Stepping Outside of My Comfort Zone at BlogPaws

It’s been a little over two weeks since I got home from the BlogPaws conference. This was my fourth year as an attendee but my first year as a member of the BlogPaws team and as a speaker. As an Ambassador last year, I got a taste of what this year would be like but nothing can truly prepare you.  There’s another big milestone to through into that mix. It’s the first time I’ve ever attended any type of conference as a pregnant woman! Talk about a lot of change at one time.

Having a more public role this year was challenging within itself. Being in the public eye in a body that no longer feels like my own was a whole other level of discomfort. But, I did it. I made it. I survived. Swollen ankles and all. I’m back home and feel pretty good about everything. I learned to step outside my comfort zone even when I don’t look and feel 100% irresistible. After all, that’s what my mission (“Create an Irresistible Life You Can’t Resist.”) is all about. We are never a “finished” masterpiece . . . only a continuous work in progress.

When You Make Plans . . .

In January, I made a pledge with my Weight Watchers coach that this was it. This was the LAST year that weight loss was on my resolution to-do list. We put together a plan that by June, I would be at my goal weight. I had already dropped the first 50 lbs. The next 40-50lbs finally seemed so attainable. It was so close I could taste it.

I visualized that I would look totally irresistible at the BlogPaws conference in late June. That was plenty of time to make it happen! I daydreamed how people wouldn’t recognize me because of my “new” body. I was doing great and the weight was still coming off. Then, in February I got the most life changing news of my life. Two little strips on a pregnancy test telling me I’m pregnant. Yes, I was planning it but NO, I didn’t think it would happen this quick! Read my pregnancy announcement for more about that.

Reality Hits . . .

Fast forward to present day. I couldn’t be happier and I’m so excited to meet my little girl this Fall. However, this post is not about her. It’s about stepping outside of my comfort zone in front of hundreds of people.

Instead of showing up in Phoenix with my dream body, I showed up 25+ lbs heavier, pregnant, and slightly uncomfortable at times. Sure, I even showed up with an entirely new wardrobe . . . maternity clothes instead of a smaller pants size and that fierce red carpet dress I was dreaming about.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

I’m an introvert. I’m not shy. There’s a difference. But I would be lying if I said getting up in front of people is my favorite thing in the world. I love working behind the scenes. It’s where I excel. I don’t like having to be “on” all the time.  In addition to becoming the Director of Education for BlogPaws, I was invited to speak at the BlogPaws conference this year about three things:

1. How To Create an Irresistible Brand with your Blog
2. Social Learning Community Demo for BlogPaws
3. One on One sessions with bloggers

I’ve facilitated plenty of training sessions and led meetings all throughout my career. Speaking at a conference was a first for me. Yes, it was such an honor and I was more than happy to do it and I’ll gladly do it again!

I was also asked to present an award during the prestigious Nose-to-Nose awards which honors social media influencers in the pet blogging community.

Add to that an interview opportunity with Robert Semrow with Pet World Insider to talk about the launch of the new BlogPaws Social Learning Community.

Not to mention the countless pictures, videos, selfies, etc which of course I love. Duh!

That’s a lot of “on” moments for this introvert who wasn’t feeling so irresistible in her new pregnant body.

Life Keeps Going, No Matter Your Size or Shape

Doing all of this while not looking and feeling like myself wasn’t easy. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I didn’t just get “fat” over the past 5 months because I was depressed and binge eating. My body looks totally different because I’m creating a life. Seriously. My mini me is in there!!! How can I be mad at that? I love knowing that my body is capable of creating life for my daughter. No matter what anyone says, it’s truly a miracle!

I still made memories that I will forever cherish like walking the red carpet with my furst baby, Chuy for the 4th year in a row!

This season of pregnancy is only a sliver of my life in the grand scheme of things. I know that it’s temporary and I’m willing to sacrifice a few months for a lifetime of happiness. I feel blessed to have the ability to go through pregnancy. I really do!

Guess what? Nobody cared that I was pregnant with swollen ankles and a puffy face. I still did the damn thing and did it well! Even if anyone talked behind my back, I couldn’t care less. My life is exactly where I want it right now and I’m happy.

The Lesson For You

What is my point of sharing this with you? I want you to know that your body doesn’t have to be perfect in order for you to live an irresistible life. Your body doesn’t need to hold you back from going after your career and your dreams.  Who cares what anyone else thinks. You are just as irresistible at 300 lbs as you are at 100lbs.

No, I wasn’t at my goal weight when I got pregnant. Yes, it’s hard to watch your body gain weight. Again. But, I’m not going to let that take away my happiness with this pregnancy and derail all of my dreams and goals. Use that as a lesson whether your pregnant or just not at your ideal goal weight.

I know that once this baby comes, I’ll have all the time in the world to work on my fitness and weight loss goals. Yes, I totally plan on being that mom with the jogging stroller and the dog, sneaking in some exercise where ever she can. Ha!

Until then, watch out, BlogPaws Myrtle Beach. I’ll be back and so will my high heel collection!

PS – For my full BlogPaws conference recap, head over to Irresistible Pets.

Join the Conversation

Has there been a time that you had to step outside of your comfort zone? What did you learn?

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Hi! I’m Aimee with 2 E’s. I'm a confidence coach that empowers women to love themselves by breaking down body image issues, so that they can lose the emotional weight and gain the confidence to look and feel irresistible...at any size.