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Disability Blogger Award with a pill graphic and a disabled icon
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Disability Blogger Award (x2!)

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On Sunday morning, I received a nomination for an award. And today, Thursday, I received another comment on my recent blog post letting me know I had received another nomination! The award is titled the Disability Blogger Award which recognises and acknowledges those bloggers whose niche is disability, chronic illness, mental illness or special needs.

Fellow blogger, Georgina from the Chronillicles blog had the idea for the award. She decided that disability and chronic illness deserved more recognition for their efforts and decided to create the said award.

The Disability Blogger Award Rules

The Disability Blogger Award Rules

  • Thank your nominator
  • Recognise Georgina from Chronillicles as the creator of this award and link her URL – https://www.chronillicles.com
  • Use the Disability Blogger Award logo somewhere in your post
  • Copy these rules onto your post
  • Answer your nominator’s questions
  • Write 5-15 of your own questions (they don’t need to be illness related)
  • Nominate 5-15 other disability, chronic illness, mental illness, or special needs bloggers
  • Comment on each of your nominees’ latest posts to tell them they have been nominated

Firstly I would like to thank the lovely Liz and Nikki who have kindly nominated me for this award. I am honoured and extremely flattered to be recognised amongst so many other wonderful writers.

Liz, blogs at the brilliant Despite Pain which offers readers many useful and insightful tips on how to forge a life despite pain. The blog also radiates hope and positivity that a happy and content life can still be found outside of chronic pain.

Nikki, from Brainless Blogger, is one of my favourite blogs to read. Nikki shares life with chronic illness and chronic pain in such a beautiful and eloquent, and despite the writing being deeply raw and personal, it’s profoundly relatable.

Thank you both.

Please do visit their blogs to enjoy their amazing writing and follow them.

Liz’s questions and my answers:

1. If you didn’t have a health condition, but you still wanted to blog, what would be your niche?

Books! Definitely books; sharing what I have been reading and insights into my favourite reads. Other than writing, especially, my work on this blog, books are my other passion. I have loved reading since childhood and can usually be found with a book in my hand. And my Kindle is one of my essential items on my packing list for holidays!

2. What is your favourite season and why?

Due to the symptoms associated with the neurological disorder I live, with, I often find that the hot and cold weather can exacerbate my symptoms. So, Winter and Summer can be problematic seasons for me, with flares becoming routine during the months these seasons reside. So, I would day Spring has become my favourite season – with it being not too cold and reasonably warm without the heat being unbearable. I also love all the colour and beauty that can be found during the Spring months, especially in nature. I do enjoy trips to the garden centre to peruse the beautiful and colourful flowers. And also, I am able to sit outside, even just in the garden, to get some welcome fresh air instead of being cooped inside the same four walls.

3. If you could time travel, which time would you travel to?

History was one of my favourite subjects when I was at school, and although I found it incredibly fascinating to learn about the periods in history we studied, the events and how people lived was usually unpleasant and gruesome. Place and events that I would not want to experience. Instead, I think it would be intriguing to visit the 60s or 70s when my parents were growing up and to meet and get to know my grandparents, especially those I lost before I ever really got to know them. It would also be interesting to know what my Mum and Dad were like before they became parents!

4. Healthy salad or chocolate brownie?

Although I enjoy eating healthily, allowing some semblance of control whereas our lives are usually controlled by our illnesses, I would have to choose the chocolate brownie! I am a bit of a chocoholic!

5. What’s the last book you read?

I just finished the incredibly moving ‘If Only You Were Here’ by Alice Peterson. It was a brilliant and captivating book, and a must if you enjoy an emotional read like me!

6. If you ruled your country, what would be your first new law?

What a brilliant question! I hate unkindness or bullying so I would create a ‘Random Act of Kindness’ Law to encourage people to be kind and help each other, even if it’s just in small, inconsequential ways. There are many horrible acts of violence in the world, so it would be lovely to see more good instead.

7. What is your biggest pet peeve and why?

People using disabled bays when they don’t have a blue badge! It is always annoying when I am out with my carer and am unable to stop somewhere I need to because there a lack of a suitable parking space, especially on days where my mobility is worse.

8. What’s the favourite blog post you’ve written?

Tough question as I didn’t realise how many I’ve written! One which I am proud of, and one which I loved writing was ‘Embracing The Warrior Inside.’ It’s a blog post that I can still look back and read, especially on days where I’m feeling low, and it reminds me of everything I have overcome and how strong I am. I hope everyone enjoys it as I had when I write it!

