You’re right. I disappeared for a bit. My last blog post was over a month ago [celebrating Valentines Day which feels like FOREVER ago!]
The best explanation I can offer is that I had to look at my priorities and make some adjustments. I’d shared how I’m working on being more present & less distracted in my life, but I hadn’t realized that this blog was at the root of my distraction. My writing was all done during nap time, but while Colin was awake I would check stats, promote posts & respond to comments. It was one of the main reasons I was struggling to put down my phone. Basically, I was treating the blog like my career, except it wasn’t actually providing a paycheck. I needed to take some time away from that.
It started with Colin’s 15 month doctor’s appointment. He’s never been ahead-of-the-curve in terms of milestones. He was slow to roll over, sit up & crawl. I’d always blamed it on his horrible acid reflux [how can a kid learn to roll over when he’s never laid flat on his back?!] Anyway, the doctor started asking the usual milestone questions: Is he walking? Is he pointing? Is he feeding himself with utensils? No. No. No.
It’s really hard to say no [repeatedly] and not feel like you’re failing as a mother. And even if I was overreacting, it suddenly became clear: at this point in my life, I am first & foremost a stay at home mom. And I am so lucky for that. My priority right now is my son. So why am I spending so many hours focusing on a blog?
After that realization, I took some time away from the blog & facebook. Did Colin immediately start walking? Of course not. He’s going to do it on his own time. He’s getting closer though. He’s a really cautious kid and just hasn’t worked up the courage to let go of my hand. [we will be seeing a physical therapist next month too… at the recommendation of his doctor.]
What does that mean for my blog? The time away to refocus was great. I think going forward I’ll try to post new content 1-2 times a week and take breaks when life demands it. Even if it doesn’t pay the bills, it’s important to me as both a personal & creative outlet and I find it’s an effective tool for updating friends/family all over the country.
What does it mean for my photography business? No change. I’ve always taken a limited number of clients a month & only shoot on the weekends. It’s what works best for me, my family & my clients. Winter has been really quiet [slow season + still new in town] but I look forward to offering some fun events this summer/fall! Can’t wait until then? I have a couple openings in April/May!
