Yesterday was a busy day and by the time I put Lucas to bed last night and sat down on the couch, my desire to do anything other than veg out was non-existent. I don’t have too much to share today, and I’m not even sure where this post is even going, but I’m just going to keep typing and see where we wind up.
I feel like I’ve really been in a groove lately when it comes to blogging. And by groove, I mean I’ve been enjoying writing, and post ideas have been coming somewhat easy. In the four (almost 5?!) years I have been blogging, I’ve found that it’s pretty cyclical in nature…I have some days/weeks/months where I’m in the groove and I’m loving it. And then I have other times where it’s just not there for me. The ideas are missing, I’m busy, or I’m just not feelin’ it.
It’s during those times where I try to step back and not force something that isn’t there, especially now when I have so many other things going on in my life. There was a time (albeit brief) where I looked at this blog as my job. It was my main source of income, and while I enjoyed it, I also occasionally found it to become somewhat of a burden. Sometimes I found myself blogging because I felt like I “had” to, and we all probably know by now that that never produces the best content. At all.
Nowadays, I have a lot more responsibility on my plate than I did a couple of years ago. I look at this blog as a wonderful opportunity and something that I absolutely adore…but it’s also a hobby. And that’s something I need to remind myself of every now and then. Because when I get into my whole, “ohmygosh I have so much to share!” “must blog all the time!” mode, I can start to overwhelm myself. Sometimes, there are just more important things than typing up a blog post…like catching up on the day with Jay, or taking some “me” time, or even dancing the hokey pokey in the kitchen.
Okay, does that all sound contradictory since, here I am, typing up a blog post? Go figure?! What can I say, the words were just…there.
I really have no rhyme or reason for sharing this today, but sometimes it’s nice to just throw some randomness out there. So now that I’ve left a whole rambling of nothings on this fine Wednesday, I’ll leave you with this quote that was on my desk calendar at work yesterday…
I really love this one, and currently have it tacked on to my wall now. Such a great message, right?
So at some point today, be sure to take a moment and just BE HAPPY. :)
I’ve totally been loving all of the messages that the calendar has had actually, so I’m planning on sharing lots of them on Instagram (<– follow me!). It also got me thinking a lot more about the idea of a gratitude journal, and I’m wondering if it’s something I may want to incorporate here into the blog. I’ve got a couple ideas, so we’ll see where they wind up!
Have a GREAT day, you guys. And thanks for listening to me ramble. ;)
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Side Note: I’m going to be co-hosting a fun Twitter party tonight with Lean Cuisine about how living a healthy lifestyle does not need to be all or nothing…and would love to have some of you attend! Be sure to follow me @SweetToothCourt and #MMMotivateMeLC from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST (5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST).
Sue says
I would love a copy of that calendar. Could please tell me the name of it? Thanks so much. Have a great day.
Sue
Courtney says
Hey Sue! Sure thing – I got it for Christmas, but it looks like it’s here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/2015-Seize-Calendar-Sellers-Publishing/dp/B00LT6307E
Sue says
Thanks Courtney. I appreciate the help.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
It’s encouraging to me that an experienced & successful blogger like you (yes, I put you in that category!) feels like this. I feel the SAME exact way. I am really in my blogging groove right now and love it. But when I first started a new job about a year ago, blogging was a huge chore, I hated it, and had no good ideas.
Any tips for how to adjust the blog once baby comes along? That’s my next adventure!
Courtney says
Wow, thanks Melissa! Yes, that’s totally how I felt after Lucas was born, and I even toyed with the idea of just stopping all together. But I knew the desire would come back eventually, so I just let it ride. It was probably a good few months before I really felt the desire to get back into it. I’d just say don’t force it – that baby is going to be top priority!
Melissa says
Perfect! That’s the mindset I am trying to go into it with :)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I totally understand what you mean about blogging being cyclical. Sometimes I’m full of ideas and other times I can’t think of anything that I want to share. Luckily I’ve been on the blogging ball lately, and I’m hoping it’ll stay that way for awhile still.
Monica says
I love how you are being honest and focusing on happiness and prioritizing what is important to you! You’re doing a great job juggling all your hats. :)
Courtney says
Thank you, Monica! I really appreciate that! :)
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I think you are doing an awesome job juggling so many things! I can see where a blog can have it’s ups and downs as your life changes. Like you said you have to adjust along the way. Thanks for the great quote!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
It’s good to know that blogging motivation can go in cycles! I’ve only been blogging for about 4 1/2 months, so I haven’t experienced it too much yet. I think my biggest struggle so far has been knowing how much to share!
