A keeping it real blog post.
My first video blog.
Delightful freeze frame!
Delightful freeze frame!
Yes, my mouth goes funny when I talk.
Yes, I need to look at the camera more.
Yes, I cry a lot.
No, I am not going to stop blogging.
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And we LOVE you for being you!
ReplyDeletexx
Norlin
Big hugs Naomi. I have only been doing this for just under 2 months but I felt so depressed this last month for all the reasons you stated so I hear you. It is hard suddenly being in a world of comparison, measurement etc. I have been questioning myself and feeling anxious and was driving myself crazy. I am sorry you have felt badly and hope it does not sound terrible to tell you that it made me feel more normal and less crazy...
ReplyDeleteI hope that as you slow down a little and reconnect with what(and who) is important to you, you will find peace and a new direction here. I will be reading along. I am happy to have met you so early in my journey...
Go you!! :)
ReplyDeleteNice to see someone speaking from the heart
xxoo
Thanks so much ladies...I was a little nervous posting this but it is me and how I feel. I so appreciate your support. N x
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for being you. People follow a person, not a blog. You are being very brave by being true to yourself and family.
ReplyDeleteNaomi I would never have guessed you felt this way. I love your blog & in the short time I've been in this space have always considered you one of the stars :) Enjoy your family & your blog & keep the great posts coming!
ReplyDeleteI think I have let my blog take over a little too much and I have been learning some hard lessons. I am seeking some more balance and learning how to find more happiness with blogging and family life. Thanks for your thoughts xx
ReplyDeleteNo way! You've done so well with your blog. Yikes! I've been blogging for over two years and don't have anywhere near your following etc. I must be an acquired taste...anyway from where I sit in the pecking order, you are doing extremely well. xx
ReplyDeleteAwwww - what a beautiful post. I want to reacgh through the screen and give you a big hug.
ReplyDeleteI find you inspiring, funny, caring, and compassionate - you should never worry about comparing yourself to anyone because you are unique and truly one of a kind.
Your blog makes me HAPPY - so thank you!
Most truthful real vlog I've ever watched. To me your the blogger I look at and think wow if only I could be or do half the things you do. Lately I have been comparing myself alot to other people and their blogs wondering what I am doing wrong. This has helped me so much. *big hugs* naomi. I love your blog (although I often stalk and don't comment lol sorry) xx
ReplyDeleteGah! We are so similar. Took the words from my mouth! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWow, such an honest piece. Kudos to you from a new blogger who gets you! p.s love your name lol
ReplyDeleteNaomi
xx
You are such a inspiration. I have felt a lot of what you have said and you are right, it is great to step back and focus on yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have done this lately and it works. It helps to prioritise what is important.
Well done, you are fantastic!!
I've had a blogging break for a week, jumped onto my reader to see 244 blogs posts waiting to be read (completely overwhelming and unachievable), and I just wanted to come and check in with you. xx
ReplyDeleteYou're the first blog I ever followed. The person who I came up to hug before the blogging conference as I just wanted to meet you so much.
What you have shared here is as honest as it will ever get in the blogging world. There are so many pressures that we place on ourselves, and when we feel it from this special space we create, then it is time to step back a little.
I hope you are okay. I'm sure every blogger who reads this will relate, and I hope you feel that support. xx
Thanks so much for sharing Naomi. I thank you for speaking from your heart. x
ReplyDeleteyour comments are touching my heart. thanks so much xxx
ReplyDeleteGood for you... blog your own race, girlfriend. I love what you do xo
ReplyDeleteAh Naomi you are so beautiful, like Shelley you were one of the first blogs I ever followed and still read everyday.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to juggle everything and you are just too lovely, honest and wear your heart on your sleeve.
I cried through out your whole Vlog as you spoke about everything I feel.
