In my travels around blogland, as well as in my private conversations, I'm seeing more and more of what can only be termed as
Blogger Burnout.
Shoot, sometimes all I have to do is look in the mirror to get a good look at what a tired blogger looks like!
↑
Ever feel like this?
Like your cup's only half full?
Like your cup's only half full?
To those who have opened up about their struggles to balance it all, to fit in blogging and family and work and everything else, I admire you more than I can say! You have truly spoken my heart and expressed much of what I myself have felt of late.
But what are the causes?
Is it an external or an internal pressure we place on ourselves to be....
Fabulous?
Funny?
Welcoming?
Polite?
Prolific?
Timely?
Buzz-worthy?
And in so doing, what do we sacrifice...
Family time?
Work obligations?
Prayer time?
Household chores?
Peace of mind?
I speak only for myself when I say that any and all pressure I feel related to blogging is entirely self-imposed. I got myself on this treadmill, and I'm the one that occasionally turns it waaaay up to full throttle! I'm the one that worries that perhaps others will view my occasional inability to make it over to their blogs to say "hey" as rudness, when what it really is is exhaustion, pure and simple.
Let me go on record right now as saying that blogging has never, ever felt like a chore or an obligation to me.
Far from it, it has been an unexpected joy, a source of delight and wonder and has revealed to me dear friends and kindred spirits the likes of which I never knew exisited!
But like so many others have expressed, I too have seen the effects that my blogging has had on my home life and my relationships in the "real" world.
Dishes and clothes have gone unwashed.
Checkbooks have gone unbalanced.
Prayers have gone un-prayed.
Husbands (just one!) have been neglected.
Can I blame any of this on blogging?
I think not.
The fault lies squarely with the woman talking to you right now, and there lies the solution as well.
This post doesn't have any answers or quick fixes, just a little honesty in the hopes that the more of us that speak up about this, the more forgiving we might feel towards ourselves.
You know, maybe give ourselves permission to miss a few days of blogging, safe in the knowledge that the world will keep on turning and no one will perish if I don't post pics of my latest crap from this weeks estate sale.
I've included a poll, so even if you don't post a comment, I hope you'll weigh in on whether you've been experiencing blogger burnout, too.
Thanks for "listening", and don't forget to do something nice for yourself today. :-)
XO,
Anne
Posts
64 comments:
Anne, as we have chatted about, blogging is such a joy and creative outlet, but I myself have felt pressure that I have put ON MYSELF to stay "current". I want others that invest their time with me to know I view them as important and worth my time also. This is about the 7th or 8th post that I've read in a two day span of those with the same outlook. And I totally agree with you. The more of us that share our heart on this matter, maybe the more freedom we will gain, and at the same time we will not be wondering where people are if they don't leave a comment on every post. We all need to give ourselves permission to be "ourselves". Some of us have more time demands than others. Let's all cut ourselves and each other "some slack". and "blog without obligation"...I love that phrase.
big hugs, girlfriend!
Debra
I feel guilty sometime cause I don't get to leave a comment on everyones blog. But I try to view as many as possible in a short time and that doesn't leave time for comments. And besides sometimes I just don't have a lot to say! I am the queen of "one" word comments! LOL! But that's all I have time for!
Sometimes I go for days without getting on, especially in the summer, I'm just to busy! I really don't think most bloggers keep track of this, or do they?
Have a great weekend! Theresa
I have had to cut my blogging back a bit to make sure all my orders get out. Supplying an art gallery and 4 shops with things doesn't leave a whole lot of time for daily visits to my favorite ones but most of my bloggin sisters understand :) I blog because it gives me so much joy to connect with so many lovely souls and I love getting inspiration from others and oh my goodness...all the online classes are wonderful too. I just had to cut back a wee bit though♥
Love,
LuLu♥♥♥
Hi Anne.....thought provoking post.....I think the majority of us are out there basing our "blogging success" on the number of followers, or comments, or giveaways...are all of the above.....including myself. I pulled back the first of February cancelling my monthly giveaways and allowing myself one day of being off the computer completely and at least two days a week with no pressure to blog at all. I am not a big commentor as it lessens the amount of blogs I can view because of the steps I have to go through just to LEAVE a comment....I don't have the answer, but have felt alot better since I have backed down some. I have a cetain few that I always try to visit and others I stay away from completely as the competition aspect of blogging is just too obvious and I get enough pressure in my life to intentionally do that to myself. For now, I am treating it like a personal journal....if others want to come along and see what I am up to, then I simply love to have them, but it is not my validation of blogging any longer....sorry so long, but this is what a think a serious subject out there when it should never have gotten to this point....luv ya dearly.....xojana
oh yes .. know the road .. been taking a slower route myself here the last few days .. needing to find the flow .. the way of the stream .. learning what we resist .. persist ..
