Today’s post is a bit different from what I normally post on this blog, but for good reason.
Apparently, I’m “inspiring” to a few people, Lenie Hokansson included, as she just bestowed The Very Inspiring Blogger Award upon me. Now, I have known Lenie for a while, and have helped her on many occasions, so the God’s-honest-truth is that she really DOES find me inspiring.
And even though she linked to Wording Well in her post, she’s okay with me accepting it over here, since I’m the same person… regardless of where I am! 😉
My Almost-Refusal to Accept this Award
Blogging awards don’t mean much to seasoned bloggers, but to newbie bloggers, they’re fun to do… and an honour.
Truthfully, I wasn’t going to accept this award. Not here, not on Wording Well, not anywhere.
But then I thought of Lenie’s feelings. I knew she’d be hurt if I refused.
And I like Lenie. Really, I do. She’s awesome!
Plus, I thought it would be neat to rest my mind and return the feelings I once felt when blogging. Before it became part of my “job.” You know, when there were no expectations, when it was actually FUN?
I don’t want to get to the point where I think certain things are “beneath me,” even if they are…
I also want to pass on some of the love I’ve received from other bloggers, even if THEY refuse to accept.
So, here we are, with another blogging awards post to saturate the already-saturated world wide web!
Oh, and the fact that I’ve been so busy with my business lately and sort of needed a “filler” post for today was not a factor at all in my decision to accept this award. 😉
Besides, I have proof that I’m an inspiration to others. I mean, when you LITERALLY save someone’s life, how can you not be considered an inspiration?!
Being called “Inspiring,” therefore, is an honour, not a detriment!
The Four Easy Rules of The Very Inspiring Blogger Award
If you accept this nomination, you are asked to follow the rules attached to the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:
- Thank the person who nominated you by linking to his/her blog
- Display the award logo somewhere in your acceptance post (right-click and save it to your computer, then upload it to your blog)
- Reveal 7 things about yourself
- Pass on the award to others by nominating 12 people, linking to them within your post, and then notifying them about their nominations (which can be done through email, a blog comment, or social media)
Seven B-B-Boring Things About Lorraine Reguly (yeah, me)
- I’m a certified English teacher.
- I live in Ontario, Canada.
- I have a son, and am a single mom.
- My son is now an adult, so parenting has gotten a lot easier!
- I self-published Risky Issues in 2014.
- I began freelancing in 2013, got my own website in 2014, and registered my business in 2015.
- I recently added website consultations and blog coaching to the writing and editing services I provide.
Seven Sh-Sh-Shocking Things about Lorraine Reguly (again, me)
Hold onto your hats, folks. You’re gonna be shocked at some of my reveals!
Please don’t judge me by my past, though. I’m a different person today.
- I was raped when I was a 14-year-old virgin.
- I turned to drugs and promiscuity to cope with the devastation I felt.
- I had an abortion when I was 16.
- I got pregnant again at 17. This time, I kept my baby.
- I performed sexual acts for money.
- I smoked crack for ten months.
- I’m 43. Seriously. I have always looked younger, though!
I’m pleased to say I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my life.
My Dozen Inspiring Bloggers
Elna Cain from Innovative Ink
Gina Horkey of Horkey Handbook
Christy Birmingham from Poetic Parfait and When Women Inspire (either site can accept this award!)
Sylviane Nuccio – I’m still developing my relationship with Sylviane, but from all accounts, she’s a great lady who is a former actress!
UPDATE: Sylviane allowed me to share some of my life stories with her. Read RAPE DRUGS AND PROSTITUTION – ONE BLOGGER’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS.
Maxwell Ivey A.K.A. The Blind Blogger – Everyone should know Max by now. He’s not the only blind blogger there is, but he’s truly the most inspiring, due to his massive weight loss and ability to begin not one but two online business AND self-publish a motivational and inspirational book: Leading You Out Of The Darkness Into The Light: A Blind Man’s Inspirational Guide to Success.
Enstine Muki – a money blogger and a tech genius!
Kevin Duncan of Be A Better Blogger – who went from being a nobody to a somebody in the blogosphere practically overnight!
Ryan Biddulph from Blogging from Paradise – who is island-hopping as we speak. Yeah, he’s living the good life!
Kerry Kijewski from Her Headache – Kerry is a beautiful, blind writer. I had the pleasure of doing an in-depth interview with her and learning what a fabulous woman she is. She has talent like nobody’s business. Just read her account of her ice-skating experiences, and you’ll see what I mean.
Andrew Warner from Shade of Info – who recently featured me in one of his blog posts about why we read blog posts!
Who Do You Think Is Inspiring?
While awards posts have gotten a bad rap over the years, featured bloggers’ posts sure are becoming more popular.
To me, this kind of makes no sense, as the principles are basically the same for each type: links to other bloggers are given and the word about others is spread.
So, really think twice about accepting this award, everyone.
It’s not going to kill you to do so!
Besides, it’s cool to find out who YOU think is an inspiration… and why.
Hi Lorraine.
I really do want to thank you for including me in this and especially for the extremely generous and kind things you said about my writing.