Big Hugs
Nx
Naomi you are beautiful person and you also inspire me as well :-)
ReplyDeleteI am like this i stay up late and comment on so many blogs and write emails to get sponsor ship etc... I am not spending a lot of time with my hubs and miss 12 either and i am angry for that i am pretty depressed as well . This vlog made mee wake up & take note! So from the bottom of my heart i thank you my friend xxx
Oh you sweet, lovely open and honest lady. What a beautiful and touching vlog :) I can totally understand what you are saying. The blogger/mummy balance and the way blogging can build you up to such highs but just as quickly shatter you as well. I wonder why that is? You have and always will be one of my favourite bloggers. I have watched the hard work you've put in for a long time now - and it can be hard work for everyone I truly see that you've put in a huge amount of effort. I hope you can reap the reward now and relax a bit. You deserve it :) ((hugs)) Cazxx
ReplyDeleteA brave and eloquent post, Naomi. Well done - it will inspire others to reassess and examine their own goals and head-space. Something we all have to do at times (and I've done myself over the years when it comes to blogging) x
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your honesty and openness, Naomi. I have a wall print next to my computer that says "comparison is the enemy of creativity". Somedays I ignore it, but other days I need it dangling in front of my eyes constantly.
ReplyDeleteWe truly have to run our own race so we can keep our priorities in check. Enjoy your family, they are the things that last! xo
Oh! Google ate my comment. Try again.
ReplyDeleteYou are being true to yourself and that's all any of us can do. You speak so well about things on my mind at the moment too.
Xxx
Your Amazing! I have only been reading blogs for a few months when I became a new mum and yours is one of the ones that stands out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such an honest vlog. (I don't normally watch vlogs, but yours grabbed me). I think many bloggers can identify with what you've said - and not only that, but can be encouraged by your openness in sharing.
ReplyDeleteLoved your vlog Naomi! My goal when I started a blog was simply to record our family history, and that's what I've done. But many, many times, when looking at other blogs, I have been tempted to take it further. In fact, I have to admit I got a little jealous of you, seeing how fast you were able to build the following for your blog, and then start getting sponsors. I thought maybe I could do it to, but I never have, and I'm glad, even though I occasionally still get tempted. I appreciate the purity and honesty of your comments, putting it all out there like that. It really IS a lot of hard work to do what you do. I hope that you can find the balance that you are looking for, and I also hope that you continue with your blogging, because I love keeping up with your adventures. Love ya, Ruth
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi - I'm a reader and not a commenter too I guess.
ReplyDeleteIt was really nice to get to meet you so to speak and that you were so real. I think you probably summed up how many of us bloggers, especially the newish ones feel, becoming competitive, popular and super-blogger at the expense of our family, lives, and sleep. Been there, doing that! ;)
I started my blog for ME, to record my family, life and progress, but I've certainly been drawn into that 'trying to be like others mode', and yes it's depressing! Thank you for the reminder why I blog and for your heartfelt video post! xx
I think a lot of blogger will be able to connect with your vlog. Especially mummy bloggers. It's great to capture life in this blog we have but we need to remember to live first. You've probably reassured a lot of bloggers that they way they feel is ok.
ReplyDeleteThats was quite possibly the best vlog or blog post I've read. So honest and true. I feel better about what I have been doing lately. family is so important and we really do need to get off the computer and connect with those standing in front of us. I think you are an amazing blogger and I can see you are an amazing person and mother. Take care, don't forget to write soon.
ReplyDeleteI was just feeing overwhelmed today with all the blogs I wanted to READ/ keep up with/ all the amazing mums out there I thought I should enjoy and learn from...and I just wondered today as I felt torn between making my kids breakfast and reading more blogs, (that I discovered from yours,scary how one click can lead to another and another~!) and so I totally get what you are saying. Bravo for being brave to say it! And for being true to yourself, and your family. Love your writing!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Vlog. It's so easy to get caught up in keeping up and it's not something that gets talked about often, so thank you for sharing your heart with us x
ReplyDeletei get the comparing yourself thing. i wrote a brutally honest post the other day, that was damn hard for me to write, i wrote most it while in tears and despite having 100+ views on it, only 14 awesome people have left me their thoughts on it.
ReplyDeletei see other bloggers post similar posts and they get 50+ comments. it bothers me the slanted support that is out there in the blogosphere - some get heaps of support, more than they can handle and others go unnoticed or barely acknowledged and it worries me that the latter may slip through the cracks and no one would know.
great vlog - as for the tears, that's you being real.
never change.
~x~
WOW! What a courageous and true post. I have read and followed your blog for a while now and as I do with all of those I follow (and some I dont) I dont comment unless I have the time, but am a consistent reader and love the journeys we are all on. It took me a little while to realise this was what it was about for me. I have two children who have left my home, but never my heart and my life, but I have struggled to keep up with the whole blog thing and what I once thought was others expectations - no matter how busy my life is or not. But I have found those that truly do enjoy and connect with you for who you are stick with you through your lack of posts/comments and life as it takes you, are the ones who you are still here for. I love your honesty and felt you have worded and given yourself on behalf of many many others out there in blogland who would love to have said it just as you did (me being one of them). For the women/men we are as long as you stay true to you, your family and us your followers with appreciate you for exactly that - for being you. Thank you so much for such an inspirational post and voice..