love ya'
troy
Hi Anne,
I've only been blogging for 6 months, but I do have some of these same feelings. I started out blogging daily - that lasted a month. Then I went through a period of blogging 3-4 times a week, participating in blog parties. That was also too much, because I felt pressure getting everything together in time for the parties.
Finding balance & blogging is a big topic right now. A lot of people are talking about it. NOW, I post 2 posts a week, visit & leave comments when I can, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm online about 3 hours a day, and then I shut the computer down & put it away (literally - it's a laptop). The rest of the day is for everything else, and it seems to be working out well. Hope this was helpful!
Hugs,
Zuzu
Ahhhh. YES!! Girl, It is all true and I think everyone of us has had these feelings at one time or another. I have been blogging since 2007 and I have had my fair share of Blogger Burnout. Ususally it happens when real world things get too overwhelming and I have nothing left over. Sometimes I just don't feel like I have anything useful to say or share. The guilt gets bad sometimes and I do feel a commitment to be here and comment to others. But, you are right. We do need to give ourselves some slack. I am just coming off a long break, but other things were going on and I had to save my energy for those things. And yes, I do still want to see pics of your latest crap from this weeks estate sale:) LOL!! Love, Jamie
I so appreciate your honesty and so understand. When I saw your post I said, oh, no, she cannot stop blogging, I love her blog. Selfish yes, and
I had been wanting to ask you if you wanted to exchange a listing of our blogs on our list.
Please know that I so enjoy your work an your time spent~
Karen
Anne.. I've known you since you started bloggin here, and have seen you grow. I've been blogging for a few years and it's not about the readers or 'support' that one strives for.. it should be about YOU.
I blog not for
Fabulous
Funny
Welcoming
Polite
Prolific
Timely
Buzz-worthy
but I blog for me and when Maggie blogged, she shot from the hip and took names later.
I view this like a 21st century diary. I could have hubs do a monthly back up of my blog an then someday print it out. But what occurs or some adventure that happens to me, my finds will be written. If read, that's great. I need no affirmation of what I'm doing nor the support to help deal with a drama that always pops up for some.
Life happens.. regardless if one wants to be aware of it or not.. it's not our 'will' but 'His' will. We won't understand, we can not understand, but for this we are given the ability to think and say freely.. 'lead my path, and I shall follow.'
Burns out happen when one tries to lead all the time and being the center of the earth.. remember, the steady are few and need no recognition.
with love,
Olivia
Anne,
I just had this 'conversation' with a few other bloggers. I have not experienced what you describe for a few reasons 1) I am new to blogging but more so 2) I am not one to get caught up in public opinion (and if you read my blog you will soon recognize that)
I blog when I want, what I want -- I am channeling JD Salinger!
If I am going to make this a popularity contest or about being politically correct or following a schedule or specific agenda or staying inside the box ... well, hell, I might as well return to Wall Street.
Deborah
I have had so many computer problems that I have had to scale back because it took too long and was not fun messing with my computer. I really Love blogging. But when I don't have anything to say I just don't post. I visit and get to see others great things and get inspired and post. I don't have children, But do have a 40+ hr week job. So my home (with 3 dogs) gets neglected. I do it on my day off. I come home and relax. I have a new laptop and it working so much better I hope to get more done in the same amount of time. But I also limit my self to not much more than an hour a day. It seems to work better. But I keep going. Try not to fall pray to the self imposed guilt and blog for bliss! Thanks for this post!
Hugs, Lisa
I'm pretty new so blogger burnout is not something I'm experiencing so much yet. BUT I have had this discussion with others and I am trying really hard to continue to blog because I enjoy it. I try to visit those I can but if I can't then I can't. I am so glad you wrote this because I am aware of how this wonderful thing we love can take over and become too much. I don't want that.
