Tomorrow, I will be publishing my 4100th post. This journey has taken me from April of 2009 to tomorrow - 12 years, almost.
I've been blogging daily since late April of 2011. At that time I participated in a 30 day blogging challenge (the challenge: blogging every day for a month), which was hard at first, but after a couple of weeks, I caught the blogging bug. I just kept going.
But now, I'm wondering where I want to go with my blog. I'm coming up on my 10th anniversary of blogging daily. Also, April is the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, which I have taken (and completed) several times now. I'm not sure I want to participate again this year. My thoughts are elsewhere.
I admit it - I'm stuck.
I still find enough in my daily world (as closed in as it has become due to COVID) to blog about, but I'm needing to offer the world more than that.
Right now, I admit, I'm in a bit of a funk.
What should I be doing with my blog? And with life in general?
As they say, these times are both a blessing and a curse. We've been forced to pause and to think. We want to think our existence means something.
That's what winter in a pandemic does. A snowstorm is predicted for today.
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| He's happy but winter is not my happy time |
For me, maybe it's just figuring out the journey. And getting unstuck. And even working on a couple of crochet projects that need finishing up. Maybe even purchase some history DVD's I've had my eye on for a while. And finally, maybe watch some birds in Nature's free show. (I was going to write a post about crows today, but I'm postponing it.) But first, I need your help to get unstuck.
Today, I reach out to my readers.
One simple question: "What do you enjoy the most about my blog?" No essay required. Just one or two sentences.
I'll go from there.
Join me again tomorrow, for my 4100th post.
History and local color.
ReplyDeleteThank you for responding!
Delete...congrats.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteImagine your day if you didn't blog! I'm sure it's part of your daily routine by now. But, if you aren't enjoying it, take a break. I know other bloggers who took time off. One is on your Blog List; she took time off from her other blog. I'd hate to see you go completely. I'd understand if daily is becoming too much.
ReplyDeleteAs far as offering the world more than you do right now, I say what you're doing is fine! Many of us want some sort of escape and see the world from another viewpoint, and location in the world. You provide that! I enjoy hearing about your walks and seeing your lovely photos. I take a look at your music Mondays, even though I'm not very involved in them.
Daily might be weighing you down right now. How about choosing a few of the weekly blog hops and only post on those days? See how that feels? Like the music one, skywatch, wordless (give yourself a break and just post a photo, leave it wordless, and don't be the host yourself, there are other wordless Wednesdays out there!). Or, start a new blog with a specific theme. Cooking? Books reviews? Gardening once your community garden is up and growing again?
Life in general? That's not something I would try to touch! Honestly though, if you wonder about that in earnest, maybe talk to a therapist. It sounds like you have more on your plate than the rest of us as far as depressing events.
I've thought about only blogging on blog hop days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, the 15th of the month, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month). I've learned people like routine and you don't have to post daily. The blog hops provide a purpose and a place to interact with many of the same people, week after week. I will think about it, once I pass my 10th daily blogging anniversary in April. And thank you for praising my photos. It's something I enjoy doing.
DeleteIt's snowing here, too. I think you can never go wrong blogging about your feelings.
ReplyDeleteCarol C
Feelings - we all want to connect with each other in some way in these times. It's a thought.
DeleteWe all get stuck, that's why I developed the challenges I run.
ReplyDeleteWhat I enjoy the most is the beauty and serenity of your nature pictures.
I'd like to see your crocheting projects, both finished, in progress, and thoughts about future projects. Maybe a regular feature here, weekly or monthly?
I will think about including crocheting in my rotation. I had actually gotten away from crocheting for a couple of years-I have mild arthritis in my hands and cataracts starting to grow so I've had to adjust this beloved hobby - and maybe that adjustment would be something to blog about, too.
DeleteThis has been such a challenging yea - I think many of us feel very stuck right now.
ReplyDeleteI think just "putting it out there" in my blog helped, Laurie - thank you.
DeleteAmazing blogging accomplishment, Alana! Congrats to you. I did the A-Z Challenge for only 4 years and was completely burned out, each time. Incredible that you can blog daily for so many years. Awesome, in fact! With everything else going on, it's no wonder you feel stuck - happens to all of us, especially during these troubled times. A break from blogging might rekindle the enthusiasm, later on. That has been my experience over the years (since 2009). I enjoy your music posts and travel photos the most, but, it's all good. Your followers will stick with you, whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about the wisdom in all the responses, including yours, Debbie D. Hoping you can resume your travels "one day". Your life has been so interesting! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
DeleteLast year I didn't do A to Z officially. I kept to the letter of the day, but I didn't write every day. It was nice.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're stuck. It happens. Hopefully it'll spark joy for you in the future. (It's okay to be in a funk. Sounds like things are rough. But this too shall pass, eventually.)
Sometimes things pass like a kidney stone but honestly, so many people have it rougher than me. Maybe I can be a little spot for people to breathe deep and recharge, or something like that.
DeleteDAM I THOUGHT TODAY WAS mONDAY, SO EXCUSE ME IF I GO OVER THERE. SORRY! AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'M TIRED.
ReplyDeleteNice to know I'm not the only one who gets days mixed up!
DeleteCongratulations, Alana! I so enjoy your nature posts, local NY flavor, and history posts with all your beautiful photos. I'd miss you if you didn't pop in my inbox. Lord bless you and give you peace in this decision. ❤︎
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
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