I’m either emotional because I have The Lion King soundtrack playing in the background, or because this week I passed a huge milestone: 1,000 followers. Probably both. I arrived at school holding my phone an inch from my nose, telling my friends that I had 999 followers. After refreshing the page, I had 1,001. After a spastic happy dance that happened, I took a deep breath and started to process what this meant. I started this blog on a whim. I named it, came up with the concept, wrote the first post, wrote the about page and designed the site in one day. I had no idea it would come this far.
I’ve learned a lot in these past ten months. It’s a privilege to have been able to share it all with you. I’ve also learned a lot from you. The comments section has become probably my favorite part of blogging. A lot of the comments brought a smile to my face on hard days. A lot of the comments made me proud to be who I am. A lot of the comments gave me confidence in my abilities. A lot of the comments brought tears to my eyes.
I didn’t realize, when I came up with the idea to compile all of my favorite comments into one post, what a hefty task it would be. Not only did I underestimate how much time it would take to read through over four hundred comments, I also underestimated how hard it would be to choose. I don’t actually feel like I’ve done the best job with it. I love all of the ones that made it in here, but there are so many more that I love and hold dear to me that just got overlooked accidentally. I’m worried that commenters will be upset to not find any of theirs in here. Please don’t be upset. Every single comment made me happy, and I appreciate people taking the time to write a few words and brighten my days.
Without further ado, please enjoy the jumbled mess of my favorite comments!
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From Birthday Ramblings:
Yvonne’s Musings says: June 24, 2013 at 10:43 pm Thank you for the honesty you express in your writing. Never ever let yourself believe on your bad days that you won’t get better and have some terrific ones in the future. It may take time but things do change and they do get better. You would be very shocked if you asked the happiest people you know if it was always that way for them. Once we have been in those dark valleys, the hill tops are all the more incredible!
From I Am Effervescent:
todayschapter says: April 30, 2013 at 7:06 pm Please keep blogging, it is a fantastic outlet and you have a strong written style that’s fun and easy to read. I can’t profess to understand your situation but I do know that people who’ve experienced tough times make for far more interesting writers than the people floating happily from cloud to cloud!
From I’m Not That Simple:
happyhealthy365 says: July 11, 2013 at 5:59 pm Nodding. Nodding. Nodding. I LOVE IT! You’re meant to be a writer. Amazing.
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From It’s A Landmark:
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happyhealthy365 says: June 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm Beautiful piece! I love the way you write; you truly are a gifted writer. Congrats on finishing and surviving a full year at school with fibro. This is something to celebrate. Surviving a year with chronic pain is an accomplishment itself and being able to manage school in the meantime is something to be proud of! You are strong and inspiring!
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lenniferocious says: June 26, 2013 at 8:39 am Your writing is lovely Ella, and I understand your pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia nearly three years ago when I was 17 and although I am much better now than I was, how debilitating it has been for me still gets me. You’re doing so well to keep going, you certainly have tenacity! Best wishes, Leanne
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From Pinning Down Magic:
Ivy says: June 10, 2013 at 9:37 pm You are a word sorceress, a language lady, a letter creator extraordinaire! Thanks
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hope4theheart says: June 15, 2013 at 7:53 pm Hello Ella – you write beautifully. I was so surprised as I read to learn you are sixteen. There is so much wisdom in what you write, such a beautiful soul I am sorry that Fibromyalgia is part of your life. I want to encourage you that there is hope and life can be full and wonderful. I was diagnosed in 1998 and I am walking, talking proof there is hope, help and healing. Here’s to a bright future filled with hope for you!
From Ready For A Zombie Apocalypse:
sociallyoxward says: May 5, 2013 at 8:06 pm My biggest fear is no where near as deep or meaningful as yours, but I figured I’d share it. I’m terrified of my identity being stolen. Everyone makes fun of me for it, but I just worry about it all the time. Having said that, I’m kept up most nights by smaller worries– like did I finish that homework or did I just put it away for later and forget? Or did I offend person X when I made joke Y? Or things like that. Anyway, I hope enough of your fears have come true for your life– it sounds to me like they have. And if more do, I hope your friends & family & blog (maybe?) help you through them…
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From Let It All Rain Down:
Chantelle says: November 8, 2013 at 5:25 pm Just sent a concentrated wave of peace and relief your way. I hope you feel it even a little bit.