ReplyDeleteRebecca xo
You are beautiful Naomi. I love your honesty.
ReplyDeleteI touched on a similar theme to this when I wrote about being the Insecure Blogger. It can definitely be exhausting to try and keep up with the bloggerspehere.
It's exhilarating and freeing when you let it go and realise there's a lot of life to be lived outside of the virtual world. Fortunately there's no strict office hours with blogging - it's always there waiting for you when you can find the time.
Thanks again for your honest wisdom xxx
Hi Naomi, Thanks for being you! When I lived in Sydney you were an spiration to me and still are!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in a similar place a lot of the time, Naomi. I decide to quit blogging and social media on just about weekly basis. I struggle to see what I have to contribute to the blogosphere, which is already so full of bloggers as awesome as you.
ReplyDeleteI've been at this for nearly three years and I don't really know where to from here.
Thanks for your honesty...!
Thanks Naomi,
ReplyDeleteYou've reiterated for me the reasons for the boundaries I've set for my blogging/ computer use.
Despite my boundaries, I often doubt myself and start telling myself I need to increase my online presence, to gain more followers, to... I compare myself to others online and I don't stack up.
It takes some firm reminders from my husband sometimes - it is ONLY a blog. It is a beautiful outlet, a record of my life and thoughts, a way of meeting new, like-minded people. But, if it is bringing pain rather than joy, let it go!
Such a beautiful Vlog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being you!
Your such an inspiration. x
((HUGS))
Oh Naomi you are so beautiful! Maybe we are all called mummybloggers because being a mummy comes first...hmmm, maybe I'll write a post about that, if I ever get to go near my blog again! You really are inspirational, and it was so beautiful to hear all your thoughts and learn from you. You're an amazing woman and an amazing mum. Big big hugs to you xxoo
ReplyDeletealright, now I am totally overwhelmed. thank you xx
ReplyDeleteYou speak so beautifully Naomi :) I agree, it can be depressing and at times all comsumming. Im new to blogging myself and havnt really felt that i compare myself to others but i can certainly see how i could.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this Naomi. I've only been blogging for 3 months and only have 1 child and definitely feel overwhelmed at times trying to keep up with it all too.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that you and others feel the same way.
Blogging is an outlet..an "extra"...and you are completly right to let it go a bit because your family and your life away from the computer is far more important.
Thanks again for sharing :)
Tanya
Naomi, that was such an honest, raw and beautiful post. I have to admit I havent read your blog but was sent here by a few that I do follow, and have to say this was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI have considered writing a blog to share my thoughts, tips and ideas and have put it off due to wondering if anyone would read it and be interested in it.
You've reminded me of why I want to write, for me it was mostly a journal about life with my gorgeous girl and for her to read it when she's older. So if no one reads it I'm ok with that.
PS I'll be definitely following you from now on :-)
Naomi, you beautiful, kind hearted soul. Every word that I've ever read of yours comes from your loving and generous heart. You have done nothing but give, give, give and share, share, share. I have found both your blogs to be two of the most inspiring and uplifting blogs in my life. I've learnt so much from you and admire you for your sweetness, gentleness and humility. It's obvious you want the most loving and harmonious life for your family and for everyone that reads your beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteI'm only new to blogging, but I blog because I love to write. I am being approached by marketing companies now to promote their brands, but that wasn't part of my agenda. I started my blog as a way to express myself because I was keeping so much inside me. Writing is my passion and I'll blog about any little random thing that inspires me. Sometimes weeks pass between posts, but that's fine with me. I have taken the pressure off myself because fundamentally, I blog just for me. And even if it's just 1 person that reads and likes what I have written, that is heart-warming enough for me.
But sweetheart, between blogging and raising seven amazing children and nurturing your relationship with your husband, I can see how you feel overwhelmed.
Take time for yourself. You have given so much to others, now it's time to give to Yourself.