Nikki’s questions and my answers:

1. What is your favourite pain or illness distraction and why?

Reading; it’s one of my favourite past time’s anyway, but when I am in pain or overwhelmed by the other symptoms that I experience, I love how it can transport me into another world, or even allowing me to become someone else for a short time.

2. Do you have a creative outlet?

I have this blog obviously but other than that no. I did use to love making cards but found it to be very expensive and became very difficult due to trembling in my hands. Still, I do love writing though and keeping up with social media keeps me occupied.

3. What is your favourite book and tell me why

I have so many! My all-time favourite and one which I read, or at least try to is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It’s a classic, one which I have loved since I was a young girl. I don’t have any sisters myself, and loved the relationship between the four sisters; it’s a really heart-warming story.

4. When you are in a mental funk what do you do?

I look at my positivity board, filled with photographs of happy memories, as well as inspiring and uplifting quotes. Or if I am feeling a lack of confidence, I take a look in my jar of joy and remind myself of everything I have achieved despite chronic illness and the symptoms with which I live.

5. When was your last vacation and how was it?

My last holiday was last June, a cruise around Norway and Iceland, and a brief stop in Dublin! Cruising can be difficult, especially with a balance disorder and even more so when the seas are rough, but again it was a reminder of my resilience and strength in spite of the neurological disorder with which I live every day. And despite the many difficulties, I still am looking forward to future adventures.

My Nominees

The most difficult part is choosing nominees, especially as there are so many wonderful bloggers within the disability and chronic illness community. Even more so, when many of my favourite bloggers have already deservedly been nominated by other people. Many of the nominees are other bloggers who

Narrowing it to only 10 bloggers was incredibly difficult so I am sorry for anyone I have missed, as I think you are all amazing!

My 10 Nominees:

Make sure that you take a look at their incredible and inspiring blogs and look them up on their social media pages.

My questions for my nominees:

  1. If you had to write about something other than disability/chronic illness/mental illness or special needs, what would it be and why?
  2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
  3. What is the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming disabled or chronically ill?
  4. What is your favourite comfort food?
  5. Name a literary character you can relate. What is it about this character that you can relate?
  6. If you had to recommend one place to visit near to where you live, what would it be and why?
  7. What is your favourite TV show to binge-watch when you are having a bad day?
  8. What is the one blog post you are most proud of and why?
  9. If you could recommend one blogger or blog to read, which would it be and why?
  10. If you were suddenly only able to use one social media site/app which would you choose and why?

Your blogs and the work you do is brilliant, but I know what continued health struggles can get in the way of blogging, so there are no time constraints with replying to the nomination. Take your time and congratulations to all!

And thanks again to Liz and Nikki for your nomination!

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Mystery Blogger Award
In Awards

The Mystery Blogger Award

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Thank you so much to Tasha M. from Pain Warrior Code for nominating me for the Mystery Blogger Award!  I am so honoured and such an admirer of her blog for the uplifting positivity and inspiration for those battling with chronic pain every day.

What is Mystery Blogger Award? 

“This is an award for amazing bloggers with indigenous posts.  Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates.  They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get.  This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging and they do it with so much love and passion.” – Okoto Enigma

Mystery Blogger Award

Rules

  • Thank whoever nominated you and include a link to their blog
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  • Nominate 10-20 bloggers you feel deserve the award
  • Answer the questions from the person who nominated you
  • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice with one weird or funny one
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog

3 Things About Myself 

  1. I am such a big fan of crime dramas and watch so much of this particular genre!  I was especially a huge fan of the British crime drama Wire in the Blood (and inspired by the brilliant Tony Hill novels by Val McDermid) that it was one of the reasons why I wanted to study Psychology at university!
  2. I gained a BSc (2:1) in Psychology and wanted to study further, specialising in Clinical Psychology but unfortunately was unable to because of health problems
  3. My favourite form of ultimate self-care is a trip to a spa.  It may not always help ease the persistent symptoms that affect my body, but still, find the peace and tranquillity of a spa incredibly relaxing that it’s hard not to come away feeling better than when you first walked in.

