Thursday, January 6, 2011

Balancing Act

I think there's supposed to be some lesson for me in the construction of this post - some kismet, some timing thing, some something along those lines.  You see I've been trying just to type it for 3 hours to no avail  - thanks to Blogger the biznatch.  Thought I'd give it one more whirl before bed and of course it decides that now is the time to cooperate...by the light of the silvery moon. Of course.

The other day I mentioned my resolve to simplify life.  In the month or so leading up to Christmas I began to feel the weight of having very little time to myself - things piling up being a sign.  Back in the fall I realized one day that I don't get outside to walk much anymore - one of the fave things I had done religiously prior to this blog.  Same goes for working out and, sadly, seeing and talking to my friends on a regular basis instead of just sending random texts.  Something's gotta give.

One of the main reasons I felt compelled to start blogging was because of the people I met who encouraged me to do so for over two years (can you say late bloomer?).  Back to the point:  people would always ask me where I got a certain ring or shoe, hear a crazy story I had, or end up talking about a restaurant or special place we visited and inevitably say, "You really need to be writing this down."  Cut to scene and I start the blog.  More than anything it is supposed to be a reflection of me (and you of yours and so on, etc.), but I realized a couple months ago that if I'm not participating in my life beyond sitting behind the computer screen then what do I have to share?

image via rosettes

I know I'm not the only one feeling like this.  I've received some pretty great and honest emails from several other bloggers mentioning the same angst:  how to be loyal to the blog and readers, but also be present in the other aspects of their/our lives.  I can only speak for myself when I say it is a disservice to you as a reader when I don't have compelling content to share with you.  Original ideas/experiences are gathered by living life first and sharing second. 

I don't know about you, but I notice a level of guilt set in when I miss a daily post...or when I post off hours.  To me that's just not healthy.  Of course I feel an obligation to every person who visits my blog and I value my readers immensely, but if I don't post at precisely the same time every day I think we will all survive (read:  me).  When I was in Canada far away from technology and demands I had so many revelations about just going through the motions without actually living my life daily - and that is just not me.  I mean I'm a free bird for pete's sake!!

So with that I say I hope you will stick with me if you don't see a post every single day.  Or maybe you will and then I'll skip a day.  And I may not post at midnight (or whenever) every single time.  I might ramble on about fashion endlessly (shocker).  Or maybe I'll actually read a book and tell you about it.  I may comment a ton on your blogs, or I may just read and enjoy and sit back to think about it.  Whatever the case may be, more than anything I want the content here to be a reflection of a person who is living and enjoying their life - ups (shoes and crazy encounters) and downs (wallet restriction. and, well, wallet restriction). If you have any secrets, tips or magic tricks to balancing your blog with your life then I would love to hear them.  And if you are feeling any pressure to keep up I wanna hear that, too. 

And now, at 1AM PST, I will go to bed.  Thanks for nothing Blogger!!  But a sincere thank you to each of you for stopping by to read and keep in touch.  xoxo - Carrie

82 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww, babe!! I know how you feel. And don´t worry. I will still like you if you don´t post every day :) The bigger my joy will be when I´ll a new post on your blog.

There is no reason to feel guilty. We all do have a life and you´re absolutely right. There is nothing to write about when you spend your days and nights in front of the computer screen.

So go out and have fun! <3

xx
M.
Join my Giveaway and win Lauren Conrad´s Style Book!

this free bird said...

See it's starting already? I'm thinking shiznit I don't want anyone to think I'm not going to post. Ugh!!

Pressure off: there will be posts of course, but if I take more time to myself I haven't abandoned anyone or the blog.

Martini time!

shopgirl said...

I can't agree more Carrie. Life is about living and a personal blog is an extension of that life. I always come back to my favourite blogs because of the person behind the blog and its content, and yours is one of them!

Have an awesome 2011!

Anonymous said...

I so, 100%, completely get this and could have written it. Bottom line - life comes first and blogging should come.... well, I dont know where because I struggle with it too - where was I going with this? The blessing (and curse?) of all this technology is that all of us can be reached a million and one ways, so if you dont post every single day, or at the exact same time, its not like youve gone MIA on anyone.

