Happy President’s Day, everyone! I know many of you have the day off. Sadly, I do not. Well, I could since I’m a #GirlBoss but this boss needs to work today, which is fine by me. Heading into this week, I knew my plate was full and blogging both here and at Eat Laugh Purr would be a struggle. Thus, I faced a choice on Sunday: to give myself some needed downtime to prepare for a busy week or write posts. Old Tanya would have wailed and beat her fist against her chest (Kidding! I’m dramatic but not that dramatic) while New Tanya passed her first test by choosing to honor her focus word and listen.
I listened and listened. And sorted through the guilt and shame of not being better prepared and what not. And then I got real. What would really happen if I didn’t blog this week?
Not a darn thing.
The world would not implode. The sun would still shine. Max would still love his Mama.
Sure, consistency is really important in the blogging world, especially to a new blog like A Mindful Migration. I get that. I also understand that a person has to have priorities too. Blogging is really important to me, but what is even more important to me is doing a good job, whether it’s for a client or here.
Everyone needs some downtime. When I work too long, I burn myself out and my work suffers. I’m slower, make more mistakes and lose my creative spark. All things that matter.
So instead of sharing two hastily written and likely subpar posts, I’m going to take a break. Make myself a nice dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my main man, Max, who is technically a feline but still the best Valentine, ever. 🙂 I’m going to relax and mentally prepare for a busy week, knowing because I chose to listen and honor what my mind, heart and body were telling me, I will now be in peak condition to face it and thrive.
Tanya
P.S. The other thing I “heard” was to have some pre-written evergreen posts that I can use for busy times where I need to focus attention elsewhere. I already started making a list. 🙂
I used to feel all the pressure to churn out content. But then, like you, I realized that the world will not implode if my blog doesn’t have a new post for a few days. The people who read will read when I write (and I might lose a few readers after a break but that’s okay because I don’t blog for money or a job, I blog for fun and a hobby) and they’ll forgive me for needing to take a break and have a life off screen.
I’m happy to hear that you’re listening to yourself and doing what feels right.
Thanks, Jana! I appreciate your support and agree – loyal readers understand. And those who blog, can most likely relate. Truth be told, I likely make it into a bigger deal than it really is! 🙂
Good for you for doing what you felt was best for you 🙂 I think with blogging, we feel this immense pressure to be constantly “on” and nine times out of ten, the pressure is something that we are putting on ourselves; it’s not done by outside forces.
So true, Mackenzie! I put way more pressure on myself and make a mountain out of a molehill, when just being upfront is all that’s needed.
I feel the same way lately Tanya. Beside, honestly half the PF blog posts I read lately are affiliate SEO churning crap. So personally, I’d rather wait for fresh content from someone instead of having it feel forced, and I’m trying to walk to walk and do that with my blog as well. It’s freeing. Then again, it’s a lot easier to say this not that I’m not relying on my blog for income. 🙂
I have noticed that more and more PF blogs seem less about their story or helping and more affiliate marketing. I have no problem whatsoever with people making money from their blogs, but I also believe that value needs to be provided. And some of the affiliate marketing I’ve seen has little value to the reader, which is unfortunate.
Good for you for taking some down time, Tanya! I’ve been trying harder to do that.
Seems to be going around. I try to write weekly but if nothing comes naturally to me I don’t want to spend hours on something that I will in the end reject and never post. Creativity needs to be inspired, not forced.
I 100% agree, Tommy – “creativity needs to be inspired, not forced.” And I can always tell when it’s forced, especially when it’s from me. 🙂 It’s really a waste of time for everyone, if what you write has no value and you’re just doing it to fill space.
I’m with you girl. I recently read somewhere to focus on the money-generating activities first. Most bloggers understand the importance of updating their blog while keeping things in perspective. You have so much on your plate right now, sending you good energy…)
Exactly! Building A Mindful Migration to the point where it becomes profitable is definitely a goal of mine but it’s a long-term goal. I also know that if I consistently churn out sub-par posts that it will ultimately hinder growth and my own enthusiasm, which is a lose/lose in my book. Appreciate the good energy!