“Where have you been?!”
Likely a question you’re not actually asking. ? But seriously, things got quiet. I promised a Monday, Wednesday, Friday posting schedule but then I missed Friday…then Monday……then Wednesday. But you know what? It happens.
What also happens is this major term that I’ve been lucky over the last 6 years to (mostly) avoid:
Blogger burnout.
It hit me sudden, fast and totally unexpected. Though really, I should have seen it coming. But I didn’t.
I drove to IL late Friday the 23rd, helped my parents get ready for our gathering on Christmas Eve, and was then tasked with delivering dinner to my grandma and her caregiver after we finished eating so my parents could keep entertaining the rest of our extended family. No problem.
But when I walked into my grandma’s bedroom and saw her, my world shifted. She has Alzheimer’s and she’s been on hospice for awhile now but it was clear that she had progressed in her disease quite a bit since I had seen her just 2 months prior. We spent Christmas Day at her house and I made a few other visits to soak up however much time I could. I had to work my job a bit while I was home but when I wasn’t behind my computer for work, I wanted to be with friends and family. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but it was proof to me of my shifting priorities.
There’s been work happening behind the scenes for a bit of a re-work in my blogging life, including a major rebrand. But I don’t have a designer; I am the designer.
But let me start by saying that has been put to the back burner. I need a break. I need to recover. I need to prepare my heart for what’s to come. I need to send my creativity to the project I’m working on for my grandma to ensure I can finish it in time.
So what does this mean? Inconsistency and potentially more silence. But it’s all temporary; I promise. There are some posts coming that have been in the works and those will still be happening.
I’m still on social media (links below!) so find me and see what I’m up to while this space finds its place and I recover. Thanks for hanging with me.
Continuing when in “burnout” mode won’t help you, your brand, or your audience. Kudos to you for realizing where you are and where you’re headed! Good luck in the re-brand.
The beautiful thing about blogging is that we can step away ♥ I hope that you are able to take all of the time you need to finish your project. Just know this blog will always be here when you are ready to come back and it never minds waiting.
Sounds like your priorities are definitely in the right place! You just take all the time you need and us readers will be right here whenever you pop in and out. Thinking of you and your family!
Good for you for recognizing what’s important! I slipped a bit, too, but finally have decided that in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. Glad you were able to spend time with your family! Happy New Year!
patricia @ grab a plate recently posted…Orange-Jalapeño Monkey Bread with Pepitas
Sorry to hear about your grandma. My grandma just died on Christmas Day. Take all the time you need!
Emily recently posted…5 Habits to Make Your Home Organized in 5 Minutes
I’m so sorry to hear what’s happening with your grandma. I went through that with mine and it’s so hard. Taking care of yourself is definitely more important than sticking to a blogging schedule right now. We’ll see you when you have the inspiration, time and energy to post.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Both of my grandparents had Alzheimer’s and I remember the pain of watching them. I will be praying for you. Take all of the time you need–we’ll be here when you come back <3
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…BIG NEWS!
Blogging can be funny, now it seems most blogs took a holiday break, and january can be pretty noisy with all the resolution posts going out, but take the time you need and come back when you’re ready. My 2016 numbers were way down from 2015, but I am completely okay with that, because growing the blog was not a goal then, and really isn’t now. It’s my space to do what i want, and thats okay.
Katie recently posted…The Bracelet I Wear.
Just found your blog…my grandma suffered from Alzheimer’s…thinking of you and your family! xoxo
Melissa Blake recently posted…Family Photos: Harry Goes to the Apple Orchard
This is totaly normal and expected. Its hard to find things to always write about and the motivation! Still here!
There’s nothing wrong with taking a moment of silence. Even if the moment is several weeks, several months. Your readers have got your back and they – myself included! – want you to be able to take care of your priorities and do what’s best for you <3
Sending my love to you and your grandma and your family <3
I was just thinking of yesterday and have missed you. But you know what? Health and sanity and family time and your gramma are always much MUCH more important than anything else, and the rest of the world can wait. I hope you had a very merry Christmas and wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy 2017!
Xo
Charlotte recently posted…How to be active on social media without killing your relationship
Enjoy the time with Grandma. Sending you lots of hugs and I will be catching up with you where ever you pop up. The new year is a fresh start but sometimes its also just so busy! Go easy on yourself!
Kim recently posted…One word for 2017
I felt this way a few months back. I just lot my mojo, started sharing about my life to keep posting, and gave myself a chance to rethink it all. Personally, I hope it does not last too long, but I definitely understand!
Erin | A Welder’s Wife recently posted…2017 Declutter Challenge: Week One
Best of luck on your break. It happens! Hopefully you come back refreshed and ready to tackle it again once you are rested. 🙂
We are here! Burnout happens to everyone and other priorities make it into the foregrounds of our lives. It’s okay to take a break – don’t be so hard on yourself otherwise it will be easier to just quit altogether!
Kathryn Kinsley recently posted…WEDDING WEBSITES: WHAT’S THE POINT?
Thanks for the update, heart! Good luck with the exciting things to come!
Enjoy the break!! Sometimes you just need to take your foot off the pedal!
breaks are needed! do what’s best for you. we’ll be here when you get back. 🙂
Well, I’m excited for you and can’t wait to see what comes out of all of this!
I sooo get this.
And I think blocking, social media, as with all of life, there are ebbs and flows