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From Supermarket Kind Of Feeling:
learn singing for beginners says: July 16, 2013 at 9:38 pm I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Please answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. cheers
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(I was so ecstatic to hear that someone liked the way my blog looked. I answered her and let her know the I did indeed create this website by myself, and gave her all the info.)
From The Life Of A Nightmare:
auntieyol says: May 26, 2013 at 1:53 pm Think of this. That many people you see walking on the streets that look normal because they don’t have any physical disadvantage have something bugging them. Everyone has. Maybe they are suffering an abusive parent or spouse, an a.h. boss, an impending death in the family, discrimination because of age, gender, race, political views, sexual orientation, financial status… They may be pissed off and angry all the time because they are too ugly, too fat, too thin, just because someone put that thought in their minds when they were little. Life is full of pain for everyone. Each pain is different. Few people find joy in everyday life all the time. My thoughts. I also have my pains that I try to endure and then, there are so many beautiful moments in life. I pray your life will improve with technology. There must be a cure soon. Envision it. Many I am sure, are praying for you.
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rionm2013 says: May 26, 2013 at 3:46 pm The one thing anyone who writers should do is be honest and show their heart. You do both in this blog, I don’t want to say something to you that you have probably had a million times from your loved ones, and it wouldn’t sound any better coming from a complete stranger, so all I can say is this. You have opened my eyes, to your pain and what it must be like for you. In a way only words can sometimes. Keep up the blogging.
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From The Little Things:
busymindthinking says: June 3, 2013 at 1:28 pm You have much to offer! I look forward to working through your archives. You deserve support and have found it here. Voicing all your feelings is healthy. I have come to realize that recently myself. As yet, I have no answers as to what has changed me so much this past year (prognosis pending), but I hang on to hope via the support and encouragement of people here. I’ll think of you daily now. Blessings. Belinda
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From To Create:
myjourneythrume says: September 11, 2013 at 10:45 am Wow that is stunning. I am totally incapable of drawing so I totally admire people who do have that skill. It’s lovely to read the joy you clearly take from art. It’s inspiring.
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From What A Wonderful World:
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davecenker says: August 20, 2013 at 3:58 pm Beautiful! You have much more eloquently described my need to wander with your lyrical prose I want to experience all that this world has to offer, the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people, the food, the culture, the big thinking moments that are inevitably going to come along the way. Thank you so much for your inspiring words!
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From About:
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leonardlzw says: December 15, 2013 at 8:33 pm Whoa! Really inspiring! This message shows that we CAN indeed keep on moving forward no matter what! Keep on thinking this way! And I believe that you will of course get better, and you’ll change lives because of it!
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leonardlzw says: December 15, 2013 at 8:53 pm Not that you aren’t already changing lives!
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dangerzonerez says: July 29, 2013 at 7:59 pm What an honest blog! You are a great writer Ella! I love the resilience and humor you face your illness with! “Having a bad day? Me too” is what really caught my attention. What a great way to sum everything up and remind us all that things can always be worse! I look forward to more great writing from you in the future.
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Shirley Anne says: June 10, 2013 at 4:36 pm I am so sorry to learn you are suffering with Fibromyalgia, it must be so difficult for you. I hope one day you will be much better. Love Shirley Anne x
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Everyday Small Things by KT says: June 9, 2013 at 8:10 pm Dear Ella, Having just read this page I have a feeling I’m going to really love your blog! You’ve articulated things I struggle to just on this page – thanks! I’m excited to read more!!!! xx
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swollenjoints says: June 3, 2013 at 9:10 am Hey there. It’s actually so relieving to know people my age have the same problem as me. People around me find it hard to understand my conditions and I feel like I just found my sanctuary. I really do hope your conditions ease up & you become pain free very soon. Hope to speak more xox - Rayanne xox
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ergozen says:
I read several of your posts and enjoyed them quite a bit. I pray you get well and soon. In the meantime, keep writing! You’ve got talent. Cheers,
From Colloquial Miss:
Anish Vyavahare says: December 4, 2013 at 4:49 am
Over where I live, they take the pics with a webcam that is stuck in your face, so you invariably end up looking like a doorknob with eyes. But what I actually wanted to comment was, the song quotes you use are totally awesome!
