Yesterday was the very first Monday in months that I didn’t publish a blog post. And it was hard for me to wake up and realize that somehow I wasn’t on the blogging boat for the day.
You see, I’ve written about how blogging is my hobby and not my business; but I’ve worked hard on my blog since Fall 2014. I’ve loved it (most of the time), and I’ve developed relationships, found inspiration, become way more tech-savvy, and composed more sentences than most of my fellow college grads since graduation.
I liked blogging enough to write about how it has enriched my life— and why I would continue doing it without getting paid.
Blogging became a part of my daily life. I rarely wrote posts too many days in advance, so every day would involve composing something that I wasn’t too embarrassed to share, with hopefully some in-focus photographs too.
I commented almost daily on other blogs. I responded to comments promptly. I sponsored blogs and wrote about sponsorships. I collaborated with other bloggers.
Despite still insisting that I was blogging for “fun”, this became a part of my identity. It took time. I enjoyed it. I came to accept it as something that really enriched this season for me.
So, taking a real, possibly permanent step back from blogging is scary. But the reason is that I’ve gotten quite busy lately. I recently launched my new tutoring site and am fielding more inquiries than last quarter.
And of course, unlike blogging, tutoring is my job. I love it, want to continue improving, and it pays me, which is nice.
Still, deciding to post fewer times a week, follow fewer bloggers and perhaps lose touch with a few blogging contacts is terrifying. What if I miss this and want to come back? What if I come back and the blogosphere doesn’t want me back?
These are real fears, friends.
The truth is, none of us know what’s going to come. I have had good blog friends appear to drop out of the blogosphere only to re-emerge. Others have not re-emerged at all.
With the exception of several long-standing bloggers, I feel that most of this community is characterized by immense turnover. And I’m realizing why that is.
There was a time when I thought I would never quit blogging. I thought I would always be able to include it in my daily routine. But recently, between finding enough daylight to take photographs, to syncing my schedule with my husband, to actually having evening commitments that keep me from writing a post or responding to comments, I’m realizing why people leave. They can’t keep up. Life gets in the way.
Some nagging voice in my mind tells me that I will face dramatic consequences for not being as active in the blogosphere. I think it will be apparent first as daily numbers drop, along with comments. I’ll go to my email to respond to readers’ thoughts, and there won’t be any.
And I continue to tell myself, that’s okay.
Eventually, I might lose followers too. People might come across my account and ask, who is this again? (Admittedly, I’ve done that myself, and unfollowed.) And I’ll be tempted to feel that all the time I spent building relationships and community online will be for naught.
But remember when I wrote that post about coming alive? Here’s a refresher:
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that… because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
And to this, I say yes. I’ll stop asking conceited questions such as, will anyone read my blog when I don’t post? Or, will anyone even notice or mind when I’m not as present?
Instead, I say yes to what makes me come alive. Teaching. Encouraging. Helping people who struggle. Being their champion. Fostering confidence.
As you can see, I am in here, deep.
This space has been much more than time and money; it’s been heart and soul.
While it’s not going away completely– that I can at least assure you– it’s slowing down. And as far as the blogosphere goes, I’m slowing down too.
So now I’m asking you! Have you ever changed your blogging schedule? Stepped away permanently? Do you miss people who do? I’d love to know, and I always appreciate your thoughts.
Cheers everyone, to whatever blogging (or non-blogging) season you’re in.
I have thought about this everyday. when I first starting blogging I thought I would do it forever and now I’m debating on what I want to do and the focus of this blog.
Wonderful post, Daisy! I’ve thought on this subject, too, because I love blogging but want to find a balance. For me I think 2-3 posts is good, but sometimes even that is too much. I hope that stepping back a little will help and bless you. <3
Wow. Thanks for such a thoughtful response, Rebecca. That means more to me than you know! I can’t imagine blogging 40-50 hours a week; that is most certainly a full-time job. And I love your posture towards blogging… allowing God to use your blog for His glory is such a good way to look at it. And that’s why it’s easier for me to walk away– because I feel Him calling me to invest my time and resources in other things right now. I so appreciate your thoughts here, friend. Stay in touch!! <3
Thanks Denise, you are so, so kind. I’m amazed by people like you who not only share great posts but keep up with other bloggers! The past two weeks have been very full with “life stuff,”– mostly good, but very full. Hope you’re doing well. And yes, I do plan to post at least once or twice a week!
