Chris Blissdom Canada Ward Al

Almost Famous

Almost Famous. This is what I think of when I look back at my Blissdom Canada experience, and really, my blogging journey as a whole. And it’s not that I am chasing fame in any way or think that I am, in fact, famous, but more that I feel like William Miller, the main character in the movie of the same title. In the movie, Miller spends his time chasing his dream of being a music reporter but always seems to be two steps behind.

When I started blogging, I really had no writing skills to speak of. I had never written anything, anywhere, but thought the prospect of it was interesting. I had no hobbies, unless being depressed about my father’s death and playing video games until three o’clock in the morning counts as a hobby. Blogging has been my escape from all of the anxiety I had built up inside my brain.

In the two and a half years that I have been doing this, I have had my share of ups and downs. I have done things I am proud of and some other things that I am not so proud of, but have continued to grow as a writer, father and human every day. Lately, however, I have been feeling like I am chasing my own tail. It feels like great things are happening but I’m struggling to figure out what they all mean and why it hasn’t translated into something bigger. I share this with you because after talking to a bunch of the attendees at Blissdom Canada, I know that I am not alone in this struggle.

The question is, what do we do about this? When you have that feeling that your big break is just around the corner, even if you don’t know what it is, what do you do to reach for it? For me, the answer became a little clearer after Blissdom Canada. In speaking to people like Ward and Al, Drew Dudley, Derreck Kayongo and Neil Hedley, I realized that in order to achieve the type of success I want, I need to put my head down and continue to explore and create the things that I find most interesting. Who knew that the answer would be that passion and hard work pay off?

Things don’t just happen because you’ve written a few blog posts or recorded a podcast or two. They happen when you make the decision to take chances, dedicate yourself to your craft and put in the hours in order to make it a success. If you had asked me a couple weeks ago, I would have told you that I was slightly disappointed with the direction I was headed, but now I realize that I need to spend more time celebrating and building on all the small victories. Get out there and create, people, and good things will happen!

13 replies
  1. Julia a.k.a. Mama MOE
    Julia a.k.a. Mama MOE says:

    Your road is looking pretty darn good from where I was sitting at Blissdom Canada. Loved seeing you as an attendee listening to you on a panel and also as a friend, just hanging out. Congrats on all that you are doing.

    Reply
  2. Brandy
    Brandy says:

    I have been struggling with the same sort of thing Chris. I want to take my blog further but how to do it is baffling me.

    It was great to see you! I had a blast at Bliss again this year.

    Reply
    • Chris Read
      Chris Read says:

      Going to the conferences and meeting people is a big step in the right direction. The next thing you have to do is take one of your ideas and try it out. Fear is my only deterrent!

      Reply
  3. Patty aka Positively Patty
    Patty aka Positively Patty says:

    What a superb and positive post. The last two years watching you grow and getting to know you better has been a pleasure. Most times the paths we take in life, well we have no idea where they will lead. I truly believe when you do what you love, you are successful. At being happy and living each moment because we both know time is fleeting. Continue doing what you love, putting great and good things out to the universe, being a mentor and teaching and welcoming others. Only good things will come back to you, whether they are in the form of fame we never know. But the ending to Almost Famous is the best one ever. His search for fame came full circle. He was validated for his hard work and most of all he made a unique friendship. That means more than any fame at the end of the day.

    Reply
    • Chris Read
      Chris Read says:

      I’m glad you understood what I was talking about because I had a heck of a time putting it into words, haha. It was awesome seeing you, Patty, and your power hour presentation was amazing! I love your dedication to kindness and can’t wait to talk to you about it in podcast form.

      Reply
  4. Jodi Mitrovic
    Jodi Mitrovic says:

    Wonderful blog, I enjoyed this post. I too get lost from time to time. I’m glad you can see clearly now! Keep it up, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, especially your great sense of humour!

    Reply
  5. Lisa
    Lisa says:

    Thanks for articulating what I keep thinking… I can totally relate. 🙂 Just remember that little wins, however small they may seem at the time, add up to HUGE leaps over time. Thanks for inspiring me!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *