I’m no public speaking pro. In fact, up until recently I would have preferred to get a colonoscopy in front of 3,000 people rather than speak in front of them. But sometimes life surprises you and you get to surprise it right back.
In May, one of my essays was selected as a Voice of the Year for the BlogHer 2012 conference, and I was asked to read it during the Community Keynote along with 14 other bloggers. What a thrill! The chosen essay, On Being Nine, is a mother-daughter story about harnessing the power of being nine. It’s one of my favorites, so the honor was especially sweet.
Leading up to the event, I told people that the piece was a gift to my daughter and my mother. This is very much true. But what I didn’t realize until afterward is that the Voices of the Year experience–sharing my story and voice with thousands of people–was also a gift to myself. And it was absolutely a gift I’ll never forget. I owe many people thanks.
Thank you to BlogHer for the opportunity and the virtual coaching. Thank you to my friends and family who cheered me on from near and far. Thank you to everyone who shared their own mother-daughter stories with me. (It’s pretty fantastic how many former 9-year-olds had grandiose nicknames like mine!) Thank you to the ENT doctor who tried his best to heal my laryngitis when I went completely mute two days before the conference. Thank you to everyone who said my extremely husky voice sounded cool. And finally, thank you to whoever was in charge of the Voices of the Year music. I absolutely LOVED walking out on stage to Johnny Cash! I fell into a burning ring of fire… I’m happy to report nobody went down in flames.
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Update: The videos are now online! You can view mine here. I was honored to share the stage with such incredible talent. All of the readers brought unforgettable stories, so I encourage you to spend some time watching their videos. I especially loved the hilarious pieces by Shari Simpson of Dusty Earth Mother and Neil Kramer of Citizen of the Month, plus the touching ones by Vikki Reich of Up Popped a Fox and Dresden Shumaker of Creating Motherhood.
Down in flames? Oh so far from it. Hearing this beautiful essay read in YOUR words about YOUR mother and YOUR daughter–I couldn’t keep the tears from coming to my eyes.
It was beautiful, Liz.
You are wonderful, Alexandra. So great to see you in NYC! Hugs, Liz
Liz,
I’m sorry I wasn’t there to hear your husky voice. I bet it was awesome. I really wanted to go to VOTY, but it happened to fall right when I needed some serious down time and alone time…I’m mad at myself for not going, but if I had, I might have made a scene of epic proportions. With snot. Congratulations on your VOTY and reading and everything!!!
Thanks so much, Erin. Hope to meet you at another BlogHer…I’ll bring kleenex for ya!
Liz
Having just come from reading the essay, I am having trouble typing through my tears.
You and I both know your daughter will always be amazing, but may she always know it, too.
Just simply beautiful. I could honestly go on and on.
I’m truly touched, Ashley. Thank you so much.
Sorry I wasn’t there to hear you. I’m so proud of you.
Thanks so much, Heather! I appreciate it!
I’m going to channel my own Ann The Great jacket next time I need to feel brave. Liz you embodied pure grace and truth up there. You should feel incredibly proud of your performance and your work. I’m a fan!!
Thank you so much, Ann. Wear the jacket with gusto!
Oh, this is so great – and I’m bummed to have missed it! I know you KILLED.
Much love and cheers,
Anna
You were definitely missed, my friend! But we tried to have enough fun for you!
Hugs, Liz
You were fantastic and it was so great to meet you.
You too, Vikki! Awesome to share the stage with you.
I loved seeing you read from that big stage. Through the tears anyway.
You are wonderful, Erin. I’ll share a hotel room with you any time. (Especially if you sleep on the toddler bed.)
I KNOW YOU DID A FABULOUS READING & WE ARE ALWAYS SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!
Thanks, Denna. You’re the best.
Yay!! I feel it all through your words. I’m so glad you rocked the experience and brought down the house. (Although, I had no doubts.)
I could feel the support all the way across the country! Thanks so much! Hugs, Liz
You are amazing. So beautiful. I’m so glad we got to meet this weekend and even share a cab. xo
Thank you Tracy! I’m still laughing at your cab shenanigans. I was very impressed that you could be so funny so early in the morning!
You were just wonderful. I loved sharing that time with you, Elizabeth the Great.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to share the VOTY experience with you. Your story is going to stick with me for a loooong time…or should I say “haunt me”?? It was so stinking hilarious!
Liz, that’s awesome! I wish I’d been there to hear you!
So happy for you!! That is one of my favorite essays ever!! I can’t believe Justin Bieber was there to hear you. Does he follow you on Twitter now?
I think the Biebster stopped following everyone EXCEPT me. He’s awesome that way!
So so so cool that you were chosen to do this. And so cool that you could meet and kiss The Biebs! That must have been the highlight.
Oh my goodness your post was beautiful and moving! Who would ever imagine on meeting you what you’d been through. I missed almost all of the VOTY’s so am just catching up now. Congratulations!