Why I Feel Like Quitting After 7 Years Of Blogging

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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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

255 thoughts on “Why I Feel Like Quitting After 7 Years Of Blogging”

  2. I’m so sorry to hear about your illness. I had one sore throat where I couldn’t swallow anything but ice for 3 weeks. Most successful diet ever. Not worth it, though.
    I go back and forth about blogging. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it, especially coping with racists (and, more recently, trolls stuck on viewing gender as binary). I have a whole different blog I want to create, too. Someday.
    I guess as long as folks want to hear my stories, I’ll keep blogging.

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    • That is terrible, a sore throat where you couldn’t swallow anything but ice for three weeks D: Hopefully it doesn’t ever come back.

      Haha, it seems you’ve been blogging consistently for so long. Some of your readers seem to keep you busy…it’s the dark side of blogging

      Keep writing, Autumn. I am waiting for your book 😛

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      • Thanks, Mabel. Can you believe I am almost done with revision #twenty-something? Couple more beta reads and it will be submission time.

        I guess that’s the other nice thing about blogging. Posts are much shorter, feedback is much quicker. And mostly nicer, even if there are more racists.

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  3. Yes, I’ve considered quitting blogging and resonate with so much of your post, especially about finding myself wanting to explore other things and be online less. I’ve already scaled back my blog. We’ll see if I give it up or simply put the priority on other things. Maybe it’s time for us to follow our hearts to new adventures. Best wishes whatever you choose Mabel.

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  4. I would never try to talk you into blogging. Lots of people don’t enjoy it as much as others are passionate about it. But let me say, your voice is unique and valuable in the blogosphere. I enjoy your posts because they are honest, almost raw at times. I feel like we’re chatting.

    Having said that, there are lots of ways to scratch the writing itch that doesn’t rhyme with blogging!

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    • I agree with Jasqui here: You have a unique voice and I’ve always appreciated your posts. You are a great writer and clearly put a lot of time into it.

      I understand your desire to stop and do something different. In life we go through cycles. I played golf for 10 years, going to tournaments, practicing all the time. Now I play once a year. I think it is normal for people to have changing interests.

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      • Thanks, Jeff. I do like putting time into my posts. Writing means a lot to me.

        You are so right in that in life we go through cycles. Maybe one day if you go back to golfing full time, you might turn pro 😂 Looking forward to seeing your photography again soon – always great captures on your travels.

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    • Thank you so much for your kind words, Jacqui. I think this is the first time someone has said my writing feels like chatting on here 😊 Who knows I might throw up a random post here and there next year. Keep blogging and book writing. You got your groove going there.

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  5. I haven’t thought about quitting blogging altogether but I’ve also been writing less than before. It’s a mixture of things: I’m busy with real life (a child requires time and attention), my life is kind of monotonous now and I don’t have many experiences or ideas that I feel inspired to post about (again, this is also mostly thanks to my son), I also feel the community of bloggers that was always around is publishing less and less… As you said, there’s much more to life about blogging and right now my free time is almost non existent (I also read less books, I haven’t watched any movie this year and only a few tv episodes…. god, a child is like a time-sucking machine hahaha).

    I don’t think I will make an announcement and quit suddenly, but I also won’t worry if a month passes and I haven’t published anything. Let’s see how it goes.

    Hope you are feeling better now!

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    • When I read your blog, it always seems you have something to talk about! A kid certainly does require time and attention, and round the clock time and attention too. A child is for life lol. But even with a kid I feel your still write about a wide variety of topics on your observations about China and Spain 😀

      I realised it was almost three months since I last posted…and I didn’t mind at all 😂

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  6. You’ve written some great blogs, but it’s certainly true that blogging on a regular basis is not for everyone. It’s not necessarily a sustainable goal in the long-term, and if you aren’t feeling it anymore that’s perfectly understandable.

    However, I hope you do still pursue writing in some other fashion. There are many ways to express yourself, many different avenues to explore whether by words or other creative outlets!

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    • I’ve known for a decade writing for a living wasn’t sustainable, so I did it on the side as a side hustle. Over the last year things have changed in many ways, and I guess I’m feeling more drive for other things at the moment.

      I do still want to put a book out there. So I will still pursue writing in some capacity, just not as intense as before. Love that you have finally put out your comics. Really enjoy them.

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    • Thanks, Dr D. Always appreciated you coming around. I might still post here and there. It depends on where life goes but at the moment, looks unlikely. Might also still pop by blogs too. We will see. Wishing you well too.

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  8. My dear friend, this post was so well-thought out and made a lot of sense to me. I’m approaching my 5th year of blogging and it’s because of you that I started my own. I was so inspired by you. I will always be so grateful to you for that and the friendship that blossomed from there. I completely understand. Health comes first and so do other things. We need to do things because we feel joy doing them. If the joy or motivation is no longer there, why continue? That joy could be spread elsewhere. You do what is right for you. I will always be supporting you no matter what. I really hope you feel better and I can’t wait to see you soon ❤

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    • It is so amazing to see you still blogging after 5 years my friend! I still remember us hanging out before you started your blog and you showed me your book. I was so impressed! Yes, if something doesn’t speak with us anymore, we can put our time elsewhere and spread joy elsewhere. Very thankful for our friendship and you have been such a level-headed friend ❤

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    • I might post a few blog posts here and there. But to be honest, I don’t know. Really depends what happens. I do know I will have to stop visiting blogs every single day – it does mean I learn less from here but I do need more down time. Sorry to hear you are in between jobs at the moment. Maybe your next opportunity is not far off. Or maybe your photography will turn out into something for you.

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  10. I’ve definitely thought about quitting blogging many times over. My teaching blog is woefully neglected after it served its purpose (publishing my book). That being said, everyone starts and stops blogging for many reasons, so you can’t really look to others or compare yourself in this regard.

    Sometimes when we get sick our priorities (have to) change. And you are quite young, life is for living and pursuing all our interests in our due time. So do what feels right. Blogging isn’t going away. Not really. I think it too goes through phases, more people podcast or vlog, less folks read. And yes, it’s a lot of work for what feels like little return.

    I’d imagine after you’ve written this, and read the comments, you’ll gain greater clarity as well. Take care, M!

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    • I do remember you mentioned you had a teaching blog a while back, and always wondered why you didn’t pursue it further. I guess with your blog, you can write anything you like and blog the best of both worlds.

      You are so right. Blogging isn’t going away. It will always be here. Nothing wrong with stopping and coming back to it when it speaks to you. People tend to gravitate towards visual like YouTube or Instagram these days, and skimming is such a popular form of reading. You wonder where longer blogs are in the place of all this – maybe for learning, maybe for the readers who want to read.

