Bloggers Need to Live Life, Too!
After blogging/writing for over 2 plus years now, I will say that in the beginning I found myself writing, but it didn’t completely consume my life or time.
As the months and even years went on, I found myself as a blogger obsessed and even a bit possessed by blogging.
I mean I love it and the writer at heart in my deepest should craved it.
But then, I found myself feeling guilty for all the time I spent blogging and writing. I am a wife and a mom, too.
And then, I went and added designer to my daily work life, as well.
I found myself personally searching for a better balance and schedule.
I will tell you I am getting better at living my life. Ironically, I recently saw this image on SITS Girls Facebook page on the same day my husband and I were going out to dinner on a Tuesday night to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary.
Not Going to lie, this one spoke volumes to me and made me realize that as bloggers, we (myself included) put certain pressures and goals to attain on ourselves daily, but the thing is sometimes quite simply life just isn’t being lived.
One of my goals when I started to blog was to share my life in the written form to look back on, as well as to have other read and follow along as I was living my family life.
So the conundrum here is how can you write and share life if you aren’t living it per say, because let’s face it blogging is so much more then writing and many (again myself included) ca get caught up in all that blogging can entail, such as social media, networking and so much more.
But here is the thing at the end of the day, what might you have to show for all this hard work?
I know many in my own life, aren’t even sure of all that I do daily. And yet I have had others ask me how do I do it all?
Honestly, sometimes I just want to walk away and live my life with no worries, but then again the flip side of this proverbial coin is, I would miss blogging and writing so much.
Recently, I read a beautifully written article by a wonderful friend and blogger, Cyndi over at Pictimilitude about living life and still taking time off when needed to indeed life life, but blogging and the world around it still be there when you return.
But I thought for those bloggers, who look to me for guidance and help in the blog world, I will share a bit more practical advice rather then technical, why I, myself, have recently decided to take weekends, evenings and a few hours here and there during the day to indeed live my life and why other bloggers/writers would consider doing the same, too.
3 Reasons Why Bloggers Should Indeed Live Their Life:
1. Life Is Too Short:
Point blank, life is too short not to live life every day to its fullest and do what you can to enjoy it. My grandfather used to say when looking at the obituaries, “New People Are Dying Everyday!” The point is you aren’t going to live forever and making sure to enjoy each day, because (and I know this sounds a bit morbid, but still), you never know when it could be your last. I know I am only in my mid thirties, but have seen my fair share of deaths over the years both young and old. I want to know that when it is my time that I have left my mark not only in the words I shared, but the life I lived, too. So, I blog to make sure my tales are imprinted and not forgotten, but I walk away to live life so that I don’t miss a moment of it either.
2. Everyone Needs to Have a Life Once in Awhile:
Blogging can be incredibly fun, but it can also get a bit tedious staring at a computer all day long. Don’t get me wrong there are times, where I love my MacBook and have had my husband joke that it could be my third child, but still as much as this can be the case, I can’t help, but want and need to walk away, go outdoors or just veg out reading a great new book or watch mindless TV on my DVR. Everyone needs down time. Whatever job or profession, you have, you still need to take time for you. All work and no play, definitely makes for a dull life indeed. And yet still, believe it or not all of the above have also given me some great article ideas, which brings me to one of my favorite reasons as a blogger why we must walk away from our computers and simply live life to the fullest.
3. Life Makes for Great Blog Posts:
Not going to lie, the times when I have questioned blogging the most and what more I could possibly share, when I have gone out and had my own adventures with my husband and kids have helped fuel my writing mojo. Trust me, these times we have shared, i always find myself walking away with a fever and flair for wanting to put the experience into my own words to share for all. Some of my favorite writing has come from these moments experienced in my life.
So, in the end, blogging is a craft and outlet for many who choose to indeed venture into it, but make no mistake life should still be lived and enjoyed to its fullest, because it does go very nicely hand in hand with blogging. Blogging and life simply can exist and work nicely in tandem.
I am almost up to 5 years now and sometimes I feel like my blog is another one of my children!
I know that feeling well, Robin and I will say I give you tons of credit daily, because I am seriously not sure how you post every day 7 days a week. I had to cut back and give myself a weekly schedule. I love it, but seriously not enough time in the day to post 7 days a week here for me at this point.
I saw that graphic pop up too, and quickly thought about grabbing it, posting it, and heading on my merry way! I am exhausted from keeping up with it all… especially since I now have 4 blogs to keep up with! That’s a LOT! I need a break though. It’s getting to be too much.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
So, I think I’m gonna steal that graphic and take a little break myself.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Alexa recently posted…When all that’s left is laughter
Aww, happy to give you the inspiration and I am seriously not sure how you are keeping up with 4 blogs, when I am barely staying afloat many days with only the two!
I struggle with this too. Some days I feel this intense pressure to write a post because there is something I need to say, but there are definitely days when I feeling like I’m only writing to check off that day. I liken it to any job or business, though. There are days when you love what you’re doing, and there are days when you’re going through the motions.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…#TuesdayTen: My Favorite Apps {Linkup}
So true, Rabia and I will say I never want this to be something I am just doing for going through the motions, but still i realized that I need to take the time away in order for it not to turn into that.
I agree with you completely! I have trouble keeping up with my blog especially during the summer months, with the girls home from school and the outdoor activities. It’s actually more fun to come back to blogging when school starts again. I feel refreshed and ready to write!![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Ginny Marie recently posted…Your Spin Cycle Prompt {week of 7/14}
Same here and totally admit that the summer with the girls home is definitely a bit tricker and adds a while new layer to blogging for me.
Exactly, life makes fantastic blog posts. So you have to make sure you live 🙂 Great advice Janine![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kerri recently posted…Lessons Learned
Thanks Kerri and I am slowly but surely learning this lesson. Totally nothing like teaching an old dog new tricks 😉
Yes!! I cannot agree more with every single word! I think it’s quite important to live life; it’s hard to not worry about blogging, but you have to live in the now. We only have one shot here… no regrets.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
XOXO
Mrs.aok recently posted…Intro to my #WDW Series & Countdown to Disney Printable
Aww, thanks Mrs. AOK and I totally agree that we only have one shot in the here and now xoxo 🙂
Hold on here, we are supposed to LIVE our life too?!! Where am I supposed to schedule that, between FB post, Tweeting or Pinning? Lol! Yes, you are so right. And as soon as I get this comment done I’m gong to spend a little time outdoors. I hear it’s summer! xo Lots of love! xo![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kathy Radigan recently posted…Lost and Found
Lol, Kathy. I know the feeling well and I swear I am trying so hard now to enjoy every moment of the warm, summer weather now, here, too – even if it is looking like rain on and off today. But still enjoy and love you, too xoxo 🙂
Janine,
I worked until midnight last night because I had to get caught up. This has been a terrible month with 13 doctor/dentist checkups for all of us. Plus college visits, and getting ready to have to go to court. Today, I have to take my son for testing which will be several hours. Life is crazy and no time to take a break. I pray it gets better soon. I was actually thinking about not blogging anymore. I too would miss it. It is a wonderful outlet for me.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Diane Roark recently posted…3 Gooseberry Recipes & Cookbook Giveaway
Diane, I can totally 100% relate and then some. Too many nights I have spent up late and then grumpy and tired the next day to do it all over again. I love blogging and designing, too, but it took me some time to come to the realization that as much as I do, I have to for my sanity sake walk away when I need now and know that when I come back it will all still be here for me. Hugs and hope today’s testing goes well. Thinking of you. 😉
Amen to all you wrote Janine. The world really does not revolve, nor would it stop, due to blogging – or not. It is a wonderful outlet and opportunity to meet friends, but difficult to not allow it to take over. Thank you for this very timely post.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Carrie Groneman recently posted…Stuffed Zucchini & Stufffed Bell Peppers
Carrie, well said by you too and glad that I am not the only one who loves blogging, but knows it also has its limitations and they we all need time away, as well 🙂
Great tips and solid advice. Blogging is my “job” but I am learning to take breaks, lunch, and off the clock in the evening (mostly 🙂 ) Otherwise I would get so burnt out. I am still working on the balance, but I know it is important to not get consumed. Thanks for the reminder.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Blessings,
Shari
Pure Grace Farms recently posted…Preserve the Harvest Series: How to Make Sauerkraut
Happy to give this reminder and trust me blogging is my job, too, but I admit if I Al’s didn’t take the breaks here and there, I would probably get completely burned out very quickly now.
Yes, yes, and yes! I couldn’t relate and agree more with you. I’ve been feeling much of the same way in previous months. I took some time to step back and reassess blogging, and deciding the direction I wanted to take my blog. I got back to my roots taking that time off, it was well needed. Now, I don’t (usually) out so much pressure on myself. When it stopped being fun, I pulled back. That’s how I know I need to. Now its fun again, and the second its not, I’ll pull back again. And not only did I add graphic and creative designer to my plate, with running my shop, I also started a blog for, so I know exactly where you’re coming from. I’m never busy enough, lol!![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries recently posted…When You’re Tired, but Its Worth It!
Tenns, I knew you would totally understand this blogging and having your design shop/blog, too. Crazy times with doing all we do and I admit I totally can be known to put too much pressure from all on myself, but decided after also reassessing all that I need to be able to take time here and there without making myself guilty for it. Thank you though so much for sharing that it isn’t just me and honestly appreciate it knowing this so very much. 😉
Thank you! I feel so bad because I haven’t been able to get blog posts out, but I’ve been so sick lately. It’s really hard dealing with the back and forth of, “I need to blog…” and, “I need a break.”
Fantastic post, thank you so much. It kind of justifies my decision to take a teeny break. 🙂![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Melanie recently posted…8 Tools to Power Your Proofreading
Melanie, so sorry to hear you have been under the weather and trust me I do very much worry if I were to get sick, how Mike would keep up anxiety do all I do daily. But still glad that I could share this here and honestly also just nice to know that others can indeed relate.
“Life Makes for Great Blog Posts”
Sigh.
I know exactly what you mean. When I read this, I thought “Holy Cow. Seeing Life as source material for the blog. What???”
And then, “Yep, she’s right. Might as well surrender to it.”
Great post! Looking forward to seeing you at FTSF in August.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
anna Fitfunner recently posted…Game Review: Toca Kitchen from Toca Boca AB
Thanks Anna and I know crazy as it may sound life really does give way to great blog posts. Definitely see you in August for FTSF now 🙂
I take breaks here and there. My family and home always come first and it’s great that my fans know and appreciate this.
Jenny.U recently posted…Piña Colada Muffins![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jenny, I think this is so very important to do for family and just couldn’t agree more 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I’ve been ignoring the signs of living my life and it’s starting to catch up with me. This message came to me at the right time. I’ve been blogging for almost four years and have been almost obsessed with the numbers and how to increase traffic, take better pictures, the list goes on. It often feels that if I’m not checking in on my blog or others I’m going to miss something. What I’m missing is my life and wonderful experiences to share. I spent most of the winter cursing mother nature for the horrendous weather and straining at the bit to get outside. Shame to say I’ve spent way too much time inside looking out. Thank you again for the kick in the pants that I needed.
Sandra, your comment made me smile and I thank you so much for that, because in too have been completely guilty of this, right down to the cursing the winter weather and now that the weather had gotten nice been staying in too much in the beginning. Then it dawned on me and knew I had to shake things up a bit, as well. Thank you seriously so much and really glad to have gotten to know you better with this comment today 😉
I really want to live my life. I didn’t realize how much blogging can quickly overrun your life. I really enjoy it, but I don’t like that it takes away from my family so much.![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
April recently posted…Blogger Opportunity: $50 Target Giveaway
I know I feel the same way April and slowly coming to realize this myself, too.
I can commiserate as I’m sure every other blogger on this planet can too. Where do we find the time to do it all? We need 48 hour days and yet that still wouldn’t be enough. I think we’re all somewhat obsessed when it comes to writing and connecting with other bloggers. We just need to get reminders like this once in a while so we don’t let life pass us by.
Thanks!![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Stopping by from the Creative Style linkup.
Suzanne Lucas recently posted…The Great Duchess Hair Twirl and Four Other Life-Changing News Stories You May Have Missed This Year
So happy to always stop by Suzanne and that you for understanding and commiserating with me a bit today.
I definitely agree with you wholeheartedly! When you learn all that is involved in growing your blog sometimes the urge to want to be at the computer connecting and sharing and commenting is tempting! But I’ve grown from that and my blogging goals have changed so for me not sharing and connecting for long periods of time feels different than it used to. For people who do have more goals to make money, I think they do have to work diligently at the balance. It depends on so many things. Do you have a job at home or outside of the home. Are you married? Do you have kids? How old are they? Do they go to school or do you homeschool? So many things to consider. I think people just have to find what works best for them. Seana who talks a lot about organization wrote a post about time and she mentioned that working around the time of others sometimes is really beneficial for you and everyone and I’ve discovered that to be very true as a wife, mom and homemaker. 🙂![My Profile](https://j9designs.net/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Brittnei recently posted…$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: Seeking #Bloggers
I need to check that article out by Seana and agree essentially it is working around others in your life and the time you have But like you I have evolved a bit and am trying to walk away at least more on a daily basis and especially not he weekend. So, I just couldn’t hep, but share my thoughts about that here and hoping others, like you could indeed relate and those just starting out could be helped, as well by this 🙂
Life makes for the perfect blogging topics.
Couldn’t agree more Antionette 😉