This month* marks seven years since I started this blog. This year marks a turning point in my life where I’ve thought about quitting blogging and even writing altogether.
It seems my relationship with blogging has hit the seven year itch.
Writing (1)
Over time I’ve blogged less and less. When I started blogging, I blogged weekly. Then fortnightly. Over the last two years I’ve put up one post a month and scaled back freelance writing work. That made me realise, the less time you spend on something, the more time you have for yourself and the more time to think.
Remembering why you blog
Recently I fell sick and that put into perspective the important things in life. As the season swept from winter to spring, one day early in September I awoke with a painful throat. I went to work business as usual, business as usual for the next two weeks sounding like a frog. As the sun rose earlier and earlier with each passing day, the painful throat steamrolled into a bad cold, nose running like Niagara Falls round the clock along with oscillating body temperatures.
Walking around was impossible. Scrolling through my phone was such an effort that I gave up. There was nothing else to do but sit at home and do nothing. There was no blogging. No reading other blogs. No writing new blog posts. No writing at all.
I didn’t miss any of that.
Writing (2)
In a world where success is constantly defined by popularity, what job you have and how much you earn, many see a successful blog as a blog with hundreds if not thousands of views a day. Or a blog with a large following and spruiking sponsorship deals. Through rose tinted glasses, a successful blogger or writer is someone who sells millions of books or is a household name.
Many live with the idea you should be remunerated for everything you do. Some bloggers blog for views and recognition. They feel deflated when they don’t get the readership they hoped for and quit. That’s not me.
It’s not that blogging is tough, like how some bloggers find the juggling act of blogging too hard and give up. There’s lots of work behind-the-scenes: drafting blog posts, editing posts, optimising posts towards SEO if you want to reach an audience, marketing your blog, coordinating your blog’s social media platforms and more. As someone who likes organised routine, I gladly stuck to a blogging routine.
It’s not that I don’t have anything to write and blog about anymore. Some bloggers get burnt out or bored of their content after a while and leave blogging at that. There are heaps of topics I want to write about: from ways to stand up to racism to why many of us drink tea to reasons why EPL is so popular all over the world.
It’s not that I don’t like writing anymore. I still love writing and it’s the best way I express my thoughts.
Writing (3)
Reasons to not blog
After seven years of blogging and a lifetime as a writer, I want to do other things.
That is, there are other things I want to do so much more than blogging and writing. Hobbies I’ve never had time for. Other interests which I want to dive into. Going to places I’ve been planning for a while.
Writing and researching one blog post takes me weeks. It wasn’t uncommon for me to spend three hours on a blog post, five nights a week for a few weeks. And still not be happy with it. And spend more time prepping the post.
Earlier this year I had a taste of non-blogging by not blogging for a week here and there and went about a different normal. Different routines come with different ways of getting around, different trains of thought, surprises and a newfound appreciation of what you haven’t done until you’re doing it right now.
When you’re down and out and things take a turn for the worse, routine can go out the window. Being ill I felt that all too well: sitting in my room surrounded by four white walls, just sitting. Throat going from feeling like it was being stabbed with daggers to a burning raging fire. The chapter of being a writer had come to a standstill. Outside tiny yellow succulent blooms sprouted amidst the departing winter chill, their vibrant petals swaying with the blustery winds on summer-like September days.
Writing (4)
When you put aside something you’ve always done, there’s more time for things that make life a comfortable one: doing chores, policing your health, spending time with those you want to see. Less blogging, more time for things I have to do. That includes scrubbing my bathroom tiles clean with a toothbrush.
Being overly busy is not cute. The more time you have for things you want and have to do, the more you do things with undivided attention. That brings a stronger sense of purpose for the things you do.
Less blogging also means less time spent online and more time offline in the private moments of reality. Often many of us are extroverted when we’re online, especially when we’re on Facebook or Twitter or on our blogs sharing our personal lives.
As you get older, you tend to become more introverted. The older you get the more you appreciate the small things. The quiet moments of waking up without pain and a day out become so much more special. Covert solitude becomes so much more special and something you want and need in the present.
The September days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into October. Trees adorned with green leaves dotted the streets outside, the leaves swaying in the sometimes warm, sometimes chilly Melbourne springtime air. Losing track of the days and timeline of 2019, the congested passages of heart and life within me eased. Waking up now feeling a bit less in pain and other affections less amplified was such a wonderful feeling.
With life changing moments surrounding illness, there’s no returning to what you called normal. As Ana Harris writes on re-entering life after chronic illness, ‘everything that should feel familiar feels new, scary and overwhelming’ such as swiping a credit card at the store. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Angie Ebba reflects on going through phases of grieving and acceptance of your ‘new’ body; you learn new ways to experience the parts of yourself each passing day.
Writing (5)
Time for change
Life is a series of seasons where change is the only constant. There are times where you’ll feel stuck trying to figure things out or wondering why everyone and everything is against you. Other times, you take things into your own hands and do what you want to do.
A clearer mind doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve found what you want to do. It could mean you can finally manifest so many more options and possibilities ahead of you.
I guess that’s why some bloggers stop blogging one day: there’s more to life than blogging.
You might avidly follow a blogger whom you are a big fan of, be it for their work or personality. Then one day, they stop posting. However, they might occasionally pop up and read and comment on your blog – like how friends we’ve never seen in a while come around and say hi one day.
More often than not, these bloggers respect the time they put into blogging, respect the community within blogging and most importantly, respect their life and the things in life they enjoy. They don’t need to announce or explain themselves if they decide to stop blogging or put their blog on extended pause.
Writing (6)
On a cool-again mid-spring day, I flipped the pages of my planner. Empty pages adorned the sections September and October. No blogging schedules. No book writing time. No grocery shopping lists. No exercise time. No normal everyday routine. None of it bothered me.