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From Sharing Is Caring:
didaniskawi says:
In the greatest of adversity, is born the highest of character. Just as in all tragedy there is divine truth, and in those tragic truths we find our art, and in the pains that plague our souls, we find our heart. The earth has many angels, the kindest souls who’ve volunteered to suffer the pain of existence, for the benefit of bringing light to the souls of man. Be strong Princess Ella, and remember that your soul doth fly.
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Ivy Dashti says:
I don’t think that anyone ever really ‘gets’ what people go through, how people feel, how people experience things. Whether it is pain, suffering, joy, fear…. whatever it is- we cannot get under another persons skin, or in their heart, or head and feel it like they do… But we can get close… We can feel some of it, or imagine a bit how it is… That’s just the way it is… I like reading your words
joynpain2 says:
I do know how you feel. Maybe not having to go through high school with it, but the pain part. I too awake every day with severe pain, deal with it throughout my day, and then try to find a way to sleep with it every night. However I was at university when mine got bad, so bad that I could no longer go out with my friends or even sit through class. So, now you know at least one person who FEELS what you feel. If you ever need to talk my email address is joynpain2blog@gmail.com. If you email me, I will even give you my number if you would rather talk. Stay strong.
From I’m Scared:
Grasping for words says:
The saying is old and possibly cliché that “when it rains it pours” but it’s true. I’m sorry you’re going through so much stress, but trust me, it does end. I’m not sure what your age is but it sounds like you are younger by your talk of school. I’m not going to tell you to not worry because you’re young. That never works. The stress you are in is real, but remember, that you’ll look back at this in a couple of months, a year, two years and think, “I made it through that”. I’ve gone through some nasty stressors. I used to get hives from stress in school, and then it escalated to seizures. I had to learn to center myself at night and realize that these things will eventually pass and I just have to power through as gracefully as I can. Here’s another cliché but true saying. God gives you only what you can handle. Sometimes I think He likes to test the waters to see what you can take. Maybe this is one of those moments. These times feel like forever but they will pass and you’ll look back and they’ll seem like a flash.
Good luck and I’ll keep you in my prayers. Hold tight and look to your family and prayer to get through.
Michelle
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seunodukoya says:
It hurts to know that people go through so much and there’s little you can do to help. I do wish you the very best, and I will pray for you guys.
You’ll get through this stronger as a family and individually.
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Topaz says:
I’m so sorry. Praying for your family. Stay strong. Xx
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(All of the comments left on my blog the day I wrote this post played a huge part. It was a rough day, and each comment meant a lot to me.)
From Try To Keep Up:
augustmeditations says:
I trust your sister is okay. And I hope your headache dissipates like dew in the morning sun.
Your story is so representative of all of our encounters with people who deal with the public. What’s important to us is matter-of-fact to them, so they seem cold and insensitive. But then they turn around and offer us help.
Hope your Christmas was merry and your new year is bright.
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From Okay, What Now?:
mms20 says:
I once tried to describe that very disconnect to a friend of mine and he had no idea what I was talking about. But I definitely know what you mean. When it’s like you’re watching life happen around you but you’re completely apart and separate from it all, just a spectator and not a participant. I know what it’s like dealing with chronic pain and how it all seems so futile, but focus on the good, if you can, and if not focus on one small thing, anything at all to help take your mind from everything and to help you re-connect so to speak. I find that when you focus in, it makes everything a little more bearable. Idk if that will make sense, but I hope it does and I hope you feel better.
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Taylor Jamieson says:
I love following the process of your writing and how your voice calms and your thoughts focus and you find your place at a destination you didn’t know you were headed when you started…
more than doctors or pills or even the pretty girls at physio after my accident, just saying, I find the words are the best therapy in themselves in the stolen moments.
what should you do at 1000? …at the first 10k I ran after the doctor said I’d never run again a bunch of people along the beach put up a banner between two posts that read, .life has no finish line. I was pushing a stroller in the rain with my little son and they cheered.
They were right, there is no finish line. A true traveler has no destination and does not know when they will arrive.
Keep writing.
(Read this comment out loud to my mom, and she started crying. Yes, we’re related.)
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A M Maxim says:
I love this. Your content is golden. I wish more people would think like you. Keep it going.
