I can’t quite believe I’m sat here writing this, My dear friend nominated for this award which stands for great qualities. Mini is a complete force of nature, full of guts and determination. How she has done all that she has with M.E/CFS is completely amazing to me. She writes about the realities of her life and empowers people with disabilities with her message about integration, equality and a general ‘Can Do’ attitude. I just wanted to thank her for the nomination, without thanking the academy also. https://diaryofadisabledperson.wordpress.com
I started this blog to put more out there on the internet about my illness, M.E/CFS. I was motivated to blog when a charity which ran a forum shut down and was merged with another charity. The anonymous support I was getting from people who became friends had gone and I didn’t want to be supremely negative about the illness I lived with. I wanted to be that anonymous person for others, be that with the same illness or any other invisible Chronic illnesses.
I wanted to create content that would share the information amassed over the years I had been ill, from the perspective of the person living with it. There is so much on the internet that is about the medical sides but not that much about the people. This, of course, is understandable due to the impact ME/CFS has.
What I didn’t realise is that I found comfort in being able to connect with so many people of different backgrounds countries and walks in life. I wish that it was under better circumstances but I felt like I had something constructive to do for the first time in a really long time. The blog became my space. A space that I built over many many months. It was a way I could connect with the world out there doing something that I love. I love to write and celebrate the small stuff and to lie down with a laptop, trying to stay ahead of the blog.
As part of accepting the award, I have ten random facts for you all to read and ten questions to answer.
My Ten Random Facts About Me
1. I have a cat called Dibley, he was a rescue kitten and we’ve had him for four years.
2. I have strangely long legs, my inseam is 34″ which makes finding jeans, pyjama trousers and leggings fun.
3. I’ve never dyed my hair before ever. I rely upon the sun to bring out highlights in my ash blonde hair.
4. I love sour sweets more than the regular ones.
5. I still can’t apply eyeliner that isn’t wonky, so I’ve given up.
6. I escape from my reality by reading, it is true escapism and stops me from feeling cabin fever.
7. I’ve never watched a Star Wars film, much to Baloo’s disappointment.
8. I have a guilty pleasure of buying novelty/graphic t-shirts to wear to bed. Grumpy cat, Harry Potter, words made out of the periodic table.
10. I’m slightly addicted to cake, I used to love to bake when I wasn’t ill. Baking cakes isn’t an option now so I just eat other peoples offerings.
Mini has thought of 10 questions to ask as part of the award so without further ado, let’s get into it.
Cats or dogs?
Cats most likely, but only my own. Normally I’m not too fussed over either, to be honest.
What is your favourite time of year?
The summertime is my favourite time of year. In England, the daylight is at it’s best and there might be a chance of some warmer weather. Also, I have my birthday that time of year so I love to have a BBQ, weather permitting.
What is your favourite genre of music?
I am eclectic in my tastes, I love jazz classics because of my Mum, Sinatra, Buble and Louis Armstrong. But Ed Sheeran is one of my most played albums of last year. I don’t think I can choose just one!
What is your favourite film that was adapted from a book?
Good question, I think possibly Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire. It was the most like the world I had pictured in my mind when reading the books.
What was your favourite childhood toy?
I had a ridiculously oversized rabbit that I called Toffee, as I was a tall child it fitted my height better than normal ones. I decided when we moved house when I was 11 that I was too ‘grown up’ for him so he got thrown away as he was pretty ‘well loved’. I wish I hadn’t now.
Tea or coffee?
Neither I can’t drink tea without a horrendous amount of sugar and I’ve never liked coffee. Hot Chocolate I absolutely love.
What is your worst habit?
My worst habit would probably be not seeing the good and only seeing the bad in a situation initially. After a little time, I see the situation clearly but my brain works in a worst case scenario at default.
What is the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
I was trying to get out of a Costa in my wheelchair and because of the setup, the only way for me to get out was to squeeze past the queue of people waiting to be served. A gentleman in a wheelchair was about halfway down this queue. He had heard me apologising for asking people to move so I could pass. He stopped me and said something that has stayed with me since. “Never apologise for existing and asking people move. You have as much right as anyone. If they don’t move, run them over, seriously it’s really fun!” That man often pops up in my head if I am over apologising for needing to get through.
Who are your role models?
Mine are just people whom I respect and look up to for various reasons that are in my life. There is this lovely friend I have who has M.E/CFS and she has two wonderful daughters and a husband. She is my role model because she lives life to the full, even when she’s limited. Nothing stops her for too long.
My own Mum for her determination and love of learning new things whilst coping with a difficult home life. She was at every appointment with me every step of the way. So was my Dad, his quiet determination and non-stop work is an amazing role model.
What is your biggest ambition?
My biggest ambition is to succeed in an environment everyone told me I would fail in. I want to be the persistent tree who unearths and breaks tarmac and rocks to grow and lay down deep roots. That is what I want to do, to be a success in my eyes and to maybe write books for people with M.E/CFS about how my life is or has been. I’d love to grow this blog into something amazing. A blog that is a resource, a friend and something to laugh at occasionally.
My Nominations
In the guidelines for the Liebster Award, it recommends nominating between 5 and 10 blogs for this award. As my blog is only 5 months old I haven’t found anywhere near 5 blogs to nominate that is under the follower boundary. As this is a guide I am going to nominate 3 blogs that I think are incredible and love to read and I would recommend.
Damsel In A Dress
Lisa is an amazing writer and a Chronic Illness sufferer. Her blog is realistic and charming and sometimes gives me a good giggle. I thoroughly like to read her blog as she doesn’t pull any punches but keeps humour throughout. The GIFs always make me smile.
Jamison Writes
I’ve spoken about this blog before. Jamison is very ill with M.E/CFS and has been writing for a long time about the harsh realities of living with this debilitating illness. His overall frankness is refreshing. He is helping spread awareness of this condition and that is to be commended.
Not only is Rhiann a fantastic blogger she tirelessly promotes other blog posts on her facebook page and her own blog. She is, once again, a spoonie and writes beautifully. I believe she has had the Liebster award before, but I wanted to nominate her again because her blog is amazing.
My Questions for the Nominees:
1. What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
2. What makes you happy?
3. What did you love as a child and hate as an adult?
4. Best flavour of cake?
5. What would you make calorie free and healthy if you could?
6. Milkshakes or hot chocolate?
7. If you could only have five possessions what would you choose?
8. What was one of your most defining moments in life?
9. What was your favourite book growing up?
10. What in your opinion is overrated?
To find out more about the Liebster Award and find the rules etc click here.
Seeing M.E In Reality 