Stay True, you beautiful hearted angel xxxx
Just be yourself, look after those cherubs, that's all you can do. You're a sweetheart and it saddens me to see you crying over your blog. x
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered how you managed to do what you do AND raise those seven gorgeous cherubs!! The other commenters are right, you are a shining star in the blogosphere for many of us, so knowing you feel like this as well is very grounding. After nearly a year of blogging I'm about to attempt to take things "to the next level". You've given me much to think about. Thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful and honest Naomi. Your blog gave me such clarity to the blogger dilemma. I am very new at this but I am opting to focus my comment love with my favourites and read others when I have time. Linky's can be great for learning about new blogs but also time consuming. Thank you, I am going to set some parameters around my blogging habits.
ReplyDeleteThank you Naomi for your words from the heart. I sat next to you in July....and we chatted for a while on the couch in a very noisy place....tonight you are in my place, telling me...just me, how you are going. I welcome your message that speaks of telling your truth. Thank goodness you do!
ReplyDeleteI am sure "some factor somewhere" this past week or 2 is in the Blogosphere because there's been more than you "telling about how it all really is" .....I did on Tuesday too.
Naomi...each & everyone who is here loves and respects you as a person first and foremost. Your integrity, your love for and of your husband and family. You bring rays of sunshine into some people's lives every day... By being Naomi.
Staying True to You.
Love & Respect... Denyse xxx
I love this space you have created in blogland Naomi!! I love that you share how you really feel about things, even if they're 'hard' to talk about.
ReplyDeletexo
I totally get what you're saying. I read way too many blogs (or at least scan through them) and rarely comment anymore, having gone through a similar thing a long while ago (where it took over my life and my loved ones were missing out on me because of it).
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say Hi... I read, I like, but remember what's important!
Kate x
That was so honest and direct from the heart - thank you for sharing. I LOVE your blog and facebook posts and have implemented many things you have shared and for that i am grateful. Without even realising you have made a positive difference in many peoples lives. You are a beautiful person with a caring and kind spirit - i feel that when I read our posts and also when I spoke with you on the phone. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and for being you. x
ReplyDeleteYou are so beautiful, inside and out!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an honest vlog, and for telling it how it is.
I think every blogger gets caught up in the "numbers" game, or wanting more out of it at some point.
Good on you for taking the time to realise what is important to you - I love to read what you write (Even if I don't get time to comment! I don't have 7 kids but I sure have time-warp issues during the day!), and now see what you say!
You were one of the first bloggers that I really started "following" and am so glad that I did!!! You are such an inspiration!
Naomi, your spirit connected with my spirit today while I was watching this beautiful woman before me speak about the importance of staying true. I used to do the same things you said you did blogging. I used to stay up late to get all my contacts made and it took me forever to get my posts published (I live out in the country and our internet is not reliable).
ReplyDeleteI asked myself the same questions--what in the heck am I doing? But I love to share my home, my garden and my thoughts so I didn't want to give it up. I decided what was best for me was to post only once in a great while, because that gave me more time to visit the blogs I love to see the beauty that is out there in the world. I allow myself about 2 hours a day now visiting blogs. And that is in little fragments throughout the day.
I had a mission statement for my blog when I first started it and that is what I have stayed true to...it is the tag line for my blog, 'finding beauty in the everyday' It was important to me to stick to that. It is the very reason I started blogging in the first place.
I love everything you said about what your blog means to you, and I feel so much closer to you after hearing your voice and seeing your beautiful face.
Thank you for just making my day!
love to you,
June
Naomi,
ReplyDeleteI cried when I watched this because I feel exactly as you do. Exactly. I'm letting go too. I have to. As much as I crave to be a part of the blogging community as it thrives. As much as I want to keep up, I can't and I know that and I need to concentrate more on the kids and Dave and especially Ivy but the blog will always bee my outlet, although, I have lost a lot of my will to write lately because of all of the above feelings and I feel as though I will be forgotten because I can't keep up with all of the next big things in blogging. You are right though. I started blogging for me and I should continue that way and stay true to myself. I hope I can be as strong as you and keep going.
I love you had the courage and conviction to post this after being so unsure Naomi. It's cliche I know, but thank you for keeping it real and saying what so many other bloggers including myself often think. I have had to push blogging to take a back seat for the time being as I take care of my family and profession first. It's so easy to keep swept up in the stats and comments frenzy and be distracted by what others are doing. xxxx
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing lovely
ReplyDeleteyou have helped me so much through your blog and personally and I am forever grateful!
dont ever stop being you
I love who you are
xxx
You're such a beautiful woman Naomi. You have already achieved so much with your blog and I was surprised to hear that you compare yourself to other blogs and question the value of your work as for so many of us YOU represent the face of a successful blogger!
