I am Inspired!

I was incredibly humbled to be nominated by Jane Thrive of Survive, Live Thrive for the Very Inspirational Blogger award this week! Thank you!  

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and link to their blog. (check)
2. Display the award logo (check)
3. Nominate 15 (or so) other bloggers and provide a link where they may be found.
4. Go to their blog, leave a comment to let them know they have been nominated.
5. Mention three things that inspired you the most during the past few weeks.

There are oh so many blogs that I read all the time - so if you didn't make the list, please don't be upset with me.  I do love you all - and continue to read and be inspired by you regularly.  This is a list of the most recently inspiring blogs:

1. Whitney Lang Fleming of playdatesonfridays.  The most recent post I found inspirational from Whitney was called "Can Positive Intent End the Mommy Wars".  It urges mommies (like myself) to take a step back when we think we've been wronged and try to look at it from a positive angle.  I try very hard to put this into practice in general - but especially with my interactions with my ex. 
2. Mandy Walker at Since My Divorce.  You all might have seen the discussion that I had with Mandy about my own divorce in a series she did last month.  Mandy's advice to the recently separated and divorced is built on her own experiences - and it's spot on.
3. Kerri from Undiagnosed but Okay.  Kerri's daughter Bridget (who, I have to say is cute as a button), has only recently been diagnosed with PACS1.  Her journey to diagnosis and continually positive attitude is truly inspirational.  Now that she finally has a diagnosis - she's going on a new journey - to support other parents of children with PACS1.
4. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lizzi Rogers from Considerings, Life in Silver Linings.  Her positive attitude and amazing smile always make my day.  As I've written before - Lizzi is the inspiration behind the #1000Speak for Compassion Movement.  
5. Julie from Julie's Fabulous Life.  Julie and her ex-Andrew have recently separated - and their co-parenting relationship is the stuff of legend.  I am absolutely in awe of their ability to get along for their children's sakes.  
6. The Cuckoo Mama from This Cuckoo's Nest (on DivorcedMoms.com).  Similar to Julie, although CM's ex is a bit of a dolt sometimes, she and her ex have worked out a nesting situation that drives them both crazy - just so their kids won't be displaced by their divorce.
7. Olga Mecking - the European Mama.  She's from Poland, but living in the Netherlands with her German husband while raising three trilingual children.  If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is.
8. Kathy Radigan from My Dishwasher's Possessed.  I actually had tears when I read about her Special Needs Princess.  I don't want to spoil the ending - but check it out. 
9. Annah Elizabeth from The Five Facets.  Annah writes about spirituality and inspiration and healing.  She's all about giving - and recently paid it forward in the form of school supplies to five inspirational teachers.    

Of course, given my druthers, I'd also re-nominate Jane Thrive (her ex and my ex could have come from the same womb), and Lisa Thompson of Lisa Thompson Live (who nominated Jane) - but I do realize that these awards can get a bit cumbersome...

And here come the three things that I've found most inspiring over the past few weeks:

1. #1000Speak for Compassion.  I am a proud member of this movement - and I'll be posting my own story next week on February 20th - along with over ONE THOUSAND other bloggers.  Similar to Whitney Lang Fleming's positive intentions - we're trying to flood the internet with a positive vibe and spark discussion and positive action.    
2. The anti-anti-vax movement.  I'm lucky to live in a part of the country where we have almost full compliance with vaccinations - which puts my children at far less risk than those who live in states like California.  I have been repulsed by the awesome displays of ignorance coming from the anti-vax movement - and I'm glad to see the anti-anti-vax movement is making some strides.  I came across this tongue in cheek article last week (in a Canadian paper of all places!) - but it makes some excellent points.  And if you haven't seen it, you should also have a look at this YouTube video on herd immunity if you're still not convinced.
3. My children are a constant source of inspiration.  Puck has worked really hard and is overcoming his difficulties with his learning disability.  Flower is chugging through Grade 1 and her reading is improving day after day.  Even Bae - over the past week or so he appears to be overcoming his reluctance to speak.  He called me mommy the other day and gave me a big kiss.

Thank you to all the bloggers I've mentioned and to each of you.  You continue to inspire me to write and read and learn.

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