Lead by Promise Tangeman and Alyssa Yuhas, 20 talented freelance graphic designers (all women!) packed up their stuff and headed out to Palm Springs- and I got to be apart of it! (whaaat??) Yeah, I couldn't believe it either.
The point was to get to know everyone and learn from each other in a relaxed environment. We hung out by the pool, shopped around, ate great food, and heard from a few of the attendees on different subjects freelancers deal with. We were able to ask questions, gather knowledge and empathize with one another. When you work from home on by yourself, it feels great to talk to others who are doing the same (and killing it!). I was honored to be apart of it.
To say that I was nervos about this trip would be an understatement. I had followed and been inspired by so many of the ladies who were going for years. I was intimidated at the thought of hanging out with them all weekend. I'm not at the level of so many of these women, but surrounding yourself with people who are better than you will only help you, right? I knew this, but it didn't mean I was free of fear at the thought!
After I arrived and got to know everyone a bit, I realized that despite the fact these women are all amazingly talented and have experienced success, they are some of the sweetest people who genuinely want to help where they can.
I met so many of the women I had talked to online for the past year, which was amazing! I know it sounds really weird, but none of us would have met if it wasn't for the internet. Meeting my Twitter / blog friends in real life was a bit strange, and no one is exactly how you think they will be. But in most cases, they are wonderful and you already have a connection from reading each other's blogs, tweeting and seeing photos of one another.
Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and done something scary, but were thankful you did afterwards? I think that's what happens with most of us. When we step out despite our fear, we can come out of it with a stronger sense about us. We are capable of so much, yet we allow fear to control us. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." ~Ambrose Redmoon
I learned so much this weekend and am incredibly inspired by the women I was with. I don't know how I got this opportunity, but I did. I am blessed and so thankful.
Cheers to a new week!
Step out of your comfort zone and take action, despite the fear inside. So worth it!
Step out of your comfort zone and take action, despite the fear inside. So worth it!
10 comments:
It was amazing getting to know you this weekend, Joanna. Can't wait to see you next year and we definitely need to plan a trip to meet up again soon since we live so close to each other :)
x
Promise is amazing! So glad you got to meet her too!
I am so excited for you + your business and I just know you have a bright future Joanna!
looks like so much fun!!! I want to hear about it. xo Teri
Thanks ladies :) Vanessa- it was so awesome meeting you as well. I would love to plan a trip and come hang out with you and Kelli! We've got to make that happen!
@Yasmin- Promise mentioned you this weekend! She is great- I totally respect her and all she's doing. Thanks for the encouragement, it means so much!!
@Teri- It was great!!
Sooo, how the heck do I get to be a part of this next year?!
@Ciera - Head over to Twitter and follow Design Life Retreat for updates! There is an email address on there you can email to get info as well :) Maybe we can meet next year!
It was so lovely meeting you, Joanna. I had the best time getting to know you. Glad we all could have some extra driving time together. I hope our paths cross again sometime soon!
@Liz- yes! It was great meeting you too :) I talked to Nolan about your hubs and wakeboarding... he was totally into it :) we will have to plan a trip!
Sounds like such a great trip and so inspiring! I would love to do something like that one day! Thanks for sharing!
Good job. Nice weekend.
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