Hey, long time no see! I haven’t posted a blog since last Friday…oops. When I sat down on Sunday night to write a weekend recap, I just couldn’t get anything worth reading out on to this little space. I wrote a few sentences over and over and I just hated everything. I wanted to share our family experience at the Pumpkin Patch; we had such a great time but I couldn’t get it out. For the first time in awhile, I had writers block. Well, maybe a bit of laziness as well. I have been so spacey and tired all week to the point that I took two pregnancy tests because I was feeling so out of it (I am NOT prego…thank god). But, to all my mommas out there, you know that feeling in the beginning of pregnancy when you are so tired you can hardly move? That was me alllll week. I barely got myself out of the house to get my hair colored. Then, on the way home in the dark, I drove with my prescription sunglasses on because I had forgotten my regular glasses at home. I also left the house with red lip liner on thinking I had my red lipstick in my hand…no. I had a bright coral color in my hand and nothing to wipe it off with but an unused tampon that was in my purse. The guy at the stop light looked at me like I was a freak.
I think I was also doing a little soul searching when it comes to blogging. Most of the time I truly enjoy it. It’s “my” thing. Since I don’t work outside the home anymore, blogging has become my hobby/part-time job. But I am in this weird in-between phase with it. Do I keep going and try to make this a full-time job? Or, do I scale back and just do it when I feel like it? It is hard for me to keep up with the Jones in the blogging world. I honestly don’t know how some of these other bloggers get so much work done. Some are stay at home moms like me, others work full time jobs and still find time for life in the middle of the madness. Well, at least that’s what their Instagrams make it look like.
Blogging has kind of taken over my life, and it affects John and Charlotte too. I work while Char takes a nap, and as soon as John comes home from work, I work. On the weekends, I work. All of the time in between that I am on and off of social media trying to find the next product to review or reply to a comment. It is so hard to find time to spend with my husband and daughter one on one. I see them leave on the weekends to go play at the park or go to the store, and I am here taking photos or writing a post. The house work and having dinner on the table has fallen off dramatically as well. I think part of that has to do with my depression, but I know blogging plays a huge role in me not getting anything done. On the other hand, I am sure all of that would be as bad or worse if I had a job outside the home instead. I know I would be gone so much more and miss important moments. I am so blessed and lucky to have a husband that works hard and takes care of us. But, that is also the hardest part – he works all day and then when he gets home he pops right into Daddy mode and does everything for Charlotte at night.
I really needed this week to take a moment and reflect on what is important to me and my life. Before blogging, I was such a better wife and mother as well I am sure. But, I was so incredibly unhappy with my life. I have always been independent, worked full time. and been able to pay my own bills and I loved that feeling. Blogging has given that back to me in a way. However, it has taken things away as well. Honestly, it all comes down to time management. I don’t have a good schedule when it comes to blogging and it has made me start to resent it. It’s so sad because I love the act of blogging – I love being creative and having this space that is all my own to do whatever I want. I need to find some way to make my hobby/career fit into my life better. I don’t want to walk away from this and feel like I made a huge mistake. I don’t want to be someone who gives up too easily. So, I am going to break out my day planner and try my best to plan out my weeks in advance with more detail. I will plan what I am cooking for dinner, what room needs to be cleaned, and what blog post is due. I know I can make this whole blog life work, I just have to get off my butt and try harder! I love it too much to stop now.
On a lighter note, I wanted to share five things that I have been loving this week!
Photos from the Paradise Pumpkin Patch in Eufaula, Alabama, Charlotte had the time of her life!
Kitten Me Fragrances, Blue Berry Crumble Candle…to die for I could smell this candle before I even got it out of the packaging it came in.
New hoop earrings…these will always be part of my signature look.
Chocolate Chip Cookies John and Charlotte made…so yummy!
Red ombré. My journey to red hair has begun! Thanks to Barbara aka Babs at D’Allens Salon in Columbus, GA. Follow her on Instagram (instagram.com/babsbraswell) to see all of her amazing work, she is the Balayage Queen!
Christine says
Blogging is incredibly frustrating at times. It requires so much work, so much time and a lot of patience. It also doesn’t take into account that we have a life outside of this blog. With the demand of social media, regular blog posts, writing, taking photos, editing-it’s a lot! I think sometimes a good break can be the best thing for you! It allows you to reflect on where you’re at in your blogging “career” and if you want to change anything. Having a definite schedule helps. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I sat down the other day and wrote out some things I’d like to start changing. If you’re not careful, bloggers can spend so much of their free time getting caught up, that we start to miss the things going on around our life! Don’t give up!!!
Whitney says
Thank you for always leaving the best comments and always being supportive!
Candace says
This post has some of my feelings in it! The low days, feeling disorganized but unsure of how to rise above it. Like Christine said, sometimes a break is necessary! Everyone has their bad days, they just don’t always post about them. I see ambition through so many people on my feeds and comparison is an enemy! I had to learn the work on the things that were in my control and not stress the rest. I’m glad to know that you’re fighting for your blog and know that you’ll make the best decision for your life. As long as you’re around, I’ll be here – still reading!
http://thequirklife.com/
Whitney says
Thank you so much for the support! It means the world to me.
Samantha says
You see me and my craziness on the daily haha blogging is amazing but it’s so time consuming and overwhelming at times. You’ll get it all down, I know you will! Keep up the good work! Love you! Xo
Whitney says
Love you!