I’m going to be completely transparent with you folks. I have a problem finishing what I start.
I don’t just mean craft projects {they’re in there} or books {oh but I do} or movies {sit still for 2 hours? Yea OK}. I have a problem persevering to the end, accomplishing what I set my mind to accomplish, and finishing well.
It’s true. Maybe I’m a bit lazy. Maybe I just don’t like to put in the effort. Or maybe it’s because I don’t feel like my efforts will pay off – like I’m just not good enough.
So it goes with this little blog. I have a bajillion and a half ideas running through my head, spilling out of craft journals, in notes on my phone, listed on my computer… Some of the ideas are craft projects or home decor projects, while others are things that I feel that I need to do to make my blog better. I’m not exaggerating even a little when I say that I even dream about my blog. I lie awake in bed thinking of all the things that I want to do or feel that I need to do just to stay current, to stay somewhat popular and relevant.
It’s exhausting.
And I almost quit.
Like, last week.
But I didn’t. My sweet, wonderful bloggy besties {you know who you are} talked me down from the ledge, reassured me that everyone feels like that from time to time, and that maybe all I needed was a breather to regroup. Regain my focus and figure out exactly what’s important.
So, you may {or may not have} noticed that I didn’t really post anything last week. There was no big announcement that I would be taking a break…no scheduling of guest bloggers or anything like that. I just didn’t post. Sure I threw up a round-up of Fall Front Porches and managed to co-host my weekly linky party, but that’s it. No new craft tutorial, or home decor project, I didn’t organize anything…I didn’t even share the seven months of completed Project Life pages that I finished last weekend.
I needed to breathe. I needed to step back and realize that this blog, as fun and wonderful as it is, can also be an energy zapper, a morale killer, and quite frankly, a thorn in my side. And when it starts to feel like that, it’s time to step away.
Here’s the truth of the matter: I am away from my house five days a week for twelve hours each day. When I’m home, I am called first to be a wife, then a mom, then everything else just gets in line after that. I had lost sight of that. I was trying desperately to be everything to everyone and the one person suffering was ME.
The fact of the matter is, blogging is not a competition, and it’s certainly not a race to the finish, because there is no finish. There’s just more and more track laid out before us, waiting for our little bloggy selves to get there with our creative juices flowing. It doesn’t matter if I don’t post as often as other bloggers out there, or if my projects don’t seem as awesome as other bloggers. It doesn’t even matter if I don’t post at all for a while!
It doesn’t matter!
{Source}
What matters is my joy. If I don’t have joy, I have nothing. I was losing my joy, ladies and gentlemen. {Are there any gentlemen who read my blog? Hmmm…}
In my brief but oh-so-fabulous hiatus last week, I came to a few conclusions that I’d like to share with you:
- I can’t, and won’t even try, to do it all. For several months now, I’ve been killing myself trying to post at least five days each week. You know what happened? Quality suffered because quantity was king. I’m going to focus my efforts more on what I produce and post, rather than how often I produce and post.
- I really hate my weekly newsletter. There. I said it. I’ve changed it again and again and just can’t seem to get it the way I want it, so I’m stepping away from it for a while until I can figure out exactly what I want to share with you in that newsletter. I love that so many people have signed up to receive it, but please don’t be disappointed if you don’t get one any time soon. Let’s shoot for first of the year for that to start back again, deal?
- I want to engage the community. That’s you people. I want to hear from you. A blog is very one-sided. I post. You read it. We go on about our day. But I don’t want that! I want you to talk back to me. Ask questions, share stories, tell me you love or hate something I made….whatever. Just let me know you exist!
- I want to share the love. One thing you may notice about me is the fact that I like to promote other bloggers. I know from firsthand experience how difficult it can be to spread the word about your piece of the internet, which is one reason I started my Sunday Spotlights. I want to expand on this, however. Beginning in a few months, I will be putting out a call for MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS. There are a lot of things that I don’t blog about – recipes, sewing & crocheting, etc. – that I think a lot of you readers would enjoy. In order to provide you with those things, and help promote other bloggers, I’ll have regular contributors sharing their fabulousness!
