#MagicMoments – hitting that “Publish” button

By | March 25, 2013


It’s Monday and I’m linking up with Magic Moments with The Olivers Madhouse. I enjoy doing this every week, it’s a chance to really think about an event/a moment that really meant something. Sometimes very personal and would have generally gone unnoticed, sometimes it’s a bit larger, kind of life-changing.

My moment this week, although probably very insignificant to most people was HUGE to me. I’m not the most “notice me, notice me, NOTICE ME!” person, never have been.

That child who knew the answer in class but wasn’t confident enough to speak up in case they got it wrong? Me.

That grown woman who attended governors meetings and blushed whenever she spoke? Oh yes, muggins.

That woman who didn’t have any interest in keeping a diary when younger (poems was more my thing) who now blogs every day, and runs two (two?) blogs? Umm, yes, *puts hand up* IT’S ME!!

It took me a while, I got very nervous, thought no-one would be interested or want to read what I said.

I did my About page on my autism blog (click to read) and shortly after, one of my first posts (click to read), about parenting an autistic child. I know my autism blog is an acquired taste, I know that the majority of people are far too busy in their own lives to consider the highs and lows of special needs parenting. It is a very big ask, looking beyond your initial perceptions of a badly-behaved child/bad parenting to consider that the child screaming might be melting down out of fear and anxiety due to their surroundings, that that child might have an invisible disability.

But, I found through blogging that other parents could empathise with what I wrote, that there is always someone who understands the challenge/frustration/fear of living with a child who is mentally disabled. I don’t use the word “fear” lightly, it’s not fear of my child, but fear of society, of the future for her. That initial dream when you have a daughter of marriage, children, happiness…don’t know if it will happen but I do know I will blog and blog to make people accept her for who she is, not what she won’t be.

This was another ‘Magic Moment”, displaying this badge on my blog:
MAD Blog Awards
Like I said, I’m not a “put it out there” person but the thought that someone thought my blog/website were worthy of a nomination really made me proud.

My other blog – my lifestyle blog – is a different kettle of fish. It’s proving to be more commercially successful than my autism blog, which is understandable because it’s a more popular theme. The two will be merged together occasionally starting next week, watch this space..

This is my About page on there (click to read) and here’s one of my first posts, all about media, public images etc (click to read).

So, I’ve gone from tentatively pressing that “publish” button to running two blogs, being asked to write online articles, seeing a brief mention in the Huffington Post for this post (huge squeal!) and knowing that, in my own little way, I’m helping to spread autism awareness and – I hope – acceptance. Shedding lbs along the way on the other blog too.

A definite Magic Moment for me, one that is ongoing.

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Facebook Comments

14 Comments

karen marquick on 25th March 2013 at 3:05 pm.

As a regular reader of your autism blog every post you write is so valuable, raising awareness only happens when people speak out about the day to day issues. I love reading your posts, although my son has a different disability its still comforting to hear another mums coping strategies in terms of the emotional rollercoaster that is raising a child with special needs. Thank you xx

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Jaime Oliver on 25th March 2013 at 3:50 pm.

Jeannette fab post and once i can relate too! when i first started blogging I honestly needed an adult outlet and although i am still nervous I am gain confidence everyday ..great #magicmoment thanks for linking up 🙂

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Coombe Mill (Fiona) (@coombemill) on 25th March 2013 at 4:20 pm.

You are doing a great job with the autism message. Popping over from Magic Moments

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AutismMumma on 27th March 2013 at 12:11 pm.

Thank YOU for that lovely comment Karen xx

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AutismMumma on 27th March 2013 at 12:12 pm.

Thank you Jaime, I’m enjoying mixing it up a bit and blogging about things I wouldn’t normally, getting right out of that comfort zone xx

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AutismMumma on 27th March 2013 at 12:12 pm.

Thank you Fiona x

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Charlie Hughes (The Mad Mummy Musings & Sophia's Choice) on 29th March 2013 at 2:41 pm.

Lovely blog post xx And you “Go Girl !” I was the quiet unassuming one too ;0) And look at us all now, blogging our way to fame. Hee Hee ! Love that you are raising awareness in autism. My elder sister has special needs and I admire you for the strength you need to walk this journey. It’s lovely to have found your blog through #PoCoLo xx

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over40andamumofone on 29th March 2013 at 4:57 pm.

Interesting read and anything that lets more people know about the issues you face can only be a good thing. Found you through #PoCoLo

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Holly (@itsamummyslife) on 29th March 2013 at 9:25 pm.

Wow good for you! I think it’s a fantastic and admirable thing to blog about your daughter’s autism. There used to be a wonderful blog I followed called Autism, the kind and eye but I think she stopped because she was overcommitted. It made me understand more about what children with autism go through and how incredible their parents are. I think blogging is a great way to raise awareness of these issues. I like your other blog too, just had a quick look. I find blogging a wonderful way to release all the stuff in my head and I run two as well. Keep it up, I’ve enjoyed having a look around. You write beautifully.

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AutismMumma on 30th March 2013 at 6:02 am.

Thank you so much! If it wasn’t for my children, I wouldn’t be getting right out of that comfort zone and blogging, they make me so proud every day. Will catch up on you via PoCoLo, nice to “meet” you 🙂

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AutismMumma on 30th March 2013 at 6:04 am.

Thank you, I’ll catch up with your blog too via PoCoLo 🙂 it’s a busy life but I wouldn’t be without them. Have a good Easter x

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AutismMumma on 30th March 2013 at 6:07 am.

Thank you, it still makes me laugh to myself how I’ve gone from none to two blogs, I still remember that “oh blimey, it’s rubbish, no one will read it” feeling. I’m not a put-it-out-there person but I owe it to the children to do it. My other blog is more me.
I’ll check out yours too, nice to meet you via PoCoLo 🙂

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Victoria Welton (Vevivos) on 30th March 2013 at 4:15 pm.

This is fantastic Jeanette, I am so pleased for you and I think that what you are blogging about is very worthy and helpful to lots of people. I hadn’t realised that Ditch Flab Get Fab was also you so I am very pleased – and honoured – that you have linked to PoCoLo and Prose for Thought this week. Thank you so much for your support to me – I hope I can be as much to you xx

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AutismMumma on 31st March 2013 at 2:27 pm.

Thanks V, yep I’m a dual blogger! It means it can go off the wall a bit sometimes. Always happy to link up and thanks for your support too. Happy Easter x

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