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Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Tuesday Morning Ramblings about Blogging: Where do I go from here?

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Last week, I told Sean that I wanted to stop my blog. I know, I know, who was that? But I was serious. And I was surprised to find Sean talk me out of it. I thought if anyone would be thrilled with this declaration, it would be Sean. But he was not thrilled with it and told me all the reasons why I should not stop even going as far as to give me some ideas on what to blog about. Fortunately, I don't need ideas; I just want to love the blogging community again. Also, this is one of the reasons why I love this guy so much.

I don’t know, I just have begun to feel like I don’t want to blog anymore. I think it is partly me being lazy about writing & uploading pictures. It can take quite some time & for someone who does this for fun, well, that part isn’t really fun. I always know that I’ll regret it if I stop now since I’ve been writing on this space since 2010; so to give it up now just seems wrong. Years of memories have been stored here because I’ve been diligent about keeping this online journal of mine updated as often as possible.

It is also partly because sometimes it can feel like I’m talking to myself. Yes, I know that for the most part I really do blog for myself but I also feel that I’ve continued to blog all this time to connect with others and well, lately, it just seems that people are more interested in a flashy picture with a caption that isn’t even their own on Instagram. I know that just sounded like I drank a gallon of haterade but trust me, it’s not. I enjoy Instagram just like the next person. It is just that the connection we all received through blogging seems to have disappeared and I’m missing it. I’m finding it harder and harder to find blogs that are not for profit and it has begun to make this space a bit lonely if that makes any sense.

For now, I am wondering if it is time to take a step back from the blog and maybe not end it entirely but just visit when I want. To be OK with letting my blog sit for weeks without me feeling the need to write or share on it. But then I ask myself, what’s the point of my blog if I just let it sit dormant? What do I gain from that? And the memories and the thoughts, if I don’t share them here will I be sure to jot it down elsewhere? I’m not entirely sure I will as this blog has surely held me accountable for many years. Additionally, blogging has been such an outlet for me especially when it comes to my love of photographs and photography. I’ve been able to share my journey that include many of the beautiful and difficult moments. The truth is that this blog has helped me through the difficult moments as I was able to share my thoughts and somehow always got to the conclusion that life is still beautiful. But unfortunately I've gotten to this point where I wonder if I want to share anymore. I’m sure there are other ways for me to have a journal that does not involve having a blog.

To be honest, this post disappoints me a bit because I’ve been able to share my thoughts, memories, photography, travels, my life here and I’ve been able to go back and look at these posts. So for me to want to stop is unlike me so I think I just might need some time to navigate what it is I want my blog to do for me. I want to love blogging again. I want to love this community again. But it has become lonely. It isn’t the community it was when I first began blogging. And at this point, if I’m writing to myself … maybe it is time for me to do just that. I guess time will tell. But as I conclude this post I know this isn’t goodbye; I’ll see you soon.

24 comments:

  1. I can completely relate. Blogging has changed drastically and I feel like I'm at a rock and a hard place too. Especially with deciding what to do when baby boy comes and how comfortable I will feel about sharing him etc. While I appreciate my loyal readers so much, sometimes it can feel like no one else is reading unless I have a pinnable image or blast it on my other social media accounts. Blogging is hard work, time consuming, and can leave me feeling drained at times. Sometimes I feel like I will mention things in my posts and people will comment with something so unrelated. I really want to say, did you actually read what I wrote? I think you should always do what makes you happy. If it's taking a step back and posting when you can and when you want, then your loyal readers will be here to share those moments with you <3 Sierra Beautifully Candid

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    1. I can imagine that it is even more difficult when you have children in the mix. It really is hard work and time consuming. I have loved it for a very long time but with the way it has changed it is making it harder to love. Yes! I don't know why anyone would comment on a post if they did not actually read it. The thing is that blogging makes me happy because it was always intended to be an outlet. I guess the community was an added bonus which made it more enjoyable. Someone said for me to remember why I started blogging in the first place and that really put things in perspective for me. I didn't start because I wanted community ... I started because I wanted an outlet. I think it's important to sometimes write these things down because it helps me think things through. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this.

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  2. I understand how you feel! You know I can't keep mine updated for any length of time. I think I honestly blog FOR YOU- you're like my only reader- lol. and I could/do just text you. I miss the old days of people blogging about their lives- and sharing what they like. Then everything became commercialized... like everything else does on the planet. I really don't want to read posts about Tide pens.

    However much you choose or not choose to post- I will still read your blog and and ooo and ahh over your photos.

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    1. Aww, I love that you think you blog for me. Well, you need to get on it then!

      I miss that too! I enjoyed reading about people's lives and sharing what they liked without it being sponsored! The good old days. Haha, Tide pens!

      I'm really glad I wrote this post because the comments alone have really helped me put things into perspective.

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  3. Although I am not an avid blogger, I share your sentiments COMPLETELY. The "community" is what motivated me. It was my hiding place, it was my guilty pleasure. I'm heartbroken too and feel your pain. You have basically kept it alive for me and I appreciate you for always being connected with your blog and mine :-)

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    1. It really was such a great time to blog. But I think that might be my issue. Hoping for something that may never come back. After reading a few comments I think I have to just be OK with how the way things are now and decide if I'm OK with continuing to blog with it being the way it is now.