(Is the new computer out of the box yet? GIrl, take about a week off to figure that out. New technology is stressful!)

ilovemyhouse said...

You are sooo right. While making a new post and commenting on yours i still sit in my sweat pants because i wanted to work out but got hooked again at blogger... I don't post so often anymore and see blooger also as a diary that keeps tracks of how i feel and what keeps me busy.

Have fun.

XX

Collette Osuna said...

Carrie...I agree sweets. I went from posting everyday to every other and now with this new magazine venture...its every few days....and I think its fine:)
You need to LIVE life...in order to be able to write about it:)

Love you!!

Stop by and say Hello:)
Come be a part of my new online fashion magazine!!♥

Leia said...

Carrie,
I read so many blogs. All of them are awesome, like yours. But they all post at different times every day, and most of them don't post daily. I don't even notice what time they post. I just check my Bloglovin' when it's convenient for me and read the posts then. You need to post as and when you feel like it, and your loyal readers will continue reading :)

Anonymous said...

Carrie, of course we will support you with whatever works for your lifestyle. Blogging daily is a lot of work and sometimes we are just not up for it. I will check your blog often and consider it a treat when I find a post!! xo

little luxury list said...

It's a constant balancing act. WE both spent HOURS on blogger today. Sigh, I could have been lying by the pool with my book instead. Take it one day at a time, schedule blogging, and most importantly take time away when you need it!

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

Hey sweetie. You are soooo thoughtful to be thinking about all of us like that. Go out and enjoy life. Even if you miss a day or two or more, we, your loyal followers will always be here. I heart your blog a lot. =)

Dawn said...

:)
So hear ya.
I am feeling so swamped with it all...I am not even enjoying it any more.
And I miss real life.

Love your posts.
Don't care WHEN you post.
Love your words.
Will read ANY thing you write.
Comment or don't.
Life goes on and we are FINE.

Carry on as a FREE-bird!:))

Emz said...

such a wonderful post. couldn't agree more.

well said.

you.
rock.

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Totally normal feelings. And just writing this post will help...just acknowledging the feelings help. It's hard for me to not post too. I feel like I'm supposed to....but I also know that's all in my own head. You and I think a lot alike my dear. So as someone who lives it too....try and allow yourself more flexibility and freedom ;) and yes...post about the books you read, post anything. We read because we love hearing you...so write whatever you want to wriite.

Courtney Erin said...

I will always look forward to reading - no matter what the frequency of the posts is. I mean let's not loose sight of what's really important here right? You absolutely need to actually live your life in order to be able to write about it!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

hip hip gin gin said...

I SO feel you. Sometimes I stare at my reader and see bloggers who post 5-6 times a day and I think "how in the world are they doing it?" and then I get all anxious and think that I need to hurry,hurry,hurry and post more. Or I find myself sitting on the couch with the computer on my lap, my husband is trying to talk to me, the dog is dropping her toys in front of me, and I'm ignoring them both. That can't be right, and that is when I really feel like shutting the laptop for good (and feel like a giant jerk).

I think the big problem is that we feel like we will be forgotten if we aren't participating all day every day, and I really hope that isn't true. I know that I will continue to read my favorites (and that means you lady!) whenever they post and however often they post. And as much as I try to comment a lot on all of these great blogs sometimes I would rather be able to read more posts from more people or there just aren't enough hours in the day.

I guess what I'm trying (hoping) to say is: I think we all feel the way that you do, we will all be here, and thank you for saying this because as much as we feel it I think most of us assume that we are the only ones who can't keep up and no one wants to admit that.
So here's to more real life for all of us!!!

Kristen said...

Hi Carrie,

You are a joy to the blog world weather you post once a day or once a week. seriously!! You do what you gotta do and the true followers will always be here waiting for your stories or seeking fashion inspiration.

You are indeed a very loyal follower yourself and you leave some of the most thoughtful comments on my blog daily, which I am ever so thankful for. (just thought you should know.)

