I’m at an industry conference…and not just attending. I spoke at a power session yesterday all day; hosted two hours of round tables this morning and am speaking again tomorrow afternoon. In between I’m networking, attending other sessions and generally trying to get back in the swing of things. I’ve gone from zero to 100…and I’m feeling it!

I love speaking about things I’m passionate about and have always been very open and honest…hence this blog. Getting back in front of people has been a challenge. My self confidence has been rocked to the core. I’m self conscious of how I appear and it’s taken every ounce of energy to put myself out there again. But I did…I am…and I’m glad.

Packing for a four day convention when you have full days of events, plus dinners and a gala event one night requires a lot of planning and in my case a lot of fretting. Let’s face it. I’ve been living in pj’s, yoga pants; tshirts and jeans. I haven’t had to wear heels for months and if I put makeup on even once a week I’m pushing it. So I have struggled getting ready for what feels like my “coming out” party. Last time most of my colleagues saw me I was at last year’s convention where I was secretly waiting for my biopsy results. Five days after the conference wrapped up I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world changed forever. So making my first foray back into the land of the “living” at the convention this year is rather appropriate. It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since I was told I had cancer. I’m definitely a different person now. Cancer changes people. But I do believe that although physically different I am even more passionate about life and what I have to offer both business wise and personally.

So if I look a little awkward in heels. Or I look uncomfortable in my “fancy” clothes…bare with me. I’m getting back into the rythym and what I have to offer the world is even better than ever.

Patti 2.0. A better, stronger woman than “before” !

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