Can NOT even believe the last time I wrote here was halfway through March, and now it is already into April and almost Easter. I’ve spent a lot of time on the couch thinking the last few weeks was due to as-yet undiagnosed vertigo and tiredness that doesn’t seem to want to leave. Though I’ve tried (valiantly, even) to send it on its way!
It’s been a battle of my mind as much as my body since I hate not being able to “do”. Despite my lack of ability to sit for long periods of time, it has been a good time to reflect. Things that were happening in the background of my life became a lot more visible and important.
Short story – I think I am finally ready to try to slow down and remember why I started blogging in the first place!
Long story – If you’ve been following this blog for a long time (THANK YOU so much!) you’ve probably noticed the content has changed over the past year or so.
Last year I found I was having trouble keeping up – my self-imposed deadlines loomed and I constantly fell behind. Instead of creating, I spent my time worrying. New things like speaking at conferences took a huge toll on my mind. Anxiety set in and my body started to rebel. Simple tasks felt like huge mountains. And yet, I still imposed crazy deadlines and knocked myself down each time I “failed”.
So I’ve decided (with my husband’s help) that this year I will focus differently. I want to start by taking some of the time spent worrying or working and use it to play with the kids, plan and make healthier meals, clean the house better, finish my quilt tops and sew the projects I have planned that I can’t ever seem to get to. (Some of them have been waiting for years!)
I’m going to try to ignore the impulse to “not miss” an opportunity I could take due to the unknown “good thing” it could do for my business. I’ve started changing my diet to be healthier and trying (again) to add in some exercise.
I started this blog to share my love of sewing and learned along the way that my passion is to help people learn to love sewing. Unfortunately, along the way, I’ve let myself become pressured into making it about gaining readers and doing “that thing” that will grow the blog. It’s exhausting! Plus, I’ve learned I’m not very good at self-promotion (it always feels funny) and that doesn’t help when you need social media promotion to grow.
I will be slowing down. Writing here needs to take a bit of a backseat to other life things right now. I need to detox from the “pressure to post” and remember how it feels to love doing it again.
I will still be blogging though! In fact, I’ve been asked to join some newly-releasing fabric tours, so they are already planned and booked. I’m still working with Janome and have exciting things coming up! Plus I have long-term projects with other people that I really want to finish and patterns I’d still like to release. And, of course, I want to show you my girls’ Easter Dresses! (Still gotta work on those… eeep!)
I will still be teaching workshops. It is refreshing to teach and recharges my love of sewing, plus I think it’s good for me to get out of my house! I’m in the middle of this 4-week series and it’s been so enjoyable to talk with like-minded people.
Thank YOU! I am and have always been amazed at the growth of this blog. I am so, so grateful for each person who comes by and spends time here. I love comments and questions. I love coming up with fun tutorials and projects. This blog could not go on without you and your encouragement.
This summer marks 5 Years in this space! It feels like a good milestone to take time to reset and make sure it stays true to my original intentions.
P.S. I recently re-read this post I wrote 2 years ago with practical suggestions I hope to start up again.
P.P.S. These photos are from our day yesterday. My husband had a work project to finish up and so the kids and I went out. First a trip to Ikea, where I discovered the play area was closing early. Thankfully, the kids agreed that “texting funny photos to daddy” would make shopping more fun. It was so nice to be outside, that we stopped by the lake for dinner and had our first trip to a playground this year. Note to self: Must do this more often!
P.P.P.S. The youngest declared her socks “look cool” this way. Her decision, not mine or her sisters – as usual! Love it!
One more photo from church yesterday morning. They’re getting so big!
They are beautiful, and certainly show their differences in how they dress! You need to do what is right for you, and we will read when you have time, no problem!
Thank you so much Carol! That’s really encouraging!
It takes us at times to run ourselves ragged, into sickness and sleeplessness, before we refocus on our core happiness. Take time to refocus your energies and plan things in moderation. Your health is key to all of the things you do.
You are so right Mary! Takes a long time to realize and reset after it happens. I’m excited to start, but a bit nervous too!
Sending pats on the back and hugs to you Sherri. Spring time…………..Good time to look at our life and reset priorities. Spend every minute you can with family and those beautiful girls. My daughter turns 43 in two days and we are still BFFs. Love your blog and look forward to reading it in the future. And if there is a period of time you don’t publish, I’ll say to myself she’s spending quality time with those beautiful girls. 🙂
Thank you so much Sam! You have made my day – thank you for such an encouraging response! You’re right, it does help that it’s spring. I cannot imagine my girls at 43, but hope I figure out how to put the time in now so we hold on to what we have. 🙂
Sherri, I feel your pain. I’ve been at my current blog for only a year and a half and I’m burnt out already. The rules, lists, and guidelines to “monetize, grow and incentivize” have been chipping away at my resolve to blog only what and when I feel like.
I’m proud of you for stepping back and reassessing your priorities. You are a rock star in so many ways. Feel better soon.
So true Marsha! Blogging has changed so much in the past few years – from somthing to do into a career option. It’s crazy keeping up! I hope you get some time to rest as well. And for the rock star comment – Thank You! I’m blushing 🙂
Hi Sherri,
We all love your blog and we’re happy even if you can’t write as often. I agree – way too many pressures to blog, tweet, post several times a day. Life is for living. Enjoy your family! All the best to you and I hope you’re feeling better and healthier soon. xx
Ah Kelly. You are so good, LOVE your comments – so thoughtful! I can feel my mindset changing already in the last few days – funny how that’s such a large part of everything!
Hi Sherri,
I love following your blog, FB and Insta and I’ll keep following even if you slow down. Take time and enjoy your family and live life! Those cuties won’t be little for long. I hope you’re feeling better and healthier soon.
You had fun at the Ikea! 😉
So mutch of what you’re writing I do recognize! It’s almost as if I was writing this, even up to the point where you write it’s funny to promote yourself. I’m not good at it eigher… 🙂 I’m glad you’ll still be blogging, I love reading your posts! I hope you’ll find the balans in your online and offline life! Oh, and thank you for your reply at my new blog, you were quick, I just did put it online! 😉
Thanks so much Mirjam! I am glad to see yours expanding. It will be fun to see what you write about! I am also glad to be trying to slow down a bit. 🙂 It seems to be going well so far!
I spent a lot of time clearing out UFOs and trying ideas I’d had last year and it felt so good!! Hope you feel recharged and re-centered 🙂
Good plan. I would love to do that Stephanie! It’s nice to feel like I have time to work on them!