Happy Four Year Blogiversary to Simply Emma!
Four years. Can you believe it? To be honest, I’m not quite sure if I can believe it. It is crazy to think that the 19th October 2014 was the day I finally decided to jump into the world of blogging.
Simply Emma Turns Four
I started Simply Emma as a hobby and a way to share my experiences of accessibility through travelling, going to live events and general day-to-day bits as a wheelchair user with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.
Fast forward four years and Simply Emma has grown in ways I never imagined. I know I say this every year, but honestly, this year has without a doubt been my favourite by far.
I have met and become great friends with several amazing disabled bloggers. Special shout out to my friends with who I am part of the #MDBloggersCrew with. These guys are something else. You can follow us on Twitter for all our awesomeness here.
I went to Amsterdam for the first time!
Revisted Barcelona and fell in love with the city even more. Consumed the most amazing vegan food in Barcelona.
I embraced my identity and revealed how my disability defines me.
I started my ‘Things I’ve Loved’ monthly favourites and actually kept it going each month for the entire year.
I had my first ever professional photoshoot and it was with VisitScotland. Wow!
I became a Mobiloo Ambassador and continue to love being a Euan’s Guide Ambassador.
Oh, and I became a monthly columnist for my local newspaper, Falkirk Herald.
And this week I was honoured to be on the 2018 Shaw Trust #DisabilityPower100 list of the 100 most influential disabled people in Britain! Amazing. I’m still in shock.
Reflection & Goals
I always like to acknowledge the anniversary of my blog each year and reflect on the past year. It’s a great way to remember and appreciate what’s happened.
I also set some goals at the end of last years blogiversary post. Let’s find out whether I managed to achieve them this year.
Travel more than I did last year
This year has been so busy and I’ve loved it. We’ve visited Shetland, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Northumberland, Newcastle and Manchester several times, Aberdeen, Blairgowrie and Dundee.
Step out of my comfort zone and try something that terrifies me
I’m really shy. I typically don’t like a lot of fuss or being the centre of attention. I dreaded having to get up in front of my classmates for a class talk. Oh, the memories horror! I was determined this past year to say yes to opportunities that involved speaking in front of groups of people. One of those opportunities was co-presenting with my friend Fi from Life of An Ambitious Turtle at the MDUK Conference in Glasgow. It was scary, but I did it and I’m so happy I did. Unfortunately, there have been many other speaking opportunities (particularly in Brussels with John from WheelchairTravel.org) that I’ve not been able to do due to other commitments, but who knows what’s in store for the future.
Highlight my hometown and all the great accessible things to do
No excuses, I failed at this one big time. I had plans to write posts about my hometown and the things to do in the area, but I just didn’t manage. I’ll carry this one on and hopefully, by this time next year, there will be a few posts on my local area on the blog. Don’t be afraid to remind me from time to time!
Attend a gig in Europe and share how accessible it is
We were hoping to travel around Europe for the Kings of Leon tour, but that didn’t work out this year. We did get to see them at Glasgow Summer Sessions though. Fingers crossed we make it to a gig in Europe next year. We made up for not going to a European gig by going to a ton of gigs here in the UK. Already starting to fill the 2019 diary with gigs including The 1975 and Freya Ridings.
4 Random Facts About Me
Unfortunately, I don’t have a delicious vegan cake like last years 3rd blogiversary celebrations, but I couldn’t let the day pass without doing something to celebrate the day.
Since this is my 4th year of blogging, I thought it might be fun to share 4 things you probably won’t know about me. So here goes.
- When I was little I wanted to grow up to be a mermaid.
- Shortly after I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, I took up karate. It was hard work, but I was determined my disability wouldn’t stop me from doing it.
- I‘m terrified of snakes. Often I have nightmares where I wake up screaming and convinced a snake is slithering on me.
- I have a weird pet peeve with the sound of sellotape or any type of tape for that matter. I can’t stand hearing tape being ripped off the tape roll.
So here we are four years later. Thank you again for following along with my adventures and continuing to read my blog. I truly appreciate all your support, comments, messages, emails and sharing my posts with others. I hope you will continue to follow on this (wheelchair) ride with me.
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6 Responses
Congratulations on making it to four years. I hope my blog is as successful as yours in four years time! 🙂 What is your secret to gaining blog traffic?
Thank you so much Emma – I really appreciate that. I’m not sure if I do have a secret, to be honest, but consistency helps. Social media is also great for getting your blog out there.
Well done Emma! Congratulations on reaching 4 years. I enjoy following your blog. Your views and attitudes are so fresh and interesting.
Thank you so much Andy. I really appreciate your kind comment. I’m thrilled you enjoy my blog and I hope you continue to follow 🙂
Congrats Emma – you are a force to be reckoned with. I admire your work and drive despite your cellotape phobia ;). Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much Leanne. I’m really pleased you enjoy my blog – much appreciated. Haha my phobia is worse at Christmas time…all those presents to wrap. Argh! Haha