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best and brightest, time to relax, refresh and do what you need to do.
BTW - cheers to emotional beings! I love your realness and sincerity
Thank you xx
Naomi, you are gorgeous! I didn't think it was possible to love or admire you more but I do.
ReplyDeletexxx
That's one big DITTO to everything you said Naomi! I'm pulling back and letting go a little too... because when I'm happy in my family and with who I am, that's when the best writing happens.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog often... so if you don't see a comment... you know why! ;)
As a mum we are all our worst critics, we are never good enough and comparing yourself to other people is soul destroying. You have simply been yourself and spoken your mind and I found you through a facebook share. I have shared your blog on facebook too. It is too easy to get caught up in the online world and you should do what suits you and to heck with anybody else, because if you were to be offered something truly awesome for "not being you" then where is the joy in that? Keep blogging at your own pace and much love from here on the digiverse :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so honest, courageous and raw. Thank you for sharing and for keeping it real. I've only been blogging seriously for four months but early on, I could see how all consuming it could be. Then the other day, I wrote about my lost and random feelings again, not keeping up, wondering where I'm going with it all, the pressure to stay in so as not to fall off the radar. I guess bloggers need to acknowledge that this is part of it for all of us, a common ailment, a hazard of the job, so to speak. It's not a dirty little secret. I wonder if anyone speaks in this topic at blogging conferences, aside from all the techie, marketing, branding stuff. Your beautiful spirit is plain for all your readers to see so unless you stop totally (which you don't intend to) I can't see you falling off the radar ever. Thank you for being true to your heart. I'm going to try to be true to mine now.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're going to keep blogging and I whole heartedly agree with setting boundaries. You've put down good roots for this blog and found yourself a decent following. I hope you find that your blog continues to flourish BECAUSE you're out there living your life.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I feel the same way when I look at other people's blogs.
I love you xxx
ReplyDeleteI know this has been brewing for you for some time, when I expressed with regret a few months ago to you that I was having to do the same: back awayyyy from the comments and the numerous brilliant blogs I thought I would never be able to get around to again. There are just SO many. But it is testament to how many beautiful, brilliant, wonderful people there are in this world. And that restores my faith.
Being you. In everything you do. That is a great gift. Thank you.
From one cryer when she talks to another! xoxox
you are just gorgeous Naomi~ you have inspired me to be a better mother by your blog posts,.. the cherish your cherubs really made me stop and think about the time I spend with my kiddos..
ReplyDeleteI totally understand, its very overwhelming to a newbie like myself the amount of social media out there...I can understand how you dont have time to keep up! but what you do write I will be here reading xx
Thank you for being so honest Naomi.
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand what you are saying. I too have felt the same. It is hard trying to find a balance. I don't spend much time on Twitter at the moment. I do wonder how some people find the time to fit more things in. But truly have to find away to stop comparing my self to others.
Thank you also for helping get the Powermoms retreat out to Australia. I am hoping to go. Still trying to convince hubby though...
I tried commenting yesterday, but I've gotten used to the new blogger thing now lol
ReplyDeleteLove this, it's all so true! I think blogging is a great parallel to being a mother; comparing ourselves, not thinking we're good enough, thinking we're not working hard enough, forgetting the things that matter, oh I could go on!
I think most bloggers feel this way. I've really had to pare my blogging back also, and feel so much better for it.
Also, the more we spend time on the blog, the less we're out there living then we have less to write about!
I love that you got 60+ comments thus far too:)
When I first started following your blog, I thought you were pretty special. When I met you and we were roomies! I knew you were super special. Even if you stoppped blogging tommorrow I know in my heart I would write you letters and stay in touch because I really do love you, you have a special heart my friend....
ReplyDeleteI've just been reading through the comments - how lovely are all your readers!
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is pretty special and I love to visit.
Hi Naomi,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this blog post and for your honesty. I can relate to many of the thoughts and feelings that you shared and I'm sure that other bloggers out there will too. This same issue has been on my mind a lot lately as well. Thank you for letting me know that I'm not alone. xxx
You are so beautiful, even with tears falling down your face.
ReplyDeleteTaking breaks and slowing down is so important. When I find myself becoming overwhelmed, I switch off for a bit. It is meant to be fun, not a chore.
