I think for many of us, blogging, in its simplest terms is a creative outlet. However, it can also be a platform to express emotions at their most raw and honest forms. Even through the most painful of experiences.
It was with great honour that I was asked to be the moderator at DPCON13 for the “Blogging Through Adversity” session.
On the panel, we had Lori from Random Ramblings of a SAHM, Tiff from My Three Ring Circus and Rachel from Mummy Muddles.
For these 3 women blogging has helped them through the journey of grief, hardship and even loss.
I don’t feel it’s in my right to expose the specific details of each of their stories here on my blog. It’s far more appropriate to go over to their spaces at your own will and interest. But I wholeheartedly encourage that you do because we – as a tightly knit community – can never be short on offering love and support for those going through unbearably difficult times.
It was about 15 minutes into the discussion and the enormity dawned on me: the massive, heavy responsibility of guiding an audience through such heartbreaking and emotional topics.
I couldn’t help but break down in tears.
Luckily, all those in the room were forgiving, especially the speakers.
For me, I grasped the true definition of courage, gaining a deeper respect for 3 very special women and their unequivocal emotional strength.
To have their voices heard beyond their tears and anguish, they’ve put themselves through harsh judgement and opinion by those who don’t understand that the cathartic process blogging offers is in fact, therapy.
Taking huge risks in revealing deepest vulnerabilities and fears for all the world to see and read, these women have been critically questioned how their children and family cope with having such intensely personal adversities broadcasted on such a public forum.
Yet, by breaking through rigid conventions, bureaucracy and narrow mindedness, these stories – raw, honest and heartbreaking – are touching many who are going through similar experiences.
It’s the emotional fuel that keeps the human spirit going: to know that you’re not alone, even in an extremely devastating and isolating situation.
A big thank you to Lori, Tiff and Rachel for speaking so bravely and from the depths of their heart.
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
Lor, Tiff and Rachel were very brave and have gone/are going through terribly difficult things. You did such a wonderful job Grace guiding the speakers and supporting them in telling their stories. Very impressive. xx
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..Meeting other mums – Digital Parent Conference 2013
Elisa {With Grace & Eve} says
Such beautifully chosen words Grace. You’ve conveyed their strength and the power of connection blogging offers so well xx
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Daisy says
This session was one of the highlights of dpcon for me this year, Grace. You led the panel with such poise and sensitivity, compassion and intelligence. Blogging truly is a wonderful outlet and connector piece in the mechano set that life can be! (Sssh, it’s early, I don’t even make sense to myself).
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iSophie says
This would have been a highlight for me, I am sure you were the perfect person to help guide them through the session. #teamIBOT
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kirri says
It sounds like one of the highlights of the conference. I wish I had of been there to support you – (probably by crying with you 🙂 ) although it sounds like you did an amazing job. x
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Robomum says
No-one told me just how emotional this ride was going to be. It’s one thing to write your story but it’s completely different to get up in front of a room full of people and discuss it. You are all so brave. This was one of my favourite panels.
Beautifully said, Grace. X
Martine@themodernparent says
You did a great job Grace as did all the speakers who were so generous in sharing their devastating grief and their journeys to survive it all.
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Kevin says
Hi Grace – looks like I missed a cracking few days – well done on putting yourself through a tough but rewarding task – can only make you stronger
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Emily says
Thanks for sharing this, Grace. And well done, by the sounds of it! It can’t have been easy, so good on you for accepting the task. x
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Janet says
I think I would have broken down in tears too xxx
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Ai Sakura says
I read from the Kids are All Right you were totally rocking it like Oprah 🙂
Blogging is hard when you share personal stories, especially when you have to dig deep into your own feelings of grief and loss, it can be ever harder. Kudos to these ladies for sharing their experience and opening up their hearts to others.
Ai Sakura recently posted..Rewards of a Simple Life
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions says
I think you did a fantastic job with that session Grace, I freely admit there is no way I could have done it. Particularly when Rachel was speaking, there were times when I literally had to switch off my ears as the grief and sadness was just a bit too much. I feel bad admitting that, as these ladies don’t have that option, but at the same time it made me ever grateful and appreciative for what I do have in my life and has certainly led me to try and make the most of the small, everyday things because it can all change in an instant.