I see what you are saying about how it wouldn’t kill you to participate in this and I agree, but I thought I should tell you here I have decided not to.
I don’t believe I am above accepting just such blogging awards, but I have already been nominated so many times and I feel bad. If I did it once I’d feel like I had to do it every time or not at all. I just feel they are one of those things I don’t feel comfortable doing.
I have those bloggers and writers who have been helpful and kind and who I like to thank, but those would be the people I would nominate and they too have already been given these sorts of awards themselves several times already.
I hope you do not take this as me acting all high and mighty or something. It’s been a rough few days for me already: losing the recording of an interview I am doing on my blog, a few hard days for personal reasons, and my first real negative interaction from online (Facebook and blogging).
I know these lists of the twenty best bloggers or whatever are popular these days and I see the merits. I think it’s great how there are relationships and circles of friends that build through blogging. I have been included and have been grateful. I am even working on thanking everyone I can for my one-year blogging anniversary that is coming up next week, so I like to thank those who have been kind to me when I can. That is how I give back and show my appreciation and the rest I must respectfully decline.
Hope you understand, truly.
Kerry, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles! You know I wish you the best and understand your reasons for not accepting this. Truthfully, I don’t think anyone will. LOL But that is completely okay.
Happy early blogoversary, Kerry! 🙂
Thank you sweet Lorraine for the award! I truly am honoured. I am so proud of YOU for getting the award, especially when I read about your sh-sh-shocking things that have happened to you. You are a strong woman and I’m glad to know you! PS Feel free to let me know if you ever want to guest blog at When Women Inspire as you have many lessons to share – see, another person who thinks you are inspiring! Feel free to email me if you are interested 🙂
Christy, thanks for the invitation! I’m honoured. 🙂
And I accept!
hi lorraine; that is a interesting question. why featured bloggers posts are all the rage and blogging awards posts are downgraded. glad to see lennie getting the recognition she deserves. and i hope that this award does bring her many new readers and followers. always happy to see my name and link on another blog especially one i respect. keep up the great work my friend. xoxo max
Hi Max. I hope you decide to accept this award. You are definitely THE most inspiring person I know.
It’s interesting, to me, at least, why people are so big on “featured bloggers” posts but yet dislike awards posts. Either way, your name gets thrown around! LOL
Hey Lorraine,
Thanks for the inclusion dear friend. It’s a pleasant surprise for me this Friday morning (7:03 am here in my country as I do this comment)
I don’t think I have ever been nominated for an award before but I have featured on uncountable number of blogs. I think I like being featured because much is not required from you.
Now Lorraine I’m particular touched by the 7 sh-sh-shocking things especially those that happened to you in the past. You are very strong and living proof that life can continue after everything.
I’m excited because I’ll soon be hearing more about you as one of my featured bloggers in a few weeks ahead.
There are better days ahead so let’s keep giving
Do have a beautiful weekend dear friend
Enstine, sometimes it’s simply better to reveal to the world your past rather than have someone else tell you about it behind my back!
I hate rumours and gossip… but like facts. And I figured that people might judge me anyway… but if they look beyond my past acts, they will see the real person I am… like you did, when you said, “You are very strong and living proof that life can continue…”
I appreciate that! 🙂
And I hope you accept your award. 😉
Hello Lorraine! Wow, you’ve gotten through some tough situations in your life. You are very worthy of this award because it is truly inspiring the woman you’ve become after so much pain and hardship. I’m proud to know you. 😀
Aww, Vashti, you are making me blush! :*)
Thank you!
Hi Lorraine,
Wow, where to start here?
First off, by saying thank you, I guess. So Thank you for thinking of me.
I remember getting a couple of such rewards in the past, but hey, I still like them, so I accept it!
My, and I thought I had a life behind me, but it doesn’t compare with yours. But now I’m discovering someone with such a rich experience, that you may be an ideal person to interview for my PD blog category 🙂 If you could make it, anybody could, right?
Hum, I’m getting some ideas 🙂
Again, thank you so much for thinking of me, Lorraine. Truly didn’t even thought you would 🙂 So it counts double.
Sylviane, I’m living proof that ANYONE can overcome their past, and I’d love to be interviewed. 🙂
I’m happy you are happy, too! 😀
Sometimes it really IS the thought that counts! 😉
Hi, I just stumbled on your post and I can’t help but give a good comment. You truly deserve this award, you are a very courageous woman, sincere and a real inspiration, not all women can do what you have done. keep it up !
Lynne, thanks for accepting me for who I am, seeing past my past, and complimenting me on a job well-done! It’s not always easy to put yourself out there, but I want to lead others through my own personal example. I’m living proof that you can go through hell and back again and still come out on top!
Thanks for your comment. I hope to see you again!
A very honest and down to earth author/blogger she does serve as an inspiration to many. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Lynne! 🙂
Hi Lorraine,
I just stumbled on this post and I must confess that you are a very strong woman, considering what you’ve been through in life. Its good you didn’t give up then when the going was tough and rough, thank God you held on and today you are indeed an inspiration to so many out there who might be in similar situation.Thanks for the article, it was great and please keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, Charles. I appreciate the recognition!