Have you heard the crickets chirping? Things have been quiet – far too quiet – around here of late, and for that I am truly sorry. Life in general has been beyond hectic for our little family over the course of the last few weeks, and I have the sneaking suspicion it is only going to become more so with the fall. Wrapping my mind around all we have ahead of us has been immensely daunting, and I’ll be honest: blogging has taken a backseat.
And you know something? I have been shocked (dismayed, really) that I haven’t missed it during these weeks as much as I thought I might. I have run the gamut of emotions as I’ve considered what that means exactly, the fact that it has been so hard for me to find the motivation to get back into the saddle again.
Does it mean I’ve lost my creative mojo? Am I ungrateful? Spoiled? Just plain lazy?
Or does it mean I am just another woman – wife, mother, daughter, friend – going through the same things I know so many others do on a daily basis?
The overwhelming feeling of never (ever) being caught up with dishes, cleaning, laundry. (Oh, the never-ending laundry!)
The pang of guilt that comes when I realize I’ve spent the better part of an afternoon poring over a project when I might have otherwise done something memorable with my children.
The struggle to balance the demands of being a wife and mother while also finding time to pursue my creative endeavors.
The burnout.
Can anyone relate?
I have been loathe to share my blogging malaise with y’all, for fear that it might make some of you want to change the channel. I mean, really: how fun is it to sign up to read along as someone wallows in negativity? But then, something dawned on me this morning, something fundamental:
Part of being authentic is admitting that life has ups and downs.
In embarking on the creative venture that is Positively Splendid, my first goal – above all else – was to have an authentic voice. That realness is so crucial, because I know it shines through each and every thing I post. On the flip side of authenticity, though, is the vulnerability that goes along with admitting you can’t do it all. I am a real person. My creativity ebbs and flows. My house is often a mess. There are days when the only thing I accomplish is to keep my children fed and my house from burning to the ground, and moments occur when I realize I am not spending enough quality time with my spouse, or my children, or all of the above. And you know what? I have a hunch that the majority of y’all reading this might be able to relate on a great number of levels. Something so profoundly and potentially empowering about the network that is the blogging community is the idea that when these inevitable stagnant seasons occur, there are people out there who just might truly get it. Isn’t that a gift? I sure think so!
Thank you so much for reading today, and for enjoying my blog. I have an abundance of fun projects dancing around in my head right now, and in the days ahead, Positively Splendid will once again come alive with activity. I truly appreciate you understanding this time I’ve taken to refresh, rejuvenate and regroup!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
I can definitely relate! I’ve taken a bit of a holiday myself lately. I use to try to have at LEAST one project to post each week, sometimes two. At times it was far too much pressure as my life is busy in every other aspect, yet I would beat myself up for ‘letting down’ my followers.
Family comes first. Life comes first. Blogging is for fun. I often wonder how some women find the time to keep their blogs hopping daily!?
It’s summer. Enjoy your family and the season. I’ve learned that all my followers are a forgiving people, and they’re all still there. We all wait for quality, not quantity.
Enjoy!
Lisa
Oooo, yes, I like what Lisa said, quality, not quantity. I was just thinking about you, wondering how you’ve been, but I didn’t panic, I just thought you were probably busy with your family! I totally get it, Amy, and you’re right, it makes you real. I try not to let my disastrous house overtake me – I have girlfriends who can’t stop themselves from keeping everything neat and tidy at every minute. I can’t stop myself from doing projects. I think creative people get a free ticket on sparkling houses. And I have such guilt when I realize I’ve not spent as much time having “quality” and “memorable” moments with my kids because I’m wrapped up in blogland or a project. I moved my computer into the office so that I wouldn’t stare at it every five seconds when I’m out in the kitchen and family room with the kids. Of course, now I find myself wandering into the office a little more than I’d like, but we do the best we can. Take as much time as you need. When you have something you WANT to post, I’ll procrastinate my laundry to read it!
Dont’ sweat it, blogging should be fun! Blogging also should’ve BE your life. I think everyone is glad you’re out enjoying yours. We’ll be thrilled when you’re able to share again☺ Can’t wait to see what you’ve been mulling around in your head. I’m sure it’ll be “positively splendid”. Yeah, I went there, yeah I’m that super cheesy☺
I’ve missed you, Amy, but I completely relate right now! Summer is so filled with other obligations for me, that I don’t like blogging to become a chore!! Thanks for being authentic… that’s why we love you!
