Name: Linda
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Stuff
I feel a bit as though I’m walking through the desert this morning. I’m not sure what it is, but my heart feels so heavy. I think it is discouragement, and I’m not even really sure why. I can’t even seem to think of anything to write about these days. My soul feels parched.
I contemplated writing a post about giving up blogging. I still struggle with the balance I long for in my life. I have written about it before so I won’t go over old ground. That is what is so discouraging. I’m not making any progress here. I began this thinking about it as a ministry of sorts – a place where perhaps the Lord could use my writing in some way. Instead I have gotten caught up in spending far too much time in front of the computer for reasons only someone just like me would understand.
I’m just not sure what to do. I am just “thinking out loud”. Forgive me for this “downer” of a post. My blog has become my “sounding board” – the place where I put “flesh” on my thoughts.
It has been a quiet week – nothing to really write about. My daughter is coming for a visit this afternoon. I always enjoy that. She is a delight.
Blessings,
I contemplated writing a post about giving up blogging. I still struggle with the balance I long for in my life. I have written about it before so I won’t go over old ground. That is what is so discouraging. I’m not making any progress here. I began this thinking about it as a ministry of sorts – a place where perhaps the Lord could use my writing in some way. Instead I have gotten caught up in spending far too much time in front of the computer for reasons only someone just like me would understand.
I’m just not sure what to do. I am just “thinking out loud”. Forgive me for this “downer” of a post. My blog has become my “sounding board” – the place where I put “flesh” on my thoughts.
It has been a quiet week – nothing to really write about. My daughter is coming for a visit this afternoon. I always enjoy that. She is a delight.
Blessings,
15 Comments:
I know exactly what you mean, even though the circumstances are different.
Keep blogging...it helps to know we are not alone. :)
Our blogs ARE our sounding boards. I think there are many of us who view it that same way. I began by using it as my own form of thought therapy. Try just posting 3 or 4 times a week rather than feeling the need to write every day. That helped me a lot. At first I was afraid maybe I would lose readers, but that just isn't the case. Your blog buddies will come back no matter how often you write.
There are times when I have several posts saved in draft form because I thought of something I wanted to vent about and then I posted it later on. It really helped my perspective on the whole thing when I quit thinking I had to post every time a thought came to me.
Hang in there.
I don't think of this as a downer post, Linda. You're just being honest about how you're feeling right now.
I honestly think once you can blog guilt-free, you'll feel better. What I mean by that is something it took me almost a year to figure out. It's OK to post, even when you don't have time to read everyone else and leave comments.
I was making myself crazy, trying to stay right on top of every single post everyone I follow did.
I simply cannot sit in this office for eight hours a day. I asked someone what her solution was. She's a big blogger and gets a gazillion comments. Her answer was, "You have to decide if you want to post or comment." Sometimes you can't do both.
Almost without exception, everyone struggles with balance.
Enjoy your visit with your daughter and I hope you feel better about it all soon.
PS - I just read Morning Glory's comment. She's absolutely right. Posting less often is a big help,too. And in the end, your readers won't go away. You're in their bloglines. Doesn't matter if you only post once a week - they'll know. :-)
MG and Barb have it right. You post if and when you feel you want or need to. We are going nowhere. I love reading what you have to say, and you make me think. I don't post every day. And I am not in the slightest bit worried re my site visits. I didn't start blogging to be popular. I have friends who care about me now and that is a wonderful by-product. It is enough that they are there, and I know they are good sounding boards. You are one of them.
Sometimes I don't have time to read and comment. That is fine. I hope my friends know I will catch up when I can.Sometimes I have nothing to say. Or can't find the words to say what is in my head. You know? That is ok too.
Have a great time with your family.
I agree..the balance is difficult. And it's hard not to feel quilty when there are many things to be done, and not enough hours to do them all.
I would dearly love to read each and every post of all my blog friends, but there's just not enough time. I'd love to post more often too, but again, not enough time.
I love keeping in touch and knowing what's going on in my blog friends' lives, plus learning about different parts of the world..seeing life as it is lived by others. It's fascinating. But I'm a much worse house keeper than before and that frustrates me.
We're all here struggling together...if it's any consolation :) Don't be too hard on yourself. It's OK to give yourself a little time to do something you enjoy.
I hope your mood lightens up soon :)
Hi Linda,
Just reading your comment over at CWO. I know how you feel. I am preparing to begin a serieds of article at my site about loneliness in marriage. I would love your input.
http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/
I think many of us go through this at least once while blogging, if not more...trying to find that balance. Sometimes it is hard and there are times I feel guilty if I don't get around to commenting on all the blogs in my bloglines, but I have to step back and remember that there will be some days I just won't be able to do it. If you do decide not to blog as much, I hope you'll still blog at least occasionaly!
I've actually written that same post myself about leaving blogging and have it in draft form (written on a day when I was feeling much as I suspect you're feeling now.)
I strive for balance, but don't always achieve it. Blogging is a fun thing I do for me. I hope I bring a smile to my friends or leave a comment that uplifts them in some way.
I think we are doing good things if we can make someone else's day a bit brighter.
I know that you do that for me, Linda, each and every time you post.
Sending you big ((hugs)). You are an important part of our blogging circle of friends.
xoxox
Oh Linda - don't give up blogging. You are doing ministry with your blogging. My heart always leaps when I stop by and read your posts.
Although I have been in a slump myself, I know that we need to get His Word out there. We never know who will read our posts. Maybe someone is surfing the net in the middle of the night because they can't sleep. They might end up on your blog and see your joy in the love of our Lord...Keep on blogging, sweet Sister--He will guide you and put the thoughts on your fingertips...
Blessings on your Sunday evening and always.
Please don't stop blogging! I just recently found your site and put it in my favorites.
I've been blogging less than a year and have struggled with the balance, too. What these ladies have said in comments has helped me realize that those that are truly your blogging buddies, will keep checking back.
It's so nice to "meet" you!
I understand completely, Linda. It might help if you can remember that blogging is not a job, and you don't get a grade. It should be something you enjoy, not a chore. If you want to post or read and comment, fine. If not, that's fine, too.
I'll be here whenever you find time to post, Lord willing, although there are times when I only post once a week myself.
Just be true to yourself and follow your heart.
Love and hugs,
Diane
I left you a comment at CWO, because I wanted you to know what an encouragement you have been to me (and many others).
One more thing that I have done is I only check blogs once or twice a day and usually rarely on Saturdays and not until late Sunday evening. Taking the weekends off helps keep it in it's right place.
Totally agree with the some of the girls above. Don't stress if you have nothing for that day or if you are too busy for that day. This is supposed to be fun! Most of us have bloglines or equivalent and will know when you put something up! Praying you find your balance.
I have been through a bout of this lately, too... part of the reason I am just now reading this! I have had to sort of lay my blog aside in recent days and get other things done. But I miss it when I do that, and I know that God Himself brought the "blog thing" about for me. I do love it, but there is a balance to be sought. Believe me, it is a ministry (your blog that is). I love your words, and I believe God put you hear as a mature voice that I need to hear, as a result of my prayer for one. Thank you, thank you. {{{hug}}}
Post a Comment
<< Home