      I do know moving forward I will be pursuing other ventures and side hustles and see where that takes me 😀

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  11. Conscientious people like you are good at setting goals and finishing projects. But sometimes there comes a time to step back and see if your goals have changed. It sounds like that’s what you have done. Seven years is a good run. I remember when you faithfully blogged every week. Later you mentioned that you wanted to cut it down to twice monthly. You were already taking stock.

    When I started my blog in 2013, the original idea was to write stories Behind the Story of my novel, Tiger Tail Soup. So I wrote posts about researching the novel and about Chinese customs related to it. Eventually I ran out of that kind of material, so I wrote about things closer to my current life. My second novel will be published in April of 2021, so before that time, I’ll write posts about expat life, and the Philippines and Vanuatu, where the novel is set. In the meantime, I think I’ll just write occasional blogs–maybe once a month.

    Painting used to be important to me, but eventually I decided it was time to do something else. Some people stick with the same thing all their life. Most of us want to sample other things the world has to offer. No problem with that.

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    • Thanks for the thoughtful words, Nicki. That’s so true, goals can change. Our priorities change as live moves on. I did use to enjoy blogging weekly, and then monthly. Moving forward, I am not too sure yet about blogging.

      It sounds like you are a conscientious person yourself and great at finishing projecs such as your first book, and your next one. I think you got a good theme going there for your blog over the next year – writing what you’ve experienced and reliving it again, letting your readers get acquainted with the setting of your next book, and reminding yourself you are working on your book through blogging 🙂

      So true some people want to stick with a few things and others want to sample many, many things. Yes, either way nothing wrong. At the end of the day doing what makes us happy is the most important.

      Good luck with your next book 🙂

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  12. Totally agree with your view on the time spent on blogging. I’m sometimes get frustrated that I’m not able to get enough time to write on my blog. Neither do I post frequently nor I have a great audience. But I like writing occasionally and that gives me satisfaction.
    Giving up something to do something better is always a positive way forward.

    All the best to you to do things that you want to do. 🙂

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    • That is great, you like what you do. You like writing and so you write. You can always try to make time to write and blog. Sometimes that is not possible when there are other pressing things. Wishing you all the best too 🙂

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  13. Hi Mabel, I am grieved to hear about your pain and sickness and wish you good health. Eat well and take care.
    When blogging seems like a chore, there is need for introspection. I am glad you have been happier without it and winds of change have been blowing around you. Having said that, I would suggest shift in gears… probably shorter posts or just reflections about what stirred your heart on a particular day.
    I have never been intimidated by those who blog everyday, some do it several times a week. I call myself a relaxed blogger and don’t want to burn myself. Creativity ceases to inspire when it becomes a compulsion or a burden.
    I’ve missed you and would love to hear from you whenever you feel inspired to share your thoughts. Thanks for sharing an honest view of blogging.

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    • Having struggling health is the worst. Getting back into good health can also be challenging. The least we can do is, as you said so rightly, eat well and take care.

      That is a good suggestion, perhaps shorter posts or reflections. I have thought about that. Most of the time I have many thoughts and opinions on even one subject, so could be a challenge 😂 One thing I do miss is the reading other blogs and learning so much from them. I haven’t ruled out visiting blogs every now and then. Hope you are well, Balroop 😊

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  14. Mabel, I feel like you have been watching me for the last year… in a good way, not creepy 🙂 I have struggled with writing since an unfortunate set of circumstances with a crazy work colleague made me reassess what I was doing. I found myself not wanting to express myself and I had a need to close myself away. I put all social media stuff on hold resigned from work and concentrated on doing stuff for myself – walking the dog with my wife, sitting by the beach, long rides on my motorcycle and of course some travelling. I thought that as my wife and I are now both retired, I would find lots to write about. I still see plenty to write about but the urge is not there as often. However, as I change my lifestyle, I found a couple of new and (for me) exiting activities. Iphone photography is one and I could spend ages with the photographic apps that are available ( I love sharing pic on instagram) and the other is Pilates. My body and mind feel a hell of a of a lot better lately.
    I still want to write, and occasionally and poem spews forth onto my iPhone ( I also found Evernote, which I love) or a scrap of paper. Surprisingly to me, that poem or piece of writing usually springs from a photograph i have just taken or recently taken, which plays on my mind. Or it will be something funny or profound somebody has said during a pilates class while we are all struggling to hold the ‘pigeon pose’ :D.
    I want to say that I have always loved your posts Mabel and congratulations on 7years. Your writing is stimulating and the way you interact with your readers is motivating and pleasing. And thank you for acknowledging my activities on other social media platforms, you are a true (on-line) friend. I hope you continue to find ways to write and express you feelings, even if it is only for yourself.
    Stay happy and healthy Mabel. I’ll be here if you have anything to say as you travel your chosen path. *hugs* from boiling hot Brisbane.
    PS – stay warm 🙂

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    • So sorry to hear what happened to you with your work, Andy. Sometimes there is only so much we can control at work and who we work with. I remember reading sometime ago (in our chats in the comments) that you enjoyed your work and you loved riding your motorbike to work. People change, our priorities change, so our lifestyle changes.

      On the plus side it seems that you have found enjoyment in the interests you’ve decided to pursue. I really like the nature photos you share on Instagram – they are always so creative. It’s amazing how much hours we can spend on apps. There’s so many apps for one interests, and hope you continue to find more photography and photography editing apps you enjoy 🙂 Your poetry is second to none, always hitting the spot with a nice message to takeaway. Good you are still scribbling poems as they come naturally.

      You said this very well: ‘I still see plenty to write about but the urge is not there as often.’ I think you summed up how I feel. I have a lot of ideas for blogging and also my book, but no urge or motivation to actually write. The heart is elsewhere and doing other things at the moment. I haven’t ruled out coming back to blogging. Just don’t know where it will go yet – I might take most of the year off, or blog once every few months, I don’t know.

      Thanks for your nice words, Andy. It really has been great knowing you and your art. Hello from cold Melbourne (yes, 18’C in the day here during summer -_- ) and take care.

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  15. wait- so you are still blogging or no? =)
    i love blogging but lack the time, diligence, and motivation to keep blogging. my life and responsibilities have shifted so priorities have changed too. mostly i blogged for the connections & community but once that was lost (e.g. xanga)… its just not the same anymore.

    i’ve always appreciated your posts and the thoughts and efforts behind them. but if you have moved onto bigger, brighter projects or endeavors, i’m excited for you. will miss your writing tho!

