I always find it interesting how the Universe teaches you things you need to know in the time you need to know them. February was kind of a blur for us and I found myself lamenting over the days/evenings I have not been able to spend online blogging, networking and connecting with all of you. This, coupled with the fact that I've been re-thinking certain elements about my own blog in general, has me really questioning both my desire and direction on here. If you're anything like me, this feeling of disconnect is not only frustrating, but a little bit stressful, even. I'm a "planner" by nature, so when things don't go according to my timeline, it's not pretty.
Case in point: Yesterday, after a morning of running errands, I had grand plans to come home, enjoy lunch, catch up on email and blogs and then spend the remainder of my afternoon writing. Guess how much of that I was able to accomplish? Nada. Turns out there was a widespread power outage on the island yesterday and it took hours before our power was restored. All was well by the time The Hubs got home from work, so although my afternoon plans were thwarted, I figured I'd still have time after dinner. Aaaaannnnnnd that's when we discovered that something is now wrong with our internet connection, because our connection speed is atrocious and reminiscent of the dial-up days. I stayed up until 11:15 pm making one futile attempt after another to get a post published before cursing one last time and finally giving up.
Today is a new day, and I'm simply going to bloom where I'm planted.
I never want this blogging thing to lose its appeal; I don't want the act of writing, producing and sharing to ever feel like a chore or something that I cannot keep up with, because this outlet is supposed to bring JOY. I want to get back to the early days of my blogging experience, when there was little stress and even less pressure. My blog has grown and evolved a bit since then, but my purpose and motivation has always stayed the same. Sometimes I just need to be reminded of that...and I have the Universe to thank for it.
This is going to be a crazy month for us; Phil's parents fly in today and will be visiting for a few weeks and then later this month Phil and I are hoping to island hop and spend some time with my extended family on Oahu. Under normal circumstances, I'd be apologizing right about now for my anticipated absence from the blog community, but I'm going to try and practice what I preach for a change. So, no apologies. I just want to enjoy my experience(s) here in the blog world...and the real world.
Sending you sunshine wherever you are in this world.
Love, and be loved.
Enjoy your time with Phil's parents!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I feel like blogging should be for YOU first - no one else. Enjoy yourself and we'll be here when you check in! :)
ReplyDeletei love this post. I feel the same sometimes. I hope March is a great month for you!!
ReplyDeleteOH Angie....sorry to hear about the power outage and internet problems. I went through a similar thing in O'ahu. What a crazy storm, uh? I didn't have internet for two days, I was going crazy as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog, *sigh* I don't know what to say. i enjoy your blog very much and I hope to have my blog to become popular like yours. I would be awful sad if you were to go. Buuuut, you have to follow your heart. Change is good, so do what you feel is right.
That's awesome that you are coming to O'ahu. I think Ihilani from SoPupuka.com is coming this month too.
Good for you for realizing that! I believe that we have to blog what we live and not live to blog. I saw that quote on pinterest and it has been on my mind recently. Every now and then I feel like I have to comment, write, and "network" even though I don't really want to... And that's ok. There's so much more to live in the "real" world!
ReplyDeleteI think ours was the only street on the island that didn't lose power. Hope you internet is back up and running ok.
ReplyDeleteIt's always so hard to find a balance with blogging. I constantly have to remind myself that I blog for me and even though I'm getting into business I still want people to see a PERSON behind the business, not just a factory.
I want my blog to be a fun place where I share thoughts and connect with others so taking the pressure off and just doing it for the love of it is definitely a good reminder.
Enjoy your vacation!
I love this post, and can totally relate to how you're feeling. Blogging should never feel as if it's a chore. Just as you said ... it should be a place of joy. Have fun with your family and enjoy your time away :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and embrace the time where the electricity and the internet isn't working. It's a forced slow down and aint nothing wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteHAVE FUN! Both with your visits and the blog. I enjoy following you and when you're excited to sit at the key board and tell me about your day - I'll be waiting!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time with your in laws while they're there. Well, I know you will. :)
ReplyDeletePretty flower picture! Loving the bokeh!
And as always, have no fear. We'll be here when you can pop in. :) We're always here.
i love what you said about the Universe teaching us exactly what we need exactly when we need it...so true! God is so cool:)
ReplyDeletei'm also really happy that you're taking the time to breathe and enjoy LIFE. to forget the things that don't matter and enjoy the things that do. and that includes writing:)
i also wanted to tell you that this was a huge encouragement to me this morning. i've been so discouraged by blogging lately (or my lack thereof, really) and what you shared gave me an amazing sense of perspective. thank you for that, miss angie<3 i'm so thankful for your honesty and even more importantly, thankful for you!:)
i hope your weekend is beautiful, dear friend.
Absolutely agree with you! I do love your writing so much though! I hope you have a great time with your visitors and travels to come!
ReplyDeleteSo what does this mean for the blog? Less posting? Different subjects? I'm very curious now! ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time visiting your in-laws! Are they the ones in Oregon? We warmed up to the mid-50's this week, just for you! Lol.
Life first, blogging second. I wish you peace and continued stress free blogging. I love visiting so I hope you find the balance you need. My sis lives on one of the gulf islands of British Columbia. She is always having power outages so we made sure they went home with a generator last time they drove out here. Lol! xx
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing where your journey takes you!
ReplyDeleteI showed The Boy your picture of the little flower and his eyes lit up and he said "So pretty blue flower!". Yes, it is! :)
Definitely stay true to yourself and your heart when it comes to blogging. I think so many have lost that personal touch, and I think that is so important. At least it is to me.
ReplyDeletexo.
I think you're on the right track. Blog for yourself first. I have nowhere near the followers you do, so I can't imagine what knowing 500 people regularly read your blog feels like emotionally. But I'm confident you'll weather the storm and come out loving blogging again. Or if you don't, you'll make the changes so you're loving life.
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