Let's see here, Anne! Let me start out by saying I am retired and have been for almost 8 years. I probably have more time on my hands than many and enjoy blogging. Only a couple of times have I felt like I didn't really want to do it. But, honestly my Family enjoys reading it and many are not even bloggers. So.. I just tell whatever I did that day, interesting or not:) My daughter posts a blog once a week and that works with her schedule! Hugs to you!
I hear ya, but I don't have the answer either.
My kids are out of the house and I haven't started working again since "FauxBiz" went out of business almost a year ago. So, I really do have the time, and I really do enjoy reading blogs.
I have gone through periods of "this isn't fun any more", but it didn't last long.
I am spending less time on the computer since I opened my Etsy store. I always seem to be at the sewing machine lately. I guess that has helped a lot.
For now, I am just going to keep pluggin at the same pace, but maybe reading fewer blogs and not worrying about responding to every single comment.
I hope you find a happy pace 'cause we still want to see the crap from this weeks estate sale!!!! (wink!) Hope your toesie is better!
Rhonda
Hi Anne,
Oh boy, have I ever been wondering what to do about this very thing. I echo what Debra said (Common Ground) this is a joy for me, and I don't want to appear rude if I don't go to everyblog that I'm following or that leave me comments, each time they post. I think if we each would understand that none of us are slighting each other if we don't leave a comment on every post, just know that I AM visiting and loving it! I had just made the decision to start commenting once in awhile on all my faves when I read French Charming's great post on this very thing. I, like Karyn, want to continue to do posts(because I love to yak and take photos and share them)but I can no longer leave comments on every blog I visit, every time I visit. I want to keep blogging, but something has got to give. I would feel just awful if I thought that just because I leave someone a heartfelt comment, that they need to come over and leave me one.
I stay home and take care of Landon everyday and probably have more time to do this (blog) than the average blogger, but I want to do a good job in everything else I do. I don't know how all you young ones with jobs and families can even try to keep up. Thank you Anne (and Karyn) for re-starting this dialogue again for all of us newer bloggers. I have followed blogs (anon) for a couple of years, so I know that this is not new to seasoned bloggers. I think that they have just been waiting for us to finally GET IT too. hehe
So Anne...I love your blog, and I love to read it...and I just wanna say...even if I won't be saying hi every post, when I do sit down to read my faves, I'll be reading yours and their last few posts at a time. That's what works best for me. Then I can read a little every day, guilt free. Thank you sweet Anne, this has helped me feel so much better about my decision.
Hugs to you as you do what works best for you,
June
Sorry, one more thing, I took word verification off my blog to help people leave comments easier if they chose too, because leaving a comment can be such a pain on some blogs, and takes so much effort to do. I do get a few spam that get through, but it hasn't been a problem to just go in and delete them.
I hear ya! I have cut way back on my posting, and visiting others. I have noticed that many of us have cut way down on posting. I honestly don't know how everyone does it. You just do what you have to do to take care of yourself and your hubby. The nice thing about bloggers, is that many of us are in the same boat and can totally relate, and the others will be your own personal cheerleaders!! Enjoy your weekend!
Kate
Anne amor, I loved this post...so much infact that my comment was too long to post here and I emailed you instead :) sorry and don't feel any pressure to answer back, I just wanted to know how much this post meant to me :) and by the way...the fact that you work and do all things that you do and find time to post so much...well I truly admire you for it :) I am a stay at home mama...and I still haven't found a balance :) Besos, Rose
Thanks for this post. I've totally been experiencing "burnout". I found that I had a growing obsession for posting daily, coming up with creative projects, opening a store, how many hits my blog received on a daily basis, etc... and it all became exhausting. And then news of Haiti hit. And then news of a friend who was trapped in the rubble hit. Since then I've just tried to balance my life. I'm also re-evaluating the purpose of my blog. I want to share creative ideas, but I also want to provide encouragement to others. So here I am... taking a break from blogging and trying to figure it all out.
Thanks again for your honest post.