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    • I won’t be blogging for a while. Maybe I will come back at some point.

      ‘It’s just not the same anymore’. That is a great way to describe situations where we are reflecting on life. Sounds like life is demanding your attention too. Blogging will always be here if you want to be part of a community.

      Thanks for your nice words. I do still intend to publish a book at some point once I get back to working on it.

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  16. Mabel, you’ve been one of my all time favourite bloggers. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts knowing how much research you put into each post and the amount of thought you’ve invested in every word you write.
    I can well understand the changes your feeling, especially after being ill and having other stuff in life happening. Especially when by not posting, nothing bad happens and you discover you have more time for private contemplation and thought.

    While I hope you continue to post something when you feel like it, if you no longer post, I understand. Take care dear friend and stay well.

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    • Thanks, Gaz. It does take quite some time and effort to write each post, especially each one over the last two and a half years – and each of those posts I stand by them.

      More time is such a great thing. I can go about my day slower and have more downtime.

      You stay well too. Your food blog is one to behold with stellar food photography and now, snappy food videos with voice-overs 😃

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  17. I can certainly relate. Sometimes im so busy living life I just plain forget to check in on the internet world, and my internet friends. Hope you’re feeling better Mabel!

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  18. I’ve just logged in to comment (haven’t even replied to comments in my own blog!) I understand this completely, Mabel. There’s always a time when blogging has to be put aside and living has to take over. While I know some people (many) think the descriptor ‘real life’ as opposed to blogging or other stuff online, is wrong, I disagree. There’s very little that’s real or natural about blogging, it’s a construct – and one that can easily eat into ones time and activities. And, sadly yes, it does tend to take an illness to make one see what’s important. I’m at that stage at the moment, though not so much to do with blogging – as I’ve not been blogging regularly anyway – as to do with the rest of my life structure. I’m currently trying to recover from what sounds like a very similar illness to what you had or have (in my case a throat and chest infection that landed me in hospital and is taking an age to go. I still can’t speak properly, either) and you have both my sympathy and empathy. Only difference for me (I hope, anyway) is I’ve had ill health most of my life so it’s always being interrupted by these passages of change and need to adapt. I suppose by now I should be used to it, but I never am. So, I just want to wish you well, Mabel, and say how much I’ve enjoyed your blog. If you’re leaving it here rather than deleting it, I shall still return to read the posts I’ve missed. I’ll miss you, though.

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    • You said it very well, Val – blogging is a construct and not exactly real or a natural. While some of us might be showing our personal lives on our blogs, they are the parts of our personal lives we choose to share. In a sense we share just one side of ourselves.

      So sorry to hear you’ve been having a similar illness to me, and you had to go to hospital D: I hope the hospital stay wasn’t too bad and you are well on the mend. It seemed like I had a really bad cold or flu; however it lingered around for a long while and affected other conditions. Could have been something else altogether. Hopefully your other health conditions aren’t exacerbated by your illness. You might be on a different age spectrum however illness is an illness including chronic illness. You are right, sometimes it never really goes away and we just have to make do with it, work our lives around it.

      My blog thus far will be here. As for the future, I don’t know – I might pop by now and again but at the moment, it’s best to focus on other priorities. I’ve always enjoyed your blog for your art and restoration of photos from the ages. Your blog is a very unique one with a unique way of uncovering and re-telling history. You should be very proud of it 🙂

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  20. You have probably noticed that I was asking myself similar questions! When I got busy training for an athletic event and also needed to spend more time on my extended family for a while, blogging was the first thing that slipped off my daily or weekly schedule. Like you, I had always ignored the money-making aspects of blogging even when approached about it, and I had also never held myself to any kind of posting schedule, thinking that the stuff I wrote when really inspired was a lot better than anything I’d write just for the purpose of posting.

    But still, the enthusiasm waned when I began to live more and more of my life offline. I actually appreciate people who post LESS often these days; I am eager to keep up with my blogging friends, but I can’t keep up with multiple posts a week from the same people on the same topics. Maybe you could just let yourself write when the spirit strikes and not worry about a plan at all. I always enjoy your online voice and hope you don’t fully disappear! I also hope you are feeling better physically these days!

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    • I was actually wondering where you went earlier this year when I came over to your blog, and saw you haven’t posted in a while. Then we all got treated to your wonderful marathon climb story! Climbing a mountain of similar difficulty to Everest is a mean feat and you really did use your time well 😛 Like you, when I fell ill and had all these other things going on, blogging had to be put to the wayside. When I completely dropped blogging (no writing blogs, no visiting blogs), so much time opened up and all of a sudden I was doing things I’ve always wanted but never had the time.

      Like you I also appreciate bloggers who post less. There’s so much to learn from other blogs and the blogger and their lives, but at the same time we can’t entertain others all the time – we have ourselves to take care of. Looking forwards I am not sure how much I will blog – definitely almost not at all early next year but who knows what’s next after that 🙂

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  21. Hi Mabel, so sorry you were sick. Glad you’re back up on your feet. ❤
    I can totally relate to all of this. I have been blogging for 8 years and I have been on burn out throughout 2019. Social media is a headache. One of the hardest thing about blogging is beyond the work of writing, editing, publishing and promoting—it's the questioning of who is really listening? Does my voice matter? Why am I doing this? LOL. It's a mid-life crisis of the blogger. In the end, we have to do it because we want to and because we have something to say/share. You are a wonderful writer with a unique voice. You would be sorely missed in the blogosphere, Mabel. I know how hard it is to stay motivated. It sounds like a phase we're all familiar with. Whatever you decide, you can still keep your site up—you won't lose any of us (your fans).

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  22. Pingback: Why I Feel Like Quitting After 7 Years Of Blogging — Mabel Kwong – www.Mlst.blog

  23. First, I am glad that you are now waling ‘feeling a bit less in pain’ with ‘other affections less amplified’. I hope the positive trend continues and the burning daggers in your throat are a thing of the past.

    Second, I love the thoughtful solitude in each one of your images. What is better than the possibilities on a blank page?!?! I journaled on paper daily for many, many years and found it therapeutic in a way that can’t be matched by creating on-screen. Your images have me thinking I need to take up the pad and a pen again.

