The SNAP Recap I Swore I'd Never Write

Every year I've wanted to go to Snap.  Every year I talked myself out of it.  Blogging has been just a hobby for me.  I couldn't justify the cost or time away from my kids.  And every year, I'd kick myself as I'd see all the posts roll in, recounting the amazing classes, the bags of swags, and the connections made.
I was jealous.  Pure and simple.    So, when I finally convinced myself (and my husband) that I needed to go to Snap this year, I promised myself I wouldn't write one of those awesome "braggy" posts about how amazing Snap was, because I probably have a reader or two feeling the exact same way I felt.
And yet, here I am.  Writing a post about Snap.  The one I swore I wouldn't write.  I'm doing it because I learned so much and feel so strongly that there are things I learned that need to be shared.  Today.  With you.
Excuse the poor photos- it was SO yellow in there!  (Every blogger's nightmare!) Yes, Snap is a lot of fun.  There is a lot of chatting, way too much sugar, amazing goodies given out, and lots of friendships made and strengthened.  

My roommates and I:  L to R-- me, Jennifer from The Craft Patch, Christine from The Five to Niner, and Kelly from Here Comes the Sun

I heard awesome speakers.  

David Tutera

Blogger Roundtable

I met Mindy Gledhill!  

I got pretty bracelets!  

I won prizes!  

But honestly, that's only the surface of what Snap really gives you.
I learned that no matter how big or teeny-tiny your blog is, pretty much everyone feels like they are failing to achieve success.  I have always struggled to understand why I haven't had meteoric growth on this blog even though I'm doing all the "right" things.  Imagine my surprise to hear a blogger who gets 200,000 pageviews a month express the exact same frustrations.  (I would kill for those pageviews).
Bottom line--  Popularity does not equal success.  Money does not equal success.  Pageviews do not equal success.  Being recognized at Snap does not equal success (although it feels good!)  I,and you, have to come up with a definition of success that is intrinsic yet measurable.  It can't rely on luck, or the whims of other people.  What success is to each of us is intensely personal.  So that's one thing I need to work on- defining what success means to me.
I learned a lot about making money and increasing my audience.  But I also learned that some of the practices required to do that leave a bad taste in my mouth.  I'd love to have a full-time income from blogging, or even a part-time income.  But I don't want to sacrifice my personal ethics or the interest of my readers to do it.  So while you may seem some increased monetization in the form of ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts,  I am even more determined after Snap to stay true to me and my policy of only accepting things on this blog that I love and believe in.  So when you click on those links or ads and make a purchase, you'll know that I put in some serious thought before allowing them here in our space.
I have been reminded that family needs to come first, that I will never get these moments back.  I heard some awesome reminders from Becki at Whippy Cake and Heidi Swapp that make me want to step away from the computer more often and live my life.  If that means a smaller blog and less posts, so be it.  I love my family and don't want to be the mom with my face in the computer and my back to the kids.
I was reminded how much fun it is to create.  I helped build a workbench, made cards for families in need, had fun creating gifts for friends and roommates.  I started this blog because I love to create!  Never let life, or the business of blogging, suck out that love of creating.  Learn new things, practice old skills.  Always find time among the craziness to just sit and make pretty things.
I learned that I can push myself.  When the time is right, maybe when my kids are all in school and I have more time to devote to it, I can jump in to this blog with both feet, set wildly important achievable goals for myself, even if it scares me.  I can dream big, and actually fulfill my dreams.  There is a place in the blogging world for everyone.  And I will make my little corner the best it has ever been.
Are you a blogger on the fence about going to Snap?  I can only say, for me, it was well worth it.  My ticket wasn't paid for by a brand.  I don't make a lot of money to pay for my conference.  But I took the chance and went for it, and it paid off.  I hope I'll see you there next year.