As you might have noticed, from my slower posting this last month, I can relate to what she's going through.
I've been doing some of my own thinking about the issue, and here's how I've come to make relative peace with my blogging
Going with the (ebb and) flow
After posting three or four times a week, it has been hard for me to lose that momentum. But lose it I did. I've been watching with interest as my posting frequency has slowed down. I idly fret about what might happen if I only post once a week or gasp! less.
But then I give up the angst and tell myself that I am tempering frequency with inspiration, and then I hope and pray and cross my fingers that my readers don't give up on me. (Readers, please don't give up on me!)
Remembering the why
I started blogging back in January 2007 in an effort to "keep writing." Mica was a couple of months old and I had recently quit my writing group. Starting a blog was a way to help myself feel better that I was still writing... see! look at me! words coming out of the my mind onto a screen!
Getting comments from readers, meeting other bloggers (in real life and online), reading fabulous writing and seeing beautiful photography, and learning about resources, books, and entertainment I would not have otherwise discovered are all wonderful extras.
But the WHY of why I wanted to write a blog was to write. And I try to remember that and take it easy on myself. For instance, one reason I am not blogging as frequently this month is because I am busy expanding and repurposing some blog posts into personal essays so I can submit them to magazines and anthologies.
We'll see how it goes... but I honestly believe I wouldn't even be submitting anything if I hadn't been blogging all this time. And for that I am grateful.
The Elephant in the Living Room
We don't have a TV; we have a laptop. Maybe you've heard of it?
I recently moved my computer back upstairs to my office where it belongs. Having the computer on all the time and in the middle of the kitchen table created too great of a demand on my attention. I joke about yelling at my kids to "Shut up! I'm blogging about peaceful parenting!" but it's not far from the truth.
I am less patient and less present with my kids when I have the computer on. Now I try to do short, focused stints in the morning (with kids) and in the evenings (either when Rom has the kids or after their asleep). This actually forces me to spend more time on writing rather than surfing, which brings us back to The Why: writing.
That gratitude thing
I try to focus on the things that blogging has brought into my life...
:: practice with my writing
:: connections with women in my local area
:: seeing interesting and creative and hilarious writing
:: seeing astounding photography...
:: inspiration to take better photos and write more creatively
:: and comments and feedback from family, friends, readers!
There is no other medium exactly like blogging, and while it can be a voracious beast that eats up all my time, it has also provided shockingly intimate and sweetly satisfying encounters with others, myself, my writing.
And so to all of you who have watched me balancing this blog on my nose while I stand on one foot, raise two kids, kiss my husband, mess up my house, write, and learn about becoming a peaceful person, I say...
Thank you!!
...uh oh, I should have my laptop in an office? but if the office is now a nursery... ;) love this post, I feel ya and I think we all will seek/find balance that involves less time online while we maintain the amazing connections blogging can bring. can't wait to read more of your published essays (loved the one in Brain, Child).
ReplyDeleteI know it is tough balancing everything like mommas have to do, you know, be everything to everyone. You are a talent writer though, so keep at it one way or another. Even if you are just posting once a month, I really enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link... I went over and read it and commented and everything.
ReplyDeleteLife and blogging is much easier since my husband tweaked our internet connection so I can only get online from 8am-5pm. So, no more late night blogging. I can be online during the day, between taking the kids to school and hanging out the washing, and you might imagine that I'm sitting here at my laptop all day, desperately trying to get something done before 5pm. But in fact it's not like that at all, AND I have my evenings back. I've been reading. BOOKS! I know, crazy times.
Good luck with the articles.
ReplyDeleteWe're here, and we're patient.
ReplyDeleteAnd ever so grateful.
well said!
ReplyDeleteWe're here, and we get it. In the summer, the weather's good and I want to play with the kids and get outside.
ReplyDeleteBlogging just takes a backseat.
And the laptop really does draw me in. I've taken to designated times because I found I really could spend the day here, when my family needs me and I have other work *the horror* to do.
Great post. ;)
Blogging is such a wonderful, multi-faceted thing, and it means so many different things to different people.
ReplyDeleteI used to only use the pc in my office. Then, two years ago, I entered the world of laptop and wifi. Oh, boy. My life hasn't been the same since. I have to force myself to close it for a while each day, otherwise I 'check in' far too often. (And don't get enough done in my life!)
Love this post! I'm in the same sort of rut, so I linked to you so I wouldn't have to write!
ReplyDeleteAnd my daughter has actually asked me, "Mommy, why do you love your computer so much?" Ack!
great post. I think I need to hang out with you more often so your perspective can rub off on me!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat she said.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys are all amazing. There is no way I would have been able to balance a computer, not to mention a blog with young kids. I can hardly do it with almost grown kids! I love reading all of your Writing Momma blogs. You Rock!
ReplyDeleteI can so relate. I go through phases where blogging is easy and invigorating and then there are those weeks where I can barely crank one post out. I try to be gentle on myself.
ReplyDeleteI like to think that there is an ebb and flow for my readers, too. I know some weeks I could read a post every day from a favorite blogger and other weeks--well, I fall behind.
It's all good :-)
I wanted to say how much I appreciate this lovely community, a mothering sangha. I love connecting and always feel inspired to be more mindful and present as a mother and joyful for the opportunity. Thanks so much for taking the time to blog as often as it feels nourishing! Beyond that we promise to practice non-attachment so you have more time for living! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Flowers and Marykaye! Thank you, for the non-attachment and support. :)
ReplyDeleteSo well said! How many times have I said to Pearl, "One minute..." followed by another and another minute, because I am glued to the screen. Yes, we all know it, but there's that sweet rush of recognition when one of us nails it so well. Go you, Stacy, for such clarity.
ReplyDeletePerfectly put, Stacy! (And I love this "featured post" thingy you have at the top of your blog. Very cool!)
ReplyDeleteAs everyone else said, I feel you, I hear you, I'm in the same boat. This is a nice way of giving us all permission to be okay with posting when it makes sense - not just for the sake of stats. Thanks!
Cheers!
Alexis