Hi there friends. You may have noticed I've been kind of off the map for a week. Sorry I didn't warn you but I had a mini freak out/melt down and it just kind of happened. First, the weather wasn't warranting outfit photos and I'm tired of freezing my bootie off. I also thought since I had been in such a depressive state that I shouldn't come on here and post because I really had nothing good, nice or friendly to say.
March is a very busy month for me. I already wear many hats; the day job hat, the irish dance teacher hat and the style blogger hat. There are changes and transitions going on in my day job. They're good changes but transitioning from the old into the new has taken a toll on me this week. There are people that I worked with that are mean and nasty and took out their anger on me. You can tell me all day that it's not personal, but it is. So there is that.
My dance studio is a huge part of my life too. I not only teach Irish dancing but I'm co-owner of the business and it's a lot of work outside the studio. Right now we are discovering the reasons why we aren't growing and trying to adjust the way we do things so that moving forward we can grow. Fortunately for the dance school, being a single adult I have the free time to do so. Unfortunately for me and my social life that means I have to make a LOT of sacrifices. One of them being this blog.
I hemmed and hawed over just stopping this operation altogether. I thought, well it really doesn't take up that much time but on the flip side it's a huge stress knowing I have to get a post up or edit photos, comment, etc. I'm so thankful to all the friends I've made who've helped make this a warm and friendly place to live on the internets. All the support from other bloggers and readers over the past year has been literally amazing.
I won't stop blogging; but, I will be taking a step back. I've taken something fun and creative and made myself crazy trying to build a workhorse. I am never going to be that kind of blogger. I don't have the time in my day to seek out new blogs to comment on, post on social media every hour, publicize myself daily. I have come to the harsh reality that this will just be a hobby because I love it. I LOVE sharing styling tips and what I wore with all of you. I love taking and editing the photos and have learned SO MUCH about it along the way. I love seeing all of you even if it's within the 13" screen of my MacBook daily. I just need to take a slight step back; be more relaxed and part time. I need to know, for my own sanity, that if I miss a post on a Wednesday the world will be OK! Take a bit of the pressures off so that I can re-focus. If it turns out I'm able to stay sane and do this as I've been doing - great!
So, happy Monday friends. I hope last week treated you well and that spring has finally arrived for you too!
I feel the same. I had to ban myself from Facebook for 4 days. I could only check Twitter twice a day, etc. It really helped me tune out a lot of the noise and I think I am going to be doing it a lot more often. I also need to remember that I blog because I enjoy it. I don't have the pressure of posting to make money. I do it for ME! I shouldn't feel pressure to post every day if I don't feel like it.
ReplyDeletehey girl! i am so sorry to hear this has been taking a toll with life and work... but i totally get you. i feel that too! this is my only other hobby besides my day job so i feel like i can kinda fit it in in the TV hours of the day but even that gets stressful! don't want to see you leave the blogosphere - love your cheery attitude and style. but hope you feel better about blogging down the road or when you take a step back. we'll all be here!
ReplyDeleteladies in navy
It definitely can be overwhelming to manage your job/social life and make the time for blogging! I'm happy to hear you're not going to stop blogging but it's totally fine to take a step back and fit in more time for yourself. I think most bloggers can relate!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Cash Giveaway!
You really have done a great job wearing all those hats! But breaks can be so good for us. There's no sense in feeling overwhelmed when what you've created is meant to be fun.
ReplyDeletexo Adri
i totally understand how hard it is to balance all the different hats you wear! i have to say that you're still looking stylish as always! it is good to sometimes just detach from the online world for a bit ("digital fatigue" as I call it) and take care of yourself first. take care Nina!
ReplyDeletecute & little
I am sorry you have been feeling so stressed lately. Sounds like you are starting to figure out how to get the balance back into your life. You just do what you need to do and the rest of us will still be here following along when you have the time to share your looks with us! chin up :)
ReplyDeletexo Amy
www.urbanfrill.com
A blog break is good for the soul, isn't it?! That's fantastic that you own an Irish Dance studio. I teach ballet and jazz and love all things dance! :)
ReplyDeleteOh girl, I am sorry things are so hectic!! I know exactly how you feel. Don't stress too much...blogging should be fun and it seems like you have so much more going on that is keeping your occupied! Chin up!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSounds like your life is super crazy right now lady! Don't even worry about needing to take a step back from blogging...we all need to do it sometimes. Good luck with everything...and p.s. your hair looks SO freaking cute!!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
The Other Side of Gray
I think the good thing about a blog is that we can make them into anything we want them to be. They can be a once a week hobby; a full time, never work again thing; or something in between. I always wonder how those who work full time (as you do, and probably more than that!) fit in time to do all the photo, editing and other things that come with blogging. I think doing whatever works for you is the right thing. Quality over quantity, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteI did miss your posts and hoped all was well. Hope things settle down soon - I think at least when the weather warms up (the sun shines!) we will all be in better spirits!
ReplyDeleteBlogging can easily become like a part time job, and I am always astounded when I hear about people with crazy busy lives still managing to find time to blog. I love seeing you here and hope you can continue to post, but there is only so much we can all manage!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Oh man. I totally feel you on this. There can be so much pressure to be a 'good' blogger - to comment and to post regularly. Sometimes the joy gets sucked out of it and it becomes like a pressure. I totally agree with you on that. That's totally when you need to take a step back and realize it isn't life or death... it's just a blog. I'm really glad to hear you were able to make the decision to take a step back. I often find just making the decision to do that is getting half way there.
ReplyDeleteI really hope things are going well with work. Having to be around people who make you feel lousy isn't fun at all. I totally sympathize with that situation.
p.s. on a totally separate note, you look GORGEOUS in these photos. It looks like spring has landed where you are!! Love the outfit and the fact that you look so carefree and full of life. sending love and thoughts in your direction. xx