My nominees for this award are; 

Answers to Questions from Pain Warrior Code:

  1. What made you want to start blogging? I wanted an outlet for my frustration that the symptoms caused by my condition affect me, but more than that I also wanted to educate and raise awareness of neurological disorders as well as invisible illnesses in general.
  2. As this award is about blogs that inspire and motivates – do you as a nominee have a mantra, proverb or saying that you live by? I’ve shared this before, but I adore a quote from one of my favourite authors, Louisa May Alcott, “I am not afraid of storms for I’m learning how to sail my ship.”  It just reminds me that the hardships that my condition creates only help to deepen the strength and resilience that I will need tomorrow and for any future storms that life with a neurological condition causes to be.
  3. If you had to choose one meal that you had to eat every day for a month (without any health complications), what would it be?  Tough one, there are so many meals that I love, even though I may not always feel up to eating, but I am partial to a pizza! My favourite is one topped with mozzarella and basil pesto! Delicious!
  4. What is your favourite hobby/pastime? It has to be reading, as someone living with constant pain as well as other unpleasant symptoms, I love the escapism that reading a novel provides, escaping to other countries, or other times!  In my imagination, I can do anything and go anywhere that I choose; freedom that living with illness impedes.
  5. What’s the best/worst practical joke that you’ve played on someone or that was played on you? Genuinely cannot think of anything that has happened to me or tricks that I’ve played on others.  Although I am incredibly jumpy and so hate when people jump out unexpectedly!

My questions for my nominees: 

  1. If you were stuck on a deserted island but could have any 3 books with you, which books would you pick?
  2. What are your favourite song lyrics? Why?
  3. What TV show are you currently binge-watching, or the last show you binge-watched? Would you recommend it?
  4. If you could travel back in time to any point in history, where you would choose to visit?
  5. Imagine if you had to become a dog, which breed of dog would you be and why?
I look forward to hearing your answers!
Congratulations all!
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In Awards

The Sunshine Blogger Award

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Thank you so much to Cheyanne, a lovely young woman who blogs at Hospital Princess in which she shares her personal journey living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and its other comorbid conditions including dysautonomia and gastroparesis for tagging and nominating me.

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

It is a nomination given to bloggers by bloggers.  If someone nominates you, it means you’re one of 11 people whom they find inspiring and brings sunshine into the lives of your readers.  If you decide to continue to tradition, then follow these simple rules!

Rules for the ‘Sunshine Blogger Award’:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog;
  • Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you;
  • Nominate 11 bloggers to receive this award and ask them 11 new questions; and
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post and/or on your site

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Questions and Answers
Here’s what The Hospital Princess asked me, and my answers to them:

  1. What inspired you to start blogging?
    It was a remark by an online friend who also at the time was blogging. At the time I didn’t have a concrete diagnosis, but we both suffered from chronic dizziness and after reading some of my personal writing and knowing my story living with an undiagnosed condition she suggested creating my own blog to share my journey and to help myself and others going through a similar experience.
  2. Instagram or Twitter? Why?
    I would have to choose Twitter; I also have an Instagram account but much more active on Twitter mainly because I hate having my picture taken, always highly critical of my looks.  I also feel that I am much more eloquent with words!
  3. If you could choose another “niche” for your blog, what would it be?
    It would definitely have to be writing about books as I am an avid reader.  I have so many books but still always find myself buying more as I discover new and exciting authors and titles within the bookshops that I frequently inhabit.
  4. You can travel back in time. What age would you be?
    I would travel back in time to when I was 16 and going through a tough time at school, suffering from depression. I would give myself a big hug and reassure myself that it will be OK and that these feelings will pass.
  5. Professionally, what are your future goals?
    I have no idea.  At the moment with my health, I am just trying to get through each day.  But I would like to do more writing, either for online platforms or even get published in a magazine.
  6. Who is the biggest supporter of your blog and life in general? How do they keep you motivated?
    Of course, my biggest supporters will always be my parents. But outside of my immediate family, it would be my best friend Aisha who makes an effort, despite her own health struggles to read my writing and my blog whenever I publish something new and has even proofread my writing.  Her support and encouragement always keep me motivated!
  7. What is your favourite song lyrics? Why?
    I find lyrics in the song ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’ from the musical Les Miserables particularly inspiring and motivating.  ‘Even the darkest night will end, And the sun will rise’ is a beautiful reminder that nothing in life is permanent and the pain or the negative feelings we are currently experiencing will pass just as the night ends giving way to a new day.
  8. How do you promote your blog?
    I promote my blog through my social media channels – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  I also am members of various groups on Facebook to help share and promote my new blog posts.
  9. Most embarrassing moment?
    I once fell off a stage as I went up to collect an award which was very embarrassing, especially as there is still evidence somewhere as my parents were recording it!
  10. What do you dislike the most about blogging?
    It’s not so much about blogging per se, but it can be frustrating when you take the time to share the blog posts of fellow bloggers, but they don’t return the favour.  It doesn’t happen a lot, but some bloggers don’t even thank you which is frustrating as I think especially within the chronic illness community we should all support each other.
  11. How have you changed as a person since starting your blog?
    Well, I’ve certainly gained more perspective and insight into my experiences with living with a long-term health condition, have become more eloquent when describing my symptoms with doctors and other consultants, which may have helped in getting answers and culminating in a diagnosis.  I have grown in confidence as a writer and as a person.