I think you have hit the nail smack on the head for a LOT of bloggers! I, myself, have often started to feel that this fun blog I started out with is sometimes more of a job. But when it stops being fun you take a break b/c, for the truly crafty like yourself, the crafts call you back when you’re ready. 😉
Can’t wait to see what all you have in store for us!
Feeling the same Amy! Thanks for your honesty! I hope to keep up with all the wonderful things you do get to do as I try to scale back a bit my own blogging time to keep other things in line.
I was just going to post about this. First of all I missed you! Second of all I have been getting blog burnout lately. I just feel like at the beginning it’s so exciting, but now I feel like it’s just a popularity game. I feel like the followers don’t really “follow”. I just need to worry about what’s most important. My family. Great post.
It’s funny you should post today because just last night I was thinking “gee, I haven’t read anything by Amy for a while now… hope she’s ok”
So much of what you’ve written “resonates” with me! The endless washing… being torn between family and other projects… struggling to write sometimes…
You take your time to rejuvenate – we’ll still be here when you return 🙂
No need to explain yourself to me. I totally understand about being busy and having other things to tend to. I don’t know how some people do it who have kids and crazy demanding jobs. I guess when you have lots of followers and post regularly people miss you and start wondering where you went. No biggie, I gotcha in my reader and whenever you’re ready I’m ready 🙂
Thanks for the authentic post! I think things ebb and flow and you know what– it’s all ok. I’m sure you are a fabulous Mom/Wife/Daughter/Friend… no one is perfect. Taking care of a family is a more than full time job… you’ll get back into blogging when it’s right for you. In the meantime, your blog looks great, you have tons of friends out here in Blogland and we’ll be here when you come back (-:
BIG Hug, Malia
What a great post Amy. Not that I don’t love your crafty posts. But i HAD been wondering if everything was okay. And i HAVE had the exact same things going on around here.
Everyday i tell myself that I can do it all. Keep up the house, play with the kids, do the laundry, the shopping, and exercise, and make healthy food, and make cool crafty stuff…then blog it. (which involves photos, photo editing, and posting) When I ran down that list for my husband and told him that I’m failing. He laughed. But not in a mean way. In a “who are you kidding sweetie?” way.
It’s true. Can’t do it all. And if the blog is draining…it’s not fun.
I would like to have those ticket passes for crafters non-sparkling houses, Stef. Are they actual tickets. That i can hold. Or are they metaphorical? Or, are they something that I’LL have to end up making. (cause that just defeats the purpose entirely. yes??)
Amy, you do great things. You balance a lot on your plate. Your blog is just a slice of your life. Think of how many parts of you need attention every day. People will wait. I am giddy when you post ANYTHING and when you don’t…as long as your not ill, or eaten by a dragon, I will patiently wait. Without judgement. And I hope that non-judgmental attitude will rub of on me…because I judge my self like a champ.
Post ’em when you got ’em. I’ll read ’em when I see ’em. And we’ll mutually respect each other for trying to acomplish what is probably unaccomplishable. Let’s never seek for perfection. He’s a stinker.
Lots of loves.. .Take a break…and come back….genius!1
As you can already see from the comments, their are a lot of us who can certainly relate. I am looking forward to seeing what you have for the future 🙂
Geez, if you never posted again I would still be grateful for the things you have shared, I LOVE your scone recipe, Laundry soap, and bisquits it added value to my life, your family comes first – : )
I can totally relate!!!! Enjoy your family time. 🙂
Yay for honesty! 🙂 Yep…all of us bloggers feel that same way. I just keep reminding myself of my blog’s purpose. GO you!! Have fun in everything!
ah ha! I was beginning to wonder if you ever slowed down! Now I don’t feel so bad. I’ve been that way since baby number 3 and I just can’t seem to get back to noraml, or find my new normal, whatever! So thanks for sharing. So glad I happened upon this tonight! Hope all is well with you guys down south. Becca
You have a lovely blog. I’ve enjoyed visiting this morning.
Sherry @ A Happy Valentine
Take your time sister. We are here when you are ready. You can only do what you can do. Never feel bad for choosing LIFE over blogging. Because LIFE happens in those moments that you don’t want to miss. Hugs friend!
It’s always a struggle to find balance in our lives, so… I hear ya’ sister!
hi amy– just checkin’ in… hope things are going well and you are getting a chance to breathe!
just found your blog through southern mommas stop by my blog, I will follow you and you can do the same narrettofamily.blogspot.com