Anne,
I have not experience blogging burn out as I see this as the cherry on top of the cake. I'm pretty anal and organized so, I do what I have to do first and then I get on the computer. I don't sell anything (except my humor..if you wanna call it that) and I don't blog everyday. I totally understand the burn out due to everyday responsibilities and life. If I ever get to that point, I would surely cut back a bit and know that my blogging buddies would understand...We'd have withdraws and it wouldn't be pretty but we'd deal with it....
smooches,
bunny
No, I don't feel that I'm experiencing this phenomenon. But then I have a luxury many of you don't. And that's much time to myself. I don't have to work outside the home. My children are grown. But I do understand that most people don't have this. And I'm very understanding about their not posting often. So don't put this pressure on yourself. We'll still be here.
Brenda
I, too, am a stay at home retired lady. So.....I have enough time; but I don't put pressure on myself to blog.
If I feel like making a post; I post. If I have time to wander around and comment; I do so. No pressure.......No problem!!
Blessings to you,
Jo
My time is pretty much my own at this stage of my life, but I do know what you mean. It's hard sometimes to strike a balance between being online enough to feed my creative impulses, and spending enough time offline to actually have something to show for them!
Girl, I'm retired now so do have more time than most...but I punched a time clock while working so now I just enjoy blogging...I don't leave comments on all that I follow or who follow me...When it becames a job to me I will just delete and find something else to do...But I think we all go through burnout with not knowing what to blog about or say...I just blog for my kids and grandkids to come and see what's going on with granny ha ha!! Have GREAT weekend my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Well, I am new to the blog world and I don't have burn out yet, but can see that it could get overwhelming. I have ? myself many times about going in and reading and replying. But if this is what we want then we will make time or we won't. I just don't want to take my free time away, to sew or create.. I never want anyone to feel obligated to comment or visit. Have a problem solving day,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Maggey
Anne, give yourself a break. We all experience this and I have some really big bouts with finding time for it. You hit the nail squarely on the head~~we are trying to be interesting, funny, unique, etc, etc. And then there are all the FABULOUS blogs to read. I have to limit myself on time spent and numbers of mornings or evenings I can devote to this. I mean have we all wasted a day in our pj's reading and commenting?
And as for commenting, I feel bad that I only randomly comment and rarely comment back on ones left for me. It isn't that I mean to be rude, it's just that time thing again. Don't be hard on yourself. We're all just trying to do the best we can.
Hugs,
Shelley
Very, very well said. Funny, I was just talking to someone this week about this. Feeling guilty about not spending time on others blogs, let alone my own. And sometimes I have to wonder if I am or what I have to say is really all the interesting. LOL! I have come to the conclusion that I do this for my own fun, and fulfillment. I give what I can, but I have to keep my priorities straight. That is all we can do as bloggers. This is a great forum to meet people, make new friends, and just network. But it's okay to walk away for awhile and concentrate on our own lives, without feeling guilty. In fact, I think it's a must. We are, in actuality, only one person and cannot do it. all. From someone who totally understands...
Lani
Yep, feeling the burnout this week. Nothing to exciting happening, so I'm keeping my mouth shut and hands off the keyboard!
Anna
I love blogging - it gives me an nice outlet from the day to day grind. It never feels like a chore but I think with everything else, you need a day off every once in a while to recharge the battery!
Ugh, I hate typos - sorry guys! A nice outlet - not an nice outlet. HA!
I have already had blog blah!! But I took a much needed break and feel sooo much better about it. I have a tone to catch up on though. But I do it at my time. P.s I am the one on the right ...lol LYLAS
Oh Boy, blogger burn out..... gosh, is that what it is called....
I just
thought
I
was
addicted
to blogging...
I can't
stop,
I am
feeling
so
guilty...
I know it seems like you have to answer everyone, but I am just love to blog and I don't worry about how many times someone comments..... sometimes I don't blog for days.
You just need to feel good about how much to blog
Put yourself and your family first!
True friends will be here for when you need them....
A good friend understands, and so far, I have only met good kind hearted bloggers!
Take care and don't get burnt out, I would much rather read one post a month or two then none at all!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
sorry, you see how tired I am... I don't even make sense!!!! I meant to say, I just love to blog..... oops!
Cheers,
Margaret B
Anne... I've experienced blogger burnout so many times over the past 5-years... I've quit counting. One thing that helps me... sometimes I just stop for a week. I might drop in on a few of my favorites, and maybe leave a comment... maybe not... then when I feel the urge to post again... I will... don't feel too guilty.. like so many of us... you've got a lot on your plate... take a break... then blog again when the mood calls you to do so...
hugs... Dixie
Hi Anne,
I have thought about this very same thing this week as I was setting up my banner and starting out on my blogging journey.