My nominees for the ‘Sunshine Blogger Award’:

  1. Emmie from ‘Illness to Wellness: A Journey‘
  2. Heather from ‘Dinsoaurs, Donkeys and MS‘
  3. Chiara from ‘The Millennial Patient‘
  4. Amy from ‘Destined2Roam‘
  5. Ash from ‘Finding Rainbows in The Dark‘
  6. Em from ‘That Silver Spoonie‘
  7. Lara from ‘Mummy Seeing Double‘
  8. Jen from ‘Tripping Through Treacle‘
  9. Rebecca from ‘A Punk with MS‘
  10. Caroline from ‘PoTS and Spoons‘
  11. Sarah from ‘A Life Less Physical‘

My List of 11 Questions: 

  1. What inspires your blog posts? How do you come up with new things to write about?
  2. If you had to choose just one social media platform to use for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?
  3. What fictional character do you most identify with and why?
  4. If you could be one person from history, who you would choose? Why?
  5. What has helped you reach acceptance in your journey with chronic illness? Or do you feel you have yet to reach acceptance?
  6. My latest blog post is about my favourite box sets to binge-watch. What was the last show you binge-watched or are currently watching?
  7. What lessons have you learnt from living with chronic illness?
  8. What blogger or bloggers do you admire the most? What have you learnt from them?
  9. Who gives you strength in your everyday life?
  10. What are your biggest struggles in everyday life?
  11. If you could accomplish anything in your future, what would it be?

Thank you once again to Cheyanne for the nomination! It’s such an honour and so lovely that you thought of me! 🙂

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One Lovely Blog Nomination

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I have been nominated for the ‘One Lovely Blog’ Award by the equally lovely Rebecca! Rebecca herself has an excellent blog called ‘A Punk with MS‘ with plenty of brilliant resources for anyone also dealing with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.  It’s a fantastic read!
one-lovely-blog
Rules:

  • Thank the person that nominated you and leave a link to their blog
  • Post about the award
  • Share seven facts about yourself
  • Nominate at most 15 other people
  • Tell your nominees the good news

Seven Facts about Me:

  1. My favourite breed of dog has to be the dachshund! Our dog who passed away last year was part dachshund (with a little bit of Jack Russell thrown in for good measure!).  I just love their short little legs and beyond expressive faces! Anyway, when I am sad or feeling alone, I like to watch cute and funny videos of them on YouTube to cheer myself up!
  2. I am a bit of a film buff – watching and talking about films it’s something I have always loved and am constantly picking up random and useless information about them.  In fact, I am a master at film rounds at quizzes, even being able to answer questions about films I’ve never even seen!  At the moment, I am particularly excited about the upcoming release of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (but who isn’t it?) as it’s been a favourite Disney film of mine since early childhood.  I’ve always related to the character of Belle as I’ve constantly felt like an outsider for most of my life, and for my love of reading.
  3. Most women love their shoes but I, in fact, hate shoe shopping! Always have!  With my little feet, I continually struggle to find shoes that fit with a lot of styles either being too small or too big. Nightmare!
  4. My parents often call me ‘The Oracle’ and expect me to know everything!
  5. I just love the taste of peanut butter and in fact, all of the recipes that I have saved on Pinterest has some form of it in them! All naughty recipes but sounds too delicious to resist!
  6. My favourite form of ultimate self-care is a trip to a spa.  It may not always help ease the persistent symptoms that affect my body, but still find the peace and tranquillity of a spa incredibly relaxing that it’s hard not to come away feeling better than when you first walked in.  And it also allows me to spend quality time with my favourite person – my Mum!
  7. My favourite smell of the moment is my new Yankee Candle, ‘Cherry Blossom.’ When I need a little peace and ‘me’ time, I enjoy lighting this gorgeous scent while reading a book.

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My nominees are:
Jen from Tripping Through Treacle; Yvonne from The Zebra Mom; Sarah from A Life Less Physical; Lisa from A Damsel in a Dress; Charlotte from FND and Me; Caitlyn from When Mental and Chronic Illness Collide; Kelly from The Invisible Warrior; Charis from Being Charis; Astrid from Lady with MS; Angela from Take with Sugar; Jen from Spoonfuls of Glitter; A Barefoot Goddess on a Journey; Sharon from Wheelie Me – Still Me!; Ava from My Meena Life and Emmie from Illness to Wellness: A Journey.
 

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