Aw thank you Shannon, this is really kind of you. we’ve had a lot of “life” stuff going on (mostly good, but busy!) so I’m glad that I haven’t been trying to keep up with blog friends too. I’m amazed at your consistency by the way– always posting awesome outfits and writing thoughtful, kind comments. I appreciate you, Shannon!
Thanks girl!! My rhythm online has definitely been a bit wonky these past 2 weeks, but there have been tons of “life” things going on. And thank you– I still sometimes think of good blog post ideas, but have been biding my time and thinking about where I want to take this blog (if anywhere!). Hope you’re doing well, friend!
So good to hear that, Brooke– it means a lot to me! I’ve enjoyed not feeling like I have to be glued to my computer every free moment I get 😉 Thank you so much for your support 🙂
Yes!! I remember you taking breaks for studying– obviously a good decision. And yes, I don’t love it when people disappear, but I also have to remember that there are tons of good reasons to take a step back from online presence. Thanks for your support Deniz. <3
Oh my goodness, I feel like I need to sit down and email you. All I can say is I totally understand and relate to where you’re coming from. And while I would absolutely miss you (I’m not going to say will miss you because I’m trying to keep this positive and hypothetical – I only found your blog recently and it’s quickly become one of my faves, I can’t handle you leaving. LOL!) I have to say fully support your decision to do “what makes you come alive.” who couldn’t support that? But I do feel like you’ll work this out, you’ll work out a 2 post a week schedule or something that suits you. At one point I was working two full time jobs and had the blog so I had to take a step back and I think that’s healthy as long as you’re fulfilled, you know? Again, I feel like I have to email you.
And last, but not least, I adore you for your honesty and for posts like these!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
Keeping it short and simple: you’ll be missed. But, I truly understand your reasons for this and it makes me happy to hear your tutoring is going great!
Blogging is my hobby, too, and I still feel very new to it, but sometimes you lose the fun in it when you’re actually stressing over writing up a post or if anyone will read it (like you I compose a post on the spot or, if I’m disciplined, the day before.) A good balance is best 🙂
Awww no :/ I totally understand though, especially with work, relationships and everything else, blogging to a scheduale can be so hard! I hope you continue to blog, even if it is less regularly 🙂
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I’m so sorry to hear this but I’m sure you’ve thought about it and it’s for the best… It’s not easy to blog all the time and to have it as you’re full time job, it’s a combination of being lucky in the right place at the right time, and working hard… I hope you get to be super fulfilled in your job and come and blog once in a while!! 🙂
Love,
Whitney
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
I honestly don’t know how people do it with a full time job AND kids! The only reason blogging can remain a fixture in my life is my work hours are odd and while I don’t always love getting up at 4 am it does allow extra time in the afternoons/evenings. I wish all the best for you in this new season of life!
Hi Daisy! I think it’s great that your own life & work & dreams are starting to grow. That’s what’s important. Blogging is a job — even if it’s fun — because it takes time, effort, & thought; there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything we want; that’s where focus comes in. Which to focus on? I’m really excited about your tutoring site. I did English tutoring via Skype for international students & it was so fun & educational, even for me. In life, you must pursue your dreams & passions. I am & you are; that’s what’s important. Keep smiling! Your energy is infectious. Perhaps we can meet up in LA sometime. :]
Aww Daisy! I have always enjoyed your posts but I understand that sometimes, life does get in the way and I applaud you for redirecting your focus on something that your are passionate about which is teaching. Best to you Daisy! I know how it is to always wonder if what I am doing is what I’m meant to do and I’m happy that you found something that works for you! Best wishes!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
That’s a really good distinction to make! One day it would be nice to make money from my blog but at the moment it feels like I have to choose between doing all the stuff that makes money, and actually writing (which I see as much more valuable in my eyes).
