Friday, December 9, 2011

From Big Girl Shoes Back to Bare Feet


I've been discussing this blog's journey over the last couple of weeks. I started off with bare feet, as in I didn't have a clue what I was doing and I pretty much shared my thoughts and feelings. Then I started getting to know people around here, came up with the shoe theme, and learned a whole lot about the world of blogging. It's been a great resource for important information, and I met my crit buddies through blogging. I can't say it enough--it has been an awesome experience.

That being said, the stage I'm in now has been a little tough for me. As most of you know, I took a six month break from blogging this past year for a number of reasons. And most of you probably also know that since I've been back, I haven't exactly been keeping on top of things. I'm working on it, though.

So, today I'm going back to the barefoot approach. I'm sharing with you exactly what I'm feeling and thinking. The truth is, some days I can't think of a dang thing to write about here. The creative side of my brain is all spent from working on my WIP. Or from dealing with real life issues. Or from exhaustion due to other responsibilities.

Back in January of this year, I shared some of my goals for 2011. One of them was to improve on social networking. I expressed the hope of increasing quality more so than quantity. In other words, my goal was to step up the quality of my posts, not necessarily to blog more often. I'd say I haven't exactly made much progress on either front. But I know why. Blogging quit being fun for me when I put that expectation of quality in the mix. If I couldn't think of something clever, enlightening, or at least timely to post about, I just didn't post.

I decided a month or so ago to let go of my self-imposed quality demand for the remainder of 2011. I needed blogging to be fun again. And my hope was that when it was fun again, the quality of posts would increase naturally. Does that make sense?

The good news is, I'm having fun again. Still working on the quality thing, but I'll get there. And until I do, at least I'll be having a good time.

The bad news is, I just took on a new accounting client. The company hasn't kept financial records all year, and they want me to get them caught up. YIKES! It will be quite the task, but I'm ready. After all, numbers are my second love. (I think you all know what my first love is.) Anyway, from now until the end of the year, my blogging time might be limited. I'll still be around, though. How could I not be? I'm having too much fun!

Have a great weekend everyone!



15 comments:

Stina said...

That is scary about your new accounting client. Okay, they sound a lot like me. Good thing my husband enjoys numbers.

We can always tell when a blogger isn't having fun. It shows in their posts. I think it's a great idea to take a break when you need it. I'm mean, it's not like we're getting paid to do this. We don't want to burn out before our time.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Just like how it was when we were kids...when the real fun began we had to go home.

Congrats on the job and the fun coming back.
~ Wendy

Tere Kirkland said...

I've been burnt out these past few months trying to write and blog and balance, so I know exactly how you feel. (except about the new client. i'd be breathing in a bag if you told me I had to work with numbers, lol)

Glad you'll still be around, but don't feel obligated to blog for us procrastinators. ;) Happy holidays and huge hugs!

Glynis Peters said...

Life has challenges we are never certain of, that is what makes it exciting. Enjoy your challenges. I have cut back on blogging and concentrating on my wip. You are not alone.

Patti said...

I know what you mean about worrying about the quality of your posts. I've felt that way as well. Plus I haven't posted when I don't have time to go comment on other blogs. I'm hoping to work out a better schedule in January. Good luck with your new client.

mooderino said...

Hello!

I think people put too much pressure on themselves to blog a cvertain amount, or to a certain standard. It should be fun (we certainly aren't geting paid to do it).

mood
thanks for the follow by the way!

Nancy said...

I'm so glad that you are having fun blogging again. I love all of your posts. Hope you have more time for what you love.

Christina Lee said...

Oh I so get that!! Which is why I think bloggers should talk about what excites them and on their own schedule! Better than to burn out (GO, YOU)!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I have to tell you I'm a bit awed...I don't know many people who are BOTH word people AND number people. Just the thought of too many numbers gives me hives!! :-)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Barefoot is good (unless it's freezing out). I hope you feel free and easy with the posting. I decided long ago that I wouldn't have a schedule, just try to post at least once or twice a week. There are so many bloggers that I dont' think people really pay attention how often others post unless they disappear entirely. and I hope you don't do that!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Congratulations on getting a sale. ) think it is important to recognize what is wrong. living for your sooo spontaneious...af nw knoq id you wwsa ainswrghubf...

erica m. chapman said...

So glad you are enjoying blogging again!!! It totally makes sense, and I think we'd rather have you enjoy posting than just to post for the sake of it. We love you!!! and your blog!

Life has a way of making something we love become something we feel obligated to do, it's okay to step away ;o)

Great post!!

Name: Holly Bowne said...

Susan, I ADORE your honesty! I've felt myself to be in a bit of a blogging funk for much of this year.

But, like you, I really love the connections I've made through blogging. I do enjoy reading others' posts (like yours!) and writing my own. I think eventually, we'll find a natural rhythm to our blogging life--which I'm sure will ebb or flow depending on what else we have going on our lives. I guess that's part of what blogging in is about.

Leah Rubin said...

You are a glutton for punishment! That new client might not know how lucky he/she is! I always enjoy your blog, though I'm not online reading as often as I used to be... But when I'm around, yours is one of the first ones I look for. Thanks for your openness and honesty. I share a lot of those worries you named...

Jennifer Shirk said...

Ooh good luck with that new client.