Over the past few weeks I had been thinking a lot about what
to do with my blog. I have been blogging for more than five years and I’ve
always enjoyed it. Only recently has the spark of it dulled a bit. I found
myself not wanting to write anything. That was a surprise for me since I’ve
always liked writing. Playing with words, drawing pictures with sentences.
Telling stories.
But sometimes my heart wasn’t fully into it anymore. Something
was missing. I felt pressure to write something in order to keep my blog up to
date – without really wanting to do that. Pressure made entirely by me – no one
else is to blame. So I stopped writing altogether and instead gave more thought
to this blog journey.
I wonder where my heart was when writing those other posts
and why I bothered in the first place. What was keeping me from being genuine
and real? Where was the “real me” in those moments? It’s not that I want to
hide - yes, I’m not always “main stream” – far from it -, I have rough edges
and often queer thoughts. That’s who I am. But is there any valid reason not to
show that?
This is my blog, I am the author of it. I decide what to
show and tell, and I want it to be heartfelt, true and real. No apologies
either if I don’t turn up on a regular schedule. Id rather be here less often
but when I show up, it’s the real me.
You, my wonderful readers, each one of you simply deserve
this.
17 comments:
Perfect timing. I was starting to worry about you, and had decided to email if you didn't post over the next few days.
Your authentic self, rough edges and all, is a gift.
Wow to these photos! The second really pops. I know what you're saying about blogging - I feel the same way. It seems when I post something that really reflects who I am, readers appreciate the honesty. There are times, I just want to take a break, but I do miss the contacts if I take a blogcation for awhile. I think I've settled into a pattern of posting about once every week or 10 days. Usually, with that amount of time "off" I can come up with something I want to share. I've enjoyed getting to know you, Carola, and I love seeing your photographs.
Wow - atemlos !
Liebe Grüße - Monika
What a timely visit for me as I have been struggling with some of the same thoughts. I think you have certainly come to the right decision about being real and authentic when we blog. Some how it really comes through the words and others appreciate the real us.....Thank you for the encouragement. And your pictures are just beautiful. I hope you have a great weekend....
In this day of tweets and Facebook snippets and Insta-everything, I think many people long for a greater sense of connection and realness. I know I do. I've never been much for small talk. I would much rather know who someone truly is, in all their wonderful uniqueness, than to see some mask they wear because they think it's more "acceptable". I love your authentic voice as well as your beautiful photography, and I know I'm not alone in that! I hope you'll keep letting it sing out.
Having started our blogs at about the same time, I truly understand your thoughts. The best thing to know and remember is that it is only you that you must make happy. You seem to have this figured out now, to show up when you want/need to ... you are the only boss when it comes to this special place.
Your photos always just knock my socks off!!!!
I think this is an ongoing balancing act for anyone who blogs. My personal solution is to give myself breaks in December and June wether I need it or not. It's an escape from my (completely self-imposed) writing schedule. It gives me time to refresh and review my personal and blogging goals. By the end of my month break I have long lists of topics I want to write about.
I always enjoy your blog, even if I don't comment. I love the poppy seed pods.
I've also blogged much less lately
Rinda
I know just how you feel, lately I have been in a much similar mood. And sometimes there just isn't anything that interesting to blog about. I have decided like many others that my blog is for me and should be on my schedule. I always enjoy your posts and your photos as so well we see today, are divine.
I've missed your posts Carola and now I know why. Sometimes we have to step back and get refreshed then start again with our blogs. I'm glad you will continue and that you will be 'real'. I enjoy your beautiful photos so blog when you can and we'll be here to visit when you do. Take care and have a beautiful week.
Pam
Well, as you know, Carola, I have been very absent from blogging myself so I can certainly relate! I have moved on to other forms of social media but sometimes I miss the opportunity to really share in depth.... and for those times, my blog is still there. Good for you and I totally get it!
The desire and inspiration to blog comes and goes doesn't it? I use other social media but feel I get to know people better through their blogs. I will show up to read whenever you post something.
I really like that photo with the poppy pods.
I've had many of the same thoughts lately - although my own absence has been due more to the lack of time than the lack of willingness. Keep being real Carola! I'd rather see the real you once-in-a-while, than the "obligated" you more frequently.
Makes sense. No point pretending to suit other people!
First, I have to say that those are glorious photos in this post. They fit the topic perfectly.
I've noticed a trend in new blogs where people are working very hard to attract followers and corporate backers. It really turns me off and can affect my general attitude toward blogging. It's led me to say no to almost every advertiser who has approached me. Like you, I want it to be *my* blog - with my real feelings and thoughts - and not necessarily the ones that some corporation wants me to express.
That's a little off-topic but I agree with you completely. Be authentic and people will feel moved by your posts (and you'll enjoy writing them). It's true for all of us.
Carola, those are awesome photographs.
I've also arrived at that conclusion that it is important to be authentic. There are many blogs who count the hits and monetize them and at the same time they are very alike and impersonal. I wouldn't want to have such a blog and it seems that the same applies to you which I'm really pleased about. I keep my fingers crossed for you to find a new rhythm in your blogging and I'm looking forward to the future reflections of your real you! :)
Beautiful photos and totally understand and agree with what you said. I have appreciated my blog more since I changed my format to where I can see all my posts at a glance. Such fun for me to look back at past times and thoughts
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