There you have it. My epiphany of sorts during my hiatus. That time I almost quit blogging turned out to be very healthy after all.
When was the last time you almost quit?
20 Responses
Awesome post, Kirsten! Your honesty is refreshing in Blogland, because yeah, it’s totally overwhelming trying to run a blog, let alone combine that with being a wife, mom, and full-time worker. I’m in awe of all that you have managed to do.
I agree – quality over quantity. I sometimes need to wrap my head around that too. I think that your new perspective is a good one. I hope that you find your joy in writing/creating again, and soon! Take care, lady!
Hmm, the last time I almost quit? How about yesterday? 🙂 Or the day before? It’s a little easier now that I’m home alone during the day, but while working, it was nearly impossible, and I was only posting twice a week. And forget about interaction and social media. So I get you. And I’m familiar with the ledge, and the great many things I want out of my blog, but it sure doesn’t come easy. Especially with my own inflicted sense of peer pressure. You know the story? A guy falls in a hole. He yells up “hey, somebody, help me!” A doctor walks by and the guy yells up “hey doc, can you help me up?” The doctor writes a prescription and throws it into the hole and keeps walking. A priest walks by and the guy yells “hey Pastor, can you help me up?”. The priest says a prayer and continues on. Then Joe walks past the hole. The guy yells up “hey Joe, can you help me up?” His friend jumps down into the hole. The guy asks “why did you do that for? Now we’re both stuck in the hole” Joe says “yeah, but I know how to get out.” 🙂 I’ll be here for you friend, cause I’ve been here before 🙂
ChiWei that is so sweet! Thank you so much. You are one of those bloggy besties I mentioned that talked me down and I greatly appreciate it more than you know. You are ROCKIN’ it with your blog – I’m in awe of all you’re learning (and thankful that you share, too). THANK YOU!!! (I can almost hear the Golden Girls theme song starting up…) LOL
Thanks for your support along the way 🙂
Kirsten, this is such a beautiful post. It truly speaks from the heart and everyone can tell! I do feel that when we start blogging we get so excited when even 10 people view a post and we get even one comment. Then there comes a time when things shift and we all of a sudden feel competition come to play….we begin to look at other blogs and see their following (or what we perceive to be their following, see how often they post, and all of a sudden the blog becomes one more “I have to” item. It all within ourselves.
I think your new perspective is amazing and I think that this will help you switch from your blog controlling you to you controlling your blog. Everyone loves you and is cheering for you! *hugs*
THANK YOU!! Marilyn you hit the nail right on the head. There was a shift that made my blog feel more like a job, rather than something I started for fun. I have let it consume me for so long, but I’m honestly just tired.
Thanks so much for your continued support! You rock, lady!
Hi Kirsten,
I just had this chat with my daughter the other day. I have only been blogging about 10 months and I love it. However,I find I have to constantly check myself to make sure that after I give it my best effort, I am able to let it go. That’s really hard for me. Isn’t it so great that we have the ability to learn and change everyday? Your C.S. Lewis quote brings to mind the verse, …the joy of the Lord is my Strength. Thanks for your post. What a great reminder for all of us! Wishing you joy!
Kirsten,
I have only been blogging for a couple of months so I have not considered quitting yet but I have to say I understand – I am exhausted. I also work a full time job and between working on projects, writing about projects, linking up at parties to get my content out there and having a life – phew – it’s a lot.
Please know that what you do write does matter to your readers, however, I enjoy reading your posts and linking up to your party. It’s ok to take time for yourself and your family. Find a balance that works for you!
