Stumbling blocks (and why I became afraid)
stum·bling block:
noun; a circumstance that causes difficulty or hesitation
synonyms: obstacle, difficulty, problem, hindrance, snag
About a year ago my blogging mojo took a huge dive (in case you hadn’t noticed) and I’ve been puzzling over it ever since. As time went on and no posts were forthcoming, it became harder and harder to show up in this space. I felt empty, depleted.
The good news is I didn’t lose interest in my photography, but Instagram took over my life. Instagram became the perfect microblogging outlet, which in turn, contributed to the lack of posting here.
So to be honest with you my readers, I thought I’d share a few insights as to what has prevented me from blogging (beginning last June)
- loss of a family member
- minor health issues
- blog issues
- losing my IT guy and not being able to find another one (my behind-the-scenes blog issues are messy! and I hate that)
- SEO pressures … always, always, trying to optimize for Google is exhausting
- a few unsubscribes from my newsletter
- feeling overwhelmed by other blogs which I deemed were better/more interesting than mine
- not knowing what to write about that could possibly be different, and/or interesting
- after at least one incident last autumn, I became fearful of people stealing images and content in ways I couldn’t challenge (this is a big one for me)
- Instagram is easier and more engaged :(
So there you have it dear friends. I don’t know what I’m going to do about it, but clearly I’m not ready to let my little blog go. A few of my “stumbling blocks” have been resolved (thankfully) and I do feel slightly more inspired these days. So here’s hoping!
xo
Sometimes life is like that. It causes delays and hurdles. I am confident you will have sorted out because you have so much to share. You willl find a way, and I’m looking forward to reading it. 😊
Thank you so much Celine … I so appreciate your support xo
Hi Barb,
I’m happy that you shared your thoughts…it has me pondering! I hope you still write for your blog. I’m sorry for your loss and difficult stuff. You know way more than me, but in case…do you use Yoast as a plugin…it helps me…without it I would be lost with SEO.
Hi Jane … first, thanks for visiting and for your encouraging words :) I do use Yoast but sometimes it “paralyzes” me when I have to try to optimize a post that really doesn’t require too much optimizing … I sometimes just wanna write ya know?! :)
I look forward to your blog and am always delighted to read a post! I’m sorry that the past six months have been difficult for you and I am sorry for your loss–it sometimes seems that too many things happen at once and coping can be difficult.
I think that doing/writing what means the most to you and what makes you happy is peak optimization (I know that’s redundant and not very savvy).
The stealing thing makes me nuts–I used Pixsy for awhile and was astounded at the many places my photos were used (none of which were with my permission). Not sure if Pixsy might be useful to you (I found them not to be helpful), but if you haven’t explored their services before, you might check them out.
Hi Roxanne, and thank you for your kind words and support. I do agree that simply doing and writing what is meaningful to me is the best direction for my blog … it’s never going to be “big” or profitable … so what the heck am I worrying about?! I’ve never tried Pixsy and probably don’t want to know how many times my images have been stolen … I don’t have the energy to do battle :(
Hi there, I don’t know how old this post, I just found your blog and I really like it so far because it looks so authentic, and you DO write about interesting stuff!! Most blogs out there are all the same and yours looks nice and interesting and like you write about your passions. I really hope you’ll come back to blogging again!
I’m sorry you feel this way but I can totally relate. I’ve also been overwhelmed recently by other blogs and especially other people’s photos, and was about to quit blogging too.
I don’t worry much about SEO when I write. I think most SEO optimised sites look the same and have the same kind of titles and they way some write is just.. too much. I write first for people, and I try to pick relevant titles, then I have a plugin where I can add meta descriptions.
Hi Susanne, thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment (I like your advice :) as you are right … I just need to write for myself and my readers …
it is your instagram that brought me here, and I am so glad I stopped by…
thanks for sharing your work.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Janice! xo
I just discovered your blog today through your daughter’s posting your Festive Onion Casserole! Your “mojo blog” hit home for me! After reading this, I will now address my problem head on. I am a crafts person and quilter who made the leap and got involved in Craft Show and Fairs. In the beginning sales were great. When sales slumped, or be because of time not enough product, I decided my work was not good enough. I hope all your ducks line up and you continue your blog! I’m getting my mono back! In the mean time, I’ll follow your Instagram!
Hi Lynda! so happy you stopped by! Thank you so much for your encouragement!