Posting online never appealed to me in the first place. My family and friends have to beg me to post on my private social accounts and yet, I don’t really. Funnily enough this free-for-all blog kept going for so long and it’s been quite a ride with these opportunities:
- Being featured on Freshly Pressed (now WordPress Discover).
- Invitations to guest post on other blogs.
- Freelance writing gigs.
- Speaking at conferences, magazine and radio interviews.
- Contributing to a book (Lady By The River) with fellow bloggers.
- Getting automated emails from marketing companies wanting to guest post on my blog and willing to pay me (Just no).
- Getting sponsorship deals and free stuff to review and promote (Never taken up).
- Having something strange to say in job interviews.
- Getting fan mail.
Having people read my blog means the world to me. The best part is when I get to talk to bloggers on here and on their blogs too. People are fascinated by what’s popular and ‘in’, and I’m not one to follow trends. Think online trends such as Nanowrimo, tag questions, room tours, what I eat in a day diaries and so much more. Yet people still follow along this blog – giving up their time to be here. Thank you.
Writing (7)
The green leaves on the trees outside swayed in the fresh winter-like breeze. Sitting back in my chair and mustering every ounce of energy from within a body battered and wild, I turned the pages of the planner towards the months ahead. While writing will still be a part of what I do, blogging here will be different. Life will never be the same again.
When you’re passionate about something, it doesn’t mean you’ll want to do it all the time. Life is a season of changes where we all move on to different things to find what makes us happy in a season. At some point, some things end, some things are put on pause.
Some things you just never know how they’ll turn out.
Have you thought about leaving blogging behind?
*written October 2019
Mabel Kwong 
Quitting is the easiest thing to do and we all go through this phase, and many times we don’t know how to navigate the sudden turn in our life. Some time we falter and some time we succeed, nothing is wrong and right, things cannot always be placed in black and white. The colors is what makes life colorful. We all have in some time or other realized that we can step back, pause for a while and reflect deep inside, and these moments are the best times to unearth something and explore many things hidden, just that we need to take things on a stride and strive for joy in whatever we do. You have done such wonderful work in this space and your achievements are what others will envy but some time we being there don’t realize the road we have traveled, the distance covered and what we have achieved… we are so near our destination and we try to distance ourselves as we are tried. This is the time we need to stand up and fight with our own thoughts to whom we have given such lovely tours of vacation and it is trying stop our own journey of passion that we have so delicately and diligently worded for years.
Writing and Blogging is not what we do because we are duty bound but we do because we derive such deep pleasure and joy of doing it. We are not only doing for ourselves but we are doing for others, and the greater community of blogging we are part of and we have a responsibility as well. Every post of ours and our conversation changes the way the community grows and gains its momentum, we all owe to it. Our small step adds a big ladder for many more aspiring bloggers and those who are wandering and searching for a place to express their thoughts and connect with a community that cares. Once of time as you have mentioned we all have gone through that phase and there are others who had inspired us and motivated us to keep going. We have followed their words and have created a wonderful world for ourselves, it is not a place but our second space we are divinely connected. Dear Mabel, you are an inspiration and your works and your words are pillars for such profound thoughts…it is time “to makeup and not breakup”.
Wishing you Mabel a wonderful 2020 Happy New Year!!!
Signing Off 2019 from wondering “Makeup & Breakup.”
😀
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To a degree I agree quitting is the easiest thing to do. You can just say you won’t do something anymore, and don’t need to show up for it anymore. On the other hand, I also think quitting is hard. It’s hard when what you doing is something you enjoy so much and it means a lot to you. So agree with you in life colours makes life colourful and over time, a lot of us travel further than we’ve ever thought. We don’t realise it until we look back – or realise that until we want to move on to other things we’ve never tried or been.
As writers and bloggers, we do get a lot our of blogging and writing. It is meaningful work to us and that’s why we keep doing it. I think you are so right when saying blogging comes with responsibility. As writers, putting out work out there as bloggers and publishers, we seek to encourage others to think, reflect and see the world in different ways. In other words, we can change and shape people. One small step does indeed lead to bigger steps, all of us taking bigger steps together to another conversation and perhaps also another level of being together in this world side by side. Maybe this non-blogging phase is a phase of my life. Maybe it’s not. Or maybe it will be a short one. Who knows.
Thank you for your kind words, Nihar. It has been a pleasure, and will continue to be, conversing with you on here. Let’s see what the future brings. Happy New Year to you too. 2020 😀
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Yes Mabel, there is this realization and reflection that comes our way during different stages and phases of life. Doing different things and changing our course and creating new recourse as we progress in life is where we discover newer ways of making life much more meaningful. Some time just taking a break from what we have been doing and love doing it gives us that new zest to do it better and bigger.
Blogging and writing definitely one of the most powerful way of engaging with ourselves and reflecting on same thing differently and allow ourselves to express freely and converse deeply, and that makes a huge difference.
Another important aspects is not to think too much on anything and take things on the stride as it comes and the way it comes and we suddenly see new things and new happenings in our life.
These are just few passing phases and some phases we dislike and we need to keep distance and patiently wait for the like phases to come our way and it comes with much bigger vigor.
Not to worry for anything and let 2020 be the harbinger of new joy and loads of happiness in your life..
Take care Mabel.
😀
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You are right. Sometimes taking a break gives us a different perspective and we come back with renewed vigour, and maybe also remember why we love what we did so much – and want to do it all over again.
Blogging and writing will probably be always important tools in communicating, engaging and reflecting with ourself and with others. I think many of us who blog regularly and see it as something serious get the most out of it, and make meaningful relationships on here.
That is such an important point, to ‘not to think too much’. Sometimes we just have to go with the flow, be it writing or experiencing phases in life. Thinking too much you might be too caught up in your own thoughts and miss out on what’s going on right now.
This year is a year many of us probably did not see coming. Take care and stay safe, Nihar. Catch up with you soon.
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Good to see you Mabel, always a pleasure hearing back from you. Nothing can be more rejuvenating when we take a much desired break and get connected with nature and self. This is something we all needed in whatever we do and even the thing that we love to do and we enjoy doing it also needs a break from us though we love to do it but the art itself needs some space for itself. We undermine that essential idea for space and liberty to all things even the non-living things.
I am sure you will see a different side to your own self once we return from such sojourn of solitude in life. We all need it and many times we delay doing it because of various reasons and we miss out on those nuanced aspects of life that really matters.
There cannot be anything more meaningful than being engaged with things that is close to our heart and we are deeply passionate in doing so. Blogging and writing provides us with that zest of life and we have much more to give back and while doing so we are bound to get fatigued and hence we need these short breaks from thinking. And yes we tend to get entangled in that very idea of thinking and do too much of it and that creates that rift within ourselves. Letting go, being there, enjoying the moment and making the best of what is with us makes all the difference as it is passing phase of life and we have to go through it without much resistance, the more we resist the more it persists. The flow is essential to the design of life and we should allow that flow to smoothly follow its crafted path. We then see the magic beyond the logic of life…
Hope Mabel you are absolutely fine and everybody are safe.
Stay Safe, Take Care.!!!
😀
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Thanks for stopping by again, Nihar. Being connected to self is such an important thing. Sometimes it takes a break to feel connected to ourselves again, other times we have to try doing things differently to feel more at ease. All of us need space to think and most importantly be our own selves.
When I return there will have to be some sort of routine again, and it will be a different one. Blogging and life go hand-in-hand, so I’ll have to make sure I have time for both – time where I can pay attention to both even if it means going at a slower pace for one or the other or both.
Yes, enjoying the moment is also very important. Funnily enough when you get into routine sometimes you miss out on that or simply forget about other finer things in life.
The world is in a place right now where no one saw coming, and more than ever it’s so important to live in the moment and appreciate those around us. Take care, Nihar 😀
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Indeed Mable, space indeed is such an important aspect of our life unfortunately being intangible it has no existence and hence we take it for granted. Therein lies the beauty of life recognizing the significance of intangibles and giving room to the unnoticed. We get locked in our own limited rooms of our mind and when we venture into wider world we find so much more to do and we then get lost what to do and what not do? Not a bad place to be where we have so many things to do, the choice is where life becomes more beautiful.
Enjoy your space and make the most of it and just don’t allow it leave you, let the inner voice speak out and we can decide the next course of action…the presence is more powerful than anything else in life, it is so important to seize the moment and make the most out of it. And you are in that special zone of life…
The situation the world is in now, nobody saw it and it is indeed unprecedented. Like every other storm this shall also pass, but we need wait and build the resilience to weather it out.
Take care Mabel and stay safe.
😀
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It does seem most of us are staying home at the moment. It might be hard for some of us. However as you said, there is the opportunity for us to venture into worlds we’ve never been. There’s so much to discover and experience at home, from revelling in our own minds or putting it all down on paper.
You enjoy your time and space at this moment in the world, Nihar. The storm shall pass and let’s see where we will all go 😀
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This is a life time opportunity though at this point it appears as a mountain to climb, just a matter of time things will suddenly change as it had appeared so suddenly. We shall then be raring to go and perhaps will have a more harmonious and beautiful world. Until then even this short duration looks long that is the intriguing design of universe and nature has its own ways to get its things done.
Mabel, you too stay safe and make the most out of this challenging period. Take Care!!!
😀
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It’s safe to say you’ve succeeded as a blogger, M. But we must follow our bliss if it lies outside the blog, or go find it.
Wishing you a year of healing and new heights,
D.
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Thanks, D. This is true. We have to follow our lives and calling outside of this blog. Keep doing what you do on here and outside of here. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead 🙂
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I wish you a happy New Year 2020
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Thanks, Marko. Happy New Year to you too. Have a good 2020.
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I know how you feel. I’ve been through that lately. I took a long 2 month break and when I was back I was happier to write. I have reduced the number of posts and write only when I feel like. Interacting with fellow bloggers is the best part of it. Ultimately, you must do what makes you feel happy. Here’s to 2020 and hope it brings you good health and happiness.
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That’s great you went away and came back with vigour to blog again, Cheryl 🙂 Sometimes when you go away you learn a different approach that works for you better. It’s amazing to interact with other bloggers, and they can seem like friends in real life lol. Hope you are well and safe.
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We’re fine Mabel. Hope you’re fine! Take care and stay safe. 🙂
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First: I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve fallen ill, Mabel! That throat infection sounds terrible – take good care and I hope you already feel a bit better!
Second: I’ve been missing you in the blogosphere since September! I reckoned you were busy at work, as that seems what most people are when they’re not blogging, and now that I know you were ill, I wish it had been that! 7 years of blogging is amazing! I’m in my 4th and find it harder to make myself write another blog post, starting with once a week, to twice a month and now fighting for even once a month… well, you obviously know how it is. 😉 I read very often that you shouldn’t be blogging when you don’t feel like it, and yet I have a feeling that many force themselves out of habit, as do I. I think my reluctance to stop entirely has something to do with not wanting to give up this community and yet it doesn’t feel as good anymore as it used to. As you also said, visuals become more and more important and in fact I joined Instagram last year and after an initial struggle find it now more satisfying than WP. I’d like to know if that’s only the case because it’s ‘new’ or another indicator that my blogging days are probably over.
What I’ve noticed about blogging absence too is that you have more time at your hands which in this crazy world is a true gift. And if you enjoy it more than blogging I say go for it! But I know I’ll miss reading your posts which were always among my favourites here. Be well, my friend! ❤
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You are very sharp, Sarah. I have been missing from the blogosphere for a while, and that might be the case moving forwards. Sometimes there are things you have and want to do in real life, so blogging takes a backseat. 4 years of blogging for you is an achievement! After a while it does feel harder to write a blog post especially when we got things going on offline – and we learn the most in the real world as well.