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arthurdidymus says:
You have a way with words … It’s amazing. It is terrible that you are going through these hard times and it makes me sad, yet, it is inspiring to see how you write about all that you have been through. It seems to me you are a good person; good things are bound to come your way.
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carolynismyname says:
I feel like this all the time. Nice to know that I’m not the only one. Power to ya girl! We can push through.
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From In The Beginning:
meANXIETYme says: January 17, 2014 at 3:53 pm Thank you for touching my life, even though we don’t know each other. That is a true gift. I hope you are able to keep sharing your struggles and your triumphs with all of us.
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Stephanie Wilkins says: December 24, 2013 at 3:36 am Glad I found your site and have heard your story. I will read the rest of your articles. You are a very descriptive writer and you write with much emotion. I plan on researching fibromyalgia for some of my posts, so if you would like to give me some information on any supplements or alternative treatments you have tried and how they have or have not worked for you, please write to me. If you haven’t tried anything and want to know some things to try, please let me know. Also, my Mother has Parkinsons disease and we were just talking about “not going back” to the way it used to be. Mother talks about being herself “before” Parkinsons and talks of herself “after”. What we’ve learned as a family going through this is that she had to walk from the light of her former life into the darkness of her disease to get to the other side where she found light again. It was her fear for awhile that kept her from walking through the darkness into her new life and embracing it. To embrace and accept her weakness was very difficult and without the Lord to comfort her and give her strength, she would not be here today. She’s not the same, but the changes that have happened have given her the opportunity to speak into the lives of others, as you are doing. She struggles, but has people around to love her through the hard times. Thank you for sharing your struggles. I will be praying for you and will let my Mom read your posts! God bless you.
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gazdachef says:
Ella, you write as though I was talking to you face to face, your tone comes across pure. I enjoy reading what you have written. And always remember – a piece of paper is not blank, it holds a story to be told – my philosophy that I now share with you. I look forward to many more posts from you. Keep strong.
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From Contact Me:
theywalkthenight says:
I must say I’m impressed with your work as I’ve been sitting here reading through some of your posts. Keep up the great work! It is inspirational! Music and pictures and all.
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I’m afraid that’s all we have time for, folks. I hope this lived up to people’s expectations and may the force be with you! Sorry, I’ve been awake too long. This took a ridiculous amount of time to put together, it’s unbelievable. Usually every time I post it’s about two to three hours, between writing, editing, adding media and a song quote and arranging it all on the site. This took longer… let’s leave it at that.
Once again, thank you to everyone!!!! If anyone strongly feels that they need to read one of the other posts I suggested on the poll (previous post), let me know. Also, I’ve been getting a lot of emails recently, and I apologize to everyone that has written for not having had a chance to write back… like, ever. I’m sorry! I will get around to it, I promise.
Thank you for all of the kindness that you have shown me.
Hugs,
Ella
Song Quote:
All of the things that made you feel better, you should write it all down and put it in a letter. –Lose Your Mind, Kodaline
Sick and Sick of It 
1000 followers, I am totally in awe. Congratulations! sD
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[…] Everything You Say […]
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Congratulations on your thousand followers! You have a very beautiful blog. Wish you the best for 2014. ♡♡♡
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Congratulations :)
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You are a remarkable young lady, and have really earned that following.
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wishing you a healthy and happy future……! and billions more followers :)
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[…] did a fabulous blog, Everything You Say, to celebrate the magic number of 1,000 by including many of the comments she has received from her […]
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This is a great idea! I’d need more comments to do that though haha. Great work on the 1,000 followers! And good luck on the next 1,000!
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Congratulations on reaching 1000 followers and great idea sharing your favourite comments. It’s been a pleasure reading them!
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Congratulations! :)
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Waawaaweewaa, so many people touched by your writing… I wonder what you will feel like after you have published your first book, and 1,000,000 have bought and read it!
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I wonder too!!! If this feels so amazing, I can’t even fathom what publishing a book would feel like. Let alone knowing how many people have read the book!
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either reason is gnarly
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And now you have another! :)
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This was such a great idea. Do you mind if I steal it for when I reach 1000? I have quite a way to go, but I would love to do something like this. Maybe at 500 or else it might be another couple of years lol! Also, you should know that everything these people said (including me) is true. You are a wonderful writer and people love reading about you and your life. If that’s not enough to make you feel great, I don’t know what is. P.S. The offer still stands.
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