I think I am able to balance life with blogging because I've simply "transferred" my hobby! I used to scrapbook all the time, life, pictures, events, everything!! Now I do it online for an audiance and it seems to be working. I was always taking food pics (for fun years before the blog)and giving restaurant reccomends all the time anyways, now I'm just doing it in a more structured and detailed fashion. So I'm not sure if that mentality helps, but that's what works for me, justification that this is a hobby and it makes me HAPPY. Striking a balance will take time, but you'll find it again!!

xo

Anonymous said...

Carrie,

I cheat. I do my blog at work because I have a job that allows allot of free time.
I think if it were to cut into my home life I would feel as you do.
Dont feel guilty for your decision. I will still check in on you.
:)

Unknown said...

girl r u kidding me - i think it's GREAT u realize u need to take a few steps back and focus on ur 'real life' and unplug - i literally do not go on the internet when i leave work and weekends, NEVER! .. that's MY TIME .. but to each their own and u need to find the balance - i'm with u on the journey of finding YOU! - *yayy*

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Closet Fashionista said...

So true, I know exactly what you mean. I never really had a life before my blog anyway but I need to stop feeling guilty if I don't have time to comment back on people or get a post up...but I do really love it so I do make time for things. But I think every once in a while I should take a few days off. Like with my upcoming vacations I'm not going to bother with scheduling posts or making posts while I'm away, I'm just going to enjoy my time off and hope that my readers understand.
Always make time for yourself before your blog :) (i should listen to my own advice, haha)
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Jessica said...

I think many of us begin to feel pressure once we have built up a following. You sound like myself, and I'm definitely Type A personality, which means you like routine, schedule, and organization. Lately, I've realized that it's the content, not count, of the posts I create that matter. However, if I just want to post a whole lot of pictures about nothing in particular because that what I'm feeling, fine, so be it. We come to your blog and read your posts because we love it, and everyone understands taking blog breaks here and there! We all do it. Pressure is off, lady! Go on witcha bad blog self.

Cafe Fashionista said...

Puh-lease Carrie...you couldn't keep me away if you tried. Honestly though...even if you didn't post for weeks at a time, I would still stick around and wait for your return. Blogging is, after all, supposed to be a part of our life, not consume our lives entirely. Besides, if we post when we don't want to, it just becomes a chore - and seriously, who LIKES chores?! Zipping my lips now...bottom line - I am here for the long haul! :P

Couture Carrie said...

Very sincere and lovely post, darling!
Keep up the beautiful blogging!

xoxox,
CC

RosaLovesDC said...

Hey girl, I recently discovered your blog and regardless of how often you blog or what topics you decide to talk about, I will still read your posts. :) I think you are fabulous!

Katherine said...

Absolutely no need to post every day. I look forward to my visits to your blog. But blogging should be an enjoyable experience and should in no way over take other aspects of your life.
Big Hugs!

noone said...

aww totally know how you feel. I feel guilty if I don't post every weekday or if I don't spend some time reading blog posts/commenting. but there's always ups and downs, some days I feel like it some days I don't, no need to feel guilty :)

Unknown said...

I totally get what you're saying. I think I need to rein it in and stop feeling guilty if I don't post every day. Some of my friends that read my blog even ask me if I'm ok if I don't post during the week (bad sign?). i'd still love you even if you posted once every two weeks!! :)

Lila said...

I am in the same boat. During the holiday break I enjoyed the time away from my blog (even though I missed all the great ideas, decor, etc) I enjoyed my time talking with actual human beings. I am with you.....

Jenni Austria Germany said...

i need to stop obsessesing over mine as well! and i love the alice in wonderland quote.

Diana Mieczan said...

Its a balancing act for me too,sweetie and I think its very hard to make everything work smoothly...Days are just too short, right!? You know that you are happy when you do something you love and to love it you have to have some free time away from it on regular basis...So a walk, cinema or dinner with your love is whats the doctor subscribed! Love you and wish you a great day
Muah

TheChambrayCountess said...

You don't have blog fodder if you sit in front of your computer all day! Go out and enjoy yourself! Blogging isn't fun if it becomes work. I (and the rest of your readers, I'm sure) love your blog and are happy to read it whenever you post, so don't worry, your readers won't begrudge you for having other things to do than type-ity type ;)

Valerie said...

