Well that was certainly an unintentional week away from the blog!
Truth be told, I’m in a little bit of a blog slump. Actually, more like a “recovering from total burnout” slump. Oh yeah, and the stomach bug (BLAH).
I spent the months of October – December incredibly busy; my Usborne Books biz was incredibly busy in October and November (I was averaging 4-6 parties per week each month, which was AWESOME, but also exhausting). My day job was especially busy in December, since end of the year is our busiest time. And on top of that, I still tried checking in on the blog at least a few times a week, in addition to working on improving behind-the-scenes stuff that isn’t always exciting, but necessary.
On top of that, we’ve basically been dealing with some form of sickness on an almost constant rotation since about Halloween. Cold after cold, followed by a week long stomach bug (first Lucas, then Jay, then me…keep your fingers crossed that Alex has been in the clear so far), we just haven’t been able to catch much of a break!
I really thought for sure that, once January rolled around, my blog mojo would return a bit more. You know how it goes…the newfound spark, the excitement to really dive into something, a fresh start…I was ready to go! But here we are, and I’m still working on figuring stuff out.
It’s funny because things that used to come second nature to me, like photographing everything I eat or taking 100 pictures a day so I have blog content, have suddenly become a struggle to remember to do! Even as I sat down to write this post (unsure of what I was going to write, and still typing right now with no idea what’s really going to come next), I looked through my pictures to see I barely had anything to share. So don’t be surprised if this post winds up text-only (my least favorite…I’m a total visual person!).
The thing about blogging though (and so many other things in life) is that it ebbs and flows; I’ve been down this road more than once, and I’m not surprised that it’s happened again. After the past few months, I was really just burned out. I loaded a lot on my plate (maybe too much?) and now I’m trying to navigate my way back through to figure out what I really have time for.
Because, obviously, above all of that above is family. They’re top priority, and the rest will fall into place when there’s time.
Hey look at that, I had a picture to share!
Then of course, there are things like making time to exercise (wait, what is that??), getting back to meal planning (the stomach bug kiboshes that pretty quick), and really trying to make time to be able to DO NOTHING. Because I will say that, some nights, it really is nice to be able to put the kids to bed and just be done for the day. No computer, no emails, no phone…nada. Just me, my couch, and usually the DVR (hello, #tvjunkies).
So what’s the point of all of this? I honestly have no idea. I feel like it’s one of those posts where I could have gone on for about 352 more paragraphs, but it’s getting way too late for that. It’s not an apology for not being around, because it really was needed. And it’s not a disclaimer for “I’m only going to be checking in ‘x’ amount of days now!” because who knows? Maybe next week I’ll wind up checking in all week?! Or maybe I’ll be back in a week again.
I know the spark will eventually return, and when it does, I’ll be thrilled to start sharing more with you guys. I still love this little corner of the internet so, SO much and I have no intention of going away any time soon. I’ve just got to get all my ducks in a row (and, errr, try to maintain a healthy household for once!).
So I hope that all of YOU have been kicking off your 2017 with a great start – and I’d love to hear about it! Tell me, tell me…what does 2017 hold for you? What are your goals? What are you loving?
Brynn says
Right there with you. We’ve been fighting bug after bug for months in our house. A cold swept through in the first two weeks of 2017, and now the stomach flu. Umph! But such is life. Here’s hoping all of the nonsense is behind us all!
Laqueefa says
Brine OMG oof.
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says
Welcome back! And I think that everyone goes through a blog slump/motivation challenge. Shoot, I do it regularly for who knows how long. It sounds like you’ve been uber busy and dodging a ton of stuff. That gets exhausting!
Get that spark back!:)
heather @Lunging Through Life says
The sickness needs to stop making it’s way around and let everyone get back to life! I hope you are over it all and we’ll still be here whenever you return :) Real life is more important!
Brittany says
The stomach bug has been vicious this year- I haven’t heard of anyone who has escaped it! Enjoy your downtime (as if there is really such thing ;))
Ashley says
I know so many of us are nodding our heads as we read this. I thought for sure I would remember to take pregnancy pictures EVERY single week and I only realized today that I haven’t taken a full on with blocks pick in oh, three weeks. Ooops.
Jennifer says
Good for you for going with the ebb and flow. So many of us fight it and end up just quitting everything from burn out. Even with meal planning- I sometimes find its more relaxing NOT to plan, and adds less pressure. Balance is key!
Bethany @Luluruns says
I hear you! As a fellow blogger, it is hard to find balance between just “living” life and consistently blogging! Enjoy your down time and those precious babies! Hope you all feel better soon!
