I took myself and my cherubs off to the park today. To enjoy the sunshine and to soak up some warmth. Whilst I was there I lay down on the grass and let my mind wander and ponder about my blog. You see, I just have no been feeling happy about my blog lately. Probably for the last six month actually. I have been having a battle: to write for my readers or to write for myself.
I know the people who read my blog want to hear more about how I organise our home, what meals I cook and how I budget our finances or how I discipline my children. But, writing about those topics does not interest me at all. Every so often I write a blog post on those topics but I would much rather write about how I am feeling emotionally, mentally or spiritually. I much prefer writing about feelings and how life is a struggle, how life is awesome and how life is complex. I love keeping it real writing. I love to write from my heart, from a certain point of view and to write deeply from that angle. I know people don't like this because when they read it they see a different angle and disagree. I know there are other angles, I just choose not to write about them.
I am struggling to find a balance between the two. To write for my readers or to write for me. I need to find that balance quickly because it is making me feel so unhappy I want to stop. I want to walk away from my blog. I am bored. I need a new challenge, a new opportunity and a new adventure. I am the type of person who works hard to achieve a goal and when I have achieved it, I walk away and start a new one. I have achieved all of my goals for my blog. This is normally the time when I would walk away and work on something new.
But, part of me wants to stick it out, to try something new and to write just for me. To be a little braver, to touch more hearts and to do more good. I want to share more stories, to leave a record for my cherubs and to just write and not worry about what others think or will say. I have been trying to do this for the past 6 months without much success and have been trying to push through it. Now, I need to make a decision. I can't keep feeling this way or functioning this way.
Any advice? What do you do?
I am at a loss of what to do next.
Write for yourself. Your heart will feel better about it. You might lose a few followers, but if its no fun for you to write what you are writing, people notice that too.
ReplyDeleteI am sure there will be a much better answer than this one, but write from the heart.
For the record, I don't quite remember how I stumbled across your blog, but as a child free single woman living in England we don't really have much in common. I would love to read more of the stuff that you want to write about
100% write for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have been through this with I love pretty things and I walked away because I couldn't see a way back to writing for me and not my readers. So I focused more on writing at my personal blog about what I wanted to write about and that is the happiest I have been blogging.
i don't think there is anything wrong in changing your direction almost, and writing simply for you and what you want to write. You may draw a different audience, you may lose some readers or grow some readers... but you must be true to yourself, and love what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteWhether this looks like starting a totally different blog from scratch - it may be easier to start a blog to write for you doing this - or staying here and changing direction, you will always have a village to cheer you on, love you and support you regardless xx
This is not difficult at all.
ReplyDeleteWRITE FOR YOU.
You have met the goals you wanted. You probably wrote for your readers to do that. Done. Check. Tick.
So write for you. You might win or lose readers along the way, but that's ok.
I started following your blog when you were writing your happiness posts. I have always loved your blog for its honesty, integrity and the "you-ness" of it. I read other blogs for other stuff. Oh, and because I have no idea how you can raise seven cherubs when I constantly struggle with just one! This is your story, your record, your blog. Write for you... the rest of us will just have to tag along for the ride.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely 100% write for yourself. That's your passion and your need. I understand you wanting to make your readers happy, but at some point you need to separate that from what you actually need. Write for yourself. That's where your best words will flow. I will certainly be reading.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all of the above. Your blog, your voice. Write for Naomi. Some will go, others will follow but really if writing for you is what you want to do then it doesnt matter if you lose 50% of your readers. If you stop writing all together then there will be nothing for anyone to read at all! Of course don't use that as an obligation to write either :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you find the answers you're looking for :)
I'm brand new to this world of blogging, but I believe you should write for yourself first and others second....follow your heart ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteI think you should do what makes you happy. My philosophy is that life is too short to do things that don't make you happy. While I realise that you can't always only do what makes you happy because there are things that need to be done that may not make you happy, when you have a choice about doing what makes you happy vs doing something that doesn't make you happy - make the choice to be happy !
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs and positive energy !
Me
Naomi I come here to visit because of your words from your heart,not for info on certain topics...I can look that up on the net.
ReplyDeleteI love how you write as it is so real and by being real I can relate.
Please keep writing,but for yourself.This is your space to do with what you want.
Numbers dont matter.What matters is the happiness this beautiful place brings to you.
Thankyou for all the heart and soul you put into every word in every post.xx
Print out your own last paragraph and read and re-read it like your mantra. This burn-out is not new to individual bloggers, I know you know that. The more you write to appease your following, the happier they will be .... but you are starting to feel the spiritual cost, aren't you? I think you know the answer. Your brave mummy heart will allow you to go the way you need to go. Sure, numbers may drop, readers may go. BUT your integrity will be shiny and a beacon. Nobody can resist looking to the light. So be the light, N. :) The right people will find you (or stay with you) at the right time.