Amen! I couldn't agree more (as you already know) and feel the need to be out living my life instead of sitting behind a computer all day. We all love your blog, regardless of the time you post or the length of the post, or the number per week, etc. But you need to be happy and do what you love (aka-walks, pilates, baking, etc). I need to work on this as well and the only tip I really have is the cutting back on the comments. I just can't get it done anymore. I love reading everyone's blogs, but the comments are too time consuming. But I know how you feel with the guilt too. Ugh. Let me know if you figure things out and give me some tips too!

xo
Valerie

kristine [kristine. or polly.] said...

Such a great post. I'm experiencing the same kind of anxiety as well. I want my blog to be the best I can make it, but it also takes a *lot* of time, something that I didn't realize when first beginning to blog. However, it is something I truly love, so I don't think the stress of it will get to me for a while. I do think it is healthy to take breaks when you need to though. I mean, I think readers can tell when you are forcing insincere content on here, ya know? (I mean, not specifically YOUR blog, but in general). And the great thing about blogs is that there are no rules! So do what you need to do :)


Kristine. Or Polly.

A Crimson Kiss said...

How is it that you know just what I'm thinking. I will admit, I have my posts planned from now until Valentine's day, waiting to go live or waiting to be written, so that I won't feel guilty if I go a day without writing. And my list of daily reads-ENDLESS! I feel terrible if I'm not keeping up, but it ain't healthy!

I'm glad to hear you're taking more time for yourself-we all should. And I will read whenever you post and I carve out a wonderful little half hour to enjoy you!

Alyssa said...

this is a sweet post, and we all go through this dilemma. no worries. your writing alone garners a strong loyalty. rest assured, i will keep coming back regardless of posting irregularities. i have about ten blogs that i love and follow in which the owners rarely post.

Nadia said...

Much like Higgenbottom wrote above me, the blogs that I follow and LOVE the most are ones who do not post every day. Blogging is our creative outlet, it shouldn't feel like a job, you know? Enjoy taking more time for yourself and your loved ones :)

xo Nadia

Roxy Te said...

Carrie, love! I feel the same guilt- "Was that post good enough? Oh, I have commented back yet! Whatever shall I do when I'm gone for a week! I need to schedule!!" Needless to say, that just means you are a caring, true person and when you want to visit, we will be here with open arms :) xoxox! Roxy

Claire Kiefer said...

Awwww sweet girl. I feel this way occasionally (like when I'm home at Christmas and don't post for a few days and suddenly lose a handful of followers, ha), but for the record, I post erratically (never at the same time) and I don't expect any blogger to post at one time of day, etc. You are delightful to read, have such an honest, authentic, and quirky voice, and I always look forward to reading your blog (whether it is about clothes or cats or restaurants or books or cookies). Pressureless blogging is where it's at!

Annie said...

ahhhhh Carrie, I have been feeling and thinking THE EXACT same things!!! I love writing daily, but sometimes it's hard.. but then the guilt/fear sets in and I try to keep up.. Same thing with commenting -- I feel obliged to comment whenever I read.. not that I don't want to, but the commenting does get SO time consuming. It seems like it's "a comment for a comment" in the blogger world though, don't you think? Like we are all trying to mutually supportive of each other, which is so nice, but also draining at times.. I'm thinking of catching up with everyone's blog every 2 days instead of daily maybe? Also, definitely never positing on weekends and maybe even posting 4 x/week instead of 5? If I wasn't forced to be at the computer all day for my 9 to 5 it will all be very different too... it's definitely a balancing act and I think it's good that we all know we're feeling similarly and can be understanding if we can quiet down a bit.. XO!

Josie said...

Carrie, my dear, you are my HERO. I like posting on a pretty strict schedule (three times a week) but when I did daily posts, I legitimately went NUTS. When I was on the cruise last week, I was completely cut off from technology and, though it made me a touch anxious (gotta love being as type A as it gets), it was kind of relaxing at the same time. I'll of course look forward to every drop of Carrie that I can soak up, but I have a much more vested interest in you being a happy camper!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

LyddieGal said...

I know how you feel, with this strong obligation to the blog and the readers, and it's easy to forget just how time consuming this all is - and it's not a job, this is my free time (or my break at work, at the moment.)
Last night I was feeling so exhausted that I went to bed a half hour earlier instead of reading blogs, and was telling myself to stop feeling guilty about it!

