Friday 21 November 2014

I've got Friday on my mind

Wow.

That's really all I can say.

After my last post, I didn't really know what to expect. I walked around the streets that afternoon, doing my errands, and felt a terrible fear that everyone was looking at me differently. They knew my secret. They're thinking of me differently now. Are they judging me or supporting me?

The biggest step I made was sharing that post on Instagram and Facebook, for all my friends and family to see. Somehow, sharing posts from my blog with the people I actually know makes everything seem so much more real. I know this blog is open to everyone but sometimes I'd rather not know that the girl I used to go to school with, or my distant cousin, or my best friends, or even my mother are reading the things I write.

Though my fears soon faded. Not even an hour after I shared my post I was flooded with texts, messages and emails from so many different people. People sharing their stories with me that they had hidden for years, people admitting they have sought help in the past, people feeling encouraged to speak up about the issue after reading my blog. I had friends I haven't spoken to in years contact me, and distant family and bloggers from around the world. My aim was to start a conversation and I think I achieved that. I couldn't be happier.

I want to say thank you to all of you who have contacted me, messaged me, commented on my blog and supported me (publicly and privately). Your love, prayers and thoughts are what has gotten me through and what continues to push me forward. I love you all so much, like so so much! 

I haven't got any pretty pictures to share with you today. I haven't been on any awesome adventures this week either. This week has been one of reflection and one of spending time with those around me, talking about the issues that matter the most. If you ever need to talk, please just send me an email - samanthaheatherphotography@gmail.com - I seriously would love to chat!

For now though, here are some links I've been enjoying this week. I hope they get you through the weeken

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Inspired
Creating
  • I could watch people creating for hours.
  • And again
  • I have a Christmas Dinner coming up and I'm hoping to make a few of these beauties.
Photography Love
Wanting
And other random things
xxx
p.s. Happy 200th post to me :)

13 comments:

  1. Checking your links as i am laying in the bathtub. My Friday has started 15 minutes ago.

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  2. I like those wise words and those weddings you posted are super pretty :) Glad to hear you got so much support and so you should! Happy Weekend!

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  3. Haha I'm so glad it's finally Friday too. All through the day I could only think of home. I know the feeling of feeling as if you don't want your mum or friend or old acquaintance reading your blog... It feels as if you just can't share as much. It's too exposing, but I'm glad you found the bravery to expose and got a positive result xx

    -M
    The Life of Little Me

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  4. Yay for friday! and Yeah I agree sometimes you don't want 'real' people in your life to see your post... it's scary sometimes! but glad it worked out!!

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  5. your links are fabulous! (those two videos though, oh my heart.)
    happy friday!

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  6. Loving the links you posted. Ahh, enjoy your Friday! Mine starts tonight after I get off work, boo.

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  7. I read your last post at the time when you posted it and I honestly couldn't gather my thoughts to comment on it. Then yesterday I was able to open up to my sister about some of the problems I've had my whole life and something that still affects me to this day. I would like to believe that you were an inspiration behind that. It's nice to see someone open up to me about something so vulnerable, because it inspires me to open up to others and know that it's okay to seek for help or to just talk to someone about your problems. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. <3 this makes my heart so happy. So proud of you girl x

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  8. I am absolutely in love with your blog! You have gained yourself a new follower :) I would love to know what lenses you love, I am currently on the scout since I'm slowly getting the hang of snapping photos on my DSLR!

    Cecilia Paredes | Conquering the World

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    1. Hello Hello! Basically all my images on here are taken with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 :)

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  9. i totally agree about it feeling different sharing private things on facebook/with people you know distantly in real life vs. people you know only online where it's a bit more anonymous. but you really have nothing to be ashamed of, mental illness is so common and the more people feel comfortable talking about it the less of a scary/shameful/intimidating thing it will feel like for people to ask for help when they're struggling.

    while i'm fortunate enough not to suffer from a mental illness personally, i have so many friends who either do or have in the past and i completely believe it should be treated with the same level of respect/importance/legitimacy as any physical illness. so good on you for sharing your story and hopefully opening some people's minds and broadening their understanding on the topic.

    & as for your question on my blog, iceland was super easy to travel to and around in. everyone there speaks english (it's compulsory in school), but unless you hire a car and want to do it solo you will have to book tours to take you to whatever you want to see, but there are lots of providers and i had no troubles with any of it. everyone there was lovely and really friendly and i didn't have a single bad experience while i was there (apart from the cold!) if you have any more questions about iceland i'd be happy to answer them. :)

    little henry lee

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    1. Thank you for such a heart-felt comment. It's really wonderful that people have opened up to me about their lives and have supported me in my journey. I can't thank everyone enough. It really should be respected with the same respect as physical illness, I agree. Baby steps though :)

      Iceland is a dream and I hope to travel there within the next 5 years. When I do, I will definitely be contacting you :) x

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  10. happy 200th post! hope you had a lovely weekend~

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