Anyone else battling a case of writers block? I get in these funks sometimes where everything I think about posting on here seems so trivial. Like, does an outfit post really matter when a blog friend’s baby has leukemia? I get stuck in my own head sometimes. Blogging can feel so “me” centered (duh! it’s a personal blog) but sometimes that just seems so apparent to me and then I get nervous and can’t think of anything worth writing about. Am I sounding crazy yet? The thing is though, we all have something worth sharing- even the small and mundane. It’s all part of our own personal story. I really want to just get back to writing more. Maybe about nothing in particular, maybe about deep things. What I love most about blogging is the idea of being able to look back at my blog as a family journal. I feel like my blog has been missing that lately. Recipes and outfits are all well and good but I know I’ll want to read more about how we were feeling and the things we were up to in the years to come. Have you seen that 31 day writing challenge that happens in October? I can no way commit to something like that but I like the idea of forcing yourself to write more. I am not a great writer, so that can be scary to me. When I write longer posts I feel panicky before hitting publish. I would be the first to admit my lack in skill in that area. Especially my grammar! Oh my grammar! I write like a long, run-on train of thought. That’s who I am though. Fear never gets anyone anywhere. Being afraid of sharing, writing or a lack of skill just makes you frozen and stuck. Are there things you feel afraid of that are holding you back? Fear is a crazy, powerful thing that really can suck the life from you doing something you love.
Well, this post wasn’t supposed to be so depressing. I am not depressed by any means. Just wanted to write about well, my lack of writing and posting. Wondering if anyone ever feels the same way? Anyway, I am excited to just sit and write more. There are lots of fun and scary changes happening for us (ahhh being out numbered by children soon) and this blog has always been my way of expressing how I am handling it all. Excited to Ignite that blogging flame again.
Aw, I think you’re a beautiful writer Jen!! And can’t wait to read more of your thoughts and day-to-day happenings. Also, haha, no you don’t sound crazy! I have the same thoughts go through my head all the time!! xo
Jen–You are a great writer! And always honest which is what I love.
And yes–I do get that, and it frustrates me! I admire it when people (like you,) can just let some time go and wait for the right words to come because I have often forced it, and I never love the outcome. 😉
Keep up the balance and all of your posts are a joy!
XO with aloha-
Jen, I know exactly how you feel! Though mine is more on the content side of things, though I know I’m a terrible writer too and feel like what I’m saying is just really boring and who would want to read it haha?! But then I think that the blog is MY blog, and it’s for ME to look back on in years to come and remember all the good/bad times that me and my boyfriend had, so why not post/write about whatever I want to write about and if it’s rubbish or people aren’t interested then who cares? It’s my blog!
Anyway, I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts! I actually prefer that to someone posting a pretty outfit haha! 🙂
xo April
April | April Everyday
First of all…you are awesome! I love your honesty and fun sense of style (in all sense of the word). You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. That being said I also feel those things with my blog. It is still so new and it just seems I can’t get into the rhythm of it. Either writing or talking photographs. I don’t know how many times we are in the car heading to something wonderful and deserving of a post and I’m like, “gosh darn it I forgot my camera!” And I’m not one to take pictures with my phone because they aren’t as good and it just doesn’t feel right. We definitely put way too much pressure on ourselves which is good at times but can also be debilitating. Here’s to hoping you are out of your rut soon!
I totally know how you feel. My blog is only about 1.5 years old, so it’s not like I’m a veteran like you. However, I still hesitate to write about clothes or other silly things sometimes because I seems very materialistic. But I do like those things, so it’s hard to balance both.
I try to write about my family too, but at times I wonder if I overshare with the world too much and that will also be bad someday.
Too much thinking, probably just need to write more. 🙂
Oh I totally get this. I just started my blog less than 3 months ago and sometimes I try to stop myself from writing just about life because I get scared that people won’t want to read that. But in the end, the blog is for me to just write about what I love. And for me, that’s my family and my life! Just because I don’t have all these cool outifts and recipes to share doesn’t mean its not worth reading and writing. 🙂 I love hearing about your family and would love to hear more about your pregnancy! Keep writing! 🙂
http://www.sweetlytattered.com
I started a personal blog recently, not to get people to read it necessarily, but to have a place for me to write and share photos. I love to write and even have a journalism degree, yet I’m in a finance job. Talk about little room to creatively write or to just plain old write, and no one cares about photography in finance. But these are my hobbies and what make me happy, and that counts for a lot! I think there’s nothing too little when it comes to a post. If you want to write about it, you should! Sometimes it’s the little things that bring lots of joy, especially when looking back on it 🙂
hey Jen!
Your words always sink deep with me. And I can say I feel you. The fear thing for real. We moved a couple months ago, hopped over a few states for a new ministry position. It’s all been great and we love it, but it’s been so hard on me with 3 littles. I’ve poured my heart out in words about where I’m at through this transition but haven’t posted a thing… I guess I’m nervous people will think I’m not up for the “grande adventure” we signed up for. Anyways I always appreciate everything you share!
Hello Jen,
I’ve been following your blog for over 5 years now. I have enjoyed each post as it shows the growth of your style and family. I never comment on blogs that I follow, but today I felt compelled. This post has stood out to me through all these years as being the most real and genuine. Thank you for these simple thoughts. These words have really encouraged me to feel same about ups and downs but still hold strong in myself.
Have a great day.
Karli
I love reading about life, so anything you write is great. Love the healthy foods and juicing, the simplifying wardrobe/toys/life, the camping trips and getaways, the wardrobe posts, the foster parenting journey, the instagram notes you take on Sundays….it’s all very refreshing and inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us. Not trivial at all…it’s more like a celebration and a respite from some of the bleaker parts of life. We all go through busy or hard times, and when I do I like to check in with those who are uplifting, and your blog certainly is that. So thanks for sharing, and please don’t struggle with guilt from happiness. When or if challenging times come, and if you choose to share that with your readers, I trust your faith will be inspiring, come what may.
I feel ya’! Although, when I really have a stronger desire to write something down, I tend to do it in my journal. I’m constantly thinking about my current job, and what an employer would say if I wrote about a sensitive subject. Oh my grammar is horrific! I use “….” WAY too much. I think the best part of blogging for fun is that it doesn’t matter if you step away, or don’t feel the desire to write, or have anything to say at that moment. Yes, I love to read your posts, and check often to see if you have new ones, BUT I always love the fact that you write when your heart desires (not on a blogger schedule because it boosts readership). I do the same. Some months I might have a ton of posts, and some months I might only have a few. Right now, I spend so much time playing with my son after work, that by the time he’s asleep I’m so dang tired I have no desire to blog or keep my eyes open to write. Anyway, love your blog and anything you write about : )
– Jesse
jessecoulter.net/
I love that I can always count on you to be so honest and genuine with your feelings. It’s something I really admire and something that I think is so so unique to your site. That’s why I always come back!
xx
Monique