I think I give off the impression that I have everything under control. I will let you into a secret, I haven’t
My blog is my hobby, my livelihood. It is important for my mental well-being, but also to pay the bills. I post 2 to 3 times a day (because I have content that needs to go up). I am prevalent on social media. I respond to everything; tweets, emails, messages, comments on my blog. I also run three linkys and have many friends within this blogging world, that I do my best to support too.
I am also a full-time mum; looking after my daughter with (until today) no help or support from anyone else while Mr Hubby is at work, not even for half an hour.
Before you think this is a moaning post, it isn’t, please stick with me while I explain. I am so totally grateful for everything blogging has given me. The opportunities, the friends, I genuinely LOVE all of it, truly I do.
However, for over a year now I have been running myself into the ground. I am juggling too many balls in my attempt to ‘do’ everything and it is affecting my health, my head and my family.
I work on my blog EVERY single spare second of the day or night. I NEVER sit and chat to my husband without the computer screen in the way, my daughter often see’s me working when I WANT to be just with her, soaking up her beautiful face and her idiosyncrasies, without the distraction of having to earn money. I ALWAYS go to bed after midnight, sometimes 1 or 2am. Somedays I am almost in tears trying to stay awake in order to finish a post for the next day. My last night off was Christmas Day. 7 days a week. In the car on the way to a day out, I am trying to comment on my tablet, getting stressed if there is no signal. Feeling the knot in my tummy, when I think of the work piling up.
Feeling constantly like a failure, because I haven’t been able to pitch or develop my blog or new avenues, because the sheer volume of commenting is 95% of what I do every day. Even on our family holiday, I ended up working in the evenings, as I was so stressed I would get even more behind. Never wanting to reduce the time I spend in any area, in case my rankings fall; not important to some, but to me, my rise in ranking has been the reward for all my hard work.
Still with me?! I hope so, because I need to make changes for the good of my family, myself and my blog. My blog is something I NEVER want to stop, but I need to find a better balance, actually ANY balance would be great about now.
Now I need to explain the title for this post. I get so many comments on my blog saying I am so lucky to get the opportunities. I am so grateful for every opportunity I get, believe me I really am, but largely I am NOT lucky. The opportunities I get are through sheer hard work and an unbelieveable amount of hours clocked in. Not luck, believe me it is sheer graft. I remain grateful and I am truly BLESSED to do something I love every day, but I need time. Time to be with my family uninterrupted, time to relax and time to develop my blog and not just fight fires to keep things ticking over.
I am obsessed with my blog, so realistically I am not sure how much I will be able to change because this is in my character, but I intend to try to make some changes. I am so grateful to everyone who comments on my blog, joins in with one of my linkys and retweets or shares my posts on social media, so very grateful. I have come to realise that I cannot respond to absolutely everything, it leaves no time for anything else, but it DOESN’T mean I don’t care.
So going forward I will read EVERY single comment on my blog, but I won’t necessarily respond to everything if there is no particular point in my response. It won’t make me less grateful for your comment. I will retweet all your link up tweets, but I won’t necessarily thank you every single time for linking up; I will still be so very grateful that you support our linkys and are part of our community, communities that I really love. Obviously I will still comment on your link up posts. I will try to go to bed at a reasonable hour, 4 hours sleep is not sustainable long-term. I will take a night off, Saturday nights here I come!
If I want to be able to continue loving my blog, something has to give. If I want to have a happy life and be mentally present as my daughter grows up, then something has to give.
I hope you will all stick with me.
Comments 120
Being new to blogging I am so grateful to you and others who took time to read and comment on my posts.
Even I without the huge numbers of followers you have is finding it hard to write, comment , promote and be active on social media all whilst looking after the kids and being a partner.
I hope you are able to find a greater balance and look forward to seeing a comment or two on my posts.
