I really miss my blog. The last few months for me have been quite busy . I’ve been doing a lot of personal work, which I plan on writing more about, as well as traveling, and just living life as a full-time working dad and husband. When I began writing it was a medium in which I was able to channel my thoughts and feelings about the things happening in my life. I’d have an experience or thought that I’d want to share and that would be the catalyst for me to post.
Not long after I began blogging did I start to do more work with brands. By “work with brands” I’m referring more to reviews, etc. I always thought I’d like doing reviews because generally I have so much to say about products and certainly ones that I like. However, I never intended for this site to be a review site. In addition, as I started doing more of these reviews I realized how stressful I would feel. I think it boiled down to having to now put timelines into what I was doing casually. In fact, I was actually blogging more before I started doing reviews. I’d receive a product, not have time to actually test it out and then wind up receiving countless follow up emails inquiring as to when I would be posting. Then the pressure of having to review an actual product and write about it set in, leaving me frustrated and stressed out.
Of course, having these unneeded commitments wasn’t the only thing that kept me away from writing on a more regular basis. I have been spending quite a bit of time over the last several months trying to find “self”. This may sound alien to most of you but I’ll explain later in a more detailed post. I used to be able to write late at night after everyone went to bed but for some reason when it gets dark out now, I’m just beat. Perhaps some of that has to do with some new responsibilities we have. Just about a month ago both O and Jake started Pre-School. That’s required us to prepare their clothes and breakfast/lunches the night before. In addition, instead of waking up and getting ready to leave for work we’re now getting both of the kids ready to leave the house before 7am. That is a serious chore!
Blogs mean different things to different people. Some people have a dedicated review blog. Others conduct giveaways and do a lot of brand promotion. While I’m not opposed to working with brands on one level or another (I’m on the eBay Parent Panel) I am finding that doing reviews isn’t really in alignment with what I want personally or for this particular blog. Lately I was feeling guilty and perhaps even a bit ashamed for not having posted on a regular basis. I think that’s okay too though. I don’t plan on giving up this blog or giving up my writing. There will be times in my life when I go through a period of time blogging daily and then other times where I may go for a few weeks without.
Could this inconsistency hurt me?
I’ve decided it can’t. Blogging isn’t my profession, it’s my passion. I am not my blog. Yes, what I write in my blog is me but whether the blog lives or dies has no relationship to my own personal well being. So I’m making a choice to stop feeling ashamed and to stop feeling guilty when I don’t make the time to blog. With that said, I do plan to start writing more and to start writing with more meaning and purpose. Writing when I really want to share something will be much more authentic than writing to meet some quota. I’ve realized I need more authenticity in my life and what better way to incorporate that than with my most deepest and personal stories I share with you.
It seems like so many people are reaching this same realization lately! Good for you! You have to do what’s best for you and your family.
Totally agree! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Kadie! I really appreciate that!
To blog or not to blog … blog for your enjoyment!
For my non blogging friends, i believe they find the whole thing a little narcissistic if the truth be told. For my family they respect it as something i need to do (and usually, yes usually, not always – enjoy) … my immediate family that is … my extended family don’t give it the time of day.
Thats right, my Mom and Dad – no interest whatsoever. In fact, my Dad wants to know when i will do something that will actually pay money
Just do what makes you happy!
Thanks for the reply! Yes, I like that last line…”Just do what makes you happy!!”
I think every blogger reaches this point at some time in their bloggy lives. Some walk away from blogging completely, others change the focus of their blogs (or change it back), while others just get more organized about their blogs. When reviews began taking over my life, I cut them out nearly completely and now will only do a review if I really love the person who asks – rare occurrence. And I also bumped giveaways to Fridays. The rest of the week is for me. And if I decide that I want to write about something that doesn’t fit into any category on my blog, I tag it “me” and write it anyway. After all – like you said – it’s my blog! What better reason to write on it than because I want to?
Yeah, looks like I kind or reached that spot, I suppose. Thanks for reading and for sharing what works for you!
I am a very seasoned blogger. I have been around for a while but I think I am not one of the “Big” ones because I have chosen this same route! You know what……I.don’t.regret.it! I could have the blogging world in my hands…..instead my kids are in my arms. #betterchoice. Keep doing your thing!
Yes, trading in a post for your kids in your arms wins every day!
Word.
Right there with you, bro.
Thanks Sugar!
Good for you. Doing what’s right for you — what feels right, what looks right — is the key to being “successful” as a blogger. As I said at PodCamp Pittsburgh last month, sometimes “success” is simply pressing the publish button. Seriously. This post? True success.
Wow, thank you so much! Means a lot to me…Thank you!
Good for you Josh! We’ve all been through this. I know I did before I found my focus, of which I am proud of and absolutely love. In the process of finding a passion and sticking with what makes me happy I excluded myself from a lot and to an extent alienated myself from a lot of bloggy events and get togethers. But it hasn’t affected my life (in fact, my choices have improved my quality of life and relationships, especially with my family and friends). Love what u do. Life is too short to do otherwise. It’s ur blog, ur voice. U deserve to be happy with it.
Thanks so much for your support and encouragement Carol!! I really appreciate you. Thank you.
Finding that balance between blogging how you want and blogging for what you think others want isn’t always easy! And yes, my blog takes the backseat to mom duties any day! Sometimes you just can’t do it all.
I know this is silly, but realizing things aren’t how you want them, is of course the first step in fixing things. I don’t know what is in your heart, but look there, and realize if it is truly blogging.
I would think a blog and your mind worrying about the reviews is such, would be too much clutter.
Hopefully you will feel better when you take a step back! You are on the right track thinking about why you started blogging in the first place and seeing if that is still what you want.
Good luck.. <3xojo
If blogging ever starts to feel like a chore for me, I’m out. I write because I love it, not because someone tells me I have to. Keep on keeping on Josh!
i completely get this post, as you know!! thank you for writing this!!
Thanks Melissa!
I couldn’t agree more!
Thanks Tonia!