First of all, I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to the kind reader, who nominated this blog for an award – the Bupa 2018 Blogger Awards, to be exact (#bupablogawards).
I don’t know who you are, but it was a real boost to find out that somebody out there appreciated my blog enough to take the time to nominate.
But as I haven’t heard anything since being advised of the nomination, and with the finalists due to be announced on Monday – I think it’s fair to say this blog isn’t going to be one of them. Extreme sad face.
While I’ve read and enjoyed many of the award-winning blogs here in Australia, there’s a little part of me that thinks, isn’t my blog just as good?! Or am I being conceited?!
I’m not sure what makes a blog award-winning in the eyes of judges, but here’s why I think my blog deserves an award:
- This blog is a safe space for honest, respectful discussion (not always easy, as I shared in “Aftermath of a Controversial Post“) .
- This blog keeps it real (that’s why I used the hashtag “Fashion from the Real World” on social media).
- This blog has a positive outlook on midlife, promoting it as a wonderful opportunity, not a downhill slide to old age.
- This blog is personal without going too far.
- This blog is an interesting read (or am I biased?!).
- This blog has been here for quite a while … find out why Middle Aged Mama was started back in January 2014.
- This blog offers consistency … twice a week, you will find a new post.
- This blog is a two way street. It’s not just me ranting and rambling – I read and try my best to respond to all comments both here on the blog and on social media, so you can have your say an be heard as well.
- This blog is well-written (I’m a copywriter by trade, so a tad embarrassing that I’ve never picked up a blog award!).
- This blog gives back – I’ve participated in Frocktober to raise funds for ovarian cancer; last financial year this blog supported women in need, with a donation to DV Connect.
- This blog promotes a health lifestyle, as I try to make it a reality in my life as well (remember when I tried aqua aerobics? And how I’m discovering the surprising benefits of a morning walk?).
- This blog is a community, with some awesome members.
- This blog is done out of love, not for financial reward (I made 40 bucks last month, whooo!) – something I wrestled with in Personal Blogging vs Professional Blogging.
- This blog encourages readers to become the best version of themselves that they can be.
- This blog is about making the most of what we’ve got.
- This blog is a place where middle aged women can experience “me too” moments (surely I’m not the only one who wears daggy “home clothes” when nobody’s around!).
- This blog is about building great relationships – for instance, when the hubster and I shared 10 Marriage Tips.
- This blog encourages others to find new meaning in life, and to fashion a new life after the kids are grown.
- This blog goes deep (eg these posts: A Crisis of Faith, A Heartbreaking Decision, Have I Fallen Out of Love – or am I Depressed?)
- This blog raises awareness of many mental and physical health conditions (What Basal Cell Carcinoma Looks Like, Sleep Apnea, Living with Low Iron Levels, the Many Faces of Depression).
All this, despite the fact that I’m not living with any chronic conditions, nor have I had a life-threatening illness. I’m not turning gender stereotypes on their heads or making a zillion dollars. I’m not travelling the world, sharing lots of recipes, or focused solely on fashion – which are all things I have noticed in award-winning blogs.
I’m just being me.
And I have to say, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve accomplished here at Middle Aged Mama!
However, just like the best speeches by award recipients, I can’t close without thanking YOU, my awesome readers.
I may not have won an official blog award, but your wonderful comments, words of support, emails, social media shares, likes and interaction are my true reward.
I will just have to remind myself of this when I’m having a boo-hoo moment on Monday, when the Bupa Blog Awards finalists are actually announced 😉 .
What are the characteristics that you think judges look for when it comes to blog awards? (Coz I have to admit I don’t have a clue!)
Oh bummer Janet! I don’t pay much attention to blogger awards otherwise I would have definitely nominated you!
Here are some reasons why I love following your blog and your Facebook page:
-You’re an interesting writer- your topics are varied and interesting. I learn something new each time I read.
-You’re an honest writer- no fluffy magic when it isn’t required. I remember your controversial post from last year and it was refreshing to read even though there was some unfortunate backlash!
-You’re a consistent blogger- you obviously care about your audience enough to make the time to blog twice a week!
Anyways fingers crossed for a nomination but if it doesn’t happen this year, it probably will next year 😉
Thanks so much Nat, love having you round here x
Hi Janet – if it’s any consolation, I got nominated too and haven’t heard anything. I’m not sure if I’m sad or relieved – the next step is to get votes from your readers etc and I’m not sure that I’m ready to go head to head with all the Mummy Bloggers etc.
I was pleased to think someone cared enough to throw my name into the ring, but maybe Midlife just isn’t quite there yet when it comes to being noticed? Regardless, I blog for me (and anyone else who wants to read and share the love) If I blogged for the awards I’d have thrown the towel in years ago! I think you’re fabulous and maybe you’ll get nominated again next year?
Yeah I’m not a fan of the “People’s Choice” type awards either, hate the self-promotion that involves.
Hi Janet
I just wanted to thank you for your article! Your story is literally my life story! I was in tears reading it all the way through. I fully identify with the same relationship that you had with your mother as I had with mine. It’s a relief to know I am not the only one in the world who has suffered with emotional abuse (it can feel like a lonely time) by the one person who is supposed to love and care for you and after feeling so low, lonely and depressed for 32 years I have recently started therapy after no contact for three years with my own mother. I am finding it so difficult right now re-living the past, but I know I need to release old emotions in order to move on with my life. You have also helped my husband to understand what it is I have been going through as well recently. He listens to me and he has witnessed so much, but reading information from another person turned it into a lightbulb moment somehow as he fully understands that you can’t just “get over” things within a week, emotional abuse takes time. Your article is so inspiring it really is and I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made everything just click into place after spending so much time going through google trying to find things such as “ why doesn’t my mother love me” etc . I’ve wondered all these years if it was my fault! Now I know it isnt. I also hope you have managed to find some peace in your own life as I know how difficult it can be when you are constantly dragged down by the same person! It looked like you have created your own happy little family unit so good for you 🙂 Continue to do what you are doing. Once again, thank you!
Nicola 🙂 UK
Thanks Nicola, I’m sorry to hear that you too have a toxic mother, but am so glad my story has helped you. You may like to read some of the other stuff I’ve written about it here on this blog, you’ll find some links here: https://middleagedmama.com.au/have-you-seen-my-story-on-news-com-au/. Much love, Janet x
I think it’s fabulous that you even get nominated. You blog for you, for us, and for real women like us & bravo for that.
Thank you Joanne, yes you’re right it’s an honour to be nominated esp as this year I didn’t nominate myself LOL!!!