Author
Don’t get me wrong, I do not intend to stop commenting on other people’s blogs. I just spent a lot of time, thanking people for linking up and responding with a thank you type comment to comments on my own blog. This is not really adding value for anyone. I am still so grateful, but just need to carve out a tiny bit more time for my family x
Sounds like like a very sensible plan. You don’t want to forget why you started blogging in the first place because you are too bogged down in the other stuff. I only have a small blog but I spend so much more time reading and commenting and replying to comments than I do actually writing! You are doing an amazing job, your blog is great.
I think this is a sensible thing to do, otherwise you’ll burn out! And I also like that you say you are not lucky, and have worked hard for what you get. My friends who don’t ‘get’ blogging are always saying how lucky I am to get all the ‘freebies’ but they don’t see what goes into it all behind the scenes!
I am with you on this one… the “you’re so lucky” thing always makes me a bit cross, and I have to fight the urge to say that it’s actually been four years of me building a brand and an influence in the community, and working very hard to do it that has got me good opportunities.
It definitely seems like you do need to find some more balance between work life and family life (who doesn’t). I’ve always tried to live by the mantra “Live first, blog second” and I think putting my life and family time ahead of my blog has actually paid off in making my blog better because we end up with more fun content to share. I hope you can find the balance that works right for you. x
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Thank you lovely Lucy, it is so difficult isn’t it, but I am going to try to find something that works for us xx
Aby you are such an amazing blogger and I am totally in awe of you. I can see how hard you work on your blog and you thoroughly deserve all your success.
But you and your family also deserve more time and your changes are totally understandable x
Author
Ah that is so kind, really appreciate your comment honey x
aww bless you hun i can imagine all those hours you put in are taking there toll on you now you’ve done so bloody brilliant it shows just how hard you work and you are one of the most supportive bloggers i know lots of love and heres to an early night!! xx
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Thanks so much my lovely xx
Aww Aby, of course you need to find more time for you. I know your blog is your job but life must come first. I wont love you any less if you don’t thank me for every RT or comment and neither will anyone else. Your blog is fab and that is why everyone will stick with you xx
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mwahhhhh xxx
Aby, I am so proud of you for writing this. You work so amazingly hard and your blog is amazing as a result. But, you are right, you need a balance and break. Your health, mental, physical and emotional, is the most important thing. Look after yourself beautiful. Your friends (and I include myself as one of them) will support you in whatever you do. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
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I am so grateful for your support xxxx
Oh love, you will never truly know how glad I am to read this post. You put so many hours into your blog that I’ve been concerned one day you will just pack it all in because you’ve burned out.
Hopefully making some little changes will give you time to get out and enjoy your family. Even if they are things you never write about. Cutting out the unnecessary comments and spending the time while baby is at preschool wisely means that you will have more quality time together while baby is at home which in turn will give you more things to write about, so win win all round!
Take care of yourself love and enjoy your Saturday nights xxx
Author
Aww thank you so much Katie, I appreciate your support xxx
Gosh Aby I don’t know how you do it! It’s takes real dedication to build a blog the way you have and I think all of us can see the sheer amount of hard work you have put into this! I would love to see you get some work life balance though lovely, sadly you have a job with no set working hours but maybe you should give yourself a night off each week, even if it’s just a few hours watching a film with hubby! I honestly can say I don’t get offending if someone doesn’t reply to a tweet/comment etc, we all lead busy lives! You’ve done a fantastic job Aby but I hope you find some time for you too xx
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I really appreciate that honey, thanks so much xxx
Oh *hugs* I never knew just how much pressure you get put under hon. You need to do what is best for you and your family honey, try not to worry so much about your followers the true ones will totally understand and stick with you! I know I myself struggle to find time and get in a right state and my blog is no where near as successful as yours.xx
Very honest and truthful post Aby. Blogging can seem a bit ‘glamorous’ but as you say it takes super hard-work; often into the evenings and taking up every spare minute. You’ve achieved so much and it is commendable but you have to also take breaks. If you went out to a 9-5 job you would have most evenings and weekends off! I don’t think you need to be everywhere all the time, just focus on the important things and the things you love and work for that. Jess xxxxxx
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Thank you gorgeous Jess xxxxxx
Yey! I’m so pleased you are taking this pressure off yourself and booking in a night off once a week. You not only need it, you deserve it! You are so helpful to everyone, myself included, we’ll love you regardless!