I thought about how much I could handle and what I really wanted from the whole experiance.
My first motivation was just to meet ladies like myself who love to be creative...I need
to connect with women who share some of the same values as myself and just to make friends.
I want this to be fun and knowing in advance
my limitations and being ok with what I can
do and can not do!! I know somedays I will
be able to do quite a bit and other days
probably nothing at all. I know in my heart
that this is a joy and a dream come true for me
and I thank God for the opportunity to meet
such lovely people here in Blogland.
Thanks Anne for being yourself and asking
what we think as well!! Bless you and have a
great weekend!! Hugsss Susan in Georgia
Anne, I've been on a blogging "time-out" for about three weeks now. I let my priorities get all messed up and spent hours on the computer instead of with my daily devotions, my husband, my friends and family. I spent way less time on my crafts that I sell for pocket money and my pockets were getting pretty empty! I feel less pressure having taken a break and I haven't posted in three weeks. It's ok, I'm not in high school hoping to be voted "most popular" by my peers. I am an adult woman who has decided to take charge of my life. I read other blogs occasionally now, but NOTHING like I used to do. I'm out of touch, but no longer going out of my mind!
Take a break if you feel like it. Share yourself with your family!
Sue
Hi Anne:
I usually spend an hour in the morning and an hour at night reading blogs and writing my posts. If I have more time free during the day, I always sign on and check out my comments and a few other blogs. I love keeping in touch with my blog friends and find it a wonderful outlet. I was never good with a diary (seems everything I wrote was soooo depressing that I destroyed them all...too much drama and angst!), but having set the theme for my blog, I find that, even on dreary or sad days, I can always find something joyful about which to write. My blog has been an accounting of all the blessings in my life - and now I also have my blog friends to count among them. You included, Anne! I'm so glad that we've met. Were it not for my blog, I wouldn't have come to know what a lovely human being you are.
Thanks for letting me tell you so (and take up a little space here, too!)
xoxo
Donna
Hi Anne. This is a wonderful post and something that many of us are dealing with. It's obvious from the number of comments you've received.
I'm always amazed at how much so many bloggers are getting done. Tons of wonderful crafts, I mean really and truly works of art. Remodeling projects, up-cycle projects, childrens parties, holiday celebrations. Families, Moms with children, Grandmothers with families close by and some working outside the home as well as in the home and some even have online business' (and yes those take time too). Add in church or civic duties and shopping - wheew, I'm worn out just thinking about it! And that's before blogging or following. I'm so envious. I know that's bad but I seemed to have lost all my energy.
And I know I'm letting things slide because I'm hooked on reading and keeping up with the blogs. As if I don't have enough to follow I love finding new ones. I've got 200 ideas for projects that I've found but I'm so busy visiting I'm not doing them. Now don't get me wrong I'm not complaining and definitely not blaming anyone else. Blogland has saved my sanity and most important given me friends that I love. It's drawn me closer to the Lord as well ~ which is huge. I know it's just something that I have to learn to balance. Goodness knows blogland wouldn't be anything without friends and comments. Sugar has to be controlled too. So this I will have to balance (I'm not doing so good on the sugar thing). Ha-ha
Thanks for sharing how you're feeling and opening up with us. Rest up, I know I'm gonna be here when you're ready.
Have a blessed Sunday. Sweet hugs...Tracy :)
I wish everyone would read this post and give ourselves a little guilt free blogging time.
I know a blog break is coming soon for me. Spring is just around the corner!
love ya,
Carole
Oh, girlie...you know I have been down this road! I feel the pressure all the time(self imposed) and really hope that all of us in the blogging community can come to a place one day where we do start giving ourselves and others a break when it comes to this hot topic!
Hugs,
Adrienne
Ugh...you got me with the "prayer time"...stop it already! ;} I think we have all been there ...can't let it become a "little god" can we?
m ^..^
Anne, yes to it all. I experience burnout many times, blogging, and other things and I'm trying real hard to put things into perspective and say no when I should and that means even staying away from the computer. I do feel better when things are in order, but I love it so! I'm sure you'll figure it out and find your balance. Happy weekend my friend!
