Good Morning my friends!
I write to you all this morning with somewhat of a different post than you would normally see on a Tuesday morning…
Over the weekend, I did a lot of thinking and reflecting about life. Maybe it was all the extra love in the air. Maybe it was being surrounded with so many of my closest friends. Maybe it was even being away from reality for a couple days…
Whatever it was, it had me really thinking about my life and how I want to make the most out of it.
So I am now going to share with you all what I’ve been feeling for weeks now…
I AM WORN OUT.
Quite frankly, I’ve been trying to juggle so many balls at once, that I have basically worn myself thin. And now I’m sick on top of it (it was inevitable, being the beginning of the school year anyways, but still no fun!)
A full-time teaching job, a 5-6 day-a-week workout schedule, attempting to keep a clean home, and a week’s worth of meal preparation and planning, all on top of blogging 3 times a day, has pretty much been my life.
A typical day for me lately is pretty much:
- Wake up
- Workout (if it’s a morning workout)
- Get ready for work
- Eat & photograph breakfast
- Blog my breakfast post
- Go to work, 8:30-4:30ish
- Workout (if it’s an afternoon workout)
- Make dinner
- Photograph dinner
- Make the next day’s lunch
- Photograph the next day’s lunch
- Schedule a post for the next day’s lunch
- Write my dinner post
- Do any extra school work that I brought home with me
- Wash the dishes
- Spend about 15 minutes on blog reading :)
- Get ready for bed
As always, there are the occasional errands or events happening during the week that are somehow squeezed in amongst everything else. But unfortunately, what you don’t see in that mix is what matters the most: spending quality time with my two guys I love the most.
Even though the hubby does occasionally get frustrated with my constantly busy schedule, he has been fairly understanding and has, for the most part, kept pretty quiet. But none of that is fair to him, or me…or to this guy…
There was not one time last week where I was able to take 30 minutes to just sit, relax, and spend time with my boys. Even though I’d say I was, I just never seemed to get there. Instead, I would end up staying on the computer, constantly trying to “get ahead” with my posting so I’d “have more time” the next day. Yet, those next days never seemed to come.
When looking at all of the things that I can and cannot change in my day-to-day activities, I have decided to make some changes to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life.
They aren’t permanent changes. And I’m certainly not going away!
BUT, until I can finally get my feet grounded, and figure out a way to find some balance in my everyday life, blogging is just going to have to be cut back. “Healthy Living” isn’t only about the food I eat and the exercise I perform. It’s about feeling emotionally fulfilled, and spending quality time with those who I love, who love me back, and keep my happy and sane.
So what does all this mean?
- For this week, I’m really going to work on spending some extra time with my boys, and myself. Heck, I have a stack of magazines almost a foot high that have been waiting to be read! I’ll still have some posts to share with you, since I have a few yummy dinner ideas this week. ;)
- After this week, you’re probably not going to see too many lunch posts, unless I happen to make something that I find worthy enough to share. But, quite frankly, my “Monday Usuals” are probably boring you all by now anyways. ;)
- As for breakfast posts, if I have time to share ‘em, then I will! But I can’t keep racing around the house like a mad woman in the mornings anymore!
- If I make a yummy meal or other fun recipe, I’m definitely going to share it! :-P
- If I have anything else fun and exciting to share, I’m going to share that with you too!
I love to blog. Six months ago, I started a hobby that I never would have thought would become such a major part of my life. And as much as I hate knowing that I don’t have the time to devote to it that I’d like, thus is life.
So until I can figure out how to best juggle all the corners of my life, I hope you all know that I can’t thank you all enough for supporting me all this time. Remember, I’m not going away! Just taking a little breather. :)
Because we can all use a breather every now and then, right?
So my “Questions for the Day” today are important, and I’d really love if you could help me out!…
- What would you like to see remain constant on the blog?
- What aspects of the blog do you look forward to reading?
- Any other suggestions are welcome!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
I completely know how you’re feeling!! I was feeling the same way a couple months ago- always feeling pressure to blog when I couldn’t get to a computer around lunch time, etc. I stopped worrying about posting 3x a day and I feel like it gave me the extra time in the day I was looking for- and a little stress relief. Something you do for fun shouldn’t add to the burdens you already have. :)
LiveForTheRun says
I understand this is a huge decision for you and I’m glad you were honest. Take YOU time, that’s it. Nobody needs a reason.