Glad you will be sticking around!!! can’t wait to read a post about your new biz! xoxox
I can definitely relate! Before I had my current blog, I had a blog for about 5 years and I mostly talked about my kids and other things, but I had formed a lot of relationships and connections over those years. After a long and unintentional hiatus, I had decided I wanted to change so many things that it would just be easier to start over. Of course, I just had to start from scratch. There have been times with both blogs that I’ve wondered why I’m doing it and if its worth it. For right now, it is to me, but I know I may get to a point like you, that I just need to take a step back! Proud of you for just doing what’s best for you and taking the time that you need!!
That’s hard! Love it all but it does take time. I am still single so I have time. Hope you find your happy place in the middle of everything! Good luck!
xo,
Kris
http://withlovefromkris.blogsp..
Daisy, I can tell you put so much thought into this post and also this decision to step back a little. I will miss your daily posting because, like others said, your posts are so well written and really make me think! 🙂 But I understand that tutoring and other commitments take so much time and focus, too! I have so enjoyed connecting with you through the blogging world!! Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness in your posts and interactions! I look forward to still following along 🙂 Cheers to you, friend! 🙂
I think in the first few months of blogging I felt this same way. Now that I am about to hit my two year bloggy anniversary I can say that I have seen MANY bloggers come and go. Many of the ladies that I first connected with (who started around the same time as I did) and became dear friends and even those who were a year or two ahead of me now don’t blog at all. I was actually laughing the other day talking with one of them because she said, “oh my word I totally forgot about my blog”! *smiles* At first I thought everyone blogged for their entire lives but now I have definitely learned a couple of things: Most importantly- to TRULY blog “long-term” you must find the balance between “online life” and “real life”. Second, the motivation and desire that you hope to achieve with your blogging matters A LOT. For me, personally, my blog is a combination of personal health updates, information on my writing projects, my Etsy shop and things that the Lord is teaching, combined with photography. For me, these things will never grow old to write and talk about. But for others, I think the blog becomes very tedious and very “energy draining”. Third, I personally think it is important to find balance in the realistic components of blogging. For me, with two serious health diseases my life needs to be focused on getting my health back, for others it might mean focusing on a job. I think finding this balance is so important. Some bloggers are able to spend 40-50 hours on their blog each week. Good for them! BUT for me, that is COMPLETELY unrealistic (which I think is true for most people). Finally, I think that blogging teaches us SO much about ourselves more than anything and shows us all of these things that I mentioned.
For me personally page views and numbers are not something that I value. Instead, I pray that the Lord uses the little words I have written to encourage those who read to draw closer to Him. To me that is the absolute most important thing about my blog.
As I read this post I get excited for you! To me you are chasing after dreams that the Lord has placed in your heart and that is SO exciting to hear about. I can’t wait to read further adventures as you find the time to share with us. 🙂
Blessings, sweet lady,
🙂 Rebecca
No way! I am going to miss you around here, even if it is only just less days! You are such a sweet and fun blogger and I always enjoy the variety in your posts! I understand where you are coming from. There is so much involved in blogging and it can get tough and hard to keep up with. I am glad you found something you love! Hopefully you do post from time to time!
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
I understand completely! Looking forward to seeing your posts. (:
While I completely understand where you are coming from, I must admit I am going to miss the everyday post from you. I follow mostly fashion blogs, but it’s nice to come across a blog that is completely different from all the others and still captures my attention. Your posts are always so well written and always made me a think a bit harder, which I loved 🙂 You are lucky to have found something that you love and I wish you ALL the luck in your career! I will definitely be checking back for when you do post though!
You’re slowing down and I am tryyyyyyyying to speed up! That’s fantastic about your tutoring Daisy! I’m so excited for you! Readjusting a schedule is a big challenge, but you’ll get a rhythm going quickly enough and be so amazed on the other end about how you met your fears head on, and how much you can accomplish when you set your mind too it!
