Some Exciting News – Telstra Business Women’s Awards Finalist 2015!

If you have been following along and been part of Diabetes Counselling Online for a while, you will know how long and hard I have worked, with an amazing team of volunteers and counsellors in the past few years, to support thousands of people living with diabetes. You may also know I have some other businesses, including my Recycled Interiors blog and consulting practice. Well, I have some very exciting news to share with you all – I have been selected as a finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, in the For Purpose and Social Enterprise category!

I posted last night on Recycled Interiors and am sharing here today that I am thrilled, excited, nervous and inspired all at the same time! The journey so far has already been very rewarding, as it engages you in considering your business journey, where you have come from and why, what your dreams and goals are, and makes you stop to take time to celebrate your achievements.

Across all of my work – blogging, consulting, writing, counselling, retail, styling – my goals are the same, to make a difference to people’s lives and increase the health and happiness of our community. In diabetes I stand for people with diabetes having happy healthy lives, for diabetes being managed in an individual way, for no judgement, for a voice, for excellent care, for sharing openly and hearing people’s voices. I believe that people with diabetes are ordinary people living with an extraordinary condition, often misunderstood and dismissed. I believe all people with diabetes have the right to manage their diabetes and their lives in their own way, and that communicating and connecting with each other is the key to a happy healthy life with diabetes.

I also stand for our planet, for people of all types, for animals, trees, for difference being fabulous, for ordinary being spectacular, for old being cherished, for community, for stories and for happiness.

I believe that everyone is equal, that there should be no shoulds, that difference makes the world go round and beauty is everywhere. I believe it’s the small things that matter, we all need love and that failure means you showed courage. I believe age is no barrier, that beauty is on the inside, nature should be cherished, that fear can be the driver of greatness, and that all emotions matter. I believe in inspiring delight, in having heart, staying mindful and caring for each other.

I have worked online and in social media since 2001 and have embraced every new development and change as an opportunity. I know that technology and the internet can help us to lead better lives and encourage us to connect offline as well as online. I am passionate about creating positive conversations on social media that engage communities in making changes to the big wide world.

I believe in you. And in us.

I am very excited about the impact the Awards have already had on me, and the journey ahead. I know that this will help me to make even more of a difference in the world, and my passion to help you create a happy healthy life with diabetes.

The state awards gala dinner is on the 13th October, where all category winners and the overall state winner, will be announced. Then it is on to the nationals! Wish me luck!

I thank you all for taking time to read my words, connect on social media, like my images and for helping create a wonderful community of like minded souls. You can see the full list of South Aussie finalists here 

Much love

Helen

xx