ALT Summit: Summer 2015 Recap {Part 1}

Well, Alt Summit summer 2015, has officially come to a close. It was my first Alt experience and it was more than I ever expected. The level of talent there was off the charts. At first I felt like a little (very little) fish in a VERY big pond, but by the end, it just felt like a great big, happy fish family. It didn’t take long to figure out that no one there thought they were better than anyone else, no matter their level of success. Everyone was there to learn and support one another.

I wanted to highlight a few lectures, that might help you, regardless if you’re a “blogger” or not. I do not claim to be a blogger, as it is often the first thing to fall through the crack when life gets hectic. Regardless, I think many of the principles taught can translate into our daily lives and anything we do.

{In order of appearance}

First up, the lovely Tiffany Han, “Blogging with Bravery."

Key points:
* It takes practice! She talked about how when she first, started her posts were not at all what they are today, but by sticking to it, she found her groove and her voice.
* Do it anyways! Yes, you might be terrified. Yes, you might worry what others will think, but do it anyways! Bravery can be as simple as pushing “send” on an email or “publish” on a post.
* Create BEFORE you open Facebook, IG, blogs, etc. Don’t wake up, turn on the phone and start looking at what others are doing. If you do, you’ll be depressed and it’s only 7:00 in the morning. So true. :)

Next, the talented Jeanean Morrison and Monica Lee, “Pick yourself and be first in line everytime."

 Key Points:
*Do things when you’re afraid! If you wait til you’re not afraid, you’ll wait forever! Put one foot in front of the other and just keep going.
* Believe in yourself! Everyone is in a different place on the journey, so don’t compare yourself to others.
* Challenge yourself! Get out of your comfort zone! It’s okay to try new things and fall on your face. Victory is getting back up! Commit to the finish line. Get it done!
*Be good to yourself and celebrate your accomplishments!

Keynote speaker, Jane Mosbacher Morris of "To The Market."

Her speech was titled, "Do More Good." She discussed starting her online shop, To The Market, that showcases handmade goods made from survivors of abuse, conflict, and disease. These goods are made all over the world and help employ and empower the survivors. 

Key Points: 

*1:3 women experience physical or sexual violence

*700 million girls are married before 18

*Value Your Gifts. What are you good at? If you don’t know ask friends or family what they think you talents/gifts are.

*Decide on Your Focus(es). How can I help? What can I offer? How can I help others with the gifts I’ve been given? For example, the talented Kristen Groves of Simply Grove decorated a room for a local Habitat for Humanity home. 

*Discover Others’ Needs. Decide on your objectives. Nothing is too small! Ask for feedback. Did my work help? How did I feel after? 

Jane inspired me to do more good and look for ways I can help others!

Keynote Speaker, Danielle Krysa of The Jealous Curator and author of Creative Block.

Key Points:

*

*All of us have an inner critics. Never let them or others stop you!

*Failure leads to genius. Fail like a superstar! 

*Sometimes sharing our experiences can be really scary. 

*Get past the doubts, critics, move on and succeed! 

Part 2 coming soon!