Lets keep our priorities straight, life, then blog.

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Great, insightful post. I used to post 5 days a week, but lately it's gone down a lot (well some of it due to not having internet), but since I have done less blogging, I feel bad. Like I don't want to lose readers or something. But, finding the time to blog as much as I would like to is overwhelming. So I do as much as I can and hope that people respond well to it. I wish I could make blogging my job!

Peetzi Jen said...

Live. Live. Live. Shop. Share. Take a break. Read a book. Take a nap. Whatever you need.

I'm not going anywhere!!

xoxo!!

Ashleigh said...

You're preaching to the choir! My blog is still a baby but I do feel guilty when I'm not regular about it. However, somehow over the past few months I've been able to slack off a little without feeling so bad. Between holiday prep & travel I just couldn't do it all. I realized in order for me to care enough about mine and other I couldn't let myself become burnt out and ruin all the fun :) Maybe that's WHY my blog is still a baby but I'm fine with that, I can't do it any other way than my way. If you decide to take a few breaks here & there, everyone will understand. Some days I can't read a single one but when I finally make it back there are lots of interesting things to catch up on all in one spot! Don't beat yourself up! P.S. I subscribe to the no blogging on the weekend theory. I'd rather work extra hard during the week staying up late or whatever it takes so weekends can be fully relaxed & enjoyed. After spending so much time on the computer at work, I just can't do it at home!

k said...

CARRIE!!! I'm back, I've missed you and your blog. After not really blogging for 3 weeks and reading NONE in that time...I totally feel what you are saying here. I was totally living in the present, making memories, seeing people - it was amazing. As I come back I hope to have a better balance also and am exciting about achieving it! (i can't even spell achieve, oh boy)

k said...

PS. I think you are the only one who stresses yourself out about your blog!!! def relax....(sometimes bloggers will apologize for not being around for like 2 weeks - and I didn't even notice - except that i would notice if you weren't but you get what i'm saying. actually, i don't even get it)

k said...

and as Antoine Dodson would say, "I LIVE!!"

OK...i'm done being random bye!

kimbirdy said...

good for you!! okay, first of all, i am a huge lover of your blog, and therefore your thoughts and stories. but i often wonder how in the world you are able to manage such in-depth posts on a daily basis. i know i've been dealing with the same thing with my blog - it just takes up SO much time, and that's not why i started it. so i've been making some changes to make the blogging process (including reading blogs) easier and less time-consuming. you are so right - living life must come first, and living life doesn't involve very much of the computer (unless you're looking up coordinates for the adventure of the evening). so i highly support you in any changes you may make to the blog or the frequency of posts. be happy and live life to the fullest. and when you have time, we will happily read all about it. :)

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Holy moly girl...look at all of this love! I don't think anyone is going anywhere especially not me! I look forward to reading your wit and charm whenever it is there for me to read! And I feel you too...sometimes it does take over your life a bit. The poor husband must think he married my blog and not me! Enjoy yourself and have fun lady! xo

this free bird said...

Hello Ladies!! Thanks so much for your kind words...I'm not necessarily going anywhere, but will be posting a bit more free bird style.

I've got a great giveaway coming up soon, too!! Hold on to your hats!

xo,
C

this free bird said...

oh and Kimbirdy - girl the writing is the easiest part for me...it rolls off like no other. It's just balancing everything else to make sure I'm living a little to actually have something TO write :)

Kara said...

Sweetcheeks, posting daily is HARD. I gave up trying to conform to all that bullshit forever ago and people still kinda like me.

I'll be here, whenever you post :)

Marcie said...

Love this honest look at technology and blogging, Carrie! Just like the "silent conversation" post I blogged about today, it is so easy for our life to get wrapped up in these tiny machines.

Blog for you and we will come!

xo M

SJ said...

great post, i completely understand where you're coming from as i imagine most people do.

i do feel guilty when i don't post regularly and it's silly because if you don't have anything to post, then that's ok, just write when you do.

thanks for reminding me of that, i'm going to really work on that from now on.

Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

ditto, Ditto, and DITTO. I only just started blogging so I can't imagine how the feeling snowballs from here.... but... I would say the main thing I told myself when I started (because I knew I would get caught up, spend way too much time, and feel overwhelmed keeping up with school stuff which is WAY less fun to write than a blog post) was that under no circumstances would I post every day. On average I post every three days. On the between days I read other people's blogs and leave comments. It's simpler that way, and it works for me. When I come up with an idea I know I want to write about, I start it and save it as a draft to come back to later... that way I don't feel pressure to keep rewriting til it's perfect in order to publish on the same day.
Bisous,
Rachel
lovealamode.wordpress.com

Abby said...

I stopped blogging for like four months because of the demands of schoolwork and also because I felt I couldn't be able to keep up with commenting back on my readers' blogs... and my main worry is that I'll really lose my readership or come back months later and start blogging regularly again and my older readers won't want to read any more. So easy to get caught up in those worries.

Unknown said...

phew finally someone put that giant one out there! good job girl! i honestly feel bad when i put some junky post up just to get it done, i agree that when we respect our readers its worth holding off and doing some write-worthy tomorrow! good luck and give yourself a pat on the back!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Stacey said...

Seriously, this is so uncanny, because it's like you're in my head, reading my thoughts. I know exactly what you mean...

stylenuggets said...

I know just what you mean. Having taken a (long) holiday to chill out I'm re-thinking the amount of time I can spend on my blog.

Isabel said...

i definitely get a little stressed when i miss a day or i dont reply to comments. i feel you!

Gorgeous Glam said...

Hi doll, I hope you find your balance, we all do it in diff areas of our life don't we? and then we gotta reel it back in somehow. Pleasing can be a slippery slide. I'm sure this will be a great year,one of finding the perfect alchemy for the things that mean the most for you ;) xoxo Keep it Glam -Taj

Jess said...

Funny, because I've been feeling this exact same way recently. I feel really awful about not visiting my fellow bloggers' posts every single day, yet I still feel like I spend way too much time blogging and far too little time reading, relaxing with my husband, and catching up on the news. I really need to find a better balance in life, but it seems ridiculously hard!!! PLEASE let me know if you succeed, Carrie!

xo

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I think that's a great way to approach blogging. I always try to be regular with my posts but life always comes first!

Fit With Flash said...

pshaw. that's one of the "small stuff" things you don't need to sweat. we'll still be here! : ) i've cut back on a couple work hours a week and it's helped tremendously. my kitchen is clean, my office organized, and i feel like i have time for ME again. quite a lovely feeling!

annelise said...

If it feels good, do it! If you're not feeling the every day post, don't stress yourself out over it. We will all still be here when you do post. I know I'd rather read one post a week than five or so that have just been bashed out for the hell of it.

bananas. said...

you're so not alone...i think every blogger goes through these same feelings. i know i did. but look at me now...i didn't post today! no stress!

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

When I finally decided to blog I was scared. Scared of what it would take to bring "me" into the mix. Remember the reasons you started in the first place. Blog world cam be a little close to high school so the fact that I'm coming up on 40 was a main reason it took me so long. We cone here because of you. Real and true. Our world is so stuck on images and branding. I personally hope you find what makes you you then serve it up. Gluten free of course.
I only found you because my daughter almost died. Long story short. Her life depends on a GF lifestyle. We all come here for different reasons my dear. Fashion is the least of my concern. It's certainly an added bonus.
The ones that count. The friends that care. We'll wait. Live and love. Then share.
Xoxo

Unknown said...

You're so right. I'm finding myself struggling with the same balance and plan on reading through these comments to see if the answer lies within : ) We'll be here whether you post once or twenty times a month, commenting or just reading and enjoying. Happy happy happy new year. xoxoxo

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

aw, yeah it can be kinda addicting and hard, I appreciate your honesty because I think we all go through that. I remember when I was with my boyfriend a few months ago and we had dinner and then he wanted me to stay with him, I said but I have to go blog, and he said "who's making you blog though, you can't come with me?" so, I went with him because really, no one is making me blog :) I love doing it but you're right, you gotta find a way to balance it out. You're a smart girl Carrie, but I always knew that. Enjoy your walk :)

Little Paper Trees said...

couldn't agree with you more sister! I've stepped back and have actually been more motivated so go for that walk, you can always right about it later!

