Hinge moments is a phrase coined by a Blissdom speaker named John Acuff. He's a blogger, author, and member of the Dave Ramsey team. The "hinge" phrase reference a moment he had when looking at a really expensive Mercedes. This phrase is defined in his book "Quitter."
While I was at Blissdom I had a hinge moment. Some of you may not know, but I've lost over 120 pounds since December 2010. Somewhere along this journey I lost my confidence. I have developed social anxiety that has really impacted my life. I was terrified of going to Blissdom. In fact, after the newbie mixer the first day, I went up to my room and cried to my mom on the phone for an hour. How was I supposed to walk up to these strangers and introduce myself? Because, in my head I was still 281 pounds and a size 24, not 159 pounds and a size 8. I had all the insecurities that I was being a judged, overweight woman.
What took time to realize is these women didn't know the April from before, they only knew what was in front of them. I could be the person I always wanted to be. The normal girl with clothes from a normal store and I could blend right in. No one was staring at me or judging me. They were accepting me and I fit in. And, I may have had a little boost from the 50 year old men hitting on me from the MAC tool convention. :)
As I introduced myself at each session, my confidence began to grow. By the last day, I just reflected in awe. I went there to learn about social media and to meet bloggers! But ended up gaining so much more. Blissdom gave me my confidence!
YAY!!!
First - holy moses - GO GIRL! That's simply amazing!!!
Second - YAY CONFIDENCE! Congratulations again!!!
Posted by: Rachel - A Southern Fairytale | February 29, 2012 at 09:14 AM
It was so nice to meet you. You have a very inspiring story, so never be ashamed to tell it!!! Thanks for being yourself!
~Angela
Posted by: Angela | March 01, 2012 at 12:23 PM