      And thank you for that sentiment. It put a smile on my face :)

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  4. I miss blogging. I truly do. I stopped because I couldn't write the things I wanted to because of my job. The state of the world also just darkened my muse. I have thought about creating a totally anonymous one, but right now I just can't. I do miss it though. And you are not blogging to yourself. I actually read your blog during my lunch breaks. Been doing that for years. You are one of the few who are doing it for fun and you are consistent. Plus, I get to travel vicariously through you.

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    1. I think it would def. be harder not to blog because of my job vs. me just not wanting to blog anymore. Tell me about it, I am finding myself getting very down with the way things are and I find that the blog does help me snap out of it.

      Well, if you ever do create an anonymous one I hope to run into it one day unless you'll let me know ;)

      Wow, to be honest, I can't believe you are still reading after all this time. And on your lunch breaks! That's your time to get away so I'm really touched that you read this blog on your break. Haha, I'm glad you like the travel posts :) Those ones are my favorite to share.

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    2. I am one of those folks who has to be reading or watching something when I eat alone. And I prefer to not eat with co-workers because sometimes they talk about work or politics and I want my food to digest properly. If I go anonymously, I will let you know...LOL!

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    3. Haha about wanting your food to digest properly! Yes, please do!! :)

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  5. So....remember your why and let that motivate you. This is what keeps me going. I decided along time that I'll blog until I die whether I have lots of followers or a little. Whether I hit the big time or not - my why keeps me going.
    The world is a lonely place so of course it affects the blogging community. It's not real unless you actually connect with others, but don't let that deter you. You and I have connected and we've never met. Your blog is in my reader and I love what you have to say even for a post like this. And I can't help but think this space is a real pick me up when you choose to be reflective.
    This may be a labor of love for you. Carry on. Hugs.

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    1. You are absolutely right and reading your comment gave me some perspective. I did not start blogging for community ... it was a bonus that came with it. I started because I wanted an outlet and something to do since wedding planning was over. I love that your why is what is allowing you to continue. I also appreciate that you are still one of the very few that has stuck around because you are full of wisdom and I gain a lot of truth from you.

      Thank you so much for your thoughts on this, it helped more than you know.

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    2. I love her comment. Remember your WHY. I need that reminder myself. All the time!!

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  6. Faith...you can't do this to us just before the holidays!!!.cant this start in January....but I completely understand...you blog is the last one standing on my true Old G's list...I love how you have remained just you..with no ads inserted everywhere...sigh...what interesting and sad times we live in..

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    1. You truly just made me laugh out loud. But you completely have a point! The holidays are coming and I can't not blog about that, haha.

      And thank you! :) I truly wish some of my Old G's blogs were still around!

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  7. Hi, I agree with you that the blogging community is more or less extinct now. Most blogs are for hits / profits.... so sad

    That said, you have loads of silent readers like me. I’m sorry, I know I should comment more to encourage you. It’s laziness most times but I read every single post.

    Pls continue if you can. I looooooove you, your life and your blog

    Lots of love from Nigeria (Africa)

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    1. It really is sad. I think that might be my problem too. Is thinking about how it once was. I have to be OK with continuing to blog whilst knowing that it may never get back to the way it was.

      Please don't feel like you have to comment. I am aware that people still read my blog as I get the stats but my thing is just me finding other blogs/bloggers to connect with. And thank you so much! Writing this post has actually helped me quite a bit and I will continue. Someone told me to think about why I started in the first place and that gave me some perspective!

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  8. Hello Faith, your blog is all shades of awesome and so are you. Please don’t stop this awesomeness.
    Bn following since right after your wedding and I have grown to love it even more with each passing year. I am always eager and excited to read, learn, relax or just ooh and ahh at your georgeous pictures. I love that you have stayed authentic and true over the years and
    I totally understand your point about the blogging community but please if you need some time off or just want to blog once in a while it’s totally fine. Just don’t stop blogging. Your kind of originality is rare.

    Thank you for carrying us along all these years and I totally agree with doll we silent readers should comment more.

    With love from Nigeria(Africa) too! :)

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    1. Dami, thank you so much for your comment! I can't believe you've been following since after my wedding ... that was a long time ago! To be honest your comment has made me happy ... just to know that someone has continued to read here all this time!

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  10. I really miss the old days and tbh between you and a few other friends I met through blogging, it doesn't seem like the community it used to be. I used to live for posts and just to see whats been going on with everyone. I have majorly been slacking but with this break up and IG stealing my attention I have been neglecting the blog. I just went back and read posts from years ago and am over here damn near crying. The memories the nostalgia, girl even if I only do this for myself, this anthology of life is so so worth it. And besides I think the community disappearing some online means that we all just have to meet each other and hang out in real life lol! Just saying!!!!!!

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    1. I miss the old days too! It was such a fun and engaging community. I could not wait to see what all my friends were up to or had to say! I do that often ... read posts from years ago and it is what has held me back from completely stopping altogether. And you are so right, this anthology of life is so worth it! YESSSSSS!! We really need to plan a meet up! It's going to happen one of these days, I can feel it. Thank you so much for your thoughts on this. Even if I limit how much I blog I don't think I should ever stop!

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  11. The blogging community has changed SO MUCH. Social media has changed it, and even social media has changed since it's inception. I'm on the fence about the whole thing, but I agree that blogging feels very lonely sometimes when you are a not for profit small blogger. It feels pointless in the sea of slick fancy blogs and bloggers. I totally get where you are coming from, but I'd definitely miss you if you left...so I'm glad you aren't.

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    1. It really has changed so much. And it does often feel pointless but I have to adapt to the changes and just move along with them. I'll blog when I feel like it and not dwell so much on how much I miss the old days.

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