At Yosemite, whilst on our summer road trip ’12
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Last week I talked about intuitive eating.
Today I want to talk about intuitive blogging. (You already know why I blog.) Or rather, blogging as a natural extension to life. Not something planned, rigid, or prescribed. I know that may work for some blogs, but the evolution that has occurred to this space, to me, over recent months, will not grant that.
Much has changed since I first began this blog almost 4 years ago (my first post!)–in the content as well as my approach. Hopefully my pictures, writing, the overall feel & authenticity of the blog has improved. But through it all, I’ve hoped bring joy to be a living, breathing extension of my life.
After all, this why I love blogs. This is what I think makes blog worth reading. They’re real. They’re intimate.
The past six months or so, I’ve blogged more than I ever have.
I’ve learned a lot. I’ve realized what I don’t want my life to be (stuck in front of a computer) & what I want my life to be (primarily spent in reality with the people I love most).
I’ve realized I can’t operate the same hours/lifestyle that many bloggers do. I don’t have hours a day to devote to blogging (that is, if I want to get a decent night’s sleep, which turns out–I do).
So I’m pulling back. I’m still committed to writing whenever I can. I hope daily, but I want to give myself more freedom to let it be more of a free-flowing pursuit. I still hope to stay connected with my blogger friends & follow the blogs I love. I will still (always) read your comments & do my best to respond to your thoughtful comments & inquiries.
Joseph & I talked the other night.
“I just don’t know if I should continue with the blog. Sometimes it seems, at least on paper, like such a moronic thing to do. Spend 10-20 hours a week & spend money (this is not a money-making endeavor) to upkeep the site, & for what? Sometimes it seems like my time & efforts, since they’re finite resources, should & ought to be spent on something more tangible, more real.” After my slew of words, Joseph responded: “Well, you do it, because you love it.”
True. I do.
As we talked, he helped me to realize that I just need to be me. That I should blog when I want to, when I feel so inspired, when I can. He made it clear he’s my biggest fan, my biggest support & he wants me to keep going.
Like intuitive eating, intuitive blogging requires some self-awareness. Is this too much? Do I love what I’m creating, writing about? Could my time be better spent elsewhere, & if so, how? These are all questions I’ll be asking myself.
Ultimately, I desire a real space. A space that reflects the ebb & flow of motherhood & life.
As always, thank you for reading.
Love the idea of intuitive blogging!
If this had been a speech, I would have been up on my feet clapping. This is the way that I approach things. If it feels natural to write, I do. If it doesn’t, I won’t. I don’t force it…. and because I don’t, I enjoy it more.
Such a beautiful post. I guess all bloggers struggle with the “is this worth it” thoughts from time to time. It is so easy for me to get overwhelmed with all the beautiful and popular blogs out there and wonder if mine matters. I adore your blog and whether you post once a week or once a month or once a year, I will still be a loyal reader. You have a beautiful way with words that make everything you write so much fun to read (and your photography is incredible). And I completely understand the need to spend more time in the real world, especially with those beautiful kids!! Thanks for this honest take on things.
What a wonderful, supportive husband you have!
This is basically what has happened to my blog for the time being. I LOVE doing it, but I have so much going on in my life right now that taking pictures, writing posts, and trying to keep up with all of my favourite bloggers everyday became too much. I’m stepping back and realizing that it’s there when I need it, when I have the motivation to write out a post. In the meantime, readers seem to be quite happy with the collection of recipes already on my site, and I’m sure that’s the case with yours.
I think intuitive blogging is a great idea <3 Your readers will still be here
What a wonderfully honest and important post Janae. Kudos for being so candid. I am with you, I actually feel like I have those same thoughts almost daily. I LOVE blogging, everything about it, but some days it seems that all of the time, stress and money are just not worth it. I do afterall own my own business that does have the potential to make money for my family, unlike blogging. Ultimately, I have decided to let me life guide where it goes. Some weeks I will be ALL in and really dedicated, with a post a day, etc. and some weeks, the blog will just have to sit quiet. Untouched and unupdated and I just have to be OK with it.
Hey Janae, I have similar thoughts on blogging, especially as of late. I loved Emily’s comment about the blog as another baby. For me it’s the mix of a third job and an infant right now. I’ve always been amazed at your capacity to comment and read so many blogs and create beautiful, detailed, often yummy posts. And I know you have great dreams of publishing.. with this amazing digital resume, I’m ready to purchase!!
Can I tell you that I’m a little sad to read this, too? A few blogger friends are taking steps away lately, which I admire and appreciate for their lives and happiness. I’ve also come to rely on certain sources of joy that will be missed. The ebb and flow of motherhood and life all play a part in this, and I’m grateful to share in what you feel inspired to post when it’s intuitive.
XO, MJ
Pulling back is ok. I went from 3 to 2 posts a week and I feel liberated. I may move down to 1 a week, who knows. But I agree, do what feels right to you.
This is why so many people love reading Sunny Side Up blog. She doesn’t have an agenda to sell or preach to people, she simply just shares what is on her mind, what she likes, and what she is good at in such a positive voice. It’s so much more fun to read when the blogger isn’t trying to be so professional. It’s more real.
I don’t think you have to spend 10-20 hours a week or nothing at all. I think writing once a week or so is feasible and people will still read and be able to keep up. Your blog is pretty and nicely organized but there are free ways to blog that won’t cost you anything. Have you considered setting up an Amazon affiliate link? It can throw you a couple of bucks to at least help defray site costs.
I appreciate your blog and what you do. Seems like you need to find a way to get more balance though.
Balance is one of the recurring themes I hear when I talk to bloggers. Heck, I say the same thing myself. I think finding the approach that works for you and where you’re happy is one of the trickiest thing with this hobby.
Good for you Janae! Seriously. You blog is so beautiful and inviting and I’m inspired every time I visit (thank you!). However, none of your readers want you to give more of yourself than you should to this blog. Working on a blog can become addicting and it really can suck your life away (if even for an hour or two a day). It takes a very delicate balance that i think you have just found!
I often describe my blog as a third baby… so demanding, time consuming, and needs me every day, all day long. But, thankfully, I can walk away from this baby for a day at will and spend time with my real babies! That’s where life really happens.
Thanks for letting us have a glimpse into you joyful life!!! Have a beautiful day!
Emily Jeffords
i hope you find the pace and rhythm that make you happy.
Intuitive blogging – how I love the sound of that.
Yes. As I write this I let out a big sigh. On the one hand it’s sooooo fun and exciting to create and write and take photos and network and read and learn. On the other hand – sometimes it is just too.much. I felt like that at the beginning of summer. For me it was being a bit burnt out.
And you are so right – you or I or anyone else can’t “compete” or keep up with someone spending 40 hours a week doing this. Or 20 hours a week.
As soon as it feels like a chore, it isn’t worth it. As soon as the people in our real lives are getting shortchanged for the people online, it isn’t worth it.
Intuitive blogging – has a GREAT ring to it…