Today I posted over at SITS about holding on to your blogging mojo. Pot? Meet kettle.
I haven’t had my blogging mojo for more than a year. I have a dream that involves blogging, writing and speaking, but the stress and indecisiveness of trying to reconcile household responsibilities, homeschooling my kids, and being a decent mother and wife with the pursuit of said dream is just not working for me. I change my mind by the minute about completely putting aside my aspirations (for now) or trying to “do it all.”
Meanwhile, not much of anything is getting done on the career side or the household side.
Last month I was going through a rough patch. My cousin-in-law said to me, “Get off the Internet.” All I wanted to do was crawl deeper inside my laptop, but I knew she was right. And I’m so glad I took her advice.
I stopped feeling guilty every day when I didn’t get to read or comment on blogs. I stopped taking on web design work. At night I read books and spent time with my husband instead of hunching over my laptop thinking I had something really important to get done.
The result is that I feel terrific. For the most part, I’ve been feeling relaxed (or as relaxed as a Type-A Mom homeschooling two children can feel) and grateful for everything in my life. I also realized that for all the time I spent staring at my computer, hardly anything was being accomplished.
My number one goal right now is to be a better role model for my kids. Part of that means being a better me, and part of it means letting go of some things that simply didn’t add much to any of our lives.
So the blogging mojo? I actually feel it coming back now that I’ve let go of the pressure on myself. For the time being, I think I just might have found the elusive balance.
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: youngwifestale
June 5, 2010 at 9:50 am
Sounds like you’ve got your priorities straight. Keep writing if you can. You’re really good. Stopping by from SITS.
Twitter: chocnutbabe
June 5, 2010 at 9:52 am
Oh gosh, tell me about it. I am practically on line 24/7 since graduate school ended. And to think I promised myself I’d read more fiction. I now have a book that’s begging to be read and ended. I just can’t finish it (or maybe because it’s such a boring novel?).
Stopping by from SITS!
Twitter: maryjoywriter
June 5, 2010 at 11:05 am
I can completely relate!!! LOL Thanks for the great advise…stopping by from SITS!!!
Mary Joy @ Snapshots from my Heart & Home´s last blog ..Low Cost Summer Family Fun Party–Children & Playgrounds~a match made in heaven
Twitter: fromtracie
June 5, 2010 at 11:24 am
I have been working on finding that balance….it is funny how blogging comes so much easier when you are actually out there living your life instead of locked up inside the computer all day!
Here’s to finding our mojo!
Tracie´s last blog ..These Are The Hands
I asked my kids (teens) where they see the future of blogging. Does it have staying power? They said it will be around as long as a new format doesn’t come out that is faster and better. Now, I love blogging haven’t lost my mojo yet, but I wish it dictated and we had a much faster way to look and comment. Since I’m visual I would love files that flipped fast with images. Kinda of like linky pics on an iphone. Then visually I could get to the blog that appeals to me first fast. Then if I could dictate all comments, maybe even leave skype messages. Then I would have to get makeup on to blog, well maybe not skype. Image optional skype that might work. If things progress to this level; then blogging could be faster easier, you could have idea files for public view.. or not. Then you could work this blogging like a Dr. dictating about his patients. Wouldn’t that be a little more inspiring. But, it is set up to get dull because the technology is slowwww. I will stick with it. But techies; if your listening, grab the bullet and speed up blogging it is a great format for the common man! The renaissance’ could be around the corner.
Sherry
Thanks for sharing your tips today — they’re great ones! You’re right that we live in a sort of strange time wherein we have this new “responsibility”/creative outlet/hobby/whatever you want to call it of blogging. And blogging involves so much more than just the writing portion of it. Blogging can definitely be a worthwhile activity, but you’re smart to take a step back once in a while and make sure all the priorities are where they should be — because in the end, our kids need us far more than our readers do.
Trisha´s last blog ..Blueberry maple scones
Twitter: webstergirl06
June 5, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I was just thinking about a topic similar to this. When I get really stressed, or upset, I tend to stop blogging. Not on purpose, but because I don’t want to be a negative blogger. When this happens I try to do a post-event blog, and I dig up pictures from college or high school, and write about my stories attached to them. It’s a nice little escape, completely me, and I don’t have to worry about being a negative Nancy. :)
Love your slogan and love your goal of becoming a better you so your kids can be better than you when they become parents. Thanks for sharing. Happy SITS Saturday!! Oh and I agree once the blogging pressure is off it’s way more fun. I started off with such high goals for my blog than I got my priorities right. Now I blog for fun in my “spare” time. LOL. Happy blogging!!