    Third, your post really speaks to me as I have come full-circle on ‘why I blog’. I started blogging during the Pacific leg of my sailing journey because I wanted to document my personal voyage and even more so because I was feeling isolated in remote Pacific anchorages. The friendships got me through a rough spot and meant the world to me. Having a visual log of my circumnavigation is something I will always treasure. But for a time in the middle of my voyage, I got caught up in the idea that I should monetize my hobby. Problem was that I didn’t want to sell or to coach for-profit and every attempt that I made to do so felt loathsome to me. Once I got over the ’turn your dream into your job’ stage and went back to making friends and sharing pretty stories, I liked my blog again. Now I just post when inspired and reach out to my blogging buddies as best that I can. I look forward to hearing from you in whatever way you chose to communicate in the future (even if that means we need to sail back to Melbourne :-).

    Hugs to Mr Wobbles and the entire Star Wars Crew.

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    • Thanks so much for saying my photos evoke solitude. It was very fun setting up the shots and putting these images together 😀 There really is so many possibilities on a blank page. You can create anything or even just turn the page. Sounds like you were really into journaling some time ago. I bet you were very creative with it, writing down your thoughts and dreams and coming up with ideas you want to achieve.

      It is amazing how far you’ve taken your blog, and you have kept it up for your entire circumnavigating the globe. Still going strong on the sailboat and blog wise for you 😊 Your blog is one that is very different from others – not everyone sails the globe, not everyone blogs about it with amazing photography to boot. I could see how the opportunity to moneytize your blog could be for you if you chose to go down that path. Like you, I also tried to monetize my blog even considering sponsorship offers. The more I talked to these offers the more I didn’t want anything to do with it. I do make some money off WordAds but I see that as a more organic way of getting something in return – millions of websites have ads and I’m not encouraging anyone to click on an ad like how you would a sponsored post.

      Sail safe, Lisa. The blogging community here will always be cheering you on. And maybe one day you will write a sailing book. Hugs from Mr Wobble and the Star Wars clan here 🙉💕

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  24. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been so ill, Mabel and hope your health is very much improved by now. I’ve been blogging for about 12 years in all and it no longer is an important part of my life. I blog far less than I used to and don’t have so much time to follow people either. I do a lot more reading, playing my piano and lately, I’ve started really cleaning the clutter from my closets in order to donate unwanted items. I still love watching the wildlife around me, but don’t always take photos. I figure people will get bored with seeing my birds and Iguanas every week. Yes, I have thought about giving up blogging altogether but haven’t quite managed to wean myself away from WP. 😅 Time will tell. Anyway, it was good to see you again. Take care and give Me Wobbles a hug from me. 🤗😘

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    • Wow, blogging for 12 years is a big achievement. You should be very proud of yourself. Sound like you enjoy a lot of things offline, Sylvia. I also have been doing cleaning and decluttering like you. So much stuff accumulated over the years – and decluttering it all feels so satisfying.

      I for one have never gotten bored of seeing your wildlife around you. Mr Wobbles always looks forward to them too, and he says hi to everyone over there 🤗

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  25. You poor thing, Mabel. That sounds like a dreadful illness. Glad you are feeling better. No wonder you didn’t post or feel inclined to post. I think it is easy to get out of the habit of posting and develop other pursuits, once you have been offline for a while, but I can also see how some people might run out of ideas or enthusiasm. I have felt like this when I’ve have been away overseas for an extended holiday, and more recently moving house. Yet t here is still something in blogging that draws me back, eventually. I think it is the blogging community. But I totally agree, you have to make it work for you. It can’t be a burden or chore. It must be enjoyable otherwise your reluctance might come through in your writing.

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    • The last two months have certainly been an eye opener. Funny how live can change of suddenly and you look at things so much differently in the blink of an eye. I went of blogging cold turkey and it didn’t feel weird but the right thing to do. Great that you went on extended holiday and congrats on moving house – they are two things which need a lot of planning but if done right, all will fall into place and be very much enjoyable.

      I agree with you. There is something about the blogging community here, and it is that I will miss. I don’t hate blogging or loathe it in any way, and maybe at some point I’ll come back. Maybe next year, year after, who knows. Thanks for coming around, Amanda.

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  26. Hi Mabel! I’m glad you are feeling better. I can totally relate to a lot of what you say about blogging and am glad to hear that someone else puts in all those hours on one post. It takes me forever to write, re-write, edit words and photos, research…I do love it though and now try not to worry so much about posting with any regular frequency. My blog started out just as a way for me to chronicle my travels and hikes. I never promoted it at all, but over the years have slowly attracted like-minded people, or at least folks that enjoy my ramblings. I’m grateful for these connections. I’d love to read and comment on all the posts from bloggers I follow but it’s not humanly possible and rather stressful. I’ve been trying (not always successfully) to schedule just one afternoon or evening a week for reading blogs. I know I’ll miss some good stuff but there’s more to life than blogging, right!

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    • I only discovered your blog over the last year, but I’ve always been impressed with your narratives of your travels and photography. So hardworking of you to put the hours into each post 🙂 It is funny how when if you blog what you like, like-minded people will come over time. There’s something about believing in yourself and being yourself that is so powerful.

      I am so glad you said this: that it’s ‘not humanly possible and rather stressful’ to keep up with all blogs and posts. I also feel that and currently have over 50 blogs I actively follow and comment. Looking ahead, I might have to do something like you, scheduling a time during the week to catch up with these blogs 😊

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      • Thank you Mabel, very kind of you to say. 50 is a lot…I don’t know how you do it. Plus, you are always so thoughtful with your comments and it’s quite evident that you take the time to read the posts thoroughly.

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        • Spacing out blogs to read and reading 5-6 blogs a day is how I managed it. Moving forwards I think I might have to set aside half a day to read blogs as opposed to everyday. Reading and commenting on other blogs is such a great way to learn and get inspired.

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  27. Mabel I have many thoughts racing around in my head after reading your post. Most of all I applaud you for listening to your heart. Sometimes it takes something like illness to slow us down enough so that we can see what it is that we really want or what is good for us. You put so much effort into your posts and also into your comments which have always astounded me. I have been truly grateful for all of them.

    I hope your health is now improved. I send you nothing but very best wishes as your new chapter begins. I will always treasure our meeting and hope one day our paths may cross again. Sending huge hugs across the miles and again applauding that you are making a choice that is right for you. Xo

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    • I hope those are good and not stressful thoughts racing around your head, Sue. Indeed it can take an unexpected event for us to see a different side of life and slow down. Stepping back from blogging made me question if I was putting too much time and effort in my blog, and if I could learn and grow by doing other things. The answer was pretty obvious to me.

      It was such an honour to meet you a few years back when you visited Australia. I remember very well how you were so eager to chat and really an all round lovely person. Thank you so much for the kind words and I will pop by every now and then 🙂

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  28. Hi Mabel, I was wondering as to what was happening to you on not seeing your interesting offerings for quite sometime. Regret to note your illness and the difficult period surrounding it. Do take better care of your health as without it life drags. I went through a similar harrowing time with a health setback that literally tethered me between home and hospital for the major part of 2018. Eventually, one finds solace in the thought that ‘this too shall pass’. Stick to things giving joie de vivre. There is no point drudging around activities and chasing constant deadlines. In all your pursuits and wherever you are, be well and happy. Cheers….

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    • So humbled for you to describe my blog as ‘interesting offerings’. Very kind of you, Raj. Thank you so much. I remember reading a bit about your health on your blog a while back. It sounded like a hard time for you and hope all is well again with you. You make a good point in taking care of health and without good health, life does drag. I do still like writing and hope to be around here at some point again. Take care of yourself.

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  29. I think many bloggers go through those dips when they think about giving blogging up, Mabel. I’ve had extended blogging breaks which did me a world of good, but I always missed blogging while on those breaks. I don’t know what it is, but something from the blogging world always kept pulling at me to come back, and it always won.
    However, I also realised, during those breaks, that I’d left a world I lived in for most of my life behind before I discovered blogging. It can take over your life and become something of a monster, and that is when it is time to stand back, take note and make changes.
    Indeed, after my last extended blogging break during the summer, I came back with a different attitude towards blogging. Almost six months on, my new blogging balance is working well, but I do wonder how long it will be before I take another break and come back with yet another new blogging routine.
    At the end of the day, though, we should never allow blogging to become a burden, stress us out or make us feel guilty. When that happens, it’s time for a chance.
    I hope you are feeling a lot better?

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    • You are right, Hugh. Many bloggers go through ups and downs. Some go away and don’t come back, and some not at all. Sounds like you can’t get away from blogging, always drawn back to it after time away. As Forestwood/Amanda suggested, there’s something about the blogging community here – and I guess that what pulls most of us back here. I won’t lie. I will miss the blogging community until I feel I can come back if I ever come back regularly at all. At the moment I finding a balance between taking care of myself, feeling good and doing what I want to do.

      It is true blogging can take over your life, just anything you spend too much time on and stress over can become a monster. Agree with you switching up a routine could be the way to keep on blogging and enjoying it. When blogging becomes something of a chore, it’s time to reassess why we blog and yes, change it up. Thank you so much for your support.

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      • You’re welcome, Mabel. You have to do what feels best for you. I admire you for being honest with your readers and letting them known what you’re doing. Many bloggers disappear without a trace, leaving many followers worried as to if all is OKay.
        Good luck with what you do, and I hope we do see the occasional blog post from you. It’d be good to know that you are enjoying life and finding out what you are doing with spending some of the time you have gained from not blogging (as much).
        Seasons Greeting to you. 🎄

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        • That is so true. Some bloggers disappear without a word, and you do wonder if all is okay. It’s human nature to care.

          Really appreciate the kind words and well wishes, Hugh. Thank you so much. Already this week has been so busy and being in the blogging world is hard. Maybe I’ll put up the occasional blog post. All the best for next year, Hugh. I am guessing you’ll come out with another book 🙂

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  30. Hi Mabel,
    Like you, I haven’t been blogging as often as I used to as well. For the last couple of years, I probably blog once or twice a month just to keep my blogs ‘alive’. It also means a lot to me to have comments and interaction on my blogs. You are one of the few bloggers who seemed like a friend to me especially when we used to blog regularly. Currently, I am going through a very painful time (if you read my last post). Sometimes, I pour out my heart in writing especially in sad times. To me, blogging is to be able to share your feelings on paper, to express oneself, in both happy and sad times.
    Hope you get well soon and enjoy the summer and a outdoors. A break from blogging is not a bad idea but do pop in here sometimes and stay in touch.
    Love from Jess (little Borneo girl)

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  31. Hi Mabel, I’m so sorry to hear you were so ill. I haven’t had an opportunity to read all of the comments, so if you already answered, I apologize, but did you get a diagnosis? When I turned 20 years old, I got very sick. For two years, I went to doctors, had tests, etc., but no one seemed to know what was wrong. Finally, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I was attending college, working 30 hours a week and I felt like I was 100 years old. Living with a chronic disease is challenging, as you never know when the symptoms will reappear. Many years ago, I decided I wasn’t going to allow the disease to control my life…because it was my life and I only have one shot with it. That said, you’ll know what’s best for you. Obviously your blog is loved by many and you’re a wonderful writer. Over the years, I’ve considered bagging my blog, but the connections I’ve made with fellow bloggers are too important, so I just cut back on my posts, but I still visit everyone. Take care of yourself and do what makes you happy. I write as a hobby and I love it, but I know it could never pay the bills. By the way, all of those photos of the journals had me salivating! I’m a journal junkie. 🙂

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  32. I’ve blogged since high school, and I’ve taken plenty of blog breaks for different reasons. When I was in undergrad, I barely blogged because I needed to focus on doing well in school and making some money to pay for rent and food. When my university years were ending, I picked up more blogging. I recalled there was a time I stopped blogging after a breakup for fear my ex would “read between the lines” of my blog posts. When I started graduate school, I hardly ever blogged. But now I finished graduate school and have more time to blog.

    I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing or blogging because it takes me back to a better time before social media. Because of social media, technically, everyone is a blogger, but there is a lot of terrible content and no original, articulate thoughts. Instead of people writing their own posts or taking their own photography, they use other people’s posts, quotes, and photos to their feed. Sadly, some do not give credit where credit is due. Unfortunately, some people (i.e., influencers, wannabe influencers) think they can make money through social media. A lot of them spend far more money to create this “curated” feed with very little return sucking a lot of the joy in the hobby.

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    • It seems like you have gone through different phases of blogging, Julie. I think if we do well at school, blogging can certainly be a relaxation outlet and something to do outside classes. I remember at university one of the subject assignments for a creative writing class was to set up a blog. Anyone can read your blog, and it makes sense to watch what you blog when you know someone such as your ex might be reading. You really don’t want to be offending anyone close to you or those you know with your blog.

      I think what you said about social media and curating posts for an audience and income is so true. It’s hard to succeed in an industry like this that changes very fast, and more so when one moment you might be ‘in’ and the next day ‘out’. With blogging I think there is less competition like that. Bloggers like you and so many others here blog for the enjoyment of it , and it feels so nice to be around genuine people 🙂

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  33. As usual, I love this post, so thoughtful and well-written. I’m sorry to hear that you have not been well and hope that you fully recover your health.
    For me, I have not really considered quitting my blog, but I do (all the time) tweak how frequently I am blogging. I’ve also taken breaks, or scaled back, or ramped up, depending on what else is swirling around me.
    I would miss you in this space if you decide to give it up permanently, however, it is your time and energy invested and you have to do what is best for you.
    Cheers, Amy

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  34. Mabel, understanding your sentiments on blogging, taking an undetermined break or even stopping the blogging fetish is something I am seriously considering too. I had gotten down to one post per month. But last month I didn’t even write a post and even now, going into the second week of December, I find I have nothing worth writing about in my blog. After reading this post, I feel almost positive that stopping the blogging cycle would be a good idea for me, even if it only ends up being temporary.

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    • One post a month is a good effort, Glynis. Your posts on our writing process is very insightful, and I like hearing your thoughts on dealing with writing challenges along with your health. It’s so raw and honest.

      I also agree stopping blogging temporary is a good thing. Doing something because you feel like you want to and feel inspired to always makes for better content.

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  35. Leaving blogging behind? No. Not yet. Though I haven’t reached the 7 year limit. I also “drop out” regularly. When travelling for instance. Can’t blog and travel at the same time. So that gives a breath of fresh air.
    The question is: do YOU want to stop? 🙂 Maybe you can give it a rest. And then come back. Or reevaluate the way you blog. (It is true any single post takes time to put together, so if “rewards” are not satisfying, change…
    Best of luck Mabel. (Do remember the blogging community is patient and understanding…)
    Take care.
    Brian

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    • I do see you have been blogging for a while. Good on you for dropping out when you’re traveling. Traveling is traveling and well, you’re busy taking everything around you in.

      That’s a good question, do I want to stop blogging. No. But there are other things that I enjoy too and right now taking up a lot of time. I do miss learning from here, but I’m also learning a lot from the other things I’m doing. I haven’t ruled out maybe putting up one post occasionally. We will see.

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      • “For a while”? Yes, you’re right, though it seems like only yesterday, when I had no clue about blogging and had “sweaty palms” every time I posted… 🙂 One learns all the time.
        Traveling or life should take priority. Live your life. Learn what you want to learn. Do what you want to do. I think, above all, don’t pressure yourself. Adjust your posting frequency to your schedule. I used to post 2-3 times a week. Never more. Can’t do it. Right now, I’m down to once a week… 🙂
        Cheers. (And a merry Christmas and happy new year)

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  36. “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.” – For me, it’s because of work and the lack of motivation to express my thoughts on more topics.

    I’ve thought of leaving the blogosphere at least once or twice in the years that I have been blogging. Now that I’m in a highly stressed work environment (I feel that I don’t have enough time on my hands), I don’t have much mental energy left to sit down in front of the computer screen and draft blog posts. All I want to do is to chill to music or catch up on Taiwanese TV shows before sleep. All these are making me toy with the idea of leaving blogging behind. =(

    Don’t worry, Mabel. Whether you decide to leave or continue blogging, you know we (the blogosphere and your readers) will always have your back and welcome you with open arms whenever you decide to return.

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    • Your posts are always descriptively vivid, and they read like a smooth narrative – even if it’s just your dreams you are narrating. Hard to see you don’t have a lack of motivation, but what happens behind the screen is always another story.

      Work in the real world is work. It can leave you tired and sorry you are currently in a stressed work place. When you have a hard team to work with and are constantly learning on the job, relaxing and doing nothing is what you look forward to when coming home.

      The blogging community is such a great community. Cannot stress that enough.

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  37. Hi M – sorry you were sick – that throat stuff sounded awful. And yes – I have contemplated my blogging path many times – I assess regularly – and used to take entire summers off – but realized that was forced – instead – what works for me is to pause and cast regularly – and sometimes I set aside a shirt season to indulge – other times I refrain and really pray about it –
    —
    The thing that makes me wonder though – is how everyone blogs so different – like you said the three hours a night to prep – well that is not everyone’s approach to blogging – and recently again I thought about it because a few folks I know share the “one photo post” with a few words or maybe a paragraph. That could never be me -I do have one photo posts but never enjoyed that – so I made sure I stayed true to me (and you mention and know so well) – and so we have photograph bloggers – fiction writers – quote sharers – newsy sharing kind of people – and then the non-fiction writers like your approach was.
    And sounds to me like it was becoming a huge chore for you! And when the cons outweigh the pros – that adds up
    The other thing is change can be so good – when I take a month or two off from blogging – the first week is so hard – but then the freedom kicks in and the change of pace is nice – ((and my pause in October was a must because I had a to do list to tackle before I allowed myself to scroll or post))
    Anyhow – coming back after a pause can be thrilling – unless it was too long – like this entire summers –
    — one last thing to share is that even though I have about six years blogging on WP – I feel like my MO has changed a lot – and that has kept it fresh for me-
    Started off sharing literature and poems that my boys and I would explore- then did photo challenges and wrote a handful of longer posts –
    Then in 2017 I started flash fiction and joined two groups – new MO – and then this year – that waned and I had yet another adjustment – after I paused the flash fiction – the photo challenges I normally did no longer appealed – (and I felt almost obligated – and forget that crap) and that led to my current MO- which is “what the heck do I want to post about today – if anything at all”
    I am doing “post a day” until January 1 – and for the month of January I think I am going to fast – but rather than leave the blog quiet (which is fine to do) I might schedule a daily photo or something –
    Anyhow – I understand where you are coming from and I respect your honesty and wisdom – and admire your pursuit of wellness vs getting caught up in the numbers and fame game!
    There is a lot of health in what you shared here 🙏💜😊

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    • This throat thing I had was the worst I ever had. Never in my life so painful for so long, and it got worse for a while before it got better. The whole experience changed my outlook on life, my choices and what I want to achieve moving forwards.

      This was a very thoughtful and reflective comment on your journey here in the blogging world. I remember we discovered each other some years back. If I remember correctly, you went through a blog revamp at some point, changing blog handles. I also really admired the way you coordinated Lady By The River and it was so honoured to be a part of it.

      You hit the nail on the head when you say everyone approach to blogging is different. As you mentioned, some blog every day, others blog weekly or occasionally. Like you, I also like adding a bit more to my posts as opposed to putting up one photo and a few words. I also am not a fan of putting up short posts that talk about one perspective, much more preferring to put more time in my post and focus on in-depth non-fiction. While it is time consuming, I wouldn’t have it any other way as it is how I want my blog to be. That said, I respect all kinds of blog posts, long and short and follow both.

      Your blog certainly has evolved over the years, from literature to flash fiction and these days photography of your surround. What I’ve always found so appealing was how you never seemed to force what you were blogging and these days your posts are so down-to-eart, no airs about that. A post a day til the new decade sounds like a nice challenge for you and hope it’s going well so far.

      Thanks for the kind words, Y. It will be interesting to see how I’ll approach writing in the coming year, if it all, and in the next few years.

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  39. We just discovered your blog and understand wanting to put time into other things. Your writing style is very thought-provoking and admirable. You have a talent for words as well as your photography. You can tell you put your soul into your blog. Perhaps taking a break will inspire you later down the road to return. We certainly hope so. Take care and enjoy all your next adventures!
    Cheers,
    John and Susan
    Medellin, Colombia

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    • It is so lovely of you to stop by, John and Susan. Thank you for the kind words. I actually remember seeing you floating around other blogs like Lisa’s and Sue’s (if I’m not mistaken). Hope you continue to have a good time traveling the globe! Hoping to visit your blog at some point. Once again, thank you for reading.

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  40. Hope you’re feeling a whole lot better, Mabel.
    I can see you writing but for a totally different venue. Perhaps the topic focus of your blog is something you might have outgrown abit.

    I will still blog because I feel there are some stories I’d like to share. Having my blog and topics makes it actually easier for me when I see family, not to waste precious time talking so much about trips, since they can read my blog, see photos.

    There is another generation below me now..7 nephews and nieces. Now there is a great-niece and nephew.
    Unlike you, I spend less time writing it…anywhere from a few hrs. to maybe 8 hrs. in total. Then ploughing through photos..which I do enjoy choosing and cropping, etc.

    My best wishes for 2020 and beyond, Mabel!

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    • Moving forward, health, work and fun will be a juggling act. You really have to adapt with you body rather than your body adapt to your lifestyle as you grow older.

      I’ve always liked your blog a lot, Jean, from your cycling travels to street art around Canada. Whenever I read your blog and check out your photos, I feel as though I am visiting your part of the world.

      Good to hear you manage blogging well, both the writing and photography side of it. Keep up the good work.

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  41. I’m sorry to hear about your illness Mabel. You’ve stated all that is involved in blogging and it is a lot and time consuming. Everyone has different things they want from blogging. But if you do love to write, don’t close your blog. It’s here, it’s evergreen and you can blog when you feel inspired, not on a timetable. I’ve been blogging for 6 years and have gone through burnout a few times. Many take off for the summer. I prefer to take off for a month or two in winter – especially while on winter break. I don’t believe I should have posts go live if I’m not going to respond to comments, so that’s how I work it. I hope you decide to stay ❤

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  42. Mabel, I’m so pleased we made the connection online. I’ve enjoyed our conversations here and over at my place. You have always given me a lot to think about and challenged my thinking in many ways. For that, I am very grateful. I’m so sorry to hear you have been so ill and hope that you are enjoying good health again now. To be so ill certainly does challenge one’s sense of what is normal.
    I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed by the blogging schedule I’ve set up for myself and wonder just who is in charge. I’ve tried to give myself a little more flexibility this year but still feel quite driven by the need to read and comment on the blogs of others, particularly when they read and comment on mine. I’ve relaxed in that I no longer worry about followers and views. I am content with the quality of relationships I have with a few good blogging friends. I can’t genuinely interact with more than that, so I don’t even try.
    I had noticed your absence in the blogosphere and am sorry it was due to illness. I will look forward to reading any future posts you write, but the decision must be yours. Look after yourself first. And I wish you happiness and success with all you do.

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    • You are very kind and honest. Thank you. It has been a pleasure connecting with you, Norah, on here, on your blog and also on Readilearn. Your posts on school and the classroom have always been eye-openers for me whenever I stop by and read one – so many different aspects of learning. Also I have been amazed at how you engage your audience and also get everyone involved in challenges and interviews on your side 🙂

      I’ve always wondered how you managed to squeeze in blogging to your schedule given your detailed posts and much coordination needed, and as you mentioned reading and commenting on other blogs. Your schedule sounds like it helps you out but one that I can see can make you stressed. You gave a good tip there: when it’s overwhelming, you can’t please everyone. You can’t visit all the blogs in the world, just like you can only do so much in a day. Very sound advice.

      At the moment I am not sure when I’ll put up a new post. If there was a post it might not be until mid next year. I’m sad to say I have to slow down visiting blogs too (already taking longer than usual to respond to comment on this one). That said, I do think I’ll still visit and read blogs occasionally even though I am not posting here 🙂

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      • It sounds like you are working out what suits you best, Mabel. That’s the only thing to do. Looking after yourself must be a priority. I’ve struggled to get to blogs in the past few weeks – you can tell by how late I am responding to you. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and have a wonderful 2020. May it bring you all you wish of it. Best wishes. N.

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        • It’s okay to respond late, Norah. So many of us appreciate both your educational blogs and the fact that you are always so present with your audience when you are on here. Hope you get to work on what suits you best too. We all have to take care of ourselves even if it means slowing down some things for a while. Have a wonderful 2020 ahead too 🙂

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  43. Ah yes, as a fellow blogger I certainly know the time and effort that goes into posting one post. We have no routine with our blog. We write when we can. Sometimes life takes over and the blog gets a vacation. Like now when we are visiting family in the US and I have been sick the whole month we have been here. The blog just becomes less of a priority and any time it feels like obligation to us, we are less inclined to write. And then again, some posts flow easily while others are more of a slog to get out.

    Here’s to good health and happy blogging in 2020 with less stress and pressure.

    Peta

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    • I am so sorry to hear you’ve been sick while back in the States vising family. Hope you are on the mend, Peta. Plenty of rest for you. Sometimes traveling does get the better of you and your body doesn’t acclimatise too well.

      What I like about your blog is the every day photos of the neighbourhoods of where you live, and also your travels. It’s a rare blog where we get to see so much of locals and everyday life – nothing photoshopped, nothing nice, shiny and dazzling like so many depict on Instagram these days.

      Again, get well soon and maybe you can get back into the swing of blogging again. Take care 🙂

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  44. I’m sorry to see you go…I followed you avidly for a while now. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have anything to say or say it well. I hope you rest and enjoy other things. Perhaps you’ll come back to write again someday.

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  45. Will you leave it? I will miss you if you do, but obviously you have to do when best feels for you ❤ Of course I have thought about stopping blogging. And even though I've not blogged frequently at all recently, I do want to continue because I enjoy it. I dont do it for the numbers nor to get paid, but because I enjoy it. But only once in a while, not in a stressful following a schedule way. What I enjoy most about it is the writing, and making friends. xx

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    • I am not sure where this blog is headed. I know if I do come back, the writing would quite possibly be different. Or maybe I could do a you and blog once every six months 😛

      So good to hear you blog because you enjoy it. No stress. I always enjoyed your blog for the recipes but also about your life in Spain and travels. Glad to have met you on here 🙂

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      • I’m already doing a blog once every six months only hahaha! I’m really glad to have met you early in my blogging times too and have kept writing to each other. Who knows we might meet, we’re on the same continent now!

