in small ways, be assured. ; ) Thank you for reading, and for your sweetness.
Beautifully written. I am sorry to have missed it – it sounds wonderful.
Ah, now that makes me equally sorry to have missed you. What a great thing that would have been! It always is wonderful – different every year, likely different next year but I do so enjoy it. Thank you for reading. ; )
“The distance that allows people to act carelessly online or without grace, without caring will not be ours. ” Wonderfully written.
Thank you, for reading, and for the lovely comment. ; )
So totally true… it’s funny that so many Calgary people went to Toronto to get to know each other better, but it was an amazing weekend and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity.
That is funny, isn’t it? I was so excited to see my friends from TO, Ottawa, and beyond but loved the time spent with our crazy wives of Mad Men as well. Fun weekend!