Here's the thing: I don't have much of a life. My friends don't have time for me (I know that sounds kinda high school but it's true; they're all married or in relationships and have kids and do things with other couples/parents), so for the last couple years my life has been about writing, reading, blogging, and helping to raise my nephews. I've buried myself in those things because they're all I have, and I don't know what I'd do otherwise. But I've sort of lost myself along the way. I don't know who I'd be if I wasn't an author or a blogger or an aunt, and I feel like it's time to find out.
I don't want to give up blogging. I love it too much and I'd miss my blogging friends way too much. But I've been having trouble finding balance between real life and online life, and I feel like it's time to focus on real life...as in I want to HAVE one. So I'm going to slow down a bit over the summer. On a typical week, I post Monday-Saturday. As any blogger knows, it takes hours to write five to six blog posts every week - the reviews, the discussions, the features, the spotlights, the tours, etc. I used to love the challenge of it, but now I feel like I'm either freaking out and scrambling to get everything done or I go the complete opposite way and just say 'who cares' and don't bother scheduling anything. I don't want to feel that way - I want to find the joy in blogging again.
My solution: starting in June, I'm only going to be posting about three times a week. Sometimes it might be more, sometimes it might be less. I figure I'll do two reviews and a discussion each week if I can manage. I've been getting behind in my reading, so I'm going to take the time I would be blogging and I'm going to catch up and hopefully get ahead with my reading so I can schedule a bunch of reviews and really take some time off from blogging. I made a Summer 2013 Reading List, and I'm hoping to get most, if not all, the books read (heh - wish me luck!). I'm also hoping to come up with some new features for the blog to keep things fresh.
I don't know what this summer is going to bring. I don't have a single plan. If I had my way, I'd travel, meet a couple of my online friends, go on epic adventures, and really remember what it's like to live and have fun and be happy. But since I'll probably be stuck here all summer, I'm going to make my own adventures (and live vicariously through some bookish adventures too). I want to go swimming and play tourist in my own city and meet new people and take a gazillion pictures. Plus, my family will be expanding in another week or so with the arrival of my very first niece. Being an aunt is one of the greatest joys in my life, and I want to spend as much time with my nephews and niece as possible.
I also have some fun stuff going on at my personal blog. It's kind of fallen by the wayside while I concentrated on Ramblings of a Daydreamer, so I'm planning more posts for this summer. Yesterday I started a new feature called 'That Time I...' where each week I'll talk about (and share pictures of) something special/fun/memorable I've done. Yesterday's post was about the time I went up the CN Tower.
Also, next Monday I'm starting a new feature called Gilmore Girls Mondays. Molli, Jessica, and I will be starting a watch-along together in June, and every Monday I'll be talking about the episodes I watched, sharing my thoughts, favourite scenes, favourite quotes, etc. I know there are a ton of Gilmore Girls fans out there, so I'm hoping to start some fun discussions about the show. We don't have a schedule, we're just going to be watching at our own pace, so if anyone wants to watch along and then tweet us/join in the discussions on Lost and Found, we'd love it - the more the merrier!
I really do love the blogging community. I appreciate every single visitor, every single comment, every single book or blogging-related tweet (and all the other tweets too of course!). It thrills me every time someone tells me they read a book because of a review I wrote, or seeks me out to start a discussion about a book they read and know I love. You guys make it all worth it, even when it does become stressful trying to keep up. So thank you. Thank you for visiting, commenting, following, and sticking with me. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
Want to keep up with what's happening in my writing? Like my Facebook page. Want to talk about books, TV shows (particularly Friends, Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, Doctor Who, Road to Avonlea, and Downton Abbey), music, or anything else? Tweet me! Want to see my photography and learn more about me beyond writing and reading? Check out Lost and Found - Reflections of a Daydreamer. I hope you all have a fantastic summer!
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It is totally okay to slow down. Nobody is going to blame you for that. I'm very close to down with The Spring of Sarah Dessen challenge. I'm reading the last book I planned to read right now and I'm about halfway through.
ReplyDelete*all the hugs* Totally support you, Marie! I'm glad you decided to do this. I think it will help you in a LOT of ways, and that way you won't start feeling like blogging is a chore.
ReplyDeleteI did a bit of scheduling today, and there are a lot of empty holes. I know I'll fill in the summer months a bit more, but I just need that step back to keep blogging fun. *hugs again*
I need to go dig out S1 of GG! I can't wait to spend some time in Stars Hollow. Rory really reminds me SO MUCH of younger me.
Okay, I am with you guys on the slowing down! It's actually going to be a great thing for me to do. I need to write up a few posts and reviews this weekend so I can have June set up and ready to go. That way I can focus on the more important things. Like reading, writing, and watching Gilmore Girls. ;)
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree. Do what makes you happy and brings joy into your life. No matter how long it is, it will still seem too short.
ReplyDelete:-)
Anna from "Shout with Emaginette"
Nothing wrong with slowing down! I've done the same thing. :) Actually, I need to get back in the habit of at least WRITING my reviews ... I'm very behind. But you're right -- sometimes it does feel like work! I love that you're taking time for yourself, watching some TV and whatnot. I'm happy to join you!
ReplyDeleteI feel like blogging and reading have ebbs and flows, where at times you madly love them, and other times there's a break in the waves and you just need to take it easy.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some great plans for the summer, and I hope you get to rediscover yourself, Marie and I bet what you find will be awesome!
I'm looking forward to reading your Gilmore Girl posts too :)