I’m not going anywhere.
Wishing you loads of love and rest!
Amara says
Hi Courtney,
I really love your recipes. I just made the Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole last night and my husband loved it! I’m not a great cook, so finding something easy (and edible!) was really helpful. I really, really like reading your dessert recipes because you make stuff a little healthier (i.e. using applesauce), but do not sacrifice the taste.
Enjoy your much needd time off!
Nienke at Revel says
Good for you Courtney! I love that you see ‘scaling back’ on blogging as part of your overall ‘healthy living’ and that you are being honest with yourself!
And don’t worry, we will still be here!
Katie G says
Love your recipes- especially the desserts! I know how you feel about blogging (and I am just getting into it), but it’s too much fun NOT to do at all…take some time off and find the balance that works best for you! Quality tme with the boys is very important!
Kelly says
You know how I feel about this….I had to stop blogging all together because it became too all consuming. I had so much other things going on…work, job, exercise, dinner, housework, cooking, my husband, my friends. Therefore when lookin at all those things, blogging was the one thing I could give up. I certaintly wasn’t going to give up my job, or my husband, or my exercise…and therefore as hard as it was…the blog had to go.
Liz @ LBBakes says
I’ve never understood how you post 3x a day! In my opinion, your blog should never be a burden, it should always be something fun that you look forward to (without it consuming your life).
Recipes, recipes, and more recipes. Those are my answers. ;)
Katie H. says
Hi Courtney,
I agree with Liz- how on earth do you manage to post 3x a day doing all that you do?! I love reading your posts but at the same time, you shouldn’t feel obligated to post or that you will let your readers down if you don’t post x number of times per day. That takes the fun out of it! Everyone will still read if you post once a day or even once every few days!
I love all of your recipe posts (obvi ;) ) and fashion friday posts. I hope that you feel better and get some nice QT in with your guys (btw, your kitty photos are hilarious!) :)
Joslyn @ missfitbliss says
I’m with Katie – I didn’t realize you were juggling so much in the first place! I think it’s a very good move to scale back, and it’s a great example to all of us in the healthy living community on how important giving time to our loved ones is.
atastelife says
Three times a day is a lot – especially if it’s not your job. I like dinner posts – and if something else crazy or exciting happens, add it in. But I love your recipes and sweet treats. Enjoy time with your guys!!!!!
Jess says
It’s good you are doing what is best for you! I like the aspects of your life the best, and recipes. :)
Chicago Cuisine Critique says
3 posts a day is a lot! Take time for yourself and enjoy blogging instead of thinking of it as a to-do. Of course having a food blog, I love seeing all of your recipes – but every meal from every day is not essential. Your blog is your outlet, it should be fun..not something that takes over your life (although sometimes I know it is hard not to let it). Enjoy more time with your guys it is important! :)
Shanna, like Banana says
Glad to hear you’re taking time for you! Blogging once per day may be more fulfiling than 3 times…you never know. But I’d want to spend time with those boys too ;)
Lauren says
To answer one of your questions – I always look forward to your wittiness and to hear about your fun food ideas!
But good for you for taking some time for yourself! We all need to do that and it’s most important that you stay sane! =)
Charlie says
I know how you feel: with midterms I don’t have any time for myself and I have less time for blogging, but still I want to blog!
Just write when you have time for it – three posts a day is a lot! Blogging under pressure takes the fun out of it.
Brenda says
Just keep the recipes coming
Marg says
I think those changes will be great for you, think of it as quality over quantity. I love the recipe posts and fashion fridays.
Holly says
I totally agree with you & totally understand. Honestly that is why I had to cut down on blogging & only post once a day. And if I miss a post a day, no big deal. It almost felt like I HAD to do posts at one point, but then I had to take a step back & realize I was SUPPOSED to be doing this for fun…ya know?! And I definitely did not want to take time away from those that I love most. And my lunches are pretty boring too ;) (& breakfasts for that matter- lol)
Love the picture with Jay & Cody :D
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
i think it is wonderful that you had this revelation BEFORE it actually became a real issue. clearly it was an issue to you, but at least is wasn’t causing stress in your relationships just yet. i’m sure your husband will really appreciate the extra time w/ you, just as you’re looking forward to more time with him. i’ll definitely still be reading whatever it is you wanna throw our way! :)
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) says
I understand how you’re feeling! There are times when I’m blogging and I think, “why am I doing this? is anyone reading this?”….then just when I get to my end point, I get a sweet email or comment and I remember how much I love to blog FOR ME. But you have to have balance and do what’s right for you! YOU come first, otherwise how will you take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself!
Linda says
It is totally understandable that you need to cut back. I thought you were going to say you were going to stop blogging altogether, and I am so glad you’re not! Your blog is one of my favorites! I love your recipes and Fashion Friday!
TheBloggersBrother says
You love your cat more than you love Dad and I?? That doesnt seem right…
Kelly says
Cute…this made me laugh
Courtney says
Ohhhh Dan, how could I have forgotten you. Of course you’re included in there…but come visit me more!
TheBloggersBrother says
Seems like youre too busy to have anybody come visit you these days…
CK says
Recipes :) I always scope out what you are making.
Shayla says
I love seeing your recipes and date nights out!! You and your hubby are such a cute couple (kinda reminds me of me and my hubby) and I love seeing pics and recaps you take of your date nights and vacations!
Love your blog and am so happy to hear you’re staying :)
Faith says
It feels like a lot of people are facing burnout lately (myself included!) It should help to take some of the obligation out of blogging and just post when there’s something you’re excited to share…taking time for you and your loved ones is the most important thing though, for sure!
Michelle says
I’m in the same boat as you!! Trying to blog, run, teach full-time, sleep 8 hours, spend time with my husband, cook, clean. . . well, you know! I’ve had to scale back on blogging as well and not let it consume my free-time.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I think that is a great thing to want to do. You need more time for those things that matter most. Posting 3x/day is not what brings people to your blog. Share on a schedule that fulfills you. :)
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
I think a lot of us healthy living bloggers have come to this realization at one point or another. I’m glad you finally did too. I can tell that you’ve been working A LOT on STSL recently, and it seems as though your blog has bloomed. However, it is SO SO important to LIVE our healthy lives that we are obsessed writing about. Breatheee =]
erica says
honestly i don’t know how you bloggers keep up a 3x a day posts! i’m doing a 31 day photoblog challenge and i struggle w/putting up ONE post daily! hahahaha.
i love your yummy cupcake posts and your fun posts about going to weddings and just daily life things….and love fashion fridays! :)
Elaine says
Get over yourself!
Amy says
We support u 100% and look fwd to anything u share. Maybe try to cut back to just 1 blog a day and recap ur day instead of 3. Whatevers best for u. We’ll all still be here.
Hugs
Amy
Laura says
I completely understand why you would want to take a step back. Of all your posts, I enjoy reading the healthy dinner recipes and the fashion related posts. Take care!
Shanna says
Hi Courtney! First of all, I think you are making an excellent choice by scaling back a little bit. If I had as much on my plate as you do, I would have burned out a long time ago.
I love your recipes and seeing your cupcake creations. Your post yesterday inspired me to create my own slow cooker chili concotion. It’s your version, with a twist.
Just do whatever works best for you. We’ll all still be here to read your posts, even if it’s only once a day :-).
Darcy Pogue says
Good for you, Courtney! YOu (and your man) deserve some quality time together…..I think you’ve made a good decision and I hope it works out for you!
Enjoy!!!!!!! :-)
Sarah says
I’m glad you’re taking a break so that blogging remains fun for you.
I’d LOVE to see some of the stuff you’re considering for the kitchen remodel. We’ll be doing some remodeling in the kitchen soon, too, so I always love inspiration!
Julia says
I love all of your blog entries on your recipes and whatnot and will keep reading them regardless! Take the time you need :)
Di @ http://thetreadmilldiaries.com/ says
Family and time to yourself comes first. Write as much as you’d like about the things that get you excited about and your readers will still appreciate you/what you share. If it becomes too much work and not fun, that would be a shame. Good luck with balancing things out. :)
laura says
I think this is an excellent idea Courtney. Gotta keep priorities in line, and your boys should be it! I love your blog and will continue to read, whether you post once, or five times a week.
lisaou11 says
i’d rather you go life your life then blog about your lunch! Seriously, do what you need!