Christine says
We had that stomach bug just before Christmas, it was the WORST! I think we all lost our appetites for 5 days afterwords. you are one busy mama! when you really are enjoying everything you’re doing it’s so hard to prioritize some things over others. I usually wish for a clone at least once a day ;)
Christina says
I hope everyone is on the mend in your house! The stomach bug is AWFUL this year. I have an almost 5 year old and an 8 month old, so I totally know how you are feeling! That being said – my 2017 goals include trying to make date nights with my husband a higher priority (as in, greater than zero, which has been our average lately), and also trying to reclaim myself a little bit! I’m not sure quite how to do that, but I’m trying – starting with a pedicure, asap :)
lauren says
This cold season has been obnoxious. I’ve never gotten this many colds. I give my 3yo elderberry gummies (Zarabee), have for a year or so now, and I’m convinced they’ve made a huge difference for his immune system. I should take something myself…
2016 was a year with a lot of changes, so 2017 will be about getting back in a rhythm for me. Getting settled into our house in a new town, getting back into a groove in the kitchen and running regularly. Progress, not perfection is my new mantra.
Good luck with those ducks and take care of yourself!
julie @ peanut butter fingers says
I know we just chatted about this yesterday but blogging burnout is real and cyclical and definitely ebbs and flows! You’re doing a great job as always, especially juggling two little ones and numerous bouts of sickness!! That definitely takes its toll. Sending love to you, my friend! <3
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass says
Too many times, I sit down to blog and I just don’t know what to say. And that’s fine. Sometimes it spills out with no problem and other times I just want to exist without sharing. Do what is best for you! We’ll still be here! :)
http://www.poweredbysass.com
Heather says
This post is so real, I love it! I would definitely choose to read this any day over “my life is perfect” posts that so many bloggers do. I hope you are all feeling better soon!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
Blogging burnout has been happening to me lately too! Especially after working all day and then get to the finish line of bedtime, you’re right, I just want to check out!
Katy says
Sickness with young ones is so hard. How do you comfort baby Alex at night when he has a cough and is congested?
Kelli Rudolph says
Ugh! Same here! And our kiddos are almost exactly the same ages – my older daughter is 3.5 and my younger daughter is 8 months. We have had cold after cold after flippin’ cold in our house. My goodness, I honestly don’t know if I remember a time when I could look at my 8 month old without stuff coming out of her nose! I am done with winter. I want fresh air, open windows, and NO GERMS!
Jennifer says
I enjoyed this post. Made me laugh because I’m also burnt out. Lol for some reason that’s funny. Time for bed. High five to you. :)
George Clegg Jr says
Courtney, I truly believe that you are just experiencing something very normal. With the boys, your husband, your home and the blog, it is very hard to always be “On”. This time away may occur once in a while. You should always have a few extra blogs written during a period of good thoughts. Don’t share them until they are needed like this. There are times when I had weeks that were very prosperous and some that were not. I always had a reserve for those moments that it was necessary. Your thoughts are wonderful and insightful, don’t think that you are not. Save some for when life is too much. God bless you and your family.
Beverly says
I think you are just need self-care. Take care of yourself. You are so busy taking care of everything and everybody else that you are neglecting you. Of course those babies need you. But you are no good to anyone unless you are well, mentally and physically. You just need to breathe and do whatever, even if it is nothing.
Amie says
Yuck! Stomach flu! So I’m guessing drinking ACV and grape juice didn’t work? :(
Leslie says
Courtney, thanks for sharing this. This is life, there’s up time and down time, and it’s totally fine.
In 2017, there’s one thing I’d like to do with myself everyday and I recommend my friends to do that too: set a 10-minute check-in time with yourself. Just 10 minutes. Ask yourself questions that are true to yourself – Was I happy today? Did I eat well and do things that I love today? For tmr, what’s the one SINGLE thing I can do to make myself happy again?
It’s so important to check-in with yourself. It’s 10 minutes that will make you feel grounded again in the frenzy of trying to do everything and be everything….Hope this is helpful.
Bethany says
I feel ya know the sickness! It seems like it is either me or my son. I blame it on daycare……then the mom guilt comes! Hang in there it is almost Spring (kinda)!
Bethany says
I totally get this! We’ve been sick off and on since Thanksgiving! I blame it on daycare and then the mom guilt comes! Ooooo mom guilt!
I work full time, the hubs is away on duty for monthssss and I am trying to launch my business with an amazing company Beautycounter! I finally found a home business I truly have a passion for! Safer skincare for my family and me!
http://www.beautycounter.com/bethanyparvin
Time can be a for realz struggle though!