Trying new things…
Y’all… It was an emotional week. I just got back from spending a few days in Dallas, TX, for the annual VidSummit conference for YouTubers.
Let me start by saying that I didn't plan to attend VidSummit initially. It's not something I would typically do, but fate had other plans. You see, I was watching a live stream from a YouTuber who shares tips on improving your YouTube channel and growing your subscribers. Out of the blue, they did a drawing, and guess what? I won a $1,000 ticket to VidSummit!
I took it as a sign, decided to step out of my comfort zone, and embark on this adventure. Little did I know, it would be an incredible experience filled with valuable lessons.
First, let me share a profoundly emotional moment I had at VidSummit. In case you’re new here, my daughter, Libby passed away in a car accident when she was just 10 years old. She was an avid YouTube fan, and one of her favorite channels was run by a photographer named Jordan Matter. Jordan is known for photographing dancers, and Libby adored watching him work with contortionist Sofie Dossi.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that Jordan Matter was one of the speakers at VidSummit! I was anticipating a mix of emotions, and as I headed to his session, I met some incredible people who encouraged me to share Libby's story with him. I had a picture of Libby imitating Sofie Dossi's moves, and I got the chance to show it to Jordan. We even took pictures together with Libby's image on my phone. It was incredibly meaningful, but also devastating, as it reminded me of Libby's absence.
But that's the thing about grief; it never truly leaves you. It was a painful reminder that even in the midst of meaningful experiences, grief is there, tugging at your heartstrings.
Now, let's shift gears a bit and talk about the lessons I learned at VidSummit. One significant revelation was discovering my ability to do things I never thought I could. Despite being an introvert, I managed to navigate the conference, travel alone, and interact with strangers. It was a powerful reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and newfound confidence.
I also had the pleasure of meeting some of my favorite YouTubers at VidSummit. While it wasn't a fan event, I couldn't resist introducing myself and even snagging a few photos. Meeting these content creators in person felt like encountering celebrities, and I'm proud of myself for taking the initiative to connect with them.
Another important lesson I learned is the value of opening up about grief. People often struggle to discuss grief, but at VidSummit, I found that sharing my story resonated with many. It's crucial to normalize conversations about grief, as it's an inevitable part of life that we all face.
During the conference, I also confirmed that I'm indeed an introvert. Despite pushing myself to network and engage, there were moments when I needed to retreat and recharge. It was a valuable reminder that self-care is essential, especially when you're navigating emotionally charged experiences.
But here's the exciting part: I'm implementing several changes and additions to my channel based on what I learned at VidSummit. I'm introducing channel memberships, which will offer perks like badges, emojis, early access to videos, shoutouts, and exclusive live streams. I want to build a community where we can connect and support each other better.
Additionally, I'll be offering one-on-one coaching sessions for those seeking guidance and support. It's a way for me to give back and help others navigate their grief journey.
Last but not least, I'm thrilled to announce that my book, "Grief Sucks But Your Life Doesn't Have To," is in its final stages and will be released soon. It's a raw and honest exploration of grief, filled with hope and strategies for coping.
So, there you have it, my VidSummit experience in a nutshell. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, self-discovery, and exciting plans for the future. I hope you'll join me on this journey as we continue to navigate grief and life together. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures, and remember, grief may suck, but there's always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Here’s the video version of this post:
