I debated and debated about posting this....but I needed to get it out of my head. Lately I've been feeling the blogging blues...burn-out...whatever you want to call it. Whenever I clicked over to that little orange B for blogspot I just felt frustrated, overwhelmed, bored, and it just wasn't fun anymore. I even whined to my husband, I don't think I want to do this anymore. And then,
And then.
I read Megan @ Country Cleaver's post about blogging perspective and had my Oprah Ah-ha moment.
I realized I wasn't doing it for fun anymore. (Shakes head of slight embarrassment)
I started this blog because I was excited about exploring how to cook different things. My husband and I were living 10,000 miles apart and I missed him and our life together, so this became a distraction and adventure all in one.
Enter FoodBuzz, it was such an eye-opening experience for me.
You mean people make money doing this?
Ooooh look at what she made?!
I loved how easy it was to connect with other bloggers that way. Then FoodBuzz switched to Dailybuzz and that easy connection was lost. Sigh. I feel like a bad blogger for not commenting on as many blogs anymore and my readership definitely dropped off. Which is when I became slightly obsessed with numbers. I can't tell you how many times I checked StatCounter a day. I started posting just to post...the heart and soul left the building. I would look at other bloggers and feel like man, what am I doing wrong? I wanted to be some kind of "successful" blogger but I wasn't staying true to myself.
Enough of that.
So it's time to bring back the fun and creativity. I love this blog and that's why I'm doing it. I may not get to post as many times a week, but each post will be a heck of a lot better. Willow Bird Baking's challenge came just in time to breathe a little fresh air into my thinking and get things moving in the right direction.
I really do appreciate every person that stops by, I've loved meeting you guys and creating connections. I'm doing this for me now, not to become "something" but just to enjoy doing it. So thanks for hanging in there with me! I hope this isn't too whiny, I just felt like I had to share how i was really feeling "behind the screen". Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Good for you girl, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling inspired again!
ReplyDeleteThanks lady!
Deletei think this is a phase one must go through as a blogger. i know i did. and its a helluva lot more fun to do it for yourself :)
ReplyDeletehaha yes! and I'm so ready to be over it. Thanks girl!
DeleteI definitely check my stats less than I used to, it's so much more relaxing! :)
ReplyDeleteSee, that sounds like fun, I'm getting there!
DeleteI'm still a religious stat counter - which I know only causes me nothing but grief and stress and has give nem a major case of "Keeping up with the JOnes'" But since writing that post, I remember that it's the people that matter. And I'm so much better off for it. I'm THRILLED you liked the "blogging perspective" post. And I'm really glad you were able to have your Ahh-haa! moment XOXO Hang in there, the rythm and groove wil lcome back again. Love ya doll. ~Megan
ReplyDeleteFiendish stats... is there a stats anonymous somewhere? Thanks for stopping by Megan :)
DeleteI think blogging, especially about food, should be fun and add happy moments to your day. I look at my numbers more than I should sometimes, but what makes my day is the constant exchange with my other blogger `friends´. At the end of the day, that´s the main reason I keep on doing this.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it! Thanks Paula :)
DeleteGreat post Abby! It's always a good idea to be true to yourself. :) Looking forward to read whatever inspires you next.
ReplyDeleteThanks girl!
DeleteI've been in a constant state of blogging blues lately, so reading your post and Megans gave my heart this totally irregular pitter patter and brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad I'm not the only one. And PLEASE never stop blogging..I need you, Abs!
ReplyDeleteThere's no crying in blogging, haha sorry I'm still on my quote kick... girl, you are awesome...you eat elk, you're fun, you're creative, keep at it! I promise not to stop if you won't!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I sometimes feel bad about myself looking at other people's success too and then quietly remind myself that I am not my blog and that it is fun and for me and if I don't have a zillion facebook fans it doesn't diminish those who follow me. Thanks for confirming that others feel the same! :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely think the food blog blues are going around. I've been reading a lot of posts like this lately and relate to each one of them. A lot of it is also writer's block/creativity drain for me. I will be posting less often lately until I find some inspiration :(
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and great reminders! It is so easy for the numbers game to bog you down (I've been feeling it lately, too), but ultimately it's something you have to do because it is your passion! Love to ya.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had your "ah ha" moment because it would be sad to see you go. I understand how you feel though. I started my blog because I wanted something fun for me, and only me. Then I found foodbuzz and I loved it...met some of the best people. I am still re-defining myself since their change and reaching out to meet new bloggers. Facebook has helped but I still find myself a little obsessed with those darn numbers. It is always good to keep in mind why we really do this and keep on enjoying it! It really is just for "us"! Keep up the good work, there are many of us out here who love to see what you are working on and get inspiration from you and your posts! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I think this is a great post and I am so glad you shared. I love that quote at the end. Some times blogging is a struggle for so many reasons but there are also wonderful posts, comments, and feelings which make it all worth it.
ReplyDeleteIt must be the weather, since I've also been feeling that way lately. I think it comes in waves, and it's awesome that you've acknowledged it on the blog. Venting always makes things better! Maybe it'd be a fun change to do a giveaway or guest post or something to mix it up a bit? You've always got a reader in me, my dear!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Abby! I've gone through phases of the same thing, and reading your post and all the other comments, it seems like we all have at some point or another. Over I had a while of feeling burnt out, having writers block, and the feeling that my posts were never as good as all the others I was reading. Taking a little breather definitely helped me to get perspective on why I love blogging, and remembering that I do this because it's fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've found a new inspiration.
ReplyDelete