Rebecca´s last blog ..He & Me
Twitter: ocfunguide
June 5, 2010 at 1:11 pm
This post totally resonates with me! I am “jack of traits but master of none”. I am so glad I read your blog today because I was ready to bite my hisbands head off the next time he recommended that I “get off the computer” LOL. After reading this I am sure he is right and I need a break. When we are in that state it kind of feels like you are on a staionary bike and working your tushy off but you still in the same spot. Thanks for a nice refreshing look at things:) Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
Twitter: classycareer
June 5, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I am a new blogger and this is great advice! Thanks!
Anna´s last blog ..Leadership Lessons from Coach Wooden
Twitter: mommyreview
June 5, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I feel ya!
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
Register and join my blog :)
MommyReview´s last blog ..Aquadoodle Disney Princess Wall Runner
This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about. I’ve barely blogged in 2 months, mostly because of intense personal stress – both not wanting to post negative posts, and not wanting to be out there. I also think we need way less on-line time . . .but my husband is on line almost every waking moment, totally addicted to gaming, and we have no good places to read (well-lit and comfortable). For now I need to keep rolling it around in my head, this idea of getting off the internet, as a long-term aspiration.
Great post. I think it is hard to find a balance sometimes when we feel so passionately about writing or blogging or whatever it is.
I’ve taken to using a timer. Say 45 minutes of blog time and then 45 minutes of getting stuff done around the house or riding my exercise bike or whatever it might be.
I write a post every single day but that is just part of my overall writing discipline.
It sounds like you are really finding a way to balance everything.
Hooray for you.
Jenny Matlock´s last blog ..Saturday Centus – Week 5
I believe wholeheartedly that balance is the key – when its off, its like your whole world begins to teeter on edge. Glad its working out!
Happy SITS Day! Thank you for a wonderful post on “blog mojo”, great advice and tips! I really love your blog and the things you write about, I’ll definitely be visiting often :)
Melissa (Dr. Mom)´s last blog ..It’s Follow-Up Friday!
Twitter: 2ManyHeartbeats
June 5, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Thanks so much for all the wonderful blogging tips! I do believe it is all about balance and keeping your priorities in order. Sometimes we all tend to get kind of off track.
I’m stopping by from SITS. I wanted to say hello and share some comment lo♥e. I really love your blog and all your wonderful ideas, so I’m now following through Google Reader. I would really like it if you would take a minute to check out my blog and follow me, too, if you like what you see.
I hope you are having a really wonderful weekend with your family!
HAPPY SITS SATURDAY SHAREFEST!
Blessings,
Teresa <
Teresa @ Too Many Heartbeats´s last blog ..GRADUATION NIGHT ~ MOON OVER YUSUFIYAH
Twitter: ThoughtBubble10
June 6, 2010 at 5:02 am
I wish I knew what to say. My kids are now grown. When they were little, I felt (more unconsciously than consciously) that I had to be everything – successful career woman, perfect mum, ideal wife, faithful daughter and sister, confidante to a few, friend to some and generally good person to everyone.
I won’t be predictable and say that I didn’t quite succeed at any one of them. But I will say that now, years later, if I were to have children, I’d want to give as much of my time to them. They just grow up too quickly, and I just know there are so many things that I would want to do with them, soooooooo many!
Thought Bubble Ten´s last blog ..Sunday reverie
Hiya – this is a really interesting post, and glad to hear you’re feeling like life is getting more “balanced”/enjoyable for you. You are right identifying this as a real issue for so many of us “mom bloggers”.
Writing is a recently re-discovered passion for me and I sometimes find myslef spending too much time at my computer. I’m happy with what I’ve been writing and the ideas keep coming (I’ve been bloggin for nearlt two years)… but I really need to put some limits around it.
An idea I heard somewhere the other is one I am trying out now; when I have a couple of ideas for a post, I write up both when I have a chunk of time, and then schedule them to post at a certain time.
This is a little trick I’ve only just leant. And it’s what I’ve done tonight.
