I wrote last week about reaching my third anniversary as a blogger, and how I’ve seen a lot of changes to the blogosphere over the last year, with many people cutting back their posting schedules or stopping altogether.
The last few months for me have been a bit up and down.
As well as working, I’ve been trying to write most days in order to get the next draft of my novel finished so I can submit it for an editorial critique, which is part of the writing award I won over the summer.
I’ve also been keeping up with my blog posting schedule and my other routines, like working out and looking after the house, as well as trying to spend some time with my family and friends.
I’m not going to lie; it’s been fairly intense and at times I’ve been beyond exhausted. It’s tough to spend all day on the computer and then come home and crack out a blog post and the next chapter of my novel.
For all the great days where the writing has gone well and I finally feel that I’m getting somewhere, there have been plenty of down days too. Days where I feel like giving up, where I feel like I’m making the wrong choices and wasting away my time on this earth. I’ve been struggling to look forward to things, or appreciate the positives in my life.
And then there are days like today, where I wake up and feel grateful. This week I’m enjoying some time out of the office and it’s amazing how a break from the regular routine can colour your outlook.
So what I really wanted to say wasn’t anything dramatic. Despite the low points, I’m good and I know deep down that I’m on the right path for me.
But what I want above all is to make a bit more time for rest. I want to enjoy my days off work and not spend them flogging myself to complete a task list that ultimately is only judged by one person: me.
I’ve thought about cutting back on my blogging schedule so I have a bit of breathing space, but that’s not what I really want.
But maybe, sometimes, I’ll skip a post. Just because I don’t feel like writing. If there’s nothing much to say or I’d rather flop on the sofa with a chocolate bar and a rerun of Castle, then that’s what I’m going to do.
I want to go easier on myself, because life’s too short to add pressure where it doesn’t need to be.
Kristin | My Life as a Teacup says
THIS. I need to do this. So many people need to do this. Not just take a “break”, but do things because they do or don’t feel like doing them. Thank you for this reminder.
Amy Lord says
It’s a reminder I need to give myself all the time, so you’re very welcome!