A few days ago I read a post on Cottage Instincts that really hit home. Cindy talked about how blogging had in essence taken over her life and her home. That's the way I've been starting to feel. I have not been creating a home for my family, I have been creating a home that I can blog about. That was a tough realization for me.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do love what I have been able to create, and I am very proud of myself for what I have been able to accomplish. But what started as a way to fill my time, and help heal my heart, very quickly took over. There was no time for cleaning, because I had a blog post to write. There was not enough time for my children, because I had photos to edit. Blogging got in the way of life.
Not only that, but the time that was spent LOOKING AT OTHER BLOGS was overwhelming!! There are so many talented and creative ladies out there, and at times it would make me feel inadequate. As soon as I would post my latest project or room reveal, there was a better one on another blog.
What I failed to realize, is that my home only has to be good enough for ME, and for MY FAMILY. That's not to say that I don't love and appreciate the platform that blogging is, for sharing ideas and for gaining and offering support. But when you start checking your email every five minutes to see if there have been any comments on your latest post, there's a problem.
I am a person who has always struggled to create balance. When I do something, I do it "all out," holding nothing back and jumping in with both feet. I did that with blogging. Eventually, something has to give.
I recently started taking my children to church, because it was "the right thing to do." I wanted my children to grow up with a church home, just like I did. I wanted them to have the same experiences with Sunday School and VBS and youth group, that I did. But in doing "the right thing" for my children, I have in turn been blessed by coming back to God. I am learning to accept that I am good enough just the way I am. There's not one diy project in the world that can offer the same satisfaction.
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Fabulous post!!! I can totally relate and always struggle to find the balance with everything in life as well. Thanks so much for writing this.
ReplyDeleteJenn :)
Thank you for your heart felt comments. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling with finding balance myself. Thanks for your insights!
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts are so very relatable! I too have been struggling with this as well as a few other bloggers I've talked with. I have promised myself that I am putting family before blog... creating projects and posting them because I love them and not trying to worry about who just posted the same thing yesterday... browsing other blogs as time 'allows', and not checking stats or followers for at least a week! It can become so obsessive! Congrats on your return to church! Stop by and say hello sometime!
ReplyDeleteKim
I think every blogger struggles with the same issues and realizations at some point. I certainly do, and any balance I achieve doesn't stick around for very long. I think keeping things in perspective (and writing down what that means to you) is important. I know it is helping me as I reshape how my blog fits into my life.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this post. I can so relate to this on so many levels, so many things in our lives can come between us and the true purpose of our lives and items which are really important. As you continue to feather your nest, know that the talents and gifts you share on your blog are given to you from a God that made you unique and with talents to make this world a better place by being the perfect creation He has called you to be.
ReplyDeleteI hear what your saying loud and clear and can very much relate.
ReplyDeleteThis post reaches home with many of us. We love our blogs and all the wonderful things in blog land. It becomes hard to find a balance between our real lives and our computers. I appreciate your blog and all the things you share with us. I look forward to your posts. I pray you will be able to find a good balance.
ReplyDeleteRuth
What a great post. I feel the same way. I get overwhelmed with posting about projects and viewing others blogs that I some times just want to stop the blogging. I just have to learn to balance my life. I can completely relate. And good for you for going back to church.
ReplyDeleteI think your post probably has meaning to just about every blogger on some level. I think we all struggle with some of the same issues. Sometimes it's very hard to find that balance. For me, I have to remind myself why I started blogging in the first place. It was to "share" things I know a little something about. As long as I keep that in mind & pay less attention to how many "followers" I have or whether a few have stopped following (that used to totally stress me out), then I enjoy it all so much more. I wish you all the best in however you choose to handle your situation.
ReplyDelete:) CAS
Blog for fun, blog becuase you want to not becuase you feel you have to....I always love seeing your projects if they take 3 weeks to finish then post then that is ok :)
ReplyDeleteXO
Kristin
Very well said!
ReplyDeleteSusan