It is very nice of you to not want to give up blogging because of this community. There is a big sense of community here that’s so supportive and encouraging. I think it does change over time as people come and go with blogging, with people with different reasons for blogging, and so it feels different over time.
Hope you are having fun with IG. These days Tik Tok is popular which I think is just a fad and will die down at some point 😀 I think out of all social media, I think blogging will always be around – it’s so diverse and there’s something you probably like around the blogging world.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Who knows, I might come back to blogging 😉😀
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It would be wonderful if you’d decide to come back one day! 😉 😀 Happy Easter!
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I had no idea you had a growing desire to leave blogging, Mabel. I understand it’s a lot of work but for me it’s a part of me. I cannot imagine not blogging. I love it so much I’ve made it my career, and I’m fortunate other people like what I write enough to subscribe. I’ve always loved your writing and appreciate the numerous hours you’ve spent crafting the quality pieces for us readers. Whether you continue to write here once a month or once every 6 months, I do hope to contine to read your opinions. You’ve always had fresh perspectives on a range of topics and I’ve appreciated that about you. Love always, no matter what you do online and offline! xo
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Also, I hope you’re feeling better xx
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I am. Thank you 😊
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That’s great blogging is a part of you and you’ll keep on doing it, Christy. Not everyone can turn their blogging into their career, and good on you for doing so 🙂 I think my days of blogging regularly are over, but who knows. The idea of blogging even less appeals a lot to me and gives me more time in the real world, so we will see. Thank you so much for your kind words. It is very nice of you. Hope you are doing well 😊
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Dear friend, sweet Mabel, I have read your post more than twice, and still not answered. Maybe because I feel the same. I am leaving this game, slowly. We have had a great time, haven’t we? I love reading your thought provoking posts, and I love writing my answers and musings about them. You are a pro in everything you do.
I was thinking of leaving about two years ago (also after 7 years of blogging…), but got an offer I could not turn down. To host a Challenge together with three other ladies. It sparked my interest again. But now, the challenge has grown too big for me, and I find myself “inside” the screen far too much for my own good. My old parents are very frail and I help them every day. I am depressed by what is happening to the Earth, the only planet we have. I cry for Australia. my daughter will take her big exam soon and my son will be moving into his new house next week. I will of course help him. In fact, life is doing its best to make me work with what life is really about.
I hope you are feeling better now, Mabel, and I hope to hear from you sometimes in the future as well. Now, I will be going to my parents for a couple of hours. Be well, take care – sending my love. ♥
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It is very kind of you to read my post more than twice, Ann-Christine. Your time and presence here is much appreciated, not just by me but also probably by a lot of others on here over the years.
I think you are right. We have had a great time on the blog. Thank you for your kind words. I have always admired your photography. So effortless. Also admired your words. You might not write as much as me but your words always have impact.
It’s interesting to see how Challenges are popular here. Everyone loves being a part of a community, and when you’re hosting you really do want to get back to everyone and make them feel welcome. It sounds like so much work you do, and good on you for doing that. But you are right – sometimes too much screen time is not good for us. Good on you for stepping back to take care of your folks. I hope your daughter did well for her exam and (I am sure she did) and your son has settled into his new house.
What is happening to the world is very concerning. Part of me is not surprised as many of us have become too complacent – and more so not prepared. It is times like these the only important things are taking good care of yourself and spending time with loved ones.
Hope you are well, and catch up soon.
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So, are you leaving the blogosphere…? I think I do not really recognize your tone today. I hope you are well and doing what you want to do and desire. But if you leave this – I will be so sorry and missing you terribly. Stay safe and stay well. I wish you all the best – thank you for all your interesting and thought provoking posts, Mabel. I hope you will still be in touch somehow!
This too shall pass. One day the world will be free again – and different.
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It has been great away from blogging and offline, doing things I thought I’ve never done. I think now it’s a good time for the world to be more present with reality and others. Blogging will always be here, and when I come back it will be a different kind of blogging for me – much less posts and also no more blogging for hours on end. Yes, one day the world will be free again. So much to learn right now and there’ll be a better day tomorrow ❤
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♥ Wish you luck whatever you are doing or planning, Mabel.♥
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Thanks, Ann-Christine. Wishing you hope and strength for times ahead. Take care ♥
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You too, Mabel ♥
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Oh, and I wish you a great 2020 with new, positive opportunities!
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2020 is a year like no other so far. Let’s all look out for each other.
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Yes, Mabel – let’s look out for each other. ♥
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Beautiful post. Full of truth, honest and authenticity. I have gained so much value out of all the posts of yours I have read. I know that you will do what is right for you and it’s great you have so many posts here we can all return and enjoy. You are right,” Being overly busy is not cute”. It’s been such a privilege to connect with you here. You are a talented writer and I know I will read some of your work again somewhere! Happy New Year x Lita
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Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading, Lita. I also enjoy your posts, from reading your poetry to theater to reading about your process. So glad to have connected with you, and you are a talented artist yourself. I know my writing and work will continue on, just that it might be a bit different from now on. Hope you are well 🙂
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I’ve quit blogging so many times, but I always keep coming back to it. I don’t know why… There’s just something about screaming into the void that’s comforting, I guess! But it’s not easy. And sometimes, if you’re not careful, you can lose yourself to it; even if we come back later, sometimes stepping away for a short time is a good thing.
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I’ve often thought about leaving blogging behind and even stopped for about a year. But I came back because while I don’t feel the need to process my life online nor do I have a great desire to be an influencer, I’ve come to realize that blogging allows me to connect with people who I don’t know because of geography or genetics. And this ability to get different perspectives on life, ideas that I’d never have found in my real life world, is important to me. It’s made me a more compassionate person, more informed, too.
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Aaaaw…It’s like you’re talking about me…sans the opportunities you mentioned, har har har!!!