Next step 2 days off like a regular 9-5er, not sure that exists for us though.
Big hugs
xxxx
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Thanks lovely lady xxx
This is a great post Abby, for many reasons. I love that you point out that it’s not ‘luck’ but sheer hard work that’s got you where you are. I honestly believe that all bloggers reach this point eventually, some quicker than others. I’ve never been a ‘post every day’ blogger but even I cut down. I don’t always respond to all the comments, or visit every blog that visits mine – there simply aren’t enough hours in the day! Remember my post about finding a blog/life balance? Now’s the time to find yours, that will be unique to you. As you say, you will never regret spending more time with your daughter but you might just regret the times you miss out on seeing her grow up. Best of luck x
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Thanks so much Suzanne, I really appreciate your words xx
The hard work that you put in is plain to see but everyone needs a bit of time to themselves. So honestly written. I for one wouldnt have gone self hosted if it wasnt for your help. I know everyone will stick with you 🙂
With you every step of the way lovely lady, I think this is absolutely the right thing for you and your wonderful family xxxxxx
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Thank you darling xxxx
Aw Aby, honestly huni something has got to give I really and truly don’t know how you do it all, believe me I have tried to put more hours in but it really does feel unobtainable. Your blog is fabulous and your support across social media is felt and appreciated by all. No one will mind if you don’t respond to every single comment or thank them personally-we are all busy mums and dads who understand. Love this post and promise you, you are doing the right thing by having a little bit of down time there are only so many hours in the day darling. Love you loads xxxx
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Love you my gorgeous friend xxxx
I totally understand the pressure part. I work from home and blog and have four children. I do everything at home and I don’t have any time off from any of those responsibilities. I manage this by scheduling time for just about everything. Sounds OTT but it works, so I still have time with my partner etc. I use time creatively so things don’t become out of control. Life is busy and I am on the go all the time, I go to bed late and wake up early and I would always like more hours in the day. You just have to find your balance and also be prepared to change that if things aren’t working, which it sounds like you are doing. 🙂 Take care xxxx #sharewithme
Sounds like a very wise move to me. I hope you enjoy your nights off and can find more balance and enjoy family life a bit more.
You’ve work hard for over a year now… you deserve one night off a week…and as you said above something’s got to give and family does indeed come first. 🙂 Angelaxx
This sounds like a sensible start to me, You are doing amazingly well with your blog but you also need and deserve a work life balance. I Know it’s hard when it’s something you love. I don’t always reply to comments but I just don’t have time and also don’t expect anyone to reply to any comments I make. You’re doing great Aby ! Xxx
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Thank you my darling xxx
Aby, you know I am a huge fan. I have learnt so much about blogging from you. You are one of the most honest, sincere and helpful bloggers I know.
Family life is a major balancing act. But just when you think you have found your center something changes and you have to readjust and change to find that balance again.
It is obvious from your blog how many hours you put in. I too love blogging and put myself under too much pressure, so I understand where you are coming from. Remember you have a loyal following. Most of which ‘m guessing are parents, and if there’s one thing all parents understand it’s the pressure of time.
Whatever balance you find we will all still be here reading.
Virtual hugs
xxx
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That is such a lovely comment, and I am truly grateful xxx
I think the fact that you have carried on with all of this (and so little sleep) for so long is amazing. I think everyone will understand, and I totally agree with your reasoning, my blog and number of comments are tiny and I still feel like I don’t have time to reply to every comment so I honestly don’t know how you do it. There really aren’t enough hours in the day.
You can see that heart and soul you put in to your blog and that is always going to shine through and you can see how much support and advice you offer through your blogging club and on social media and that is vital too.
I don’t think anyone is going to feel neglected if you don’t reply to every single thing!