I live by the motto "compare and dispare" and try celebrate others successes in cyberspace.
I love your honesty N, and I think you have found your new niche..... Vlogging! Xxxxxx
I know.... I have a typo x
ReplyDeleteOh Huney! I could have said absolutely EVERYTHING you have just said here. It's actually quite wierd listening them come out of your mouth because I feel like I'm saying them! Thank you beautiful. It's so hard to let go sometimes, but you've reminded me that letting is just what we need sometimes...especially when what is REAL and REALLY important is not online at all. Be you. Be encouraged. And thank you xxxxx
ReplyDeleteOh Naomi, this is so beautiful. Very touching. I love how you speak from your heart with such honesty. Like the others, I completely understand. Since becoming a single mom I've had to step back from blogging and social media and as a result my blog growth really stalled. I find myself doing the same comparison thing you talk about. In fact, I was just on your FB page and thought, "oh wow, she has over 1400 fans, how amazing," and then feeling so small in comparison! Isn't it funny how we do that?
ReplyDeleteWe all have to find our own pace. Opportunities come and go and sometimes we are in the right place at the right time, and sometimes we feel like we're invisible. I think that's universal.
You're doing amazing, to have created what you have and balanced that with raising a large family. Truly, don't ever feel like you'e not enough. x
Naomi - you are an absolute inspiration. Being a new blogger myself, your words could not have come at a better time for me personally. I hope all new and existing bloggers can learn from this and remember why we are blogging - To share the love we have for our friends and our families and life, not for how many comments or likes we get. I know I personally have taken so much out of your video and for your honesty and your wisdom I truly truly thank you. xxxx Sonia
ReplyDeleteI think we have all been there.
ReplyDeleteIt's a much bigger task than you anticipate, and there are so many fabulous blogs out there that it is easy to have quite a large reader list.
I think that fact that you want to take the time to go and comment on all of those blogs says a lot about you and the wonderful nature you have.
A few months ago I had to cull my reader list majorly. I basically cut it in half because I found that I dreaded opening my blogger dashboard every morning because I knew I had a few hours ahead of me where I would be reading and commenting. It has helped me a lot, to invest time into a smaller group of people, people who I feel I get to know, and hopefully they get to know me too.
It doesn't stop me visiting other blogs, but it did shorten my daily list, because I, like you, love to LEAVE comments, not just for the blogger to come back to me, but because I like getting comments so it's safe to assume that people blog to get feedback.
Twitter helps me connect on a broader scale though, I feel I can quickly pop in and chat and still be doing everything else I need to. Also I can quickly put things out and invite others to connect with me too. It's always nice to get to know people who are following/reading you.
I don't think you need to worry too much if you need to take a break from reading or commenting. The people who love your blog aren't going to stop commenting.
Staying true to yourself is so important, and it speaks in volumes. Trust your readers to see that.
Chin up! You are caring and beautiful and it shows.
xx
Thanks Naomi, you are such an amazing woman. And thank you also for sharing as I fear I could easily have gone down the path of comparison and of feeling overwhelmed. I simply don't have the time (nor do I want to spend the time) that I see others spending on their blog and social media. My family needs me too and I need to keep things in perspective xx
ReplyDeleteWow, I am speechless. hat was possibly the most beautifully put & honest blog post I have seen. I felt every word, I'm guilty of falling into every one of those traps you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAnd it just goes to show you can never assume its just you feeling that way. I always thought of you as uber successful and so in demand as a blogger. But if you have achieved your goals, take time out to breathe and come back when you head & heart are mended. As you say, you have 7 kids (for that alone you are my hero!) and a husband to cherish and may they return the cherishing tenfold to you x
Aww Naomi don't be sad. You are an incredible woman and we love what you share of yourself with us. I think it's fantastic and so admirable that you have taken stock of where you are at and what you want to do and are changing direction along with your needs and progressing to a new time and stage in your life and family. Don't be sorry for that. Looking forward to your future posts, whichever form they may take xxx
ReplyDeleteWOW! This should become a community service announcement to every blogger. Blogging and social media are addictive and Klout should be banned! I have been stepping back a bit too. And as I watch my Klout score drop I keep telling myself "don't worry, it's not important but your family is!" Like you I still love it, because writing is so creative and satisfying. But I want to control it, rather than it consuming me...which as you describe is really tough. Let's start Blogoholics Anonymous: "Hi, I'm Nicole it's been fifteen minutes since my last tweet and no days since I went to bed before midnight"
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me feel less alone xxx
Naomi, you are an example to me as a blogger. What I love about your is your courage to share what you are really thinking and feeling. I often long to do so on my blog but hold myself back. Someday I hope to be a little more like you in that regard. Also, I have benefitted from your sharing your blogging journey- it has helped me to ask myself those same questions about why I am doing this and what I really want to do/get from it and what is most important. There were 2 talks in Conference yesterday about social media- about being careful not to spend too much unproductive time on it, and about the good you can do with it. I'm so grateful for the perspective that can come from honest sharers like yourself and from the gospel. These things are helping me to figure out what I want my own blogging journey to be.
