I would like to put out a notification that I will not be accepting any more Liebster Award nominations. I’ve had three nominations from three wonderful and beautiful people, but accepting any more after this would make me look a bit arrogant. haha

That being said, I was also nominated for the Kind Blogger Award by BG (she’s the one who nominated me for the 3rd Liebster) over at Getting Through Anxiety, who also created the award. It always makes me happy when people think I’m kind; I’ve never gotten an award for it, though. I feel very humbled and grateful.

So for this award, all you have to do is nominate whoever you feel has been kind and supportive in the blogging community. There’s no specific number of people you have to nominate, but I thought that since you have to answer five questions for this award, that it would be good to nominate five people. I’ll do the questions first, with my nominees at the end. 🙂

1.) Why is kindness and giving support so important?
I believe that we get the most out of life when we give, not when we receive. Giving itself is a kindness, but it’s also important to treat others with respect. God tells us that we should love others, even our enemies and those that hate us. I firmly believe that we will feel better and live better lives if we learn to be generous, kind and forgiving.

2.) What is your favorite thing about helping others?
It’s such a rewarding experience. Meeting new people, forming new friendships… it’s been such a great experience to get to know others and help them get through their struggles, struggles that oftentimes I have had myself.

3.) What do you think is the best movie for showing the importance of kindness?
I recently watched a movie at my aunt’s house called “The Ultimate Gift.” It’s about a young man who is forced to confront his estranged grandfather through a series of tests, which the grandfather administers through recordings made before his death. The grandfather promises that if he completes all the requirements, the young man will be given the ultimate gift, though he doesn’t say what it is. I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say the tests are little gifts of their own, and the young man learns the value of love and kindness.

4.) If you could give one inspirational message, what would it be?
No matter what trials you’re going through, God is with you through it all.

5.) Why did you start your blog and how long have you been blogging for?
I started my blog three months ago to chronicle my daily struggle with mental illness. It was meant to be sort of a diary or journal, but it’s turned into so much more than that. I’ve found an incredible support network in the blogging community, and I look forward to meeting more new people, and hopefully helping others in their own struggles with mental illness.

My nominees for the Kind Blogger Award are:

• lynne1324 at new heart = new beginnings
• dray0308 at  Dream Big,ream Often
• VaSanganyado at Chronicles of a Kid Next Door
• cherished79 at living in stigma
• The lovely Single Mommy’s Life

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Alright. On to the Liebster Award. I’m not nominating anyone for this because I’ve nominated half of my following list already, and I’m a little pressed for time today, so I’m speeding through this. Since there weren’t any questions but the one BG answered, I’ll go with those ones.

1) What is your biggest struggle when it comes to dealing with your anxiety/depression/chronic illness/etc.?
Letting it ruin memories I could have otherwise had if I could control it. I spent the 4th of July hiding away in my room in a deep depressive episode. I missed out on a lot of family fun.

2) What coping mechanisms have you found help you the most?
Gardening and showers. I also take out my frustrations with the video game Left 4 Dead.

3) What’s your ‘happy place’ and why? (example: the beach)
The lakeshore. I’ve had many a chat with God on those shores, and I always feel closer to Him there.

4) What’s your biggest fear and why?
My second and third biggest fears are needles and things going under my skin. That makes my worst fear an IV. I’ve had to have two in my lifetime, and I was scared to DEATH. It sucked.

5) What’s something you’ve always wanted to try/learn/do?
I’ve always wanted to learn another language. I aced Russian when I was in college, but I never used it after that. I’d especially like to learn Japanese and go to Japan.

6) Who is your biggest role model and why?
My mom. It takes a lot to be as tough, compassionate and patient as she is.

7) What’s your favorite comfort food?
AVOCADOS. I love love love avocados.

8) What’s your biggest vice?
My temper.

9) What’s your favorite thing about yourself physically? Non-physically?
My eyes and my smarts.

The last question was basically who I would be nominating, so I’m skipping that one, so please forgive me! I’m really sorry to rush through this. Hope you still enjoyed reading. 🙂