I know many of my blogger buddies took some time off over the holidays from their usual blogging schedule. Today if my first post in some time, as I busied myself with family obligations and worked on a manuscript that has needed my attention for a few weeks now. And guess what.
My blog didn't disappear. I didn't lose any followers. Blogger didn't shut down because I didn't have three new posts per week. My friends didn't abandon me because I didn't visit their blogs everyday. The blogosphere went on without me. It was the least amount of time I spent reading blogs in the last two years. And it was okay.
What I learned is that it's okay to take some time off. It's all right to concentrate on one project at a time or spend extra hours with your family. I've worked hard on my blogging over the past year, but it didn't all fall apart because I took some time off. I didn't even feel guilty. And I got so much other writing done. And I have two publishers sending me edits for rewrites sometime in the next two months so I might have to take some more time off. And it's okay.
Don't be afraid to relax and focus on the immediate demands of your life, personal or professional, and slack off on others. That's my advice for today.
Did you take some time off over the holidays from writing or blogging? What's the longest break you ever took? Did you feel guilty?
25 comments:
Well said. I think we all need a little time out occasionally. I'm hoping my break will reignite my creativity! Fingers crossed!
Such a great reminder! Sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves to relax and recharge. I'm glad you did and were able to get other writing accomplished.
I have taken a hiatus or two and felt guilty as beck! But not so much anymore. I know I am getting page views whether I am there online or not and I don' t get many comments no matter what I do. So might as well be productive elsewhere.
I've learned not to feel guilty about taking blogging breaks. They've been more necessary lately, but I always miss my fellow bloggers.
Welcome to 2013 and I hope the retirement from teaching is just what you need.
I think it's good to take a break when you need it.
Yes, we all need to take time out to do other things and take it easy.
A blogging break is good from time to time, and a healthy option to revive the flagging spirits...
Everything of the best with your 2013 plans and writing goals.
I just keep it simple. I blog when I feel like it, and don't when I don't. Very simple and that way it stays fun.
Though a long time ago I did consider ditching the blog all together. Glad I didn't.
I've drawn some of the same conclusions Susan. We must take the time we need. No one else has our obligations, etc. outside of blogging, so there's no need for us to constantly compare to the expectations of others.
Even if someone does quit following because we skipped a week or two, that doesn't mean we've failed. :-)
It is all right to take a break! I lurked some, but I spent a lot of the past two weeks just enjoying life.
I do take off from blogging. Especially when I'm knee deep in drafting or edits.
When I'm in the zone, I struggle to switch gears and blog. :-)
A nice reminder, Sue. And yes, I took a break this holiday from blogging, for multiple reasons. And I did feel a little guilty. But since you're pretty much the only person who comments on my blog, I figured I could break when you did!!! lol!
Happy new year!
Yeah, I did take time off from writing and blogging. And yes, I did feel bad about it. I know the blogging world continued to turn without me but I still felt bad.
I'm trying to work on that though.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that took a blogcation. It was awesome, but it is even more awesome to be back. Happy New Year.
So happy to be back on the blogging train again. I needed the break but it felt like something missing every day.
Great post. I always feel guilty when I slack off on blogging and visiting. Yet sometimes it can't be helped. I need to accept I can't control everything and I'll be happier that way. Have a great 2013!
I took some time off (some of it because I was sick) and the blogging world didn't stop. Nor did my blog implode. All is good.
It's good to get away for a little while. I haven't been blogging as much throughout the holidays, but I have been working on blogging related stuff. Now I could use a vacation. Haha. Happy New Year!
Not only is it okay but it's healthy to take a step away from blogging for a while. Like you said, the blogosphere goes on :)
Jamie
I took off for all of December -- but then I go away from my blog for a spell each year :)
Wish you a happy 2013!
I enjoy blogging as much as anybody, but I kind of decided a long time ago I wasn't going to spend more time writing about my writing than actually writing, the same goes for life in general- less time writing about it, more time living it.
you know, i just thought the other day about shutting my facebook and blog down--i don't know why---haha sometimes i think i think too much--happy new year :)
I took time off from blogging during November and December. I did feel guilty, but I'm glad I'm not burnt out now at the beginning of the year.
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I lost members over the break, but that only means they figured out my evil plot and didn't want to be a part of it anymore (muahhahaha!).
Happy New Year and good luck on your projects! :)
Susan: Regarding the oil ... I didn't need to use very much. Only a wee bit but I rather liked how it worked for me.
Happy Baking :-)
Post a Comment