ReplyDeleteLove you Naomi! :)
Oh Sweetheart. Sobbing in Hobart. Will ring you now. J x
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand. I begin to feel the same about my blog but then I decided that it's ok if I don't get a bunch of followers or comments. I use to look to see if fellow bloggers would mention my blog or list me as a favorite, never happened. I decided its ok, my blog is an outlet for me.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this vlog?
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, Naomi. You and your blog are perfect just the way they are!
You are sooo beautiful, gorgeous girl. xx
This has been on your mind for a long time now, Naomi. I hope you've made your peace with it now. Just do your own thing and let others get on with their own thing. Makes everyone happier in the long run. Keep writing! x
ReplyDeleteI found your blog today & I am so excited to start following you! :-) I really liked this video blog you did. I can relate to everything you said. I too find myself getting depressed when I try to compare my life to there's. Just know that you are Special & that you are doing GREAT! I Love your blog & look forward to reading your posts! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi.
ReplyDeleteI think I dropped off the face of my blog for all the reasons you stated! I've been following you on Twitter for some time, but hadn't really got into reading everyone's blogs on my phone!
I just wanted to say - you are an inspiration!
(((Hugs)))
You certainly ain't no crazy cat lady :) I love who you are Naomi, I did from the moment you invited me to sit with you ladies and share your chips the night before Blogopolis!!
ReplyDeleteWow I think you just articulated exactly how I feel most of the time. And you did it with such grace. I love this vlog Naomi. I love dropping in here and I'm glad you're not chucking it in. I think you're inspiring. Thank you xxx (ps I never really ever got started on twitter because I always felt like the uncool girl in the room no one was interested in talking to.)
ReplyDeleteI am not a blogger, yet I can relate . . . I cannot read all my emails let alone keep up with facebook (forget Twitter!) . . . and look after my 5 cherubs properly. I love reading what you write, and it helps me keep focused on what I am trying to achieve as a Brissy Mum. Thank-you for helping me thus far along the parenting journey! I need to be reminded about just parenting, and parenting with meaning, and you do that for me! Take care (phfft, like us mothers really do that!) and focus on helping us "too-busy-Mums-who-love-reading-your-blog-but-never-get-around-to-leaving-comments-not-because-we-don't-love-what-you-write-but-because-we-want-to-go-and-ponder-what-you've-written"! :-O Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and your very brave, emotional and honest video. A lot of what you said resonates with me such as keeping true to yourself and stop compairing myself to other bloggers. Thank you so much! :)
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ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog today. Your wisdom and advice are duly noted and appreciated. I would like to start a blog and post bit & pieces of my thoughts & my arts & crafts hobby. Everyone seems to be doing it! It seems though that between FB, Pinterest, surfing the net and being on the computer, that I use up a lot of time. I am grateful for your honest depiction of how being a blooger is. I will always try to remember to be myself and not someone I think the world would follow. Thanks Naomi, and your blog is beautiful :) and I don't expect a reply...lol
ReplyDeleteYou are just gorgeous Naomi and you inspire me to be a better person and blogger. You are so very generous with your time, love and advice. Thank You.
ReplyDeletexxx
Beautiful heartfelt words and an honesty and sensitivity which makes you very real and approachable.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to read your blog more and I have only recently found it.
I think you do an amazing job to have a large, lovely family AND a blog!
Follow your own heart and be true to yourself and the rest will take care of itself.
I don't have a blog, because even though I did think about it I can see it takes a lot of work and for me that would be too much. (and I only have four children)
I do love reading blogs though, so keep up the great work! (but don't let it take over the time you need to spend with your family and for yourself.) :)