What can I say, it was amazing, you were all amazing, I am still buzzing, lets do it all again next year!
It has been a lot of effort, thought, conversations and FUN! I have loved being your host. I am trying really hard to not immediately think about next year, but it is so exciting.
My mind has been running since getting home, especially since getting into bed. I hope you all had a fun day and a positive experience. It all went too quickly for me, I feel like I said hi to everyone and thats about it. I need more time with everyone! I guess thats the down side of hosting, theres usually something that needs to be done and I so didn't think about the near 40 minutes it would take to count votes on the day hahaha.
On the day, I got to meet some people I haven't met before and through some nominations I got to find out about blogs and podcasts that I had no previous knowledge of. And I love that! I have spent time this week listening to Beth's 'Me Myself and Mental Health' podcast, which I had no knowledge of before, plus, I love that in the podcast episodes Beth says "I'm not sure if anyone is listening to this, I hope its useful or helpful". Then for me, seeing the number of people that have voted for Beth is just awesome.
The celebration of 'bigger' more 'well known' Bloggers, Vloggers and Podcasters alongside those that have a smaller following is great. I believe that if you 'just' have 10's or 100's following you, you could be/ are affecting lives and every single one matters! There is so much importance in the stories and experiences that you share, you are helping to change and saves lives! Thank you.
I started blogging when I was in a dark place with my mental health, its still not great but I am in a better place. That is partly thanks to writing about my experience and to interacting with all of you. So, thank you for doing what you do and showing people like me its ok to talk about mental health.
Some people were unable to make the day for a variety of reasons, but I wanted to mention those that messaged me saying they wanted to attend, but were struggling with their mental health. You are ACE! Many of you mentioned not being able to push yourselves or feeling like you were missing out. I want to say thank you. Thank you for being honest with me and with yourself.
Yes we talk about challenging yourself (in safe ways), wanting to be at events and support others. But importantly we also talk about putting yourself first, recognising and prioritising your mental health. So thank you for looking after you, you are worth the care and attention you gave yourself. I don't think we are told that often enough.
The event itself wouldn't have been possible without the support of the sponsors, so thank you:
The Lost Boy (Damo), Calm Man, Instant Counselling, Funky Pigeon.com and Zumos.
Also, the Media Team of Beautiful Chaos Photography and Queer Coffee Productions. The venue Spice Island, Old Portsmouth (how awesome was the venue, loved it). and special guests: Mental Snapp and Poppy, author of 'Don't worry, be happy' and 'You're a star' published by Summersdale.
The event, meeting you all, celebrating everything you have done and are doing has been amazing. Thank you for your efforts in talking about mental health and for being part of the first ever Mental Health Blog Awards.
See you soon and again in 2019!
**All photos provided by Beautiful Chaos Photography**