I think you’ve built yourself a reputation here not just on quick responses to comments but more importantly on creating consistently high quality material, even when you’re posting multiple times a week (which has always absolutely amazed me!). It’s the quality, not the amount of posting, that has me coming back and will keep me following 🙂
Best of luck in this transition my dear!!!
xo
We made the decision to step back on our blog at the beginning of the summer. It used to be that we posted everyday, stayed active on social media everyday all day and eventually we just totally burnt out. So, we changed to posting just three days a week and connecting with other bloggers just a few days a week as well. I found it was refreshing to have a lighter schedule, but I still got to connect with the blogs I loved each week, even if it wasn’t everyday. So, in the end it worked out really well for us! Congrats on your tutoring site, I hope your slight step down gives you some room to breath 🙂
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
I do take breaks during finals! I feel like I need to step away from everything to immerse myself in studying for a week or so. I do agree with your point re turnover – I think it also applies to IG bloggers. This sounds silly but when bloggers/IG bloggers I follow either stop blogging or delete their accounts I sort of worry and want to make sure that they are ok! This happened to me several times on IG where people just deleted their accounts and I couldn’t get in touch with them. So long as you truly enjoy blogging I don’t think it should matter how many times you post every week. Those who love your posts will stick around regardless of the frequency of your posts (:
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Thank you so much for such sweet encouragement, I needed that. 🙂 It was just crazy for me to think about how much of my daily routine was carved out for blogging and I realize that my current season (job, marriage, home, etc.) can’t sustain it. I’m hoping to continue to be around and to share posts but not do it as “intensely” as I have in the past. Thanks for your support, my dear friend!
Thank you Sheryl! You are a gifted encourager, and that’s exactly what I needed to hear!
Ahhh seriously girl!!! Hanging out with you would be just fabulous. And I agree with you about growth; we always think that things will come more easily as we grow, but as great as it is, it comes with more responsibilities and the need to rethink and re-prioritize. It’s a real challenge.
And Sarah you are so personable and friendly, it’s been so great getting to know you through blogging (and IG!), so I’m sure that people will keep coming back! And I won’t be disappearing at all.. just blogging a little less intensely as I have for the past few months. And hopefully that means time to actually read posts by my favorite bloggers and friends (like you!) and offer the kind of attention I want to. So we will definitely stay connected, my friend! I wouldn’t want to lose our long-distance friendship!! <3
Aw thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Emily! I’ve realized what a big chunk of my daily life was devoted to blogging, and though I love it, I just can’t do it at the same speed and level of intensity. Thanks so much for reading. 🙂
Oh Kiki, you are the sweetest “pen pal”… and strangely enough I feel the same way! I honestly am hoping to post less so I can read more of what you and other blog friends write. Because at the end of the day, making those types of connections has been the most rewarding part of blogging; not simply hearing myself talk or sharing photos. And I’m looking forward to keeping up still– not disappearing completely, just being a little less “aggressive,” if you know what I mean. 😉 And we’re IG friends so I won’t be too far! <3
PS love your shop. 🙂
Yes… taking the pressure off to write all the time is really what slowing down means to me. I was never really in-too-deep with social media, so it’s mostly been feeling like I need to write something every day. While some of my favorite bloggers don’t even write every day, that’s been my rhythm so it feels like a big deal for me (personally) to stop. But you’re so right– relaxing and letting go of that pressure is what I need. Thanks, friend.
Aw Miriam, that is SO immensely encouraging I can’t even tell you how much that means to me… the truth is, I’ve found it to be so much work to write such a great volume, and to also read and keep up with such good blog friends like you. I want to do it all… and so I am hoping that posting less means that I can give more of my attention to others. So I’ll be keeping up with you as well! <3
Absolutely. Oh girl, I feel all of that– especially the professional/personal compromises. Usually people have to balance work and home, but where does blogging fit in? It’s not “work” since we have other jobs, but it’s also not “home” because we do it alone. And yes, I love it too, and that’s why slowing down is the way I want to think about it– rather than quitting or walking away completely.
Thanks Annie! You’re so kind, I really appreciate it and wish you the absolute best!:)
Oh yes, I’ll be around 🙂 Just not talking (posting) so much, haha. Your support is so deeply appreciated Elmira– and that is something I’ve loved about blogging, being able to meet and appreciate everyone here without having to have a ton in common. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my writing; I’ll continue to post quality (I hope), if only less often!