There’s a post waiting to automatically publish tomorrow evening, which means that tomorrow (a public holiday here in NZ) I can ignore my computer and focus on my family without being pulled in by the writers itch :)
xx
Simone´s last blog ..A Fancy Shmancy Dinner
Twitter: HeadlessMom
June 7, 2010 at 11:24 am
Sounds like you’re on the right track. Me? I need some of that. Ugh.
Oh, I know you’re right…but I’d miss my friends so much!!
Twitter: TruAnaGoncalves
June 9, 2010 at 7:32 am
That is wonderful to hear that you have found your balance, and also in that have gained a more productive momentum. I know exactly what you mean about crawling up to the computer. In a way, that is just an excuse and can often be a blockage, as when one lets go of the technology one begins to truly live and get out there. Today’s modern world is slowly but surely moving us away from the people that really matter. Of course every moment has its own benefit and is worthwhile even on the computer, but for the most part it is really about actively being involved in something and putting ourselves whole into everything. Great reminder of that here. Thank you! :)
Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Miracle is you
Thanks for your post. This is good explanation for me.
Twitter: beadree
June 12, 2010 at 9:39 am
I LOVED the blog mojo article. I am going to re-read it later, and hopefully get back to mfb, more frequent blogging.
Twitter: fitcheerldr
June 12, 2010 at 10:54 am
I feel the same way about blogging – my dream is to become a fitness and health journalist, so I’ve pretty much abandoned my “Mommy blog”. I now write approx. 1 article/week for my fitness Cheerleader site, and use the “Old Post Promoter” plugin to keep my content appearing fresh, so thankfully while spending quality time with the family, my blog isn’t dying. Do you have a category of posts you could promote that would keep your blog alive while you spend time with your family? That way you’ll feel less guilt.
Janice – The Fitness Cheerleader´s last blog ..Get Off the Couch and Run
Twitter: shortstorytimes
June 12, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I think every mother can relate to what you’ve said! Some days I honestly think I spend less time with my kids because I work at home! It’s so easy to get sucked into the computer and think you’re available to your kids because you’re physically present. I had such a good day today because I got off the computer, made a big breakfast, talked to my kids, played a board game with them, etc. Now I’m refreshed and ready to work again and we have all been filled up. Thanks for the reminder!
Kristina´s last blog ..Jun 6, E book reader – its the wave of the future and your kids will probabl
Twitter: TheSweetest3
June 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Totally agree. It is so easy to get caught up in blogland, and being on the computer is like an escape from daily responsibilities. Unfortunately, it’s a fast way to disconnect from husband, kids, hobbies, etc. I feel really good and re-charged when I don’t do any bloggy work for a day or two. As I am here, on a Sunday afternoon, typing comments- but I haven’t been on the computer since yesterday!
The Sweetest´s last blog ..Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
I am so happy to find you guys, hearing you talk about blogging the way you do makes me feel like I have found people that relate to me. i can for sure see how blogging can become addictive, I used to be on facebook, now when I log on I first check my own blog for any comments and then i am searching for new blogs to read. I am hoping to keep writing and honing my skills and someday write a book.
Twitter: womanonajourney
June 15, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I think if we push too hard, it makes it worse, especially for type As (not that I would know!) Just gotta slow down and breathe!
I appreciate all your blogging tips as I am new at this! Will follow! Come visit!
Bernice Wood´s last blog ..Do you have a difficult time just being…
Good for you! Now, what I need to do is wake up and work out before I hop on the computer. It’s so easy to spend so much time at the computer – have to make an effort not to!
Kristy´s last blog ..Daddy Anxiety
Sometimes taking a step back and getting away from things for a while is a great plan. It gives you time to get away and come back re-energized or you can figure out if maybe its time to move on to other adventures in your life.
Twitter: papoe2010
July 3, 2010 at 10:27 am
Stopping by from SITS. This is a great reminder for all of us to slow down. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all that is blog-land and ignore the other people walking (or crawling) around your house. I think once you get down on paper the anxiety or stress, or whatever it might be, then it helps to release it.
Twitter: eraysaa
July 20, 2010 at 8:42 am
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Great post and love the being a better mom by being a better me. We tend to forget that we have to nurture ourselves in order to nurture others. For me, working online is part of what I do to nurture myself….I just keep a balanced schedule of work and home responsibilities, as well as some time out to read a novel and let myself go completely.