The part about feeling pressure to visit others' blogs or be seen as rude? Totally me. I'd say that's the biggest source of my blogger burnout.
Good questions. I also feel a pressure (totally self-imposed, yes) to be funny or witty or timely and all that.
Hi Anne,
Great post and one that we all feel a little like, at times.
I do enjoy blogging and I know how much time it takes to get around and visit all my friends and their blogs.
There should never be any pressure and this should be a fun thing.
We must not neglect the more important ~ husband, children, daily life and chores.
Your blog is one I love to come and visit and see what fun things you are up to ~ thank you, dear friend.
Hugs
Carolyn
I missed blogging time during my husband's heart bypass and guess what...the blogging world goes on...and blogging friends understand and wait patiently for you to return! You must think of the ones you love first. Of course, we know you love us too, but we are very content to be second in your heart! You take care of yourself and your family and we will always be waiting!
I've been thinking about this same thing myself. I could echo Tracy Suzanne's comments precisely. I have nearly 200 blogs in my reader and although not every one posts new every day, that's still far too many to visit and comment on separately, so I've given that up and don't feel guilt about it. W
hat I do find is that although I ADORE reading blogs and the inspiration they bring, I also find that they're getting me down, because I feel like I just can't measure up. There are blogs I read where the author is posting an amazing new project almost every single day, and still has kids at home. It makes me feel inadequate because I can't get anywhere near that much done so I start to wonder what's wrong with me.
Also, I spend so much time gathering ideas that I don't actually have any time left to implement them! And lately I have been feeling like all I can do is copycat what other people do--I think my own creativity is being stifled because I'm so busy looking at what other people do instead of working to figure things out myself. It's a double-edged sword.
I've got to make some changes, but I don't know what they are yet. All I know is that blogging is becoming a source of stress for me and that has got to change.
Oh Anne sweetie...
I know your pain, as I work 10-12 hour days. I post when I can, and I know I don't get around to all of the blogs. I just go to a few each day, and then my really close blogger friends don't feel left out.
I never worry when someone doesn't comment, we all have lives sweetie, and we are all doing the best that we can in this world. That is all that anyone can ask of you. Just keep plugging. Drop in when you can.
Giveaways are sweet, but I only do a giveaway at mile posts. My 100th post, my 200th post, and at Christmas. I am going to do a small one probably at Easter again. I send things to folks that I want to.
Don't stress Anne. When something becomes a chore then it is no longer fun. Let the fun back in, you will find yourself, no stress and don't neglect the hubby. Country Wings isn't going anywhere, and I totally understand when you can't stop by every day. Does everyone really expect that? I sure don't you are safe here.
I love you sweetie. Take care of yourself, and don't get burned out. Country hugs and so much love...Sherry
I feel that way sometimes. But I am pretty good about commenting on others' blogs and have to give myself permission to not comment at times. It is easy to become addicted to the whole, lovely blogging thing. As with anything - balance is the answer!
xo
Claudia
Anne, Wow I just read everyones comments and I can relate to a few of them... I don't feel like I have burnout only because I'm fairly new to this. I have however felt bad if I didn't leave a comment everytime on some of my favorites but that is totally self imposed. I have always been the girl who wanted people to like her and as humbling as that is to say, when I started the blog it hit me square in the face. I started looking at how many followers I had as a measure of myself or wonder if what I have to say is relevant and then I would get a wonderful comment from someone and remember it's not about how many friends you have but the quality of them. Heck even in real life I don't have a slew of friends around me just some really genuine ones. I started blogging because I loved reading them and wanted to share some of my creativity with other like minded people. I have gotten over the popularity thing, and now just relax and blog away! Having given myself that freedom has made this journey more fun. I don't expect people to leave a comment everytime, I can't so I get that, it sure is nice to get them though!
I can get obsessed with things (there are just some things you accept about yourself) and when I see that maybe I've neglected other areas in my life then it's time to rein in the obsession! Just this week I was going to post how I've neglected my etsy because of blogging so I layed off the blogs and started creating. Were only human and there are only so many hours in the day. I'm rambling now so I'll stop... another obsessive behavior! I'm glad for your post, it shows one of the best things about blogging, the understanding we all have for eachother. Thanks, Theresa
I think you should know that I love you not in the freaky freakish kind of way, but the "sister - blog stalker - you rock" kind of way.
