Terri, at Reclaiming Hope, has nominated me for the Chronically Hopeful Award, created by Pamela from There is Always Hope.

I am so inspired by Terri’s commitment to health and her no-nonsense, honest advice for coping with the ongoing struggle. Finding Terri here in the blogosphere has been a highlight of my experience and I now count her as a dear and supportive friend.

So, thank you, Terri, for thinking of me.

In response to Terri’s questions:

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting your blog?
This question makes me smile, because it’s all been a huge learning curve. I find though that when I post what touches me, it also reaches others.

If you could tell people ONE thing about living with a chronic illness, mental illness or disability, what would you want the general public to know???
In a typical week, I am targeted by “friends” or new followers who want to sell me their “sure cure”. I work with professionals committed to helping me manage my illness. I have neither the energy, nor financial resources, to try every new thing that comes along.

Why did you decide to start your blog/advocacy work?
I don’t think we are ever meant to go through anything alone. Creating a blog gave me a doable forum to open up discussions and find others. For the first three years of this blog I was bedridden, so socially isolated. My blogging community kept me connected to life.

What is one thing you’re really good at?
Connecting with others. I genuinely love people. Connecting is always such a gift.

What do you like to do for enjoyment?
Drive through the country and take photographs. It gives me something to ponder and play with when I’m home resting my body. Painting and writing are right up there as favourite activities too.

My nominees:

AWISEWOMANSJOURNEY – Deborah never fails to inspire me with her quotations, photographs, and poetry.

Elaine’s Blog – I was first drawn to Elaine’s blog by her art, and then I discovered a kindred soul also struggling with health issues. Love Elaine’s straightforward posts.

Therapy Bits – There isn’t enough room here to say everything I could about Carol Anne et al. I am always awed by her undaunted spirit.

Night Owl Poetry – Dorinda is a fellow poet, who also suffers chronic illness. Another warrior spirit whom I admire.

(Disclaimer: I do not normally participate in awards as the task overwhelms me. I am now overwhelmed, so will leave off here as far as nominees go.)

Here are the rules:

• Thank your nominator
• Recognize Pamela from There Is Always Hope as the creator of this award and link her URL – https://pamelajessen.com
• Use the Chronically Hopeful Award logo somewhere in your post
• Copy these rules onto your post
• Answer your nominator’s questions
• Write 5-10 of your own questions (they don’t need to be illness related)
• Nominate 5-10 other chronic illness, mental illness, or disability bloggers
• Comment on each of your nominees’ latest posts to tell them they have been nominated

My questions for nominees, should they accept:

1. What has been the greatest gift that illness has given you?
2. What personality trait do you think has helped you cope?
3. Favourite gripe?
4. If I could bring you something to make your day, what would it be?
5. Tell me a quotation or affirmation that keeps you going.