Last night I did something new.

I ditched my comfort zone and

Shared a piece of writing publicly.

Spoken sharing is different from online.

The web gives you some distance;

You don’t see people’s reactions to

Your words. You read them. Safer.

Last night I did something new,

And am better for it. Happier.

Yes – looking forward to next year.

Me at the mic!

–

BOLO was a blast!

This Six Word Friday post is inspired by my first ever Blog Out Loud Ottawa (BOLO) experience. Last night, I was one of 21 Ottawa bloggers given the opportunity to share a favourite post from the past year.

It was so much fun!

Not only did I get to hear some fabulous personal stories – both funny and heart-wrenching – but I also got to reflect on how totally awesome the social media community is here in Ottawa.

All of the writing shared last night was awesome. Some of my personal favs include:

• Sara McConnell of My Points of View - Honesty is Overrated and Grace of Mothermind - Lost and Found – Sara offers a funny and Grace a touching recount on how there is no easy way to talk about the death of a loved pet with a child. There just isn’t.
• Jordan Kent-Bass of Project: Nest - Jordan’s Easter Confessional Revisited – Pure hilarity on why you should avoid shopping on Easter Sunday.
• Nadine Thornhill of Adorkable Undies - 5 Tips on How to Talk to Kids About Sex – How the best laid plans to sex-educate her son went awry at every turn.

To read the full list of articles shared at BOLO 2012, visit the BOLO website.

People of Ottawa –  you are just so supportive. I want to thank everyone for their super kind words after hearing me read. I’d also like to thank my mom for coming with me as moral support.

And another big thank you to Lynn and all the volunteers who made BOLO 2012 such a huge success. See you next year!

For more Six Word Fridays fun, visit Melissa’ blog.

* Photo image credits to Lynn, BOLO organizer extraordinaire – thanks Lynn!