Courtney says
That’s definitely something that you’ll have to continue to figure out as you go along. Just feel what you’re comfortable with!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
Love this quote and thanks for sharing :)
Marielle says
Love this post and hearing your opinion on blogging! I’m always so amazed/impressed how people like you write up great posts each day! I’m relatively new to blogging and started because it’s something I enjoy. Of course I want to grow but at the same time, like you said, I don’t want it to be a burden! Thanks for the reminder! Happy Wednesday!
Courtney says
Aww, thank you Marielle!
Taca @ A Side Of Dessert says
Its so encouraging to here you talk about the ups and downs you’ve experienced in blogging. Thanks for sharing and being so honest!
Courtney says
Of course, Taca! :)
Christen says
Its really refreshing to see experienced bloggers sharing their true feelings. Often times, you see these really pretty photos and awesome stories of people’s lives and its hard to remember that bloggers are real people too with real lives!
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
I love this – thanks for the reminder! It is sad to need the reminder but sometimes you can get caught up in all the details of life and just need to stop and smell the roses :) Have a greta day Courtney!
Courtney says
Thanks Sara, you too!
Shari says
I love that quote. It’s such a good – and important – reminder!
Courtney says
Thanks, Shari! Good to see you! ;)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I’m really new to blogging, so it’s nice to see honest posts like this about the process and reality of it. Thanks so much for sharing! Oh, and I adore that quote :)
Brynn says
So glad you posted your thoughts; I think most of us can relate! Finding a balance and being flexible is so important to happiness and sanity. xo
Courtney says
So true, Brynn!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Great quote, Courtney! Yes, I’d imagine during all your years of blogging you’d definitely go through dry spells and extra-motivated spells. That’s life! So blog when you feel like blogging, and don’t when you don’t. I became a reader about six months ago, so missed your transition into working full time like you do now, fro blogging full time. Any chance you could direct me to the post about this decision? Would love to hear why you jumped into the corporate world. :)
Courtney says
Oh gosh, there were many, haha. I used to be a teacher – left that profession, decided to pursue personal training. Got my NASM certification, was a personal trainer while blogging “full time.” Then realized I needed a more reliable job with benefits if I wanted to be able to support our family (I was trying to get pregnant at the time) and I found a great job at a local corporation right after I found out I was pregnant :)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Court! Thanks for the details. I left the corporate world (a cushy job if you will) to be a trainer, instructor and writer (less reliable if you will), so I always wonder what drives people in the other direction heheh:) Have a good night!
Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner says
Such a good post!! I have definitely been in the overwhelming I have so much to share phase because I just started!! It has definitely crossed my mind that this will come to an end though! Nice to think of it as cyclical, therefore nothing to worry about ;)
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
I couldn’t relate more. I’m totally in one of those “quieter blog” phases, but I know it’s just cyclical as you said :)
Courtney says
Enjoy the quietness, Hill! ;)
carrie says
Okay so I have totally had the Hokey Pokey stuck in my head since reading this. Thanks Court! Lol
Courtney says
Hahahaha! I think I heard it/danced it about 5 different times this evening. ;)
Mama Pat says
Hokey Pokey in the kitchen…..best thing ever!!
Courtney says
:) :) :)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Preach it girl! :)
Auror@Fitness is Sweet says
I totally agree with this. When I’m having such a good time in “real life,” it seems silly to stop and spend the time blogging. That being said, it is always nice to be able to go back and look at those times!
Laura says
Love this post. It’s so important to slow times and focus on gratitude and simply being happy. And totally think blogging for enjoyment is the way to go! Not only does it make posts more genuine, but it’s nice to have a fun hobby, rather than another chore to cross off your to-do list.
Courtney says
I totally agree with you, Laura!
Jenn@Mark My Miles! says
I am very much stuck in a rut right now with blogging and needing new ideas. I am juggling work, being a mom to a toddler and expecting our second child. So many things to juggle but all worth it. Time to give planning my posts a try. Any ideas?
Courtney says
I recently started using Google calendar and when I post idea comes to me, I add it as a task on the calendar. That way, I can move them around to different dates if needed. I also try to have (when possible) a different sort of theme for each day of the week. (i.e., a recipe post, a fashion post, a food/WIAW post, a review post, a fun facts post, weekend recap post, etc….). Hope that helps!