I’ve been struggling lately with the blog and I haven’t really understood why. I thought for sure that it was because of the pregnancy and the need to nap whenever possible. However, the first trimester has come and gone and my energy level is back to normal. But blogging is still a struggle some days.
It’s time for me to stand back and look at life a bit. Time to find a new balance. Time to re-prioritize my day to day life.
Family, Me, Blog.
If you’ve read my guest post over at Crayon Freckles, you know that we recently moved and our lives have completely changed. My husband is home for a full year with no traveling or deployments. This is the first year in the 8 years my husband I have been together that he will be home. He’s also in school and is home a lot throughout the day.
You would think that would mean that I have more time to blog, more time for me, but In actuality it’s the complete opposite.
I no longer have weeks on end by myself focusing on just J and I. No more lonely nights where the blog and the blogging network kept me company. No more naptimes stuck at home typing away on my computer.
Now, I have time to focus on my little family. We take long walks in the evening, spend every Sunday morning at J’s favorite park, and have Saturday movie nights. I get naptimes to run errands, shop, or sit on the porch with my book. It’s my time…the only time that’s just for me. And sometimes I don’t want to spend that time in front of my computer.
But, I LOVE this blog so much. I still want to blog. Shoot, I have a list full of blog posts that need to be written. I have felt so guilty for not posting enough and not doing all the behind the scene blogging stuff that needs to be done. I feel the pressure to stay on top of things and to post more. Today I realized that that pressure was coming from no one else but me.
I’ve decided to let go of that guilt, let go of that pressure. In the big picture of my life other things matter more.
Don’t worry though, I’m still here…just not every day. I promise that I will respond to your comments and emails, it might just take me a few days. I will still blog, but I will only post 3 times a week instead of every day.
One thing I know for sure is that life is about balance. I believe that you can do whatever you want to do….you just can’t do it all at the same time. Some things have to take priority.
It’s time to take a step back from the computer and focus on what’s really important in my life…these two.
After all, this it the last few months of just the three of us before we add one more. I want to treasure this special season in our lives. It’s a wonderful time for us and I need to get the most out of it.
Have you ever felt this way? Ever had to re-prioritize your life? What challenges do you have with life balance?
I’ll still be over at Facebook and Twitter too…it’s hard to stay away. Come by and see what all we’re up to!
Always a struggle for me—love the blogging, but love my family so we can only do SO much, right? And please keep posting—I love your blog!!!!
-Julie
http://www.thechirpingmoms.com
Thanks Julie! I’ll still be blogging…promise! Finding the right balance is always hard.
You need to do what’s right for you and your family and the blog will be better in the long run because of that. I often feel the same way – I only blog in the evenings, after R has gone to bed, and sometimes, at the end of a long tiring day, as much as I’d love to write a post, I just don’t have the energy. I used to feel so defeated but eventually I came to the same realization that you did – that the pressure is only coming from myself. This is a wonderful, new and exciting stage for you. I love your blog and I’m looking forward to continuing to read your wonderful ideas – whether that’s 5 days a week, or 3 or even 2.
Thanks Ness! It really feels better to release some of that self-induced pressure about the blog. It’s wonderful to know that the readers will be there whenever I do post.
What a beautifully well-written post! I think we all struggle with finding balance in our lives! And unfortunately, we can’t be all things to everything & all people at once. I think it is great your are investing your time in your family =-) And honestly…. a few well written posts a week is plenty I think!!! Those of us taht get your blog emailed to us will know when there is an update =-)
Hugs! And so proud of you,
Beth
Thanks Beth! I agree that it’s always a struggle to find balance. So glad you’re following along!
Hey Friend 🙂 You know I’ve been wrestling with the same thing! It’s the hardest thing to let yourself off the hook sometimes isn’t it? It’s a new season of life for you, ENJOY it and you can bet that I will be reading along when you do post. As I’m sure will all your other fans. For myself, with another on the way too, I’m trying to milk all the time I can with the one babe before the other one shows up. (and not feeling a bit sorry for it). Just wanted to say hi and send love, hugs and support.
Thanks friend! It does feel better to let myself off the hook and just enjoy this special time with my guys. It’s so much more fun this way! Glad you get it and are going through it with me too!
Striking a balance can be so so hard. I completely empathize. With me, it’s that I’m so excited about blogging that I have to force myself to not work on it. Especially while I’m sick. Thanks for posting this, it’s nice to know that there are others who struggle with balance.
It can be so hard! Trust me, it’s not just you and me…there are lots of others out there who struggle to find that balance.
As you know, I feel the same way. What a wonderful way to put things in persective…family, yourself, and the blog. It’s so important to spend those precious moments with your family while you can! Since we’re soon growing from 3 family members to 4, I have also had that in the back of my mind…to enjoy and treasure the time that we are a family of three. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It’s always nice to know that you’re not the only one out there going through something similar. Looking forward to your future posts, whenever they may come. 🙂
Gina, I know we will both find the balance we’re looking for. You have a lot going on right now too! I will also continue to read your blog, even if you post less often.
I feel the same way Amanda!! And it’s ME putting the guilt on myself! I always said I’d never let my blog get in the way of my family and in a way, it has. I’ve taken a break for the last 2 weeks and I’m going to prolong it a bit longer, because to be honest, when I’m not constantly on the computer during every moment my children are asleep, the pressure is gone. SIGH. I’m right there with ya babe! And your readers will continue to read whenever you may post. 🙂
The self-induced pressure is crazy, isn’t it!? I have also found that the less time I spend on the computer during nap time, the happier I feel. Me time is so important! I’m glad you enjoyed your bloggy vacation!
Enjoy your time with your little family now. Adding another kiddo to the mix cuts down on your me time, your time with your hubby, and your time with J. You won’t look back and be sad you didn’t blog. You will look back and be sad you didn’t take time for yourself. Especially when J’s naps go away. I have no time to myself from 6am-8pm because I have someone awake during all of those hours!
Thanks for the reminder! I would hate to look back at this time and feel like I didn’t take advantage of it.
Totally get it. Mine is kind of working the other way around. I feel like I didn’t pay as much attention to the blog as I wanted to because of moving and a bunch of craziness. Now I am getting back into the swing of things. There are definite ebbs and flows and it’s important to prioritize. Vicky from http://www.messforless.net
I think I’m just not used to the ebbs and flows of the blog yet. I’ve been so blog focused since I started it, it’s hard when it’s not as big of a priority anymore.
I hope the craziness slows down a bit for you. Thanks for the comment!
Love it! Still trying to find my balance too 🙂 Thanks for sharing your heart 🙂
xx melissa @ mamamiss
Thanks for the sweet comment! Love your blog.
I totally understand where you are. My daughter is starting “official preschool” this school year and I’ve found it’s hard to do it all. Her education is my top priority now. I’ll take lots of pictures and get them posted 3-5 times a week, but I just can’t do it every day any more. It’s too hard. My husband also just had a huge change as well with his school and work and will be home every evening and weekends. I used all my lonely nights (while he was at night school) blogging away those quiet hours while the kids were in bed. Now with him home I just don’t have as much time. Family time is very important. You smart to relieve the pressure of blogging so much. We’ve all been there.