Sue
bebeandj
Hey, sweet girl! Thanks for being so transparent and for sharing this today. All of us get overwhelmed {sometimes daily!}; people don’t realize when they decide to start a “fun little craft blog” how much work {and I mean hard work, sweat, and tears!} goes into making it successful. When I first began, I had no idea I’d have to become a professional photographer, social media expert, advertiser and marketing expert, and all the other things that come along with our “job.” I’m glad you took some time off to breathe and regroup. Here’s hoping that next week’s conference will help too to re-energize you. HUGS! <3
It’s hard for me to let go, too – I’m a bit of a control freak. But, I have to nurture myself and my family first! Thanks for your encouragement. Your blog is beautiful, by the way. 🙂
Suzanne, THANK YOU! It really means a lot to know that you enjoy reading my posts. 🙂 I appreciate the support and kind words!
I am SO looking forward to next weekend! It’ll be a nice escape (and I get to see you – YAY!) It is most definitely a job to be a blogger, but when it starts to feel like one, I have to take a step back. I was glad I did 🙂 Thanks for helping me push through! XOXO
Been there!! I’m about six months into my blog and I still feel like I started yesterday. I actually just started out wanting a place to keep me accountable while trying to lose the baby weight after two in under two years. I began to read all the craft blogs and fell in love with that too, so I started another blog! Bad. Idea. I let both suffer because it’s all so time consuming. I’m still a little embarrassed about how my blog looks, but I’m learning. I’m trying to find a good schedule and write more quality posts. I’m still struggling to learn all the different types of social media necessary! I tried to give up on the craft, recipe, DIY and put the focus back on the weight loss, but I couldn’t stay away. Now I’m struggling to combine the two and just do what makes me happy.
Do whatever works for you! We’ll all keep reading!
Kristin
Thanks so much Kristin! I really do appreciate it. Good luck with regaining your focus. It is tough but I’m sure you’ll find your way!
We must have been on the same wave length last week because I almost packed it in too {for what feels like the 100th time}.
Blogging isn’t nearly as easy you think it is before you become a blogger. I have been repeating to myself the motto “work smarter, NOT harder”.
Just know you are a SUPER STAR in my blogging book! I love this post and that you opened up about feeling overwhelmed. We all need to know we aren’t in the “hole” alone. {as ChiWei said} Keep on doing the best you can, that is all that is asked of us. 🙂
Kirsten, way to go, girl! Way to put yourself out there and share the honest truth about blogging. Because practically through this whole post, I was nodding my head in agreement. Although yes, today is just a joyful day for me celebrating making it through one year, I also look back and see so many times when I could have quit…or so many times when blogging became just too much and was interfering with my relationships or spiritual life. It’s a constant battle to find that balance between time online, creating new content, and time living life or taking care of the people we love (and that includes ourself). I’m so proud of you for sharing your process here because I know it will be a blessing to others as it has been for me today. I think the bottom line is that if blogging is draining us, we need to change something, even if it means stepping away for a while; because we’re own bosses! (Which is a blessing and a curse, right?) Okay, I’m rambling now….just wanted to send you a virtual hug and high five, girlfriend. LOVE!
Warmly,
Lauren
The Thinking Closet
Thank you, Kirsten!
I so know how you feel. I have a small blog and when I say small, I mean tiny. If I don’t do link parties (like I haven’t had time for the last two weeks) my blog averages 20 views a day and most of that is my personal FaceBook friends. When I do link parties (I don’t do many because its very time consuming) my blog averages 90 views a day. So yes tiny blog! It can be so disappointing to rarely see comments and to get interaction with people after spending all this time investing in my blog. While I would love to build my blog into something bigger, I am a very busy person. Wife, Mom of four, paralegal and we are about to start homeschooling. I have thought I will never have time to blog. 🙁 But I do love to share my projects. I am glad you didn’t stop blogging though because I do love your blog.
Sheena
It was great to read this, Kirsten. I’ve been struggling with the same thing for the past few weeks. There’s just never enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done. I don’t want to stop blogging, but I don’t want it to stress me out either. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone!
Brava, my friend!! Taking a step away always helps me rejuvenate and regroup. 🙂