ReplyDeleteAnd say no! Seriously. Of course you can. If it upsets others, so be it. YOU have not caused the upset. Their ruffled feathers will settle. Push through that fear of tactfully turning away requests and nurture your soul. xoxox Love and peace to you. You'll find your way through this, and I bet your blog remains (in whatever way truly reflects and honours You and your Cherubs). Yes?
Write it for yourself!
ReplyDeleteIf that is what makes you happy, then that is the most important thing.
I think Zoey from Good Googs said it best in the comments of a recent post she wrote "I truly believe if you just keep writing and write things that make you happy, your voice will find you. And not fitting into a neat little box is not a bad thing. It's kind of a great thing".
Write for yourself x
ReplyDeleteWrite for yourself. The best posts are written from the heart. There are 3 bloggers that are the reason I started blogging, and you are one of them. Not because you write about all that stuff, because you tell the truth, and write from the heart. Do what's best for you.
ReplyDeleteChrissie xx
Hi Naomi,
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of the above comments because I didn't want to be influenced by what others had to say. I say write for yourself. People want to know what you think and how you feel. It can't always be positive, as it's not realistic. It can't always be happy and joyful, because that's not true life. I love reading what is real and from the heart and that's what I try to do. I do like to have photos, but that is not always possible. I just think the photos add life to the post.
I have kind of gone on a go slow at the moment. My depression is impacting on my feeling like writing. I think we all feel like we don't want to write at times. The creative juices don't always flow.
I for one would love to see you keep writing because I love reading your blog. I don't always comment, but I love reading your blog. I think your blog is awesome, encouraging, and helps others. You have done so much good for others and I would love to see you keep on going.
Lotti (Leonie) xoxo
Write for yourself, for sure. Yes, you may lose those readers who are after more practical posts,but will gain different readers, who are looking for more depth. I personally much prefer reading about people, real feelings and emotions. You have a beautiful 'voice', whatever you write, there will be people who want to read it. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi, Bloggers so often stop because they feel trapped by the need to feed their audience, and it is no longer enjoyable. Such a shame for themselves as well as for the readers. There is nothing wrong with changing direction. For me personally, I enjoy your stuff on your feelings and post natal depression experience more than your cooking/home life stuff. You are an amazing writer and I'll love your blog which ever direction you take. xxx Zoe (otter and wombat)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely write for yourself, there are plenty of other blogs that offer pratical tips but I am pretty sure the majority of your readers, myself included, come back to your blog for the honesty with which you write about everything that is 'real' to you. You cannot sustain anything for long if you have no passion for it....so write from the heart..it is what you do best xxx
ReplyDeleteI agree write for you. Why did you stop and go off track? Only you could do that? Write whatever you like and if people go, that's ok, because in the end, you are responsible for your own happiness. Rachel x
ReplyDeleteHmm think you might have your answer!!!
ReplyDeleteA bit of food for thought....
You have reached all your goals - so make some new ones :)
You have been writing for everyone else for so long that you have probably written a blog post on very topic someone would want to know about as far as your life, organising etc that you can easily redirect questions to those posts or just to a 'From the Archives' blog post to bring those things to a newbies attention
Ultimately why are you blogging? Would your world end if you happen to loose all of your followers (which would never happen because you are awesome)?
You say you are blogging for your family...so blog for them...forget the rest of the world...if they want to come along for the journey then that's fabulous...if not oh well.
Love Becci xx
After such a big achievement last week with your 10 km run is this what they call the post partum goal downer;) This is your space, do as you please, I am sure everyone out there reading will stick with you no matter what you focus on. x
ReplyDeleteWhen it starts to feel like homework walk away for a while.
ReplyDeleteYou're not running a magazine or newspaper. You can't tell by the things I post on the blog but I write a lot of 'essay' type posts'. Which are more like feature articles and a bad habit from my Uni Journalism days. I don't hit publish on those anymore.
Have fun with the blog. Or take a break. It's up to you. Congratulations on your run last weekend though Naomi.
I prefer reading your blog when you write about you ... you I can relate too. You can make me feel normal on a bad day, you can make me smile, you can show me all of my thoughts and irrational fears and feelings are not just about me and that others feel them too. I started my blog and I too felt compelled to share all the stuff everyone wanted to hear. I just want to write about me, it may shock people, but it is me. I would love to read about you x
ReplyDeleteYou need to do what is best for you Naomi otherwise your blog will suffer and most importantly you will suffer. Be true to yourself ♥
ReplyDeleteI read your blog for your you-ness Naomi. Your heart and voice are beautiful and if you feel like you can go on with blogging I think you should only write what you want to write. It's your space lovely lady. It's your time too, the time you take to blog and it should not feel like a chore for you. I think you've done an amazing job to reach all your goals. Maybe your next goal needs to be about writing about the things that make your heart sing and inspiring others by doing so. Xxx
ReplyDeleteFollow your heart and write for yourself!
ReplyDeleteAfter all I imagine that you started this blog for you, so why not continue on that way.
