So, what in the world do I mean by “have you hugged your blog today?”
Recently I wrote a post “Hello February” wherein I announced to the world that I was going to blog every day, just like I did in November for #nablopomo.
But now I’m here, hat in hand, to announce that I have not blogged every day this month. Not.even.close. In fact, one night I purposely decided I would NOT post, and told my hubby I was done. He was so distressed (bless him xo).
So here’s the deal. Despite having been on a bit of a holiday (a lovely sunny holiday) and then coming home to nice weather, I went into a slump … I lost my mojo big time. Nothing seemed worth blogging about. I felt indecisive about what photos to post, and what to say about them. It hasn’t been fun. I kept posting to Instagram but I’m ashamed to admit it became a source of great stress and frustration … nobody likes my work she cried (no – actually you didn’t like your work Barb). So strange … I wasn’t doing anything different, I just wasn’t loving it.
So what was I doing with my time?
After spending a whole day putting one foot in front of the other, alternately napping and sitting on the sofa eating nuts and bolts (actually I only ate the cheerios) and watching episodes of “The Young and Restless) I went to bed (very early).
I’d like to say I’m completely recovered, but I’m not. It must be the mid-winter blahs. I’ve talked to several people who are having the same issues, so that does help to know I’m not alone. I feel so guilty because my life is good people!
Which brings me to this; maybe I should be asking if you’ve hugged your blogger today, your own blogger self?
Take her out for a walk. Go get a good haircut. Rummage through an old book store. Don’t spend too much money. Try to eat something healthy. But above all, just let your blogger self be.
But the good news is, I’m working on a Blogging Bits and Bytes newsletter to give you some ideas on how to hug your blog and I’ll be including the word art … yay! at least I made some word art :)
I think I’m going to make it … thank you for listening!
xo
I’ve been feeling down and trapped in the winter blahs most of the winter! So I will take your good advice and do something nice for my blogger self today…perhaps even post something. Hang in there, this will pass soon!
PS Love your newsletters–looking forward to the next one…and everyone loves your photos on Instagram 😊
Thank you for your sweet encouragement Barbara!
Beautiful image and a lovely sentiment!
Thank you Molly!
Such a beautiful photo & collage, Barb – I feel like starting to journalize at once, when looking at your photo! Just love the reminder of hugging one self – self care so important! If we’re not filled and taken care of, there is nothing to give either. We’re having winter break this week and I can feel how good it has been to slow down and just be … Relax and do nothing… Alone time – family time and some have loose appointments with friends.
Thank you Nina – I always appreciate your encouraging words. Enjoy your winter break! I look forward to seeing some pic’s from it! xo
I know the feeling and I am only blogging 3 days a week. Yesterday I got up with no creative mojo at all. I announced to the universe I need a rainy day to get the creative spirit going. Three hours later it was raining. And it my world became a better place.
Oh, this so resonates with me right now! {{BIG HUGS}} to you, my new blogger friend!
Yes, the winter blahs have had a strangle hold on me. Grey day after grey day will do that to me. But, Eureka! The sun in out today and I’ve been happily snapping away. This time of year, I have to enjoy while it lasts. So, we all get it.
Thanks for dropping by Dotti, and for commiserating :)
some times we just need a break.
Yes, so true Theresa … I know you’ve said this as well.
Visiting here for the first time… i can totally relate to this feeling of finding nothing ‘worthy’ of blogging.. feeling aimless at times… and getting sad over it… yes, we need to take our time and embrace our ‘blogger’ self.. :) liked the post.. :)
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a sweet comment Pratikshya xo
I love your honesty – I’ve been feeling much the same way … and that makes me feel guilty because it’s almost spring here in Georgia and I can’t possibly be whining about the weather! and ps, I’ve missed your daily posts. xo.
I liked the word art.. beautiful. Take some break. It will get the mojo back.
Hi Barbara, I’ve only recently started following you and I love your work. I came to you through Kim K’s blog. I can’t remember how I came across her, but I’m so glad I did.
I’d been photographically stuck for a few months, while my father was dying. Not surprising. I had no motivation or enthusiasm. I was in the “what’s the point ” frame of mind. I had no idea what to do next. And then I came across you and Kim and your work is inspiring.
So thank you. Perhaps someone or something will lead you to a new enthusiasm too.
Be kind to yourself.
All the best, Henrietta.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Henrietta. It’s hard to lose a parent (I’ve lost both of mine) and I can fully understand your “what’s the point” frame of mind. I’m happy you found Kim, and then my blog and that we’ve given you some inspiration. I do believe that’s key in this world – giving and receiving inspiration from like-minded people. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment – it’s a bright spot in my day for sure! xo
PS … my word art is created using commercial free fonts, but I probably should share which fonts I use in case people want to purchase them for themselves.
BTW do you hand write the notes in your images? I love the writing :)
I was at that point by late autumn myself Barb, no stamina for daily things and I’d lost my blogging motivation. It happens to everyone as you read post after post and some throw in the towel while others struggle through it like I’ve been doing.
Winter must be a factor because once the warmer weather and sunny days return we all tend to perk up.
Here’s hoping your mojo returns for you’ve been a driving force behind a number of bloggers with your encouraging newsletters. If it takes a while, no worries, we’re a patient and forgiving group and welcome fellow sisters back when they’re ready. ♥
Thank you for your encouraging words, Judith (much appreciated!) Yes, we are a forgiving and patient bunch, aren’t we? I am sad when I hear someone has “thrown in the towel” but I do understand. Blogging is a quite a commitment and a lot of hard work. For me, right now, I really do believe it has something to do with winter blues since its affecting not just my blog, but other areas of my life as well. So I plan to keep on putting one foot in front of the other until this passes.
BIG XOXO Barb. It happens, way more than we want to. But I love the thought “have you hugged your blog today?” Sounds like a really good movement. Sending you cyber hugs Barb. :-)
LOL…I make the same proclamations all the time. Thanks for the great advice.
Great Post! I love that question! That’s honestly a question that I should ask myself! I really need to know, if I’ve hugged my blogger self. I’ve been meaning to blog more. But, when I get home from work, I’m either tired or I don’t have inspiration. So, I don’t do it. And that’s not fair to my blog or to myself. So, I’ve got to make an effort to blog more. And I think that I can do it. I know that I can. Thank you for sharing! By the way, I love the serene look of your blog. Very soothing!
Another great (inspired and informative) post. Thanks!! I can so relate to everything you’re going through. After reading the other comments – I can say it’s a relief to know we’re not alone and that maybe it’s just part of being a blogger.
I am so late to this comment… Thank you for this post. I am in the mood you have described right now and it is good to know others have felt this way too. :)