That's it. Just thought you should know that.
;-) robelyn
What a great topic, my sister has gone through this... She has quite a following. It can cause tons of pressure, not to mention when you get bigger other bloggers can get nasty. I see you are from the Hill Country. Do you go to Round Top? We went for the first time in the fall and are planning on going back in the spring. We just had a blast and found some great finds
Just a quick "amen" here...oh the balance of it all...I've been wondering how you all do it...and now I know...you don't:)
Have a great Sunday, dear Anne.
Rene'
Oh Yeah! I hear you loud and clear. It's so easy to get lost in blogland, just poking around enjoying ones self. Before you realize it, hours have gone by. What happened, I just got up!!?? Never enough time in the day, but I am still sitting here having fun. So happy I found your blog, Char
I also hear ya loud and clear....we just have to relax and do what we can...I do find myself anxious when I am unable to visit all that I want or comment as much as I like...but at the end of the day....I love this and could not have imagined the love, inspiration and support that I would receive from this online family!! Thank you everyone! xOxO Nerina
Very well said. I have often said to my husband "too bad I don't get paid for blogging" because I do give alot of my time to it...and well, with my dear hubby being laid off work last month, we could use the money!
When I feel 'blogger burnout' I just post pretty images that calm my own soul, that inspire, or speak to my own heart and write very little...I have been in that place for sometime now and well it works. This way I still enjoy blogging because I enjoy seeing the lovely images I'm posting on my blog. Does that make sense? Or one can simply take a break...and you don't even have to post about it. Just take a break...drive to the sea or the forest or the meadow and breath in some life...to refresh the soul from all the demands of our every spinning faster world.
PS I wanted to tell you that your Catholic faith has really ispired me. I am new to visiting your blog and I am new to attending the Catholic Church. My hubby was raised Catholic and graduated from Jesuit H.S, but I was unchurched. I gave my life to Jesus at a Christian camp my senior year of H.S. When I met my hubby in college he was no longer going to church and I was trying to find one. We ended up at a nondenominational church In the 20yrs. of raising for children we've been to our fair share of nondenominational Christian churches, but just recently returned to the Catholic church. In prayer time the Lord whispered in to my heart to go to St. Joseph's. We have been so happy there. And I am learning so much. I am very blessed by how rooted in Christ the Catholic faith is. Sorry I didn't mean to write so much, but just wanted you to know that your faith has touched my heart.
Hey sweet Anne, I think that this can happen so very easily, especially if we begin to compare ourselves to others and fail to remember that our blog is OUR blog...an expression of ourselves and that we have to figure out the balance that works.
I am a prolific blogger ~ why? I do not work full-time ~ and I dedicate the time I would spend working at a job to my blog, creating art and sharing....So I can afford to be prolific. My children are all almost grown, we have only little Noah left and he's 12 so that helps me tremendously too.
But I will say that if I worked full time, my blog would NEVER have the amount of posts it has ~ it might be a once a week deal...so it all depends on your situation, your family, your lifestyle. I say figure out the balance that works for you. If you enjoy blogging, you can determine something that will keep your world turning smoothly and still be inspired by all the goodness here ~
with hugs and love, Dawn
Nothing like being fashionably late to a party, but I do like to make an entrance!
I don't experience burnout as much as writer's blockage. I always have said, I don't write my posts or comments...I'm just the typist and from time to time, the words are just not there. I don't worry too much about it...I know they will return with time. I think it's God's way of letting me know when I'm being neglectful in other areas of my life and He just removes the obstacle (read that "words") until I'm back on track.
Stepping back is always a good thing because it gives me a moment to reflect on why I began blogging. The numbers aren't that important...at least not to me. Keeping it fresh and real and me is. I do actively seek out those who blogs are "them". I love a different take than mine, relish wit, and adore creativity that is theirs. I generally post at night when everything else is done. If I haven't been visiting a lot, then I don't do a post, but make a real effort to go have a cuppa with those who have. For me, commenting is just as important as posting. I can't expect comments if I'm not giving any and if it's a choice between the two...I'll comment.
