The Spirit of Kindness Awards

Hey everyone!

One would think I have totally abandoned my blog here. I feel as though I have! It has been a hard week. Just getting over being sick and have had some big writing commitments which I will share in a moment.

But first it is time for some awards! I have been greedily accepting awards for some time and have not had the time to give them back out to others. I am sorry for that and so I have decided to create my own awards. Today I wish to focus upon your kindness.

There simply isn't enough kindness in this world to go around. Some days I am shocked when I do encounter it. Anyways I did want to acknowledge some folks who I feel have gone out of their way to be kind.

Please pick your award! You have your choice from two images.








1. Susan from If you are going through hell keep going: I am continuously amazed by Susan. She can be having the worst day herself and still find time to write a note or say something to cheer you up. She is just genuinely compassionate. Susan goes out of her way to make a difference no matter what is happening in her own life.

Thank you Susan.

2. Paul from Paul is a Hermit: Paul is absolutely the person who would stop whatever he is doing to be of help. He seldom thinks of himself and would rather exert his energy into being nice to others. Paul is very humble but is a fabulous writer. I wish that he would write more! He is an all around nice guy and wonderful friend.

You are very appreciated Paul!

3. Nadja and her blog Living with MS:

Nadja is a young lady who has MS and my goodness she is such an inspiration to me. She is a teacher which I totally admire and although she has this disease...she keeps on living life to the fullest. She never gives up. Nadja reminds me a bit of Susan. Doesn't matter what she is going through...she still comes around to give a bit of cheer despite her own difficulties. Nadja is humble about her own strength but let me tell you that this girl is a survivor. She is going to make it no matter what.

Nadja...thank you for all your kindness.

4. Ian from Or So I Thought: Ian is just the type of guy who has a good word for everyone. Despite the fact that I am not the best fellow blogger...I don't comment as often as I would like...Ian doesn't care...he still comes around to lend support. I believe he would give the shirt off his back to help someone. His kindness shines through loud and clear.

Ian...thank you for your compassion and support.

5. Doctor Nitin Sethi of Brain Disease Blog: I have never met a more amazing individual. This is a doctor who is all about giving back to the community. I have recently had the pleasure of an interview with the doctor which was posted on Health Central. And then he even offered to answer questions from readers. You just don't find that type of kindness too darn often. Heck...I can't even get my neurologist to call me back if I am having a flare up. So the fact that Doctor Sethi is wanting to take the time from his busy schedule to give back in these ways...is just tremendous.

Thank you so very much! You are so appreciated Doctor Sethi!

6. Foam!

My goodness I have known foam for...um...for...forever! Probably as long as I have been blogging and through my many reincarnations. Foam was there for me long before I even was diagnosed with MS. She is another blogger who cares more about others than herself. Doesn't matter if I haven't paid a visit in weeks...she still comes by to check up on me. Foam has quite a following and this is because she is such a good friend to people. I am so glad she has not stopped blogging.

Thank you Foamy! The blog world including myself simply cannot do without you!

7. Deejay from Age is All in the Mind: Deejay and his wife have been blogging for probably longer than I have! Deejay always has a kind word for everyone and always is always full of good cheer. He is always supportive, always kind and never caring to get anything in return.

Thank you Deejay for your continued kindness over the years.

8. Doctor Jane Mountain, Author: I recently read a book called Beyond Bipolar, 7 Steps to Wellness and I wrote about it on Health Central's Depression site. Well no sooner than I did when the doctor herself emailed me personally to thank me! We have had some email conversations and she is the nicest lady! Some published authors are rather standoffish and don't talk to their readers. Not so with Dr. Mountain. Stay tuned because I will be presenting an written interview I just did with her...for Health Central. Kind? YES!

Thank you Doctor Jane Mountain! You are fabulous!

Whew!

I am gonna stop there and tell you all that I will give out way more awards soon. You all deserve one for sure!

AND NOW FOR THE LINK PARADE!

I have been a very busy girl for sure. I have literally been writing my buns off. I will tell you quite honestly that having a schedule and a routine for my writing has paid off. I always thought that I needed inspiration to get in the mood for writing. Poppycock! Just sit your butt down and start writing. It is the only way.

Good things are in store (depending upon one's point of view but of course) but I must zip my lips for now. February could be a good month for me. As I was falling to the ground today due to my MS...yeah I could use something good to happen. That would be nice.

One good thing that I can tell you now is that I will be writing for Health Central's ADHD site about issues pertaining to special needs children. My dream is for them to start an autism site. Keep your finger's crossed. One way to show the need for such a site now is for an interest to be shown in my articles. I really really want to write about autism. There are so many children and adults who have autism and...I want to help. My heart and soul are calling to do this.

So...if you could please stop by to read my first post and/or leave a comment.

My first post is about a case where a 13 year old boy having special needs died while in a concrete seclusion room. This story absolutely struck home with me. This could have been my son. This kind of thing should not be happening.

You may read the first post in my series about how to be an advocate for children who have special needs here.

Next up is a post my editor asked me to write for Health Central's Depression site about Obama's plan to put our health records on-line. Maybe this will surprise you but I am all for it! I am simply a little wary of how it will be done. In the interest of building community I asked some of my fellow mental health bloggers including Susan, John D., and Doctor Deb.

Please do join the discussion and tell us your opinion on this seemingly controversial health care topic.

On Health Central's MS site there is a wonderful Q and A with readers including some of our fellow MS bloggers such as Nadja, Carole, and Lanette. Doctor Sethi, the neurologist, may do this sort of question and answer forum again. I will be sure to let you know when that happens.

I also just wrote an article for Stu's site about how to keep a medical diary. You can view that post right here.

And if you have insomnia...hey...maybe you can read about my adventures taking SAM-e which I feel is way better than some antidepressants or about what it is like to have an MRI.

Yup...I have been busy all right!

T-t-that's all folks!