I hit the proverbial wall today with regard to blogging.
I don't know what happened, exactly...You know how sometimes you feel something so acutely, but still can't find the words to explain it? That is how I felt today.
I felt like maybe I should stop blogging, that I was wasting my time.
I think I know why this happened now. Because I was taking myself, and this blog, much too seriously. Back in December when I made the decision to turn Rebel Chick's Journey into a real blog - a sort of business - I knew that I might start to feel differently about it. I knew there was a risk that once my blog traffic started to matter (as more than just a nice reassurance that people were reading my blog), it might cause me stress. It really shouldn't, because I am not blogging to make a living. My husband makes enough to pay the bills and it's not like our power is going to get shut off if I don't make an income.
It's not about the money.
It all boils down to something very basic and silly.
My freaking self esteem.
When I feel like no one cares about something that I do - like blogging - I feel like maybe I shouldn't care either.
Well you know what? Screw that!
So, from now on, things are going to be less serious and more fun.
Starting with this photo of me when I was about 5 months old.
Had a good laugh?
You're welcome.
Ah....the days when muffin tops and cankles didn't matter...
PS...my mom saved that bikini and still has it tucked away somewhere to will to me when she passes away. Like I will be able to wear it! ROFL
Anne
I the less I check my blog traffic the less I stress. For a while I was keeping track daily, and it made me focus too much on the numbers, which aren't why I blog.
Abby
Ohhhh I so relate!! I set goals for myself that I thought would HELP me and ended up stressing me out. I'm a writer, so I thought that making myself blog twice a week would be good for me, but I had no idea how much I'd stress about having content to write about in the first place lol. And my numbers are down... Sigh.
Amy
Even if just one person reads and enjoys its worth it. Enjoy yourself and the rest will follow.
Jennifer
I know how you feel but to be honest. I dont check my numbers. Maybe once and if someone asks for a screen shot, but other than that... nope. I used to stress too much about it but it got me nowhere.
Canadian Mom Blogger
I know what you mean. The income is essential for me, but so is the need to know someone likes what I do. For what it's worth, I always enjoy reading your blog!
Paula
The stats mean WAY too much to me! I heard Christy Jordan from southernplate.com once say that she started blogging because "she wanted people to read what she wrote." That's how I feel too. And I'm not sure that there is anything wrong with that.
I sure appreciate your blog!
ohkeeka [The Type A Housewife]
I know it's just the color of the bottom of the pool, but it looks like you're swimming in Kool-aid. 🙂
Um, so why do you think no one cares about your blog? You are freaking hilarious and I love reading what you write! But I do know how you feel--if my stats are down one day, I'll beat myself up over it even if the day before, they were double what they usually are. And I don't need to make an income from blogging either! I hope you stop being so hard on yourself though.
RJ
I totally know what you mean. I've been feeling the burnout too. But I'm glad that you aren't stopping blogging, because I love your blog. 🙂
Maybe I should take your advice and just blog something for fun. I can't remember the last time that a blog post was actually "fun" for me. lol
Virginia from That Bald Chick
One thing I've learned in 3 years of blogging, is to thine own self be true. The rest is just details. And I love that your Mom saved the bathing suit!.
Jodi
I get in little funks... like all the time... and honestly, it's the main reason why I have haven't switched to self hosted yet (well, that reason and other reasons)
totally digging that swim suit!
Stefani
I know what you mean. I sometimes get off track and wish I could go back to school or something instead of working on my blog, but thankfully the motivation usually comes back.
TerriAnn
Love it! I know, once someone told me to 'make sure I have fun' and when I forget to follow that advice I feel the stress overwhelm me. Kudos to you for getting into a good groove for you!
Amanda
Jessica Simpson is getting sooo much bad press at the moment for a picture similar to that of her daughter ....2month old, cutesy fat little wrinkly baby legs & a 2 piece bathing suit...really cute pic just like yours but ppl are going INSANE:(