#500 – That’s All She Wrote!

Well, I made it to 500 posts, but more importantly, to this point, where I've experienced tremendous personal growth. The type that accounts for bubbles of optimism that help to keep me afloat and well.

I've learned that it is crucial to cultivate a mindset of health and well-being. One which includes not only physical health but emotional, mental and spiritual health, as well.

It took a lot of work to get to where I am today, but it is worth it - the alternative, which I experienced and shared on Hope, as 2014 Awakens, is one crop not worth growing. I am thankful for that experience, because it reinforces my decision to continue rummaging around in my toolbox, using trusty and sometimes rusty tools or going out to find new ones.

Special mention goes to the following people, my most frequent commenters, retweeters, pinners and Googe+'rs:

Support came winging from south of the border, thanks to my #SummitFriends Dorlee M., Jackie Yun and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. I would be remiss if I didn't thank the rest of you who were compelled to send some of my posts into cyber-space, landing where they were needed.

Then, there are my readers who took time to leave comments, participate in giveaways or expand a post by sharing tips or information. You can find some of those tips on Readers' Roundup of Resources 1 through 6. Thank you!

A big round of applause and thanks to Pfizer for the fantastic opportunity to take part in the inaugural RA Bloggers Summit. Without that event, I don't know if I would have ever made the trip to New York City. In addition to seeing the sights and sounds of NYC, I made a new friend and had a chance to meet with my #SummitFriend, Dorlee M.

I was tickled pink that Lifescript chose some of my posts to include on their website. The interview I did with Lori was both fun and informative.

A big thanks goes to Diana Bierman, formerly of Health Monitor, for including me in their Arthritis issue. There's a standing ovation for Carrie Gadsby at The Arthritis Society, BC and Yukon - not only was her interview heart-warming, but it also forged a personal connection that went beyond the written word.

Wow! Two awards from Healthline.com! Your encouragement enabled me to reach 500 posts even when I didn't think I could. I also heard some cheering from S. Emerson and Lene Andersen. Thank you. It was an honour to be twice nominated for Healthline's Best Health Blog contest - in 2012, I was voted into 11th place. Thanks to the support of a number of friends, acquaintances and some strangers, too, I made it into 5th place in 2013. I feel pretty darn good about that!

From 366 to 500 posts, I wrote to an additional twenty-eight businesses and companies asking for giveaway products. Thanks to the generosity of the following, I was able to bring you eleven more giveaways:

Please check out #365 - Au Revoir, Not Adieu for a list of the other companies who wanted to make your life a little easier. I hope you'll consider supporting them, as they have supported us.

Although there will be no new entries here, I will continue to post over at Auntie Stress Café. I hope you'll join me over there. You will find posts about stress, humour and life with rheumatoid arthritis, with the occasional foray into creative projects. Oh and giveaways, too! If you missed it the first time around, you'll have a second chance for the Zip-It Opener. At the bottom of my website, you can sign up for my newsletter, too.

These last words belong to Kathrin Hardie - ART would never have existed in this form without her push to take it from its original 33 Tips to 365 and then, on to 500. She has been the quiet tour de force in the background - supporting me in the tech area, saving my butt from some of those gaffes that occur from time-to-time and providing unwavering encouragement and friendship. I benefited by her steadfast business acumen which in some way is a complement to how I move through this life with rheumatoid arthritis.

I have rheumatoid arthritis, but it doesn't have me!

25 Replies to “#500 – That’s All She Wrote!”

  1. Congratulations, Marianna on all of your achievements – reaching the 500th post, obtaining a second Healthline award [and moving on up from 11th place to 5th place!], receiving the trip to New York as well as your personal achievements demonstrating the success of your stress management techniques.
    Onward and upward; I can’t wait to see what you accomplish/do this year! 🙂
    Warmly,
    Dorlee

  2. Thank you for the mention Marianna.

    It has been wonderful reading all your posts. All the tips and ideas have been great even for those of us who don’t have arthritis, yet.

    Maybe if Lene and I bug you enough this won’t be the final post on this blog. (smiles)

  3. Marianna, CONGRATULATIONS on reaching the 500 and thanks for the mention. I appreciate and applaud everything you do! I truly do. Helping people with practical solutions not only improves their health, but you lift their spirits too. You are a role model. Hugs, Beth

    1. Such kind words from a woman who exudes (and writes about) kindness. It’s a pleasure to have both your support and your friendship, Beth. I feel like those Walt Disney chipmunks – “I thank you.” – “No, I thank YOU!” 😉

  4. I have not been here for your whole journey but I have enjoyed the time spent with you and your writing. Thank you for taking the time to write all these tips. Best to you as you move forward.

  5. Marianna,
    I love the phrase, ‘bubbles of optimism’ (and can relate).

    The idea of, and determination to, rummage around your toolbox to find what you need to maintain well-being in the areas you mentioned (physical, mental, spiritual, etc.) is poignant, and a great reminder for all of us!

    Further, your tribute to those you felt supported, bolstered and encouraged your 500-blog-posts goal is mellifluous to read (and I truly value being included here)! Reading through, it helped punctuate a series of goals and awards you have achieved that impress! That your trip to New York (where I am jealous you got to meet in-real-life with Dorlee!), was a sponsored blogging gig via brand-name Pfizer is exciting! That you have earned recognition, visibility and awards from other organizations and web brands is inspiring!

    That you keep on keeping on despite obstacles that may present themselves is invigorating. As my husband said to me this morning, ‘you keep on swinging, because being present is half the battle.’ Your ever-presence and commitment helps lift others to new heights of hope and possibility.

    Thank you, Marianna, for your persistence and dedication to your readership community and to all those you influence and help with your knowledge, abilities, writing talent and inspiration!

    Jacqui

    1. Hi Jacqui,
      It goes without saying that I would include you in my 500th post. As you know, I love your writing style; one read of one of your posts is like a jump-start to my writing batteries. 🙂

      Rob speaks wise words – our presence is the present!

      From one word-lover to another – thank YOU!

  6. Hi Marianna,

    I just want to add my congratulations for a job well done … and for a site that will carry on great tips that will continue to help people for a long long time. See you at Auntie Stress Cafe where your wonderful blogging happily continues!

  7. Wow! 500 helpful tips. This site will continue to be a great resource for newbies as well as those of us who need a little positive reinforcement. Thanks for all you have done for our community. Looking forward to reading new posts at Auntie Stress Cafe.

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