Release the Restraints and Live
They say the number one rule of successful blogging is consistency. And I couldn't agree more. That is why over the last year I have worked hard on not only being consistent with the frequency of my posts but also the subject matter. For instance, Mondays were for my weekly book review. Wednesdays (admittedly, this was the least consistent day) I posted something personal. Fridays were for my family movie reviews.
However, what I have discovered is that I was feeling so pressured. Pressure to finish my latest book, pressure to sit down and watch a film, pressure to put my often mundane world into words. So between now and the end of the year (What is that -like six weeks?), I am going to loosen the reigns a bit. Not take a break from blogging - oh no, heavens to Betsy I do that - but allow myself (yes, "allow" is the right word because the pressure has been all self-inflicted) to write what I want, when I want.
Being just a little bit flexible will have a twofold result. It will
allow me to explore other areas - such as being able to occasionally
contribute to other blogs, such as +The Whacko Blogs, with topics that are outside my usual realm, and it will enable me the chance to recharge and come back, possibly - hopefully - with new found focus. I also may relax and enjoy the holiday season more (I know, that's three effects.)
The biggest obstacle with this new freedom I'm giving myself for the next six weeks will be ME. Even as I write this I am staring at a children's book (actually more of a reference book) that I wanted to have reviewed for today - guess that will have to wait for NEXT Monday. I am also staring at my latest read and calculating the number of pages I have left in order to finish it. That isn't the way to read a book (By the way, the answer is 289 pages and my deadline is tomorrow!) What did I tell you? I am my own worst enemy.
The holidays are busy enough as it is without all this added stress that I put on myself. I expect my numbers may drop a bit, but to my loyal readers, I do ask for your patience. ALSO, now would be the perfect time to tell me which subject(s) you prefer - the reviews, the life posts, parenting issues, etc., which will allow me to regroup for the new year.
Will I still write reviews? - Absolutely. But instead of one a week (Do
you realize the amount of reading I've had to do this past year to
finish a 400-500 page novel in 5 days so I have time to write the
review????), maybe I'll do one a month - or something. I don't know yet.
And it's OK that I don't know yet. At this stage in my life (not just
age, but situation) I am tired of restraints. In other words, it is
truly "now or never" to decide how I live the rest of my life and how I handle my blog is symbolic of that much bigger picture.
To my readers in the States, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
I think you should just sit down at the keyboard and go a little crazy, it will be tonic. Give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that - LOL. Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteI'm wondering. Everything you wrote is not just getting rid of self-imposed stress. It's self-preservation! I would never be able to comstantly live in such a tight corset of numerous deadlines. Enjoy your leisure time. This is about passion for the multiple subjects you write about. But what happens when passion is replaced with work, fun with deadline, time to let it ( read books f.i.) sink in a bit replaced by the ticking clock in one's head.. ?Oh, if I fall back now, it'll cost me in my next project. That is no way to live! Instead of doing more, try to do better. Not saying you didn't do great here ( getting my drift?). Do better in terms of f.i. 'extended' reviews that go a little deeper.. Commentaries, conclusions, thoughts a little more elaborate. Without influencing readers or viewers. But just being able to paint a more rounded picture. Wouldn't that be nice?
ReplyDeleteI guess it is the problem of our modern societies that you're falling victimto as well. More, bigger, faster, brighter. More more more. Standing still and reflecting is being considered a weakness? Taking time to finish a task is pointing to underdeveloped soft skills? What's wrong with this planet? Are we afraid we'd fall off of the social or interest ladder if we reconnected with the roots of our passion every once in a while? Is this world spiralling into boredom if people had to actually wait for things? When I was young, anticipation was just as much fun as idk. unwrapping the present. Reading the book one has had on preorder for weeks. Fast food to pollute our planet and our bodies. Fast pace to throw our minds and creativity and in the end, often enough, our sanity itself overboard?
This far. No further. You made the right call! Slow down. Come back stronger, more determined. Passion rekindled. And batteries filled. I'll be looking forward to 16. Let's see what awaits us. Ah... Btw. Your question. Feedback. Most interesting topics for me are home stories and movie reviews.
Yes, I need a little self-preservation. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Delete" consistency" is the thing I can't stick to with my blogs especially that I'm a full time teacher. Concerning stress we are on the same boat. I think you really give yourself some time to relax and get back more energized. Keep it up ;)
ReplyDeleteI sure hope it works. If not I am going to start a gofund me account to finance a spa vacation! Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteI got your back Nikki and totally understand what you are saying. Instead of those creative wheels grinding and squealing like well worn brake pads, with a break your creative wheel will turn like greased lightening. Now that song Greased Lightening is going through my head:) Happy Holidays! xx
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