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You are so lovely x
Honey – what a brave post to write. You are an incredible blogger and the way you ‘look after’ other bloggers too is commendable, I am certainly with yu every step of the way. Thank you for sharing #sharewithme
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Thank you for your lovely comment, xx
Aaah love — I don’t think people realise everything that goes on behind the scenes. I don’t know how you’re maintaining the speed of your blog to be honest. 4-5 posts a week from me is really pushing it — with everything else going on — how you’re managing to post 2-3 times a day is beyond me. Also, you’re so generous with your help and advice to people like me — which is something that I’m so very grateful for. The people saying you’re ‘lucky’ obviously don’t know the half of it xx
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
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Thanks my darling xx
Another great and honest post and reading all of the above comments I know everyone feels the same as I do. You work incredibly hard at your blog and it shows, but you also deserve time for you and your adorable family.
You’ve already helped me out in blogging terms and I found your blog posts particularly helpful – so thank you for that.
You don’t need to worry – we will all still be here supporting you Aby. Sammy x
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I really appreciate that, thank you x
Great post and actually I’ve read a couple like this over the last few of weeks. Even me, with my brand new blog and no intention of it being my job or concerned with really earning money from it, got really tied up thinking about stats and trying to find out how to improve them etc. and it really adds pressure instead of it being an enjoyable sociable thing to do.
I’m glad you’ve decided to spend some more time on yourself and with your family. I really don’t think your stats and your readership will change at all – we love your blog regardless.
Everyone is seeking the elusive work:life balance, pro-bloggers are no different!
Bx
You sound like me around a year ago! Well done for writing this – I am so utterly with you xx
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Ah thank you lovely xx
Very sensible idea. Everyone needs balance. Good luck and I’m sure your family will be glad to have more of your attention ). I’m sure the rankings won’t suddenly drop so don’t worry about it 🙂
I’m still with you!! You totally need to do this – it is no good continuing the way you are as you will end up not liking something you love. I too spend every minute I can responding, commenting, writing, reading, tweeting etc but I also have a full time job!! I can only imagine what it’s like if it is your job. Yes I think you are lucky but I equally know that you work bloody hard. I don’t think luck has got you to where you are, I think you are lucky that you are in the position you are in that has allowed you to end up doing something you adore? Does that make sense? I have no idea if I’ll ever make it successfully as a blogger, I’d like to dream that I can, but alongside my work, it’s blinking hard! Well done for where you’ve got to and long may you finding being the amazing blogger you are 🙂
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mwahhhh xx
Totally understandable! You simply ant do all and be all, so making even those small changes will help you immensely.
I always did wonder how in the world you managed to write at least 3 posts a day, respond to comments, comment on the commenter’s latest blog post, keep up with social media, and SLEEP! I’m almost glad to know that someone else out there is up tip 1-2am regularly and I am not the only crazy one out there sacrificing sleep 😉
In all seriousness, you absolutely deserve to take time for yourself. Even if this is one of your greatest passions, you will start to resent it if you allow it to cause you that amount of stress. When I went on vacation recently, I was worried at first that I needed to post and work work work, but I decided to give myself a few days to unwind and just to what was absolutely necessary. So glad I did!
You’re an inspiration and deserve all of the success that comes your way!
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I will just say thank you xxxx
I am so glad you’ve decided to step back abit. You work so hard but sometimes you have to realise your health and family come first. Enjoy your Saturday nights off xx
It is totally understandable….You need to step back a bit before you work yourself into the ground…..Enjoy the Saturday evenings off x
Last year I felt in a similar place to you. It’s hard but you do have to make changes because everything else suffers. I decided this year I wasn’t going to join in on linky’s. I love them but I found myself worrying about having the right posts up at all times of the day and night. I still comment in peoples posts from linkys if I like the subjects but not joining in has taken the pressure off. I also decided to drop the number of posts I did to just 3x week. I’ve found it a relief to not have to spend all my waking hours glued to my laptop, because I was also missing out on quality time with my son. The biggest change has been just accepting that sometimes I won’t be able to please the immediacy of the PR especially if they want a quality post from me. It takes me time to think about how I want to write things up and no amount of pushing can make me any quicker if the inspiration isn’t there. I no longer blog in the evenings either when my partner is home, tending to write one blog post over so many days of nap hours instead xx
I think you’re doing the right thing, Aby. Obviously you want to devote time to your other “baby” and it’s your livelihood too, but there’s a limit! x
#sharewithme
Wow Aby, I’ve often wondered how you physically do it and now I know! I never for a second think that any blog’s success is just luck but I can see how it may appear that way. You must take care of yourself and I’m sure you won’t lose anyone on the way! Nicki xxx
Aby,
There are few power bloggers that take the time and energy that you do. Not only do you put everything into your blog to make it impeccable – but you are lovely!
