When I took on this role as allergy blogger for YMC, I wasn't really sure how things would pan out. I mean, I'm no doctor; I'm just a mom of a kid with food allergies (and one who also spends an awful lot of time on the internet). It's been about 15 months of researching every new study, every single news piece about allergies, each product that promises improved conditions for those with allergies. It's been 15 months of your comments, feedback, and emails. I love my role as an allergy blogger, mostly because of the amazing connections I've made. I get the most amazing emails from readers asking for advice or just a shoulder to lean on, and in return, I'm lucky enough to have the same support. How lucky am I to have this job?
This weekend, I once again attended BlissDom Canada, a bloggers' conference in Mississauga. It's an event I look forward to every year for the learning and connecting with friends, new and old. As an introvert, I find these sorts of things totally intimidating, but worth the fear in every single way. Some people base jump for thrills. Me? I go out in public.
It was great to sit in a room filled with the Yummy Mummy Club bloggers—it really is a team of supportive, talented, dedicated people. I'm honoured to be a part of this team! I've come away with new goals, redefined expectations, and cemented plans. It feels great to have some direction!
And I want to thank Erica again for everything she does for her team and audience. She handed each one of us an award to recognize our individual input to the bigger picture of YMC, and mine truly touched my heart. Mine was the "Most Likely to Make a Difference" award, and I really hope that I live up to it.
I want to thank every single reader and commenter (even those icky malicious ones) for helping me become a more confident writer and blogger. I want to thank the small (but growing!) community of support in the Irritated by Allergies Facebook group. I want to thank every person who reads and shares my posts for helping spread allergy awareness. I thank every person who has reached out to me via email for advice, or with links for me to read, or constructive criticism.
Together, we can help one another understand the challenges of living with allergies, and help the broader community learn how to help.
Thank you all!
Read all about how I became an allergy "expert," and about how I respond when others are unwilling to support allergic folks.
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