Thank you so much Laura! That’s so so helpful to read. And yes, blogging on a rhythm is really helpful– and I’m realizing now that sometimes that rhythm needs to change. 🙂
That is so so helpful to hear. My schedule last quarter was more class and less work, which was good for blogging (bad for my budget), but as you wrote, my schedule is shifting a bit. Thanks for your kind words and sharing your thoughts on this, friend!
So so so glad to hear that this resonated with you… and man, I just deeply admire anyone who keeps at blogging for an extended amount of time. It was much easier when I was flexible in past months, to think carefully, “meet” lots of bloggers, comment, tweet, etc., but now it’s hard when there are dishes in the sink, dinner to pack for myself the next day, and other chores (and my husband does more than half the work around here already). I’ve had to tell myself that blogging can’t be an obligation that I place over taking care of our home or doing my best at my job– even though I truly have found it so fun and enriching. Thanks for sharing your thoughts too, sister!
Thank you Shauna. You are so kind, and I’m glad to hear I’m not alone 🙂
Thanks Shireen. You are so, so kind. And that’s exactly what I’m looking to do– to post less, and be able to actually respond thoughtfully to comments, read and keep up with the bloggers I love, and spend less time promoting my own stuff!
You are right; there are SO many things for bloggers to participate in, just to “grow our reach” and it can all be quite overwhelming. To be honest, I never really participated in linkups and only did giveaways if they seemed really really worthwhile. But at first it takes so much time and effort to decide what you should be spending your time on. And then there’s all those blogger “shoulds”– do this, do that, etc. It often feels like a regimen and you have to jump on board with everything all at once!
And you’re also right about visiting blogs just because the bloggers visited you– it feels very obligatory at first, but it really shouldn’t. I realized that a couple months in, and would just check in once a week with some bloggers and really let go of my relationship with others. Maintaining everything is so exhausting; some people do it, and it feels right for them, but it’s definitely not for everyone!
I really really appreciate you visiting my blog and reading it for what it is! That is so, so encouraging. I’m not leaving the blogosphere but I know that I’ll feel a little less present here, but I appreciate people like you who blog for passion and not just for networking. So thank you for being YOU! You’re a very special blogger, Jeannette, and I hope you continue being yourself and resisting the “pressures” so many bloggers take on. And I look forward to keeping up with you still! 🙂 Have a good evening, my friend!
I know this was such a hard post for you to write! I’m so excited for the launch of your tutoring business and if that’s what God’s calling you to right now, no one can fault you for that! It’s definitely scary, but you are an amazing blogger AND woman so I know whenever you’re around the blogosphere, people will be engaged with your posts!
Daisy, Life is meant to be lived. That means spending time doing what you enjoy. You are a beautiful writer and the people that matter will always want to read what you post. Go spend time living life!
Oh my gosh, WHY DO YOU LIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY?! I feel like we need to have a serious heart to heart over coffee because I’ve been feeling the SAME exact way lately. I love blogging, and I love the more friends I make, but I feel that the more my blog grows, the more pressure I put on myself. With everything in my life aside from blogging not pausing for anyone, I just don’t know sometimes how to keep up. It’s such a cycle!
Maybe one day I’ll figure out what I truly want.. one day I’ll stop, or one day the blog will turn into so much more… but until then, I guess I’m just hoping that those who truly need and gain something from my posts keep coming back so that when I do find the time, i know it’s meant for something.
And yes… I do miss bloggers who have gone away – and if one of them was you, I’d be so incredibly sad! I thought over the weekend how I hadn’t heard from you in a while, and was sad. How crazy is that?! Oh blogging – you’re such a weird wonderful world!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
You are such a great writer! I loved this post and it’s honesty. Blogging definitely does take up so much time! It is something that can be hard to be dedicated to along with everything else going on in life.