And I mean really, truly a lovely person.
You deserve a few nights off per week. You deserve to able to put the tablet down. You should take family time and you should especially spend time with your beautiful baby.
You show baby what it is to be a strong and intelligent woman. One day she’ll be all the more successful because of you.
Have a few glasses of wine woman and chill out!
PS – reply to this and I shall be disappointed.
Author
Ah thank you so much lovely lady…..ooopss! xxxxx
I think it is so great that you have decided to invest in yourself and your family. You’ve worked so hard on this blog and I don’t think any of your loyal readers will ever abandon you. I’m also at home with my son all day. I’m usually up at 4 am to blog until 8 when he wakes, then I try not to look at a screen while I’m with him. It isn’t easy and sometimes I have to finish something up while he watches tv, but I just feel like when he’s 16 and I want his attention I wouldn’t want him to be more into his phone. Working from home with kids in the house is very guilt inducing (at least for me!), so I say more power to you.My Real Mom Street Style linkup gets between 40 and 90 mom style links per week, and I also comment and tweet everyone when I can….and if I can’t I just don’t. I’ve found that just like me all other bloggers are balancing and most get it.
I think so many bloggers go through this, and especially if they’ve got the professional/job pressure of it as well. Sounds like you’re doing just the right thing.
It is amazing how many people think it’s just down to luck, but they don’t realise the extra work it takes to actually get read and build up the network to then get the opportunities and deliver. I work full time, and blog in the evenings, but I need to cut down. I have Rescue Time chrome extension and it’s telling me I do another 35 hours a week on effectively blogging, social media and associated things. That’s madness, (and is why I’m overweight because I stay up too late and then can’t get up and exercise).
Hope you manage to find your balance.
Everyone deserves some time off! You don’t want to wake up one day and realise you’re little girl is 18 and you’ve missed her growing up! I love your blog and will definitely be sticking with you!
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
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Thanks for your lovely comment, I am glad you love my blog x
You are a classic workaholic! But I am glad you are going to try to balance work and life. Although it is harder when your work is your life! You definitely need to do a no-tech Sunday lol! On a serious note. Thanks for sharing this post. It shows how much work really goes into writing a blog for a living. Xxx
I definitely think you’re making the right decision. I concluded a while ago that interaction just for the sake of it just wasn’t a good use of my time – I feel guilty sometimes for not doing more, but it does mean that whenever I do comment/reply to comments/interact on social media it’s because I genuinely feel I have something to stay! My blog is only a small part of what I do, but I can see how it could totally take over if I let it. I’ve really enjoyed watching yours grow – you are doing amazing things, and working so hard. Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in the process! X
Certainly not, you have worked for all your success and as a part-time blogger I really appreciate all the time you put into your blog. I attempt to do more but struggle balancing it with looking after my little one. You must work very long hours! #brilliantblogposts
Hey lovely Aby, you may remember I’ve wagged my finger gently at you before. Your blog is fabulous, you are fabulous, and you’ve worked really bloody hard for everything you have achieved. The kind of schedule you have really isn’t sustainable, and I’m glad you’ve recognised that. Rankings are important, but they are really not the be all and end all – they are not necessarily an indicator of quality or popularity due to the complexities of the metrics that go in to it. Go and spend some time with your beautiful Baby. Oh, and your hubby 😉 We’ll all still be here xxx
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I remember your finger wagging my darling. I know, I have twisted sense of success and failure and put way too much pressure on myself. Thank you lovely lady xxx
I was thinking of you some time ago as I almost read a book (i have to stop as I dont have time) entitled I dont know how she does it. I think its also a movie. I was just thinking I am trying to up my rankings and I am so tired already and how does the members of tots100 do it?