BeautyH2T said...

oh Carrie, you honestly took the words right out for me. I constantly feel guilty for not putting stuff up but then I cant figure out how some of you guys have been fitting in a post a day!

I try to fit in some blogging, some exercise and eating in the evening but it never all fits. and once i have read everyone elses blogs I dont have any time- oh dear dear me. But you do so so much dont you worry we will still all be here reading and thinking of you,

Take some time out and enjoy some walking :)

much love xxxx

Lacey in the City said...

Oh girl, you know I'll be sticking with you. For a while, I felt pressured to write an entry every day, and there were some days where I just couldn't get the creative juices flowing and would end up frustrated. My point of view changed at some point, and I now look to my blog as a creative release. A way to put my thoughts to words, a way to get feedback from my friends out in Internetland. I support your decision to step back and write as it comes to you. After all, what's the fun in it if it's forced?

Much love xoxox

Kristin said...

Hi there.

This was a really great read. My first visit to your blog, and I love the content lots and lots.

I'm a new follower - excited to see more. :)

Kristin
http://dollparade.blogspot.com

Nikki said...

Blogging can be a chore sometimes. We love hearing from you, but of course balance takes work too. Take time for yourself and live a little. What do you blog about if you're not living outside the blog right? You can have the best of both worlds, trust.

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

i totally get it. i was feeling very overwhelmed this holiday season, when in reality i didn't have all that much on my plate.

the biggest reason i can be so involved with blogging is because of the massive amounts of downtime in my day job. just found out yesterday, though, that that is probably aaall changing - soon. sigh. i'm going to have to make good on a promise i made myself - to start blogging ahead. i think there's tons of really smart bloggers out there who stockpile posts. i think i need to have at least a few posts in my back pocket, for the days that are just overwhelmed.

i'm definitely sticking around, yo! be free, little bird. :)

Moosette said...

I think everyone who has a blog ca relate to this! You feel like if you dont have a post everyday you will lose readers or let people down... but the loyal ones will always wait :-) I love your blog and if there are less posts due to you living life... fine by me!
Sometimes when I have the extra time I write a few posts at a time and schedule them throughout the week... it seems to help take the guilt off :-)

Marie a la Mode said...

Great post, Carrie! You took the words right out of my mouth. I feel guilty if I don't respond to other bloggers or miss one of their posts! I spend so much time on the computer I start to wonder what I'm missing out on in life! I'm going to allow myself more time offline and enjoy life sans computer more. Let's do it together!

Lori said...

Well ~ it is Saturday night and I am sitting here playing catch up in the blog world. It is a balancing act for me Carrie and I have cut down on my posting. I decided that I would post average 3 times a week ~ M-W-F. That works for me... Most Wednesday's I have been doing WW for our beloved Lisa so I can prep that post ahead of time. I do love reading and connecting with everyone ~ I decided that if my blog started to become just another chore or work I would stop. I do try and reply to every post and I can because I do not have hoards and gobs of comments for each one. Do what feels good for you ~ stop stressing yourself out and here is a big hug ~ feel it?? xo

Bren said...

Gurl...you know I feel you! That's exactly why I needed to take a break. I felt like I wasn't living my life anymore, and I had nothing to give. Take some time for you, and it'll make all the difference!

xoxo,
Bren

allergic to vanilla said...

no judgement here, I get it...live your life, not the other way around!
xo Carlina
AllergicToVanilla.com

justagirlLaura said...

Thank you so much for bringing this up! It seems to be quite the universal notion with us bloggers -- life, personal space, and blogging can all get mixed up now and then. I, too, have felt the pressure to rely on my normal posting schedule, but this only makes for dull posts a lot of the time. I haven't found my happy medium yet, but am comforted to know that living my life and you living your life will be understood by all!

She Wore It Well said...

amen sister! and forget that even if you write 3 posts at once, there's a thing called a scheduled post ;))

life is to live, lets let nothing get in the way xoxo

grave said...

I think that's a great way to approach blogging. I always try to be regular with my posts but life always comes first.

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