Emily
http://Www.idodeclareblog.com
I dont read this blog because it’s “trendy,” or because you post photos of yourself in the mirror. I follow this blog because there are so few whom can portray as much character into their writing as you do. I enjoy reading; the substance of a great post. It really makes my day. Like a long distance pen pal I get excited when I see you’ve posted. But, and there is a but, life is far more important. Your career is more important than a for-fun blog. There is nothing wrong with that. The best part about this community is that it’s here when you decide to resurface. I took a long break from it when I was on maternity leave. It was the last thing on my mind and I barely had time to miss it. But it was still there nearly three months later. Just be yourself and do what’s right for you. I will miss your posts, but it will make those occasional ones even more special. Best wishes friend! (:
Don’t worry girlfriend we all go through these feelings. I think often about ending my blog because it sometimes feels like a time sucker, but I think the key is to take the pressure off. Unless blogging is the only career you want and can see yourself doing, relax and try and enjoy it. If you don’t post Monday or Tuesday or for weeks so be it! It’s your space, your blog and if its your hobby do what makes you happy and adjust your posting schedule around that.
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaJeanArt
Daisy, first of all I have to say that I really admire you for sharing this with us. I have of course noticed your absence, and fret not, I will always be an avid reader of your blog whether you post once a week, or once a month, because I know that when you do post something, it’s meaningful and it makes me think and reflect on myself, which is more than any other blog does. I think that taking a step back to do things that make YOU happy is so important. I will back you up every step of the way 🙂
I feel the same way at the moment. I’ve decided to stop pressuring myself to post a consistent schedule. I’m going to post only when I have materials that are worth posting. Blogging has really cut into my professional and personal life, so I’m also limiting myself to the amount of time I can focus on my blog per day. While I love it and can’t quit it completely, I definitely need to slow down.
Thanks for sharing! Good luck with your future endeavors and we’ll be here when you decide the share! 🙂
xo Annie
laircake.com
Oh Daisy, I hope you stick around, even less often, it is still ok. Even though I don’t have a lot in common with you because we are in different stages of our lives but I enjoyed reading your well thought and written articles and they made me question and found answers for a lot of things important in my life. So as for me, I will check your blog and continue reading your posts:)
Xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
I only just starting blogging and I don’t have a schedule yet. I need to find my groove. I encourage you to take a step back and do what moves you! Great job growing your tutoring. Whichever you do, be sure it makes you happy. Cheers!
Thanks Ashley!! I also love how you don’t post every single day, but you still share great stuff and build awesome community. Keep it up, friend!
Aw thank you so much Gina! You are so so kind and really appreciate your encouragement! I think I’ve just been “going at it” for several months strait that change feels risky and strange. but you’re right– blogging goes through seasons and there is definitely space for adjustments!
I’m excited for where your blog is taking you, Gina and I look forward to continue reading!! I can really see how blogging builds a great network for creative businesses– especially when it comes to photography and graphic design, things that lend themselves really well to the Internet! 🙂
Wow, five years is a long, long time!! I love your commitment and the vision behind your blog. You’re so right also that having the goal of becoming rich and famous is a good formula for burning out and disappointment. Even without that goal I can feel the pressure of not losing readers, declining in popularity and all that– and it’s convicting. Thanks for your encouragement!
Thank you so much for sharing this Jenna! I was just starting to realize that there isn’t a great time during each day that I can spend blogging– especially now that I work till late, and still want time with my husband and going to bed at a decent hour. And in the mornings, I like to prep meals, exercise and work on tutoring related stuff!
It’s so good to hear I’m not the only one who’s worried about losing connections and the rhythm I’m used to. It’s really encouraging to hear how you made a change and are feeling good about it. Thanks girl!
Oh yes… I can still answer that question!!
Pretty much, here’s what I’ve learned: if your goal is to write a ton, then you can definitely just focus on that. The social media stuff is theoretically there for growth, but really the question is whether you want to make money. That’s all that numbers are for (and the virtual pat-on-the-back). I read an article a while ago though, that social media only brings a relatively small percentage of traffic (or clients) to companies. So even if you do want to grow, using social media efficiently is more important than being on *all the time*.
As far as linkups and stuff, I think it’s more important to make blog friends. I did this by sponsoring blogs– and I know it sounds terrible that I basically “paid for friends,” it forces the blogger you’re sponsoring to read and invest time in your blog. Beyond that, staying active in the Peony project, reaching out to bloggers you like, etc. are great ways to grow, but you can definitely go at your own pace. 🙂
And I won’t be shutting down my blog at all! I will just be posting much less than usual (I usually post mon-fri, and I used to post mon-sat). So I’ll be around 😉
Thanks so much for your kind words Terrence! And you can always reach out to me if you have questions about anything!
Yes… everything you said is so kind and encouraging– I really appreciate it Nabihah! I think I’ll stick around, I just won’t be posting as often (i.e. every weekday).
Ah thank you Joanna! I so so appreciate your support. I think I’ll continue posting, but just not as often! Let’s definitely stay in touch 🙂
That’s so good to hear Dani, I really appreciate your encouragement. I think I will miss it, and won’t disappear, but slowing down and publishing less often is definitely my goal. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!! I’m realizing that lots of busy people blog much less often– maybe they post twice a week, which would be a much better schedule for me 🙂
yes I’m coming to understand that– it’s less about “burnout” and more about not being able to work at the caliber you’d like to.
I’ve changed my blogging schedule. I do it throughout the year. My work schedule is so strange. I typically work 8-5, but some parts of the year are 100 times more busy than others. I just can’t keep up with the blog during the busy times.
I find that my blog slows down during those times, but it’s ok. I’m maintaining balance in my life.
It’s alright to take a step back. 🙂 Cheers to you!
oh friend!! I so resonate with you on EVERY level. I am so afraid of losing followers and connections, but I realize that might happen. But you’re right, it’s hard to keep up with it. And then sometimes I feel like a failure when some of my blogging friends have full-time jobs and successful blogs. But we all have different loads and priorities, and my priority is definitely in my design business for this season. Anyhow, I think you are amazing and definitely doing the right thing for you! cheers, sister.
I really relate to this struggle (don’t all Bloggers?). It really is a hobby that takes up a lot of time, and I find it hard sometimes to balance it all out too. Don’t worry, we will all be here when you decide to return! Enjoy life, and take some time for YOU -xx
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
I know how you feel, Daisy and I believe most bloggers face the same fears as you. But life do get in the way and I think all your readers will understand that. Work on a schedule that you can keep, may it be posting once a week or twice a week. Your real fans, readers will always be here to support you. I know I will. Hugs. xx
Hello Daisy,
This post describes exactly what I had been struggling with for the past month or so. I personally started blogging just because I wanted an outlet to express my passions. I am an engineer by profession and even though I am super thankful for my job, it is not my passion. Blogging allowed me to express who I am and have fun. But here is what happened to me: As time passed, instead of feeling happy and have fun blogging I started feeling anxious and overwhelmed as I felt I couldn’t keep up with the blogosphere crowd. The postings, the giveaways (I was like; how do I even participate on those??), the linkups….. you name it! I was posting only 3 times a week and I was falling behind in my personal/family life. I would come home from work and instead of preparing healthy meals I would sit down and blog, schedule photo shoots (with not time for photoshop or anything like that!), answer comments and visit more blogs. It got to the point where it didn’t feel good anymore. I felt like I was on some kind of survival race it and ended up feeling unmotivated and super exhausted. The reasons??? I felt exactly just like you described it on this post. After some quiet times with myself and reflecting about my blogging purpose I decided to step back, slow down and only post whenever I was ready without following any posting schedule (once or twice a week). I decided to focus on quality over quantity and just do my best about visiting blogs I really enjoy. When I visit a blog, I read the entire post and then I comment so yes, it takes time but I do it because I want to not because I want a visit back to my blog. Although it is nice to have the blogs you visit, visit you bag, it should not be the primary reason for visiting a blog. Then it becomes a race and it can get exhausting. I truly believe that whatever is meant to be in your life will eventually manifest as long as it is your true desire and a true passion from the heart. So, if we are doing something we love and passion, life will in turn bring to us what is meant to be for us. We don’t even have to go out of our ways to get it (learned this from the book Dying to be me). You are super talented Daisy and super smart ans sweet and you do have an amazing blog and I love it! And even thought I may not leave a comment on every time you post, I follow your blog via my email just to know when you post and read it via my IPhone wherever I am. Why, because I really want to and they always teach something valuable to me, not because I want you to visit me back. You see what I mean? You do what you need to do Daisy and don’t fear about anything else because what is meant to be for you is already on its way and the people who really enjoy your talent and beautiful posts will always come back. At least I will;-) Just do what feels right to you and most importantly, what brings you joy and happiness. XOXO, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