I am so grateful for your RT and comments. Not a lot of people comment back and you are a gem. But I would understand if you dont now cuz I now know why. Have more fun with your little wee girl as she is so precious.
#sharewithme
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I will always rt things and comment if there is a value in my comment, but I am wasting lots of time saying things which don’t help anyone. x
Blogging is tricky because it is so many things rolled into one: a creative outlet, a hobby, social and a money maker. It sounds like you have a great plan for moving forward in a way that works better for you. Best of luck – as your own boss I think you have been working yourself too hard. Time to demand a work/life balance 😉
Wow – how on earth have to kept on going on that little sleep? Something has to give or you’re going to get poorly. I think you’re are tying to take a sensible and balanced approach. I don’t think anyone would blame you if you reduce the amount of posts too, but this is of course your decision. Your blog’s success is a testament to your commitment x
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Thanks my love. I have sponsored posts and other brand work that increase my number of posts 🙂 Thanks you are so kind x
Woah! You DO need to take a break. Much as I love your blog and am super impressed by what you do nothing is worth what you describe. It’s like you’re working harder than people in stressful full time jobs. If i was coming home from work at 1am and never seeing my family I think I’d be questioning what I was doing too. Live life. Don’t live it online. 🙂
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It is hard when you need to make a living, but hopefully I will find a balance. It already feels better x
Well done Aby! I’ve often wondered how you manage to do it all, and this was what I suspected. I sometimes get myself into a bad place because of blogging, and I’m not even making money yet!
I had to ease off with the social media, as it created a buzz in my head constantly thinking ‘I could post this!’ or ‘I need to interact more!’. Me reaching for the phone all the time affected my time with my son. It’s the last thing I want as I stopped working to be with him.
I am proud of you for taking the decision you did and writing such an honest post. Well done lovely xx
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That is such a nice comment, thank you lovely xx
As I sit here reading your post a midnight, I’ve been guilty of thinking other successful bloggers such as yourself have it all down to a fine art. So, thank you Aby, for being honest and open. Because I have experienced everything you have mentioned. I’m just glad I’m not alone. But good on your for taking some time for yourself. You NEED to. I barely blogged while I was away and it felt good xx
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You are definitely NOT alone 🙂 Thanks huni xx
I’ve been through this many a time before Aby, beleive me, and although I still struggle with a work life balance, I have managed to find one and I only post content when I want too- using my blog and the content I do post as a way of getting other work. It’s hard and I can fully sympathise because I live, sleep and breath my blog as well- but you don’t want to look back in years to come and realise that you missed parts of Baby’s early years. Please be kind to yourself. People will still love you and your blog if you take a night off or don’t post every day- I can promise you that from someone who used to do the same and now doesn’t. Xx
Great advice Katie 🙂
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Thank you so much Katie for your comment. It really means a lot, I think I just need the confidence to let go a little bit. Lots of love xx
I’ve read three posts this morning saying similar things. If the blog/life balance is out of whack then something needs to give. No-one will hold it against you for doing those things my lovely. Best of luck with getting the balance you need xx
You are a wonderful blogger, who clearly works very hard on something she LOVES, and I can relate to that! But your mental wellbeing and your family are more important, and if that means taking a step back on certain things, then so be it. We all need to find that work/life balance, and it’s increasingly difficult in a 24/7 world, without a moment, it seems, to breathe.
People love your blog because of the great content you write, and if you can’t respond to every single comment, tweet etc, then I doubt you’ll lose your following, or rankings!
