This cute pig from Natascha Rosenberg (used with permission) illustrates exactly what I've been thinking about lately. I've been analyzing my time to make sure I'm using it wisely and trying to come up with ideas so my life will be a little more balanced. I'm a list maker so mostly I'm looking at my lists and deciding how important each item is to me and my family. Blogging is one area where I've decided I need more discipline.
Although I don't post a lot I tend to over think what to say and how to say it. Then I spend more time getting the right photo or image. And I also have lots of other blogs I read. All in all it adds up to a chunk of time.
I have to admit I've thought a little about giving up blogging, but I really love the friendships I've made and the exchange of information and ideas so it would be hard to give it up completely. Instead, I've been coming up with some ideas for "blog balance." In other words, putting blogging in it's place in my life. So here's what I have so far:
1. Have a time limit. I'm deciding how much time I'm willing to devote to reading blogs each day and I'm going to start using an actual timer to stick with it. If I can't keep up with everything within my time limit, I will pare down the list of blogs I'm reading instead of . There are so many creative, talented, and interesting people out there I could keep adding blogs to my list until I was reading all day long! But if there's information out there that I desperately need in my life, I'm sure it will get to me somehow.
2. Admire but don't compare. Even though I really try not to I sometimes compare myself to what others are doing, making, and accomplishing. I just have to keep reminding myself not to do this!
3. Remember to carry a notebook and camera. This will help me capture post ideas when I'm out and about.
4. Take breaks. I've noticed quite a few people lately (myself included) feeling a slightly guilty when they don't post as often or don't have something earth shattering to say. And sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I don't read blogs for a few days and there are hundreds stacked up and I'm worried I'm going to miss something if I don't catch up. I'm going to take guilt-free breaks when I need them!
Please chime in! Do you relate to this? Let me know what you would add to this list.
8 comments:
oh! I understand you very well. Last year I have had the same feelings. This year i don't have time to blog every day. I try to not to worry about that and think about in a playful way. I just do what I want when I have time. The best of all is to meet all these talented people!
(I'm happy the wise pig was useful)
Natascha...thanks so much for the permission to use the wise pig. He's the cutest!
I like you're idea to think about blogging in a playful way. That is a good thing to remember.
I don't feel as guilty about blogging as some others because I've decided to trade it almost straight across for the TV time that I used to allow myself... the reason being that I am much more entertained and feel that my mind is more engaged reading what all you smart and talented ladies have to say that watching the tube (half of it being ads anyways.. I don't have tivo or know how to spell it). Anyway, your list of ideas sounds great. I need to block out about 5 hours uninterrupted time to paint and not allow disturbances and then I need to make myself do housework for an hour everyday and I think the rest would fall into place. But I like your idea of a list that would force me to look at my time more.
Painting for 5 hours a day sounds so fun! Thanks for commenting...
I agree very much with your list. For me, taking a rest from blogging is a must. Sometimes a break is a form of recharging.
This is my first time to your blog, and I love this post! Good ideas!
Clara...recharging is a great way to think about it!
Amanda...thanks for visiting!
I stumbled across your blog today and this was exactly the post I needed to read. I agree I to need to limit the time I spend reading blogs more so than the time actually posting. I think I may be addicted! I too hate the thought that I might miss out on someones wonderful work and feel inspired but then I dont have time to create because I am reading blogs. Don't even get me started on housework, well I haven't even started the housework....I need to make a list.
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