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  46. Thank you so much for sharing your blogging experience. Seven years is a long time. I had only just started blogging but when it’s time to stop I’ll know. I don’t blog for the recognition but simply to keep up some skills.

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  47. I frequently wonder about blogging. My depression/anxiety has been problematic this year so blogging has been stop/start. There is no reason why you can’t take an extended break and then see how you feel. I rarely take as long as you to compose a blog and sometimes just post photographs. I am wishing you all the best for the future and a happy, healthy 2020. K x

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  48. I can so relate to your thinking here Mabel and YES, I have given it quite some thought about leaving blogging and closing and even deleting my blog.. Especially this year,
    If it hadn’t been for a couple of bloggers who visit and say how much my posts had helped them I may well have clicked that link to delete..
    It does require great effort to keep up with your blogging community and I am not one to just click like and move onto the next blog post in my reader.. LOL as you no doubt will have noticed with our replies.. For like you do, we take time to read blogs and leave valid comments.. As we take an interest in those we follow..

    Unfortunately we do not always have the hours in the day to keep up with those who especially blog once a day or in some cases even more than once a day.. I catch up when I can,
    I recently took a whole month off from my blog to allow myself room to create, and found I came back more refreshed and with a more renewed outlook as I once again started to visit blog posts again..

    I hope you are feeling much better now health-wise Mabel, and understand how you feel, when we are not well it amplifies those feelings ten fold..

    I do hope you are coping with all the heat and those terrible fires Australia is facing, my thoughts are with you all.
    And I am sending you my thoughts for a Wonderful Christmas Holiday Mabel,
    And hope that 2020 brings all of your dreams and what you hope for ..

    Much love your way.. ❤ Sue ❤ 🎄🥂🎁🎄💖

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    • Some things must come to an end. That’s the way life goes. I’ve always loved your blog, and I’m definitely not the only one since so many of us here get so much out of your posts. You really do help us, whether through writing narratives or poetry or talking about the planets aligning in the universe.

      Exactly. We are not one to just hit ‘Like’ and leave a one liner saying hi and bye. Engagement is something to be treasured – so much to learn when you take the time to read, reflect and leave a comment. We take in interest in those whom we follow, knowing there is a much bigger world out there and we are not the only ones in it.

      It’s great you took a month off from blogging and just created. It must have been so good to do what you want to do in the real world with minimal distractions. Like you, I decided to take time off blogging after I felt better and realised wow, there are so many other things I can do, I can improve, am good at and actually enjoy. It’s nice to come back to read blogs as and when I have a spare moment, and that might be my new blogging ‘routine’.

      Thank you for your kind thoughts of Australia, Sue. It is turning out to be a hot summer here. I like hot weather, but this really is extreme. I’m based in metropolitan Melbourne, not surrounded by bushland so that’s good. However tomorrow we are heading into our second 43’C day this month. In my opinion that’s too hot for beach weather and on days like these best to stay out of the sun and instead stay sheltered in a shopping centre or library.

      Seasons greetings to you. Wishing you a wonderful 2020 ahead ❤

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      • Bless you for saying so Mabel, and likewise I have learnt so much more about your own culture and that of how you have felt as you overcame your own struggles within Australia..
        I can not even begin to think how I would cope with such high temps, when it reached 30C here that was way too hot for me, so goodness knows how you cope with 43C. And on a day here in the Summer when it reached 30 plus, I wilted indoors all day..
        And yes when we give ourselves permission to BE and not feel obliged via our virtual world of distraction, it is amazing the things we can accomplish and the rewards we feel as we create..
        I have spent time with my knitting and with my art and can honestly say I feel better for my time away from the internet.. Too long spent at my computer was giving me headaches and a feeling of low energy.. So I sort to correct that and so when I do make a post or have something to say, I am sure I will then enjoy my time interacting instead of it feeling like a chore..
        Know you are thought of Mabel and what ever you do, or what ever you choose to do with your time, I am certain if you follow your intuition and your gut feelings it will be the right thing for you to follow..
        Wishing you a very Happy 2020, I already saw the fireworks in Sidney via TV here.. Alot of controversy over them due to the fire emergencies.. But then these things take months of preparation time..

        Happy New Year to you Mabel.. and thank you again for this wonderful response.. ❤ Sue

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        • It has been really hot here in Australia so far this summer. In some places it got up to 45’C. In comparison, 30’C is cool. However, Australia is a dry country so anything 30’C and above, the risk of fire is pretty high. Also there has been talk some fires have been started by arsonists. Very sad and you wonder why some people choose to do that.

          That is great you have been enjoying your time offline. Knitting sounds very relaxing, and something is very fulfilling when you see your hard work turn into something lovely in the end. It’s good to mix activities up, like one day you can blog and another day do another form of art. Keeps you learning but also keeps you exploring and seeing how far you can go, and give back.

          You are very kind to think of me, Sue. You don’t have to but if you do, I wish you feel at peace wherever you are. I forsee this is a year where I will try a lot of new things. Not sure if they will work out or will be enjoyable, but I think after so many years of being a writer and looking after others around me, it’s time for a switch up. Thank you for a very thoughtful, reflective comment. Stay safe this year ❤

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          • May your year be filled with exploring the things you love doing Mabel, I so enjoy trying new things, even if like you its adapting a pattern within my knitting..
            Keep pleasing yourself Mabel… Explore what makes YOU happy, that is what is most important..
            Have a Wonderful Happy 2020 ❤ ❤

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              • Exactly that Mabel.. People do not realise the opportunity for self growth during this time… Its a time for them to truly discover who they are… And follow their creative instincts.. ❤ Take care and sending you much love… So lovely to hear from you… ❤

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  49. I love your blog and I totally feel you! I’m doing on and off blogging at the moment and it’s not working. I come back and I’m totally enthusiastic about it and then I notice that months have gone by without one blog post. I’m not sure how to go about it. Merry Christmas and all the best for 2020, whatever adventures it brings you!

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    • Thanks, Suvi. Lovely to see you around here. I always remember you 🙂 I think I might also go some months without blogging and the blog again. Then again, maybe I will like non-blogging too much lol. Wishing you well for the year ahead 🙂

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