I know what it’s like to work all the hours that god sends, and never stopping to think, and it really does grind you down. Some people think blogging is all about luck and not much else, but it really takes a lot of hard work and dedication!
love you girl, you’re awesome xx
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I love you Michelle xxx
Oh Aby, I was seriously wondering how you do it! It’s obvious how hard you work all the time, I was shocked when you responded on holiday in Cornwall and deliberately stopped commenting to stop you responding (still read the posts though). Of course you have to have some time lovely, nobody worth bothering about will mind at all. Make the most of Baby while you can. Take care lovely lady xxx
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AH you are so lovely, I really appreciate your support xxx
Absolutely Aby. You cannot possibly keep up that pace. If there are things that aren’t adding value, quit them. It is the right thing to do. Keeping your sanity is so important as is finding balance, I know this only too well myself. Your supporters (so many of us) will understand completely. So take a deep breath and smile, knowing you have done the right thing and we all support you. No need for guilt. X
I am the exact same Aby and I felt like I was reading my own post that I have wanted to write for weeks now too. the commenting is killing me too. I spend the better part of two hours just replying to every comment on my blog and hadn’t even done the share with me link ups yet last night. I find myself taking up all night trying to do my blog and eat and breathe it all and emails because I have two toddlers on my hands during the day everyday and I know it sounds awful but can’t wait tills september and B starts school to help ease the load as I am driving myself to the ground too. I feel the same as you in this. I used to post two a day and now it’s just once a day and even that is alot and I am slowly getting more choosy about it all and what I want to share. But as my job is constantly giving me things I have to put up I want it still to be a document of our life in between all that so its’ hard to find a balance between it all. Baby is only little once don’t look back and wish time back take more time for yourself all your blog loyal followers will still love you. 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
It is clear to see how much time and energy you out in to your blog. Your blog is fantastic and I really don’t think you will lose any followers etc. I really hope you can find a better balance.
Xxx
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Ah thank you honey xx
Definitely necessary! Your readers won’t abandon you if you take a night off 😉
I always love reading your blog and have lots of respect for you but I want you to be happy and enjoy these precious moments with your daughter. I know there is pressure to keep up a level of blogging because this is your “job” but I hope you can find a good balance. Xxxx
Why would any one think it was luck to get where you are, what an insult. I’m sure there are elements of luck through anyone’s working life, but to assume luck for being where you are is so, so wrong.
Aw I genuinely agree and think you do a fantastic job and sometimes in life things have to give. I’ve been there before and had to cut back on somethings to make other things work so I totally appreciate your position and you’re so very giving.
Very little in life comes through luck – there is always a reason, a sadness in circumstances perhaps or extremely hard work, a different choice. None of it is luck. The people who really value and support you will be there no matter what X
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Such a lovely comment, thank you so much x
I think you are doing the right thing. I could never put in the amount of hours you do and I am in awe of how dedicated you are, but it does sound like it has taken over your life and you need to take a step back.
I think stopping replying to comments when your response is just ‘thanks for stopping by’ is a sensible move. Sometimes as grateful as I am for a comment I have absolutely nothing to say in response other than thanks, and with the amount of comments you get I can see that it would add up.
One thing I would say is be careful that you don’t start only replying to your friends or established bloggers. I have noticed recently that it seems to be quite common on some big blogs for unknowns to get ignored and one thing I always liked about your blog is that you take the time to acknowledge people, no matter the size of their following.
Keep up the good work, and enjoy your Saturday nights. xxx
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Thanks huni. I plan to respond to all (whoever they are) that I feel needs a response. I hope I get it right xxx
Good on you, you need time for you and for your family xx
You have written this perfectly. You need time for you and your family. You will find the balance. I am still trying to find my balance of parenting, working from home and blogging. Here is to Saturdays nights!! #ShareWithMe xx
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So dofficult isn’t it to find a balance xx
I will stick with you love, 100% xxxx
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You have no choice! 😉 xxx
You’re not getting rid of me! 🙂 xxx P.S If it helps, I feel very similar. Blogging can and often does take over our lives, so if you do need to readdress the balance, then you do whatever you have to do lady. I’ll be with you all the way. xxx
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Thank you gorgeous lady, I really appreciate your support xxx
Oh Aby I’m so glad you’ve come to this realisation! Like you I totally LOVE my blog and blogging, and I do get up at silly-o’clock to write while the little people are still asