Yesterday, I found myself wondering how long it would take me to make good friends again in Indiana. I grew up here for crying out loud, surely I would have found at least a few kindred spirits since returning almost two years ago.
I was texting with Maggie trying to lure her to cornfields of Indiana, when I remembered for the 400th time how important it is to have community…in your real life community.
Our online spaces are welcoming, and wonderful, and warm…but I can’t offer you coffee through the screen. I can’t come babysit your kids when you need a break. I can’t fold your laundry while you cry because of something horrible or something silly.
I love that the premier women’s faith-based online space, incourage.me is hosting a conference full of great speakers and content that you can watch with real women right where you live. All you do is tune into the webcast wherever you are with whomever you are gathered. The staff at (in)courage listened to the hearts of women aching for community in their towns, this went on for two full years. The (in)RL conference is made for women to connect in real life, as they are, right where they are.
I think I am most excited because I am hosting an (in)RL event on April 27 and 28th, just like hundreds of other women across the world. I hope I get to meet tons of local Central Indiana women who are looking to connect in a tangible way outside of the computer screen (although, I do love meeting you daily here, too!).
It’s just $10 to register for the whole weekend–I do hope you’ll be part of it. If you’re nearby Indianapolis, come meet me, I’d sure love to get to know you! If you’re not, host your own or find a meet-up near you. But, don’t miss out on this great way to connect locally with women you may already have a small connection with.