Several years ago, I set out to have a blog post each day.
I went a little deeper than a year, but it burned me out. Ever since then, it hasn’t been the same blogging. I continually try and get back into the blogging world, but outside of the monthly photo challenge, sometimes I’m just not into it.
There are a variety of reasons for this.
The first, of course, is time. It takes time to write blog posts and make sure they are where you want them to be. Sometimes I don’t have the desire to do all of this.
Second is the changing of the blogging world. When I first started blogging, it was a lot more interactive. Even for me. I used to love visiting and reading blogs – especially personal ones. And it was nice when people returned the favor. Alas, my blog has never been anything big where there were a lot of comments and interaction. Even if I respond to comments, it often ends with just that.
Over time, it becomes normal not to blog. Though I feel I have plenty of topics, it’s tough to carve that time that I feel I need to give. You can’t just write and leave it out there. You have to have that interaction part. You need to visit other blogs, read and comment. It’s how small blogs survive.
But, the blog world changes.
A few months ago, I went looking for some blogs. A lot of the blogs I found are lifestyle or “mommy” blogs. A lot of the themes and topics weren’t of interest to me. That doesn’t necessarily mean I shouldn’t blog. Part of blogging is a mental release of things. It helps you see and appreciate things you do.
Finally, a lot of it is time. With Harper and such, sometimes when I am home and on a computer, I like random surfing and such because it’s a way to let my mind wander. It might be YouTube or something else. But it’s often things I don’t need to think too deeply about.
There are things, however, I like doing that can be made into decent posts. I’m still working on understanding and learning woodworking. I’m in the process of buying a house. I’m still navigating dog ownership. I really still want to do more videos (which could also become blog posts). I still geocache and go to a few baseball games in the summer. There’s a lot for me to do if I can start focusing and putting, so to speak, pen to paper.
So, let’s try this again.
Over the weekend, I went through my blogging folder on my Google Drive. It turns out I had written up a bunch of posts. Some of them are ones where I need to polish them a bit or change some things around. Heck, I have a few that are kind of outdated (car things), but I plan to still use them.
I miss aspects of blogging, so I am going to, once again, try and get back into it, though likely slower and a bit more simple. The reality is that blogging helps with my mental well being. Some posts eventually might take a “real” turn. By this I mean kind of going inside my head and seeing where I am with things. Life isn’t always cupcakes and candy, afterall.
We shall see how this goes. But, hopefully, I’ll at least have a couple of posts per week, starting with cleaning up and posting ones I’ve already written!
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!
You have many of the same thoughts as I do about blogging, P.J. This especially:
I got burned out participating in yearly challenges like the April A to Z (26 posts in thirty days) and regular blog hops, where I felt obligated to read, share and comment on everybody else’s material. Sadly, many bloggers don’t reciprocate, so it doesn’t always seem worth the effort.
Here’s hoping we regain that blogging mojo. I was doing well for a while, publishing once a week, but even that became difficult. A more relaxed approach and a slower pace might be the answer.
Debbie D. recently posted..RHAPSODY IN BLUE #Photography
When I’m not in the mood to write, I tell myself “this is supposed to be fun, not a chore”, and I return to blogging later. The monthly – or even daily – challenges certainly come with a bit of pressure, but they keep me on my toes.
Visiting blogs that are not interesting to me (typically book reviews) are hard to comment on. What can I say? I didn’t read the book, and I most probably won’t, because it just doesn’t speak to me. Thanks for your recommendation *not* to read it ;-))))
I hope I’m not one of the Mommy blogs you mention?
Kidding aside, I try to leave a thoughtful comment other than “nice blog”, but it’s hard work.
I hope you’re getting back into writing more. I think it’s important to put your thoughts on paper – even if you end up not publishing it.
Tamara recently posted..UBC Motherhood – Working Mothers
Hi again, P.J.! I referenced your post and linked to it, here:
https://thedogladysden.com/lazy-summer/
Debbie D. recently posted..LAZY SUMMER
I’ve never even attempted to write a post every day! I admire those who do, but I’m just not that organized/dedicated/disciplined……I have bloggy friends I like to visit and their topics really run the gamut of interests. I’ve learned a lot from your blog and love seeing Harper! My muse routinely goes rogue and I can’t seem to find her for weeks. You’re right in that blogging takes a lot of time. I’m hoping for quality over quantity on my site. I do thank you for continuing to host the PBC every month. Sometimes it’s the only creative outlet I seem to find time to do! X
Lisa recently posted..Happy Tuesday