I have officially survived my first trip to BlogHer - the mother of all blogging conferences. I must admit, I was slightly intimidated as a newbie. But any apprehension quickly evaporated as soon as the opening session began. 

I was truly inspired by the incredible women all around me, and the level of speakers was beyond amazing! I met my idol, The Bloggess, the incredible Christina Norman, Gretchen Rubin, Janice Min and spent time with the incomparable Helen Jonsen of WorkingMother.com.

Rather than provide a blow-by-blow of all the geeky blogger details, I thought the best way to share my experience might be in the form of a BadAssMama Top Ten List. So, here we go: 

10. We often sacrifice taking care of ourselves in the pursuit of career success and taking care of the ones we love. If you don't take care of yourself, you're no good to anyone.

9. Do not make work more important than spending time with the ones you love. Moments with your kids are irreplaceable. 9 times out of 10, the email can wait.

8. My definition of success may be different than yours, and neither one is better.

7. Your instinct is usually right. Trust your gut. Don't wait for someone else's approval.

6. There is NO SUCH THING as a balanced life! At the end of the day, focus on the highlights (not your shortcomings) and choose to magnify those things.

5. Are there values that you want your kids to take with them as adults? Realize that you have to live that way. It can't just be conceptual.

4. Confident parents make confident children. Be comfortable with your choices. Make your own definition of success.

3. We are conditioned as women to put the needs of others first. This can hold us back in our careers. Don't be afraid to be direct.

2. Perfection is NOT the same as striving for excellence. We try to be perfect to avoid blame, criticism, judgment and feelings of unworthiness. Perfection is a shield we carry to keep from being seen.

1. Owning your story and loving yourself through that process is the most courageous thing you can ever do. It gives others the permission to be courageous as well.

And a BlogHer bonus: Your success does not have to come at the expense of someone else's failure. It's OK to win.

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