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Just Another #dpcon13 Post – Day One
Twitchy says
You did a fine job Grace and as far as I’m concerned, empathy is a higher power. These ladies, (including Martine, and those who spoke of their pain and loss in the Mother Tongue session, some so fresh from devastation) just slayed me. And as I said before, that most of them receive further grief from hate mail is an unthinkable blow.
Twitchy recently posted..DPCON13 Wrap Up
Jodi says
You did a wonderful job Grace. xxx
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tiff says
Grace, I was truly honoured to be a part of it and you are so lovely and kind and were most definitely the perfect person for the job.
tiff recently posted..How to decide whether a boy is good enough for your sister.
mamagrace71 says
Tiff, having followed your story for a little while now, I can only say how in awe I am of you and Ivy for all the strength that you guys have. Sending big hugs and love xxx
Kelly says
Ah, Grace, Grace, Grace. You indeed live up to your name. Do you know that? x
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Sabeen says
To come up on stage and speak about something so raw and close to your heart takes a very special kind of person. Blogging through adversity was one of my favourite sessions from DPCON13, these women, their stories of hope, courage and strength are nothing short of heartbreaking and inspiring. There were many tears shed.
I have said this before and will say it again, you did a fantastic job as moderator Grace. It would not have been an easy job to go through such an emotionally charged discussion without absorbing so much of the emotions yourself, your compassion shone through and you made it look pretty effortless.
Well done 🙂
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Angela East (@schoolofmum) says
It was an amazing session. The emotions that rolled over me caught me by surprise and even though their experiences were so far from anything I could ever imagine – I related – as a mother. And I wept and wept at their sorrows.
You presented/moderated with dignity and lived up to your name as I’m sure many have told you. It was the most powerful session at DPCON.
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Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
Grace I’m sure your emotions fitted the occasion. I would have been the same. I can’t stand to think of those awesome women being judged for how they have got through their experiences. Em x
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Rachel @ Mummy Muddles says
You were graceful, compassionate and eloquent. We couldn’t have asked for a better moderator. Thanks for accepting the task. Even sitting next to you was a comfort. x
mamagrace71 says
Thanks for your sweet words, Rach. You truly are an amazing woman. Sending you so, so much love xxx
Becc says
You were not the only one in the room in tears, so it was very much accepted that you would have a tear in the eye.
Very powerful to hear them in their own words.
Great job Grace 🙂
Becc
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Salz says
You did an amazing job as did all of those women up on the stage. I couldn’t Imagine what I would be like if I was in their position. I just wanted to go home and kiss and hug my kids and husband during that session.
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EssentiallyJess says
They are truly incredible women those three. And the others we heard later: Coralie, and Jules. Women with a huge amount of courage and who are so inspiring. What they give to us is phenomenal
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
I am sure you were great Grace! I didn’t get to see it first hand, but you handle your blog with sensitivity and, well, “grace” so I am sure you facilitated the session in much the same way 🙂
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
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Beck/craftypjmum says
Such beautiful, brave women. I shed so many tears as I listen to their heart wrenching words.
You did a wonderful job Grace, showing so much sensitivity and “Grace” as you stood by and supported these women as they poured out their heart and souls.
I send love, hugs and prayers to all xx
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Josefa @always Josefa says
The stories of these women break me down to pieces I barely have composure over. To moderate such a session would have been a huge task. Well done Grace xx
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Robyn (Mrs D) says
I wish I had been there to hear it all in person. Just reading their stories has brought me to tears. There really are such amazing, incredible and brave people out there x
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jenn unger says
Grace, reading this post gave me goosebumps and took me right back to Wednesday afternoon. You were such a wonderful, caring, present, connected, sensitive, Graceful mediator… Thank you for facilitating their story telling and for connecting us to the strong and courageous women who shared the stage with you. xx
Rina says
“It’s the emotional fuel that keeps the human spirit going: to know that you’re not alone, even in an extremely devastating and isolating situation.” – very true Grace.
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Karen says
By everyone’s comments sounds like you did a great job!! I’m sure I would’ve been bawling too . Wish I could’ve been there to see you in action. X Karen
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Grace, the fact that you broke down just shows that: 1. you are such a caring person with a big heart and 2. these brave ladies are telling their stories with great strength and generosity.
I so wish I was there xx
PS, have emailed you re charms 🙂
Nami says
Blogging IS like therapy – you’re absolutely right. And these women give us a chance to put our own lives in perspective. We have to really thank them for sharing.
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