Tuesday 19 November 2013

NaBloPoNO - A Little Ode to Blogger Burnout


So, I've been a little off grid recently, I'm sorry!  I hope this post goes some way to explain why.  When I decided to take on the #NaBloPoMo challenge, throughout November, I was excited to see if it would reignite some fresh ideas and exciting challenges for Life is Peachy.  Bloggers across the world enjoy taking part in a month long challenge of posting a blog everyday - aided by set prompts or using their own ideas.  Why not join in the fun?  So thought I...

In truth, I am in awe of anyone who can post on their blog every day!  I set about scheduling posts, following prompts and eager to write new and exciting posts about me.  I hope you've enjoyed reading little tidbits about my life, my past and my Bucket List!  But, whilst I think the spirit of the challenge is wonderful - I don't feel I can carry it on.

I'm writing this at the end of a very difficult week.  There have been very late nights, very early mornings, lots of knitting deadlines and a case of mild conjunctivitis for Little D which, as any parent will know, is most distressing.  So, perhaps, it wasn't really great timing to be throwing myself into posting every day - but then again, when is there ever a good time to do it?  I'm forever trying to catch up with emails, research, crafts, #CraftBlogClub, orders, Little D, Mr Peachy and, somewhere in there, a little bit of 'me' time.

Then again, I think perhaps partaking in this challenge has made me accept the very real existence of Blogger Burnout.  It is real, it is out there and I've finally had to accept that no person is capable of running a blog 365 days a year.  

I'm a list maker, an organiser, a forward-planner and I get incredibly excited about new ideas and projects to start.  It's been a real eye-opener of a year, having to adjust to the wondrous unpredictability of a baby; so dealing with day to day tasks can be somewhat testing. And when I didn't quite get that scheduled daily post out on time, or didn't have something planned for the following day - I started to panic.  Which took the fun out of my blog.  I worried that people would stop reading, I worried that my content wasn't as engaging as it should be, muted amongst other topics that I wouldn't perhaps have chosen to write about.  Then I worried that my worrying was coming across on my blog.  Then I stopped and had a sudden epiphany - who and what was I really writing this blog for??

For those of you who have read my blog from the start, Life is Peachy was originally set up to encourage and inspire new parents with finding their identities.  I feel so strongly about this and have forged my way into my new role as 'Mummy' whilst keeping an alarming amount of my own personality intact (alarming, only, as I was assured this wouldn't happen)!  But, it seems, in the 6 short months that I've been religiously writing this blog, it has grown and developed at such a pace, that I almost feel it is time to acknowledge a new direction and re-vamp my entire little web space to accommodate for something new.

I'm positive, always, but I'm also a worrier.  I worry that I don't craft enough right now to warrant running #CraftBlogClub, I worry that I'm running out of ideas and I worry that I have so little time to dedicate to each of my little projects at the moment that I am, sadly, suffering from an incredible case of burnout.  I have spent the last few days catching up with my gnomes, staying with my parents and nursing D back to fighting fit, but I can't ignore the constant whirring in my mind - when will I post this?  What will become of Life is Peachy?  Do I need to migrate to something newer, a clearer direction?  The answer to that last one is, yes.  I need to.  And I want everyone who enjoys reading my blog to continue following me as I am about to undertake some big changes and focus, A LOT MORE on my Frugally Fabulous Year Challenge.

I hope you don't mind, I'm breaking all the sacred blogging rules, I'm taking a little break - just 2 weeks, to get things straight and plan ahead for Christmas and beyond.  I wanted you to be the first to know this.  I'll be back, brimming and beaming again - but right now I need to think, research, be brave and be innovative.  And I guess, despite its difficulties, I have the wonder of #NaBloPoMo to thank for bringing it all to my attention!

Life is Peachy will return.....I look forward to seeing you then!



E x

5 comments:

Anthea said...

First of all no-one says it's against the rules to take a little bloggy break! Unless it's your job (and for most of us it isn't, although wouldn't that be good) youshould not feel bad about taking a little time out when you need it! I tried a blog a day challenge back in June and ended up averaging one every two days. It's hard!!
I have always maintained that as soon as it becomes a chore or a worry it's time to step back...
So don't paninc - you're doing a fine job and Live Peachy will survive without you for a couple of weeks while you get on with the important LIFE stuff! Very much looking forward to your Fabulously Frugal Year posts! Anthea x

Gift Frippery said...

I read in various places about the blog a day challenge. I have to admit I just don't see the point. It's in reverse! If you have something to share, then you blog. You shouldn't blog, in my opinion, for bloggings sake. I think you've done exactly the right thing and should definitely not feel bad!

pinkundine said...

I used to blog 5 days a week - I think I've posted about 3 times in the last few months. When it starts to be a pressure, it stops being fun, and therefore defeats the point of doing it. So I totally get where you're coming from! Taking a break is definitely a good thing, and the right thing.

jilbry58 said...

My daughter, the perfectionist!
Don't you just love her? So hard on herself it's unreal!
Glad you came to this conclusion my lovely, will see you on the next one... time for YOU!!!!!!!!!
Love always x

Unknown said...

Look at that cute little face!! I can relate to a lot of what you said, who are you blogging for? I blogged for myself and every time I worry I haven't posted or fallen behind I remind myself that! Aww don't you worry we will be here waiting, and it's good to take a break and come bk even more creative and ready to blog! I'm excited for you!!