I haven't been around in a while. In a
few weeks to be exact. I kind of fell off the radar I guess. But let
me tell you why and what I've been struggling with and thinking
about.
When I first started blogging I did it
for me. It was enjoyable. An outlet for me to write, talk about my
life and have something that was mine. And then I got trapped in
being a 'blogger.' I got caught up in the game. The more I did it,
the more I wanted: more followers, bigger sponsors, a fantastic
layout. I started to worry: was I posting enough, did people like
what I was writing, were people reading. I actually started tracking
my statistics and then sat worrying about them. I found myself
comparing myself to all the other bloggers out there.
So, in a nutshell, it stopped being
fun. It started to feel like a job – and I already have one of
those. It was a popularity contest that I didn't feel comfortable
being a part of. I felt pressure to blog, even when I didn't have
time or energy to do so. I was worn out with social media – I'm
sick to death of Twitter and Facebook and all the other sites that
keep popping up that a blogger feels compelled to join and
participate in.
So, I just turned off my computer for a
while and walked away. And right now I'm on the fence about how I
feel about returning on a regular basis. I know in my heart I don't
want to get caught back up in the world of sponsors and statistics
and posting every detail of my life on my Twitter or Instagram
account. I am 9 days away from getting married and starting a whole
new chapter in my life. And believe me, I'm so excited about this
chapter. And I want to share it. I have some new goals and ideas and
things I want to accomplish. And I would love to have all my friends
along for the ride.
I just have to find what works for me.
And I'm still doing some soul searching about that. It all comes down
to balance. And in doing this for me and not for anyone else. And
really, not allowing myself to get caught up in keeping up with what
everyone else out there is doing.
I'm my own worst critic. I will be hard
on myself before anyone else. I don't want to do anything unless I
can do it well. So, that's disheartened me some in having this blog.
Because I feel like if I can't give it 115% and be as successful as
the next person, I'm failing in some way.
So, that's the fork in the road I'm at.
And I felt like everyone deserved an explanation. And I would love
any feedback, advice and suggestions you can throw at me as I decide
how to proceed here in this little part of the world.
Oh Manda. I love reading your posts & reading about your life. I'll understand if you turn away from blogging but I will miss you!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're failing - if you are enjoying blogging, keep going..if you aren't, I understand.
Wish I had some words of advice for you.
oxoxo
I am a new reader, but I've been blogging since 2007. I don't have sponsors and I don't have that many "official" followers. I blog because I love it....because I have family and friends that live 600 miles away and I'd like to keep them all informed about MY family. I enjoy the "memory-keeping" aspect of it. I've gone back and referred to posts on my blog for many things ~ mostly when trying to fill out my kids baby books! :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging should be fun! If it's not, then get back to basics. Blog for YOU. We read blogs because we are interested in other people and how they live. If you lose readers, then so be it. I think, especially during this amazing time in your life, you will want to refer back some day and re-read how you felt. Even if you don't publish it publicly, you should still write it! :)
{All my own opinion!!}
i know just what you mean- I'm trying to stop over thinking my blog and just getting back to blogging for just me - just what I want to blog, but it's kind've tough!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you updated because I was honestly worried that something had happened to you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything Amanda M. said! Even if you write privately, don't stop writing. You'll be glad you have it all to look back on in years to come!
I'm with you girl! I've been blah about blogging this week and have just been too busy! Don't let it become a burden unless you really want to make a job out of it! Enjoy the last few days of being engaged and your wedding and honeymoon girl! :)
ReplyDeleteI've taken a break from blogging while I wait to switch hosts, but I've been really thinking about all bloggy things lately. I know how you feel, but I have to tell you that you are definitely NOT failing! I come here to check in on you & get to know the beautiful lady behind the blog even better...whether it's through one post a month or every single day. I completely understand if you step away, but I will miss the sweet honesty of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to rethink things with my blog, because life is about to get more hectic with the mister starting college. But I think I'll stick with it, so that I can have a place to escape for a bit & get my thoughts out of my head.
<3