It's taken me a little time to separate this life from my real life. I love both, but to be honest...the real world comes first. Believe me when I say that I truly believe God led me to start blogging and through it, I was able to meet some wonderful people who helped when I was in a dark place. He blessed me with some of the most beautiful friends I will ever have and I would like to think if I stopped blogging tomorrow, they would still be my friends.
Perhaps working full time, raising two kids and having a husband who traveled a lot was a crash course in juggling, but isn't that what life..a juggling act?
Debbie
I do believe that if we lower our expectations of ourselves and others, then we will be less stressed and then pleased when we do get a little "sumpin"...no expectations, no disappointment. Just sayin'. ~Mindy
I don't feel so bad now, as a matter of fact, I wrote a poem about it on the Shadow Shot Sunday meme yesterday...I call it 'Bent', it expresses my feelings of late running full ahead of myself and wondering...where am I and what did I just say...and why...
However, I live alone, except for the dog, so I think I just bite off more than I can chew at times, when all I want to do sometimes is just come home and watch a movie and chill...rather than start another project.
However, finances right now rule my roost, but I'm gonna work on that one and just not worry so much about it, it always seems to come at the right time...the nick of time!!!
Good post!
Sharon
Oh my I just did a post about this too because of LuLu's post and yes we all get the guilty thing going but understand that is only because we love everyone on here! Otherwise we would not give a darn whether or not we hurt their feelings by coming by or leaving a comment but when you get my age honey it does not matter because most people know YOU can not do it all....you can only be yourself and like I mentioned before I started my blog for me and only put a comment and follower thing on there because I like a fool that I am thought you were suppose to because everyone else had one. hahahahaha
Sweetie I think your just getting worried about Round Top/Warrenton being so close and you have a ton of work to do with that so stop worrying about pleasing us ole gals and get up and round up all your Round Top goodies and when you have ten minutes then stop by my site and just leave one big note for everyone then that way your covered for all the others. hahaha
Seriously just be yourself and if you feel like turning us on do it if not who's going to blame you no one because we are all such kind wonderful sweeties on here. I haven't met one that was not.
Oh about missing spiritual time on here..Goodness you blogging ladies have given me more spiritaul time with each of you every day that I walk away from my computer thinking I have just got off my knees from praying.
And look how many of us prayer together and laugh together and cry together so honey just take a break and feel better.
Love
Maggie
I took this weekend off from blogging, because I know that once I get started, it is easy to go from blog to blog, find new blogs, leave comments, etc, and I don't get done the things I need to do. Since my hubby worked all day Saturday on our upstairs bath installing tile, I thought I'd better do something like, say, clean our house! (I did peak at a few blogs; I needed a break now and then!) Then Maya was here yesterday and I decided not to take away time with her and stayed away from the computer.
I don't have anything to add to what you have said, Anne, except that I agree with you. I enjoy your posts and your transparency, and I am very glad we've met!
I haven't felt blogger burnout yet. Life is so busy and we all understand that. Some times I just don't have anything to share that I think you would be interested in. And instead of boring you I don't post. You're welcome:) So I try to post a couple of times a week. Although I would love to do it every day, time doesn't permit. I had a thought that maybe if I set aside an hour a day to do blogging I can do it better. We will see. I just know that I love it and it is fun adn I love meeting everyone:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens
I love your blog...visit often...I have never left a comment...never felt the necessity to do so. But that doesn't mean I don't love your blog or visit often. I blog cause I have something to say - if someone reads it fine...if they don't fine too.I have sitemeter that tells me how many visits and where they are from...(just me being nosy) The same people come over and over and never leave a comment and I never thought anything about it - I just figure they come to enjoy what I have to say and that is that. Blog Burnout...??? I don't feel any obligation to blog once a day or once a week...I love visiting blogs to see the different headers and projects "bloggers" are sharing with the world! Inspirational, and geez if you don't blog today someone else is blogging so I just come back tomorrow! Don't burnout...you have good stuff to share!
whew ... lots of words going up here.
I don't even have time to write all that's on my heart.
I KNOW that you already KNOW, tho.
Sometimes, I just plain want to call in sick!
This is one reason, I put up one or two great photos and Keep It Simple.
There's more coming down the pike, too, that may make me jump off the interstate and take the scenic route!
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