Perhaps your lesson is to not worry so much about what others think? I know this is true for me!
I love the blogs that keep it real, so bring on some more realness I say.
We love you for who you are. Write what you want to write, if your heart is in it, the quality of your writing will be great and we will all stick around. For those who don't it doesn't matter. They will find what they need elsewhere. Bring it on lovely lady!
ReplyDeleteNaomi I think you may surprise yourself by how many new readers you'll gain by writing for you. Genuine. Raw. Honest. Strong. Blogging is all consuming. You've given plenty to your readers and you'd be surprised at just how many of us will gain even more from your new direction. Thanks for your words. Pip xxx
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add my two cents! I really believe that you need to write about the things that you want to share, express, deal with etc. It's your blog and you've got to do what works for you!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that maybe you need to take a little break. I took a break and it was the best thing I did!
Take care and listen to your heart!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Write for you! Always! I think your readers will want to read this! It's the real stuff - what we feel, think, wonder, believe. New readers will come too - because writing for you is writing from the heart! Trust your heart on this one xx
ReplyDeleteI agree that you should write for yourself. There are so many blogs out there with different themes and plenty on how to organise and run a large family. You may lose some readers but you will gain others who want to read what you want to write.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, write for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your 'from the heart/how you are feeling/your thoughts" posts best anyway. I mean, I love all of it, but these are my favs. I know how difficult it can be. I have been feeling the same. Today I sat down and wrote down some questions and thought about it. I asked myself why I feel like this, what is it I want from my blog, why am I doing it, what do I need to change to achieve that. And once I did that and worked out my plan, I felt so much better. I even deleted the post I was supposed to publish today because readers wanted it. I didn't really want to post it though and was so glad it was scheduled for tonight because I was able to delete it. It wasn't what I wanted and I felt much better doing my thing instead.
Love you and will support you whatever you decide. x
I have just started a blog myself and I write for me (and hopefully others can enjoy it). I feel if people enjoy your blog ( which I do) they will enjoy what you have to say from your perspective. Write for you. :)
ReplyDeleteWrite for you. Definitely.
ReplyDeleteA gazillion percent for you! It is your space. Write what is your head that day. Don't schedule stuff. My opinion only here xx
ReplyDeleteBlog for you and your family. That is what you will cherish down the road. The other stuff is fine, but only do it when you feel inspired to do so.
ReplyDeleteI would be thrilled to hear more of the stuff that's on your mind and in your heart. That is the stuff that we can all relate to. The other informational type posts are fine, but the real life posts are where the connections grow.
Its your blog so write whatever you want to.
ReplyDeleteI write for me. I write how I feel, what we go through and my blog's not about everyone else, it's about me and my family. If people like it, fantastic. If not, that's there prob. I was worried when I first started writing so openly and honestly about my emotions and the things that we go through but the feedback that I received because I had written so honestly, was amazing. People want real life. They want to know about you. They want to relate. They can only do this if we're honest and write from our heart. You already know the answer to your question because you're unhappy. You're a huge advocate for happiness and yours must come first xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to leave a message for me. I really, really appreciate it. I have pondered over all of your advice and encouragement and am taking it to my heart. I am going to take some time to work out a new plan and will make sure it is much happier than what I am doing now. N xx
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up, but first to think own self be true.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you think your readers want all that practical stuff, but they can get that from other places.
I'm not LDS I'm an investigator, and I'd love to hear more about the real you, how you feel, how you deal with depression and the pressures of life.
Let yourself shine through your blog again, don't get bogged down in what you think we want, or in stats or whatever it is that's distracting you.
Be the Naomi that Heavenly Father wants you to be, in your blog, and that means keeping it real.
There is only ONE person that is important and that is YOU. Write for yourself, whatever words your heart and spirit need to set free.
ReplyDelete:-) Annette
Honestly, I love the posts where you write from your heart. I would love to read more of them and I think from the comments in your post that the majority of your readers want that as well. I think writing for you is the most important thing and I love reading those posts from people. I like seeing into the minds and hearts of other people. It makes me feel as though there are all of these wonderful people in the world and when my bi-polar goes wonky and I fall deep into depression I am reminded of all the good...and all the genuinely good people...of which you are one.
ReplyDeletewww.accidentallybeautiful.com
It's your blog so I think it 100% has to be write for yourself.
ReplyDeleteNaomi I just read your About Me description and two things jumped at me 'I believe in keeping it real on my blog' and 'I am a seeker of happiness'. So I think you should follow your own words and do just that - write what you want to write about and be happy! People read blogs for so many different reasons! I for one am drawn to yours because your life iand your writings are so different to mine - I'm not a housewife and my babies are of the four legged fur variety and there's only two of them! I wouldn't worry about the followers you might lose due to a direction change, I'd look forward to meeting a few more people who enjoy your change!
ReplyDeleteOh Naomi. Write for you. That's why we come here. Full stop. J x
ReplyDelete