It’s totally okay to take a step back- you have to in order to balance the rest of your life! I admire your honesty, and of course we’ll all be here when you return. 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
I feel like blogging has always come in seasons for me. And it is good to sometimes reevaluate what it means to you and how it’s going to fit into your schedule. You have built such a great community on here, Daisy and I am so proud that you are rocking your tutoring business! I love the quote you shared about coming alive. I think that’s definitely where you need to center your focus. It’s been hard for me as well to determine how blogging fits in with my goals, my schoolwork/career, and my life, but I think if you come up with a schedule that fits you, much of this community will support you with that! All the best luck with your work and your goals, girl!
I’ve been blogging for five years and seen many come and go. At first, I thought everyone blogged for life but then I watched people drop away. I’ve come to realize two things. First, to blog long-term, you need to strike a balance between online activity and real life. Second, your motivation for blogging matters a lot. Many have unrealistic dreams of getting rich or famous; disappointment for them is just a matter of time. My blog is a combination of autobiography and art project, which will never grow old for me. Good post!
Oh man, this is a tough one! I was recently talking about this with one of my blogging friends. It can be tough to change your schedule because of the expectations you place on yourself. You feel like you won’t be growing your blog or building followers if you don’t post every day.
For me, what is important is quality over quantity. I have seen some bloggers who post everyday, but a lot of it is link ups or “fluff” posts. I just skip over those and read their original posts. So they might as well just post a few days a week!
i had to change up my schedule recently and started doing a more personal-type post on Fridays. I had started working again and just didn’t have the time to do as many recipes each week! As long as I can focus on making what I do share really good, I’m ok with it.
Hey girl!! It’s REALLY strange: I was planning to email you to ask you some questions about my schedule and if it is “okay” to just write (what I am called to and love doing) and read other blogs, rather than all of the link-ups, giveaways, etc. I really want to keep posting but I am overwhelmed by all of the other seemingly necessary blog stuff. I really want to only be writing, anyway, if I was honest with myself.
Thank you SO much for all you taught me. You are probably the best tutor EVER! Seriously!!! So excited for the new chapter, but don’t shut down your blog completely. At least pray about it a little more.
xoxox
Terrence
I have changed my blogging schedule when things get too hectic and even though I am a new blogger, I find it does make a difference with how many visits my blogs get and such. At the same time, as this is a hobby, it’s important to do it when you enjoy it and accept that it may take a backseat when things get too busy. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself about a hobby because you may end up not enjoying it anymore! And the more you enjoy it, the more it’ll show in your content so it’s very important to do it because you love it and take time off when it gets too much! I love your posts so I’ll be here if and when you take a break and if and when you come back 🙂
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
Thank you for sharing this and I can definitely relate. It’s hard to keep up with everything and find balance! I hope you know that even when you post less, I’m a forever follower of yours! xx
lovejoanna.com
Such true words… I recently took a few months “off” from blogging and I found it to be really refreshing and much-needed. But what really surprised me is how much I realized I truly missed it, and now I’m so thrilled to be back!
Take your time – let life happen. 🙂
This is such a relatable post…as long as you are doing what makes you happy, that’s the most important thing. For most of us, blogging is a hobby. And when it stops becoming rewarding and it takes away from our lives instead of enriching them, it’s time to re-evaluate. Good for you for doing what’s best for you!
Some of my favourite bloggers have stopped over the years for precisely the reasons you’ve mentioned. Life just gets in the way sometimes. x