I’m sorry you got sick. Are you okay now, though? Sorry I haven’t been a more attentive online friend. As you know, I like to go on a long hiatus from blogging. I actually forgot you’re in Australia! Were you affected by the fires…? I asked Lani last week about you and if you’re active on FB. She said you’re okay, that’s as far as she knew (with regards the fires, at least)..
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Lol I am sure you got a lot out of blogging all these years! I’m alright for now and not affected by the bushfires. Thanks for asking and thinking of Australia. I’m not active on FB at all or on other social media platforms – not a fan of it all 😀
That’s good you go on blogging hiatuses. Stepping away from blogging gives you time to do other things, like work, or that thing you always wanted to do, or just binge watch a TV show or YouTube…so much time for you 😀
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Well, I hope you’re way safe from the ongoing pandemic as well. Stay safe, girl!
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I hear what you’re saying, Mabel.
As a professional writer myself, there was a time, a couple of years ago, when I began to feel disillusioned with words, and I seriously began to wonder if I was ‘over’ writing, the passion of my life.
I didn’t step back from it entirely, but I did follow my instincts and begin exploring other creative avenues, such as film photography, which did not require words.
It seems that, for me, the urge to write was simply ‘in remission’, and when I did come back to the exhausting labour of wrangling words, I did so with gusto.
That said, what you have to understand is that blogging is the most disposable form of writing. The art of crafting words is so energetically demanding that you should never devote your best writing efforts to your blog. Save those efforts for a medium which will have some enduring permanence, such as a book, and simply have fun with words on your blog.
Thanks very much for posting your honest thoughts, Mabel. I hope you recover your passion!
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That is very astute of you to recognise you were in a rut with writing a couple of years ago and you pursued other creative avenues. That time of your life sounded like a breath of fresh air. Funny how passion can come and go. Sometimes the mind gets bored with doing one thing over and over, or gets bored from simply just doing one thing. I hope you are still writing and writing with gusto.
So agree, blogging is the most disposable form of writing. Blogging puts your words out there, anytime and anyone anywhere in the world has access to it. They can learn from what you blog about and take away something, or they might move along and forget about it. Or they could take your idea and run away with it without attribution. Writing in the form of a book is probably what most writers the most accomplished out of all they’ve done.
Keep writing, Dean.
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Hey Mabel! I was showing a coworker/friend of mine my post about my Asian-American story, and I came here since I recalled you commenting on that post specifically. I enjoyed reading this and agree that you should spend your life being present with the people around you. I love your thoughts and encourage you to continue “blogging” by simply having the same conversations you’d have on this blog but in person with your friends, family, and strangers. It’s a great blessing! I myself have a hard time “keeping up” my blog, but I don’t have social media for the reason you mentioned (people doing so to get likes or affirmation). Best to you whatever you decide! -Moire
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That is lovely you were showing your friend about your Asian-American post, and you remembered I commented on that post. The people around us who are there for us are the most important things in our lives. Blogging and social media can take up a lot of time, and when I scaled down both I found I had time for so many other things. Thanks for dropping by and keep writing.
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My blogging content went downhill the past few years as I have less and less time to sit down and focus on writing. By now I write perhaps one, in rare cases two, short blog post a month. Reason for this is probably for me is that there is nothing “new” to write and I have told pretty much every story there is and whatever MIL is doing these days is just the usual madness not worth thinking much about.
I will still continue for a while with my blog in the hope that something interesting/ worthwhile to write about happens.
Today I actually found time to sit down and think about something for a blog post but I don’t come up with anything so I just do other stuff and then try my luck next week again. For the past year or so I barely got around to read other blogs as I just have other stuff on my mind, guess that is just normal
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I’ve always liked your blog, Timo, be it the stories about MIL or life in Germany or about your travels. It’s something so different compared to what is here in Australia.
Maybe now you have more time to blog or even do what you want to do. Then again, being indoors all the time you can only do so much. I honestly liked being away from blogging. So much other time to do other things.
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I don’t have actually more time to blog as just so many other things are on my mind/ keeping me busy. Especially with the kids at home the whole day, everyday it is hard to even find time to run our business currently
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Sorry to hear that, Timo. Hope things pick up for you soon.
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I have not been following you very long Mabel, but I totally understand where you are coming from. Blogging really takes a lot of time. I try to write a post a month, but sometimes am not always successful in that. And yeah, sometimes I have thought of calling it quits. Thank you for your honesty. I sincerely hope your health is improving. ~Carl~
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Thanks, Carl. Yeah, blogging does take a lot of time. It’s great you try to write a blog post once a month. I think if you don’t feel like blogging, don’t force it. There’ll always be another time to blog. Hope you are doing well.
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Thank you Mabel. I am doing quite well, thank you. Doing my part to keep safe these days. Hope the same with yourself! 🙂
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Good to hear. Keep staying safe 🙂
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I’ve definitely thought about stopping my blog altogether. You bring up some really good points about all the pluses of not writing constantly. There was a period of time when I blogged at a very consistent weekly schedule but you know, things change. And of course the reason I started my blog in the first place and how it kept me writing evolved by itself over time, where my blog is still somewhat about that but it’s not the same feeling. Nor do I want to replicate or bring it back. I feel okay with letting it be without forcing it to be anything else.
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I really liked reading your weekly posts, Nat. You cover a lot of things people are afraid to speak about, and you speak about it all so candidly. It sounds like your blog has been evolving, and change of writing and blogging can be a good thing. Hope you continue writing.
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Mabel, I hope you and your family are well and safe. Your blog posts are definitely profound and are proving their value 6 months after a break. Whatever you are up to now, I hope life is good. You have a wonderful patience to find the heart of a subject and you are honest and objective in your viewpoint. Wishing you all good things, above all health and safety to you and your family.
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Thank you, Lita. Very kind of you. My family and I are well and safe. Maybe I might come back to blogging, who knows. I hope you and your family are safe too. That’s the best thing for all of us now, to know each other is safe. Stay safe.
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Hi Mabel,
I know exactly how you feel and you’ve been very successful. My blog began 9 years ago and I’ve taken breaks now and then. This time, however, my break lasted for almost a year and a half. I just needed to disengage. I love to write so I put my time into sharing my work with a writer’s group that I’m still in. But here I am, contemplating the blog world again. I’m working on a come-back post but moving slowly. I didn’t miss the pressure of blogging. I had more free time to write, read, and to spend time with my family. So, I think if I do return, I just have to lay out boundaries for myself and try hard to not feel pressured. I’m just in it for the fun, nothing more than that. So, we shall see, and I wish you the best in this year. Go with your heart. A break is cleansing and stay safe.
~Lauren
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Nine years is a long time to be blogging. Congrats to you on that milestone. It sounds like you had a good time being away from blogging, especially with your writer’s group. There’s a lot you can get out of blogging if you blog consistently – a great community, learning from others and also feedback on what you blog about. But as you alluded to, it does come with some pressure. Good luck in setting those boundaries. Take care.
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I hadn’t seen you in my reader for so long, I presumed I had read your last post. I was wrong!
I totally understand you not wanting to blog for a while or never again or tomorrow! Like me, it appears you were never attached to statistics as much as you were to the challenge of writing and posting to a blog. Also, when you mentioned the woman with chronic fatigue saying after a major illness, things will never be the same, I feel the same way about aging. Life is full of so many opportunities. And life is short. More and more, I realize that what we ‘should’ do is what we love to do! And if in a moment or for years at a time that is blogging, so be it! If our heart’s desire takes us in another direction, that is well and good.
At this point, I feel like I ‘should’ post something to my blog, when it has been over a week or two since I posted. But I am losing energy on it, so who knows? I guess I would miss some of the people in my WordPress community more than anything. And I don’t have to blog to keep in touch with them! And you!
Be well, Mabel. I hope we stay in touch. 💜🌎🙏😘
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Maybe you have read my last post. Or not. Who knows 😄 You are so right when you say do what we love and there are so many opportunities out there. Blogging is great and comes with a great community. But there is so much other things to do – and with what’s going on in the world, I think it’s a good reminder to do what we really want to do.
I would miss you if you left the WP community forever. You offered us well-thought poems 😊 I think blogging will always be here when we are ready to return, and we all take breaks now and again and come back refreshed.
You stay well and stay in touch, Bela 😊
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Yes! I surely will. Take good care, Mabel! 💞
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Hey Mabel! I hope you and your family are healthy and safe.
Blogging is a very personal decision and I feel that whether to stop or to continue lies in your hand. I did write previous blogs and stopped after awhile. MiddleMe is the longest I have ever written and stay with. Although it does take time away from my little girl, it provides a certain facet to my identity as well. Maybe because I don’t have a full time job and juggling multiple tasks with the flexibility of time, I can tango with my chores.
Everytime I posted something out, it feels like a part of me has been shared out. It can be exhilarating yet exhausting as well, if it make sense. I’m a extrovert with a very private life. And I intend to keep it that way. That’s why it is exhilarating (extrovert in me) and exhausting (balancing my privacy by making sure I don’t reveal too much).
Do come by and say Hi every now and then. Or drop me an email or a message on FB to keep in touch. If you come by KL one day when all this craziness is over, I’ll love to host you.
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MiddleMe has come such a long way, and I still remember following when you just started it! You should be very proud of MiddleMe, and I think it’s one of the down-to-earth relatable career blogs out there (most of them read very marketing-like). It sounds hard juggling your blog, family and chores, but you time-manage well.
You are the opposite of me, haha. I guess your extroverted energy helped you to do what you all this while 😀
So kind of you to extend the offer to host me, Kally. Thank you and if I come by KL I will let you know. Stay safe and take care.
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And you, my friend has come a long way too.
I do mean it. If you swing by KL or to SG (if I moved back), let me know. I’d love the little one to meet you because you are such an inspiring individual and a good female role model.
Stay healthy, stay positive and remember to smile often. 😊
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Thanks, Kally. You take care of yourself and your family, and stay safe 🙂
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Not sure how I missed this, Mabel. Sorry to hear you’ve been ill. I’m afraid I imagined you were working on something outside of the blog- a project, or whatever, so I’m really sorry for that. 😦 I announced a blogging break two weeks before the virus went wild in Europe. I was mildly bored and felt I needed a new direction. I barely made it back from a trip to the north west of the country as Portugal was closing its doors to the world. Like many, I watched in disbelief. And then I did what comes naturally to me -returned to the blog. 🙂 🙂 I have so many friends around the world and it was a comfort to be able to share with them. I tried to focus on the light-hearted. Nobody needs to be dragged down right now. I got dragged into a daily challenge, which was almost certainly a mistake, but it ends with April, and then I’ll think again. Things are settling a little in Portugal and we are going back to business, slowly, from 2nd May, but not opening our doors to the world. This is a small country, not rich, and the enforced closure has brought many to their knees. There will be anxious times ahead. I hope that you are now fully recovered, and can pursue whatever dreams you wish. But most of all, stay safe, Mabel.
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Never too late to the party over here, Jo. Always a seat and slice of cake saved for you 🛋️🍰😀 Would love to say I’m working on a project or something riveting being away, but not exactly – just doing bits and bobs and ends and really enjoying life for what it is 😂
That is great you managed to make it back from your trip even if it wasn’t too far a trip. Things can change so fast. Good to hear you are back to blogging and finding it a way to keep in touch with others in these strange times. Blogging is a good way to check in with others and see how they are doing – and maybe a place where we can feel a little less lonely in these times.
I think we need to all learn from this in some way, and then move forward with different intentions than before. Maybe more sharing, less competitiveness with each other. Portugal sounds like a humble place and so too are the people like you. Take care, Jo 🌞🌾😊
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Thanks sweetheart. I appreciate what you’re saying 🤗💕
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Hell yes! I think a lot of bloggers get to a point when blogging doesn’t give them the pleasure they hoped for. I did quit for a few years a s now I’m back. I didn’t miss it at all when I stopped blogging – it used to be my lifeline for the first three years. Keeping me sane and encouraging me to have the experiences that I did. I will always be truly grateful for that. Then I stopped. But must life carried on and I enjoyed it. Now that I’m writing again, it gives me perspective, hope and something to look forward to. So I guess journeys differ. What we want out of blogging also differs from blogger to blogger.
I’m glad to see that you haven’t given up yet….but do what you think is best for you.
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Sorry I’m reading this months after it was written and that might be your answer. I would usually see your blog come up in my “recent posts” stream. I don’t go there very often anymore.
Blogging I can set down but writing never.
As my blogging sags, my writing soars. So whether you blog or not you are a gifted writer and I do not think you can stay away from it for long.
Its nice to say “hi” even if its a few times a year.
Big hugs sweet Mabel.
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Never too late to the party 😀 I also don’t pay too much attention to the blog reader anymore. Instead I have a list of blogs I like and want to read.
So lovely to hear your writing soar. I am sure it will go to new heights the more you put time into it when you feel it. So kind of you to say, thank you. Looking ahead, a few times a year on here doesn’t sound so bad. Hugs right back at you Moonie. Take care of yourself over there.
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Congrats on your blogoverseary! Your post is very thought-provoking. I’ve thought about quitting off and on for similar reasons. Glad to hear you have some speaking engagements and freelance work. But I understand the quandary. I haven’t gotten around to many of the blogs I enjoy because of pressing freelance work or discouragement (which keeps me from doing anything at all).
Wishing you peace and joy in the writing–whatever you choose to do.
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Thanks, L. Interesting to hear you say you’ve thought about quitting on and off. Sometimes when you’ve got work, you’ve got work and that comes first so you can pay the bills. Seeing you on here more than me, seems like you’ve found a balance between blog and real world 🙂
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7 years blogging! That’s certainly commitment. Success is such an arbitrary concept, especially when it’s applied to the creative arts. Like you said in your post, most people look at a successful blog as one with thousands of views and bringing in revenue, but I’ve personally always treated my blog as a creative outlet and a way to connect with people I wouldn’t normally have the chance to meet in my daily life, and my WordPress blog has definitely connected me with such amazing and inspirational fellow bloggers (like yourself!).
But then there’s the question of success = happiness? At the end of the day, this is YOUR blog and YOUR time and YOUR life. Yes, you have an audience who interacts with you and would miss you if you quit blogging, but audiences come and go, unfortunately. You still have to live your life. I hope you will make the choices that will put you on the path to happiness 🙂
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7 years of blogging is such a long time! You are so right in that success is an arbitrary concept. Success is different for each of us. Also agree with you that audiences come and go, just as our blog focus can change over time.
It’s amazing how you passionately shared your words and poetry on your blog, and in turn people respond to it – and a pleasure to have met you on here. Here’s to many more blogging years for you, Jade 🙂
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Mabel, I will be so happy if I see your next post entitled “Why I feel like reopening my blog” 😀 xoxo
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Hahaha I don’t think I will write about reopening my blog 😀
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I started blogging in 2014, i used to write and manage so many business related blogs for other people in that period and was going though some tough times emotionally so i thought i need to put this in writing and lo and behold my blog came into existence. I gave me an opportunity to meet so many like minded people and take out whatever was inside in writing.
I have found out that creativity and inspiration hits the most when i am going through some whirlwind of sad emotional roller coaster, and all that comes out in form of a poem or a written post. Then there were those long stretches of writers block where i wanted to write something and nothing happened and i questioned myself that do i need to be depressed or sad why cant i do it in normal times, there were times when i was posting like two times a month and times nothing for six or seven months. Since i have moved to Dubai 4 year ago i come after a long stretches so i usually lose track to keep in touch and give feedback to friends i made in the early days who followed my posts and hence now get less comments and interactions with them.
There were times when i thought this is too personal, whatever i have posted on this blog, i should take it down, but then i think it is possible that it may help someone in need and they get a little hope or comfort reading my experiences and thoughts.
I have always enjoyed your writing and i hope to read more, wishing you all the best.
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Such a thoughtful, honest reflection, Akhiz. Sounds like you’ve been blogging for a while and have been through the ups and downs of blogging, and writing. So glad you decided to blog, and your poetry has reached so many people around the world today. I am sure many of them are touched by what you write, or find meaning in your words.
It’s funny how we go through times when we want to write but can’t. Sometimes during these times, I ask am I really a writer if I don’t write. At the end of the day, some days are better than others. It can be hard to keep up with friends and people interested in your writing. I am sure the ones who matter to you follow your writing.
Writing can be personal. Sometimes what is personal to us might not be personal or even more personal in another year. You have a good point – the experiences you share can help people even in the smallest of ways, and that can snowball into them getting much more confidence and doing big things in the future.
Thank you for your kind words. Wishing you all the best too 🙂
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Oh my gosh, Mabel, you echoed the struggle (I shoiuld say, thought process) I’ve been going through for some time. There is a sense of obligation in a blog, where one has developed a relationship with other writer-bloggers, and one doesn’t want to leave them hanging, at least not without some kind of farewell. At the same time, there is that sense of having to keep up, of being caught up in a rushing river that needs your attention, “should I keep blogging? should I pause, and will I be letting others and myself down if I don’t continue the blog?”
I did some thinking this month at my 6-month anniversary, and in some ways my early blog was naive, in that I wrote daily and published whatever had come onto the page, and in that I wrote it purely for myself. Yet I published it, and I imagined that connection that some readers might have with my work, at a time when I was not being published and my work was not being read anywhere outside my own notebook. That was a support for me to continue my own non-blog writing, and just as you say, “Art supports life, not the other way around.” Then I began to connect with other bloggers, and that was rewarding as well. All of it takes time, and your question about “how do I want to spend my time?” is a great one for clarifying our purpose and intentions.
Over the past several months I have considered this question, including not blogging at all, and ultimately I have decided to continue for now, and it may include some audio or video postings, since I have also started a podcast that interviews other writers, and that has been intriguing and attractive to me. No “likes,” no “comments,” just one writer talking to another about the craft and process, the joys and delights, the ups and downs, of writing. I’ll probably do a post soon about that podcast and where to find it!
Have a really wonderful day! – Theresa
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So agree with you when you say there is a ‘sense of obligation in a blog’. That obligations we feel comes in the form of our relationships with other writers and bloggers who become like friends over time. As you mentioned, you might be letting them down when you don’t post. There’s also the obligation to ourselves as bloggers. Sometimes leaving blogging behind can sort of feel like you’re leaving a job – and you feel the void.
Starting a blog is always a brave move. You have come far with your blog and also your writing, Theresa, and you have quite a following. Connecting with bloggers take them. Then again, our real life and other interests also take time. Having gone from blogging once a month to occasionally now, I feel I can better manage a day job, writing and relaxing in much better now. That in turn has given me more clarity around my intent for writing.
The other day I stopped by your blog and realised you haven’t posted in a while. I wondered where you were, and guessed you might have been busy working on your writing or maybe taking it easy right now. Your podcast sounds interesting, something different and good luck with it. Talking about the process of art can be so therapeutic – and so many things to talk about 🙂
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Hello Mabel, I am so happy that, I am writing this message after almost one year and things have taken a complete turn now.
But, I can perfectly understand your decision to stop blogging last year.
Blogging is indeed quite demanding and there is always a trade off between our personal time and time for blogging.
As it’s not a revenue generating one, we will have to set aside our time for our work as well.
I faced this challenge and the easier one to give a miss was blogging.
But, I really missed the wonderful people here and their kind words and support, so could never stay away from it for more than couple of months…
When I capture some good photos and some interesting captions strike my mind, I feel like sharing it with all and listen to their comments …
For an organized person, it’s really a challenge to dedicate so much of their personal time, when they feel, it’s not so rewarding, emotionally.
I am really happy that you are back and looking forward to read your posts 🙂
I won’t be surprised, if you take a hiatus from blogging again, but, I am sure, your decisions will definitely bring you happiness and peace 🙂
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It is lovely to see you again after so long, Sreejith. Very good to hear from you even after one year. So much can happen in a year…and this year especially is probably the most life changing for many of us.
I think in hindsight, it was the right decision to stop blogging and at least cut back on it. Working from home this year has given me more time on my hands, and I chose to use that time to live life and take care of things in life. So this year I have not been on here much like you.
You are right, blogging is not a revenue generating one and it takes time to blog. And yes, you are right again that even for an organised person, dedicating time to blogging can be challenging. But there is such a great community here that welcomes you whenever you chose to come back.
I hope you are continuing to capture the world around you with your lens, even if you chose not to share all of us with us. Maybe one day there will come a time when you will be back to blogging full time and we will be very happy to see your brilliant works. In the meantime, it’s one day at a time. Take care, Sreejith 🙂
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So pleased that I have come across your blog Mabel. I’ll look forward to reading more of your posts. I’ve been blogging since August 2015 so you are a little ahead of me but like you, I take pride in what I publish and spend a long time crafting out each post. Take care, Marion
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It is so kind to meet you, Marion. Really lovely to meet someone else who loves sling bags too. That is a great accomplishment for you, blogging since August 2015 – and thoughtfully blogging too. Here’s to many more years of blogging for you 🙂
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I did think about leaving blogging behind but came back nonethless. You’ve explained it well. The reason why we feel like quitting so many times yet here I am, still blogging. What changed is the regularity of the posts. I also realized over time that there’s more to life than blogging. I needed to make way for other things I’m good at like sports. I think that’s the reason why. Preparing and training for tournaments have always been the reason why I leave blogging for some time. I even blogged about it in 2012.
It’s so nice of you to say that we, bloggers, don’t need to explain ourselves when we decide one day that we are going on a pause or quit for some time. I felt like you read the minds of bloggers like me. Then again you’re the exception. So I’m taking this opportunity now to say my sincere apologies.
Reading this post made me realize a lot of things today…For what it’s worth, we’re still here.
I hope you’re well and staying that way since that “sickness”.
Happy Christmas, Mabel!
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It sounds like you have thought a lot about blogging and why you should blog, Sony. That is so true. There is more to life than blogging. If we spent all our time just doing one thing (and even doing it well and making a living off it), there is only so much we can learn. Hope you get some time to pursue your sports and continue doing sports even during these times. You might not be able to do it competitively these days but hopefully you can do sports recretationally.
I think bloggers don’t owe anyone anything, and so we can just come and go as we please. The community is very supportive here and it seems most bloggers blog for the fun of it – and there is no pressure to blog every single day or keep up a certain blogging image. No need to apologise, Sony. I think many of us are in the same boat about blogging and these days more than ever, spending time in the real world is so important.
Take care and Happy New Year 🙂
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You have been an inspiration to me ever since. You have a way with words that you make it every bit of them felt and understood when wrote down. I’m a fan, raally.
I also realize this year that my social media addiction was taxing and so it just hit me … I so miss the deeper interactions and connections WP has for us bloggers than with traditional online friends.
Happy New Year, Mabel! I pray that we all have a better boat for 2021🍺🤗😄
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Thanks, Sony. I am a fan of your travel observations and photography – very down-to-earth and honest.
Hope to see you around WP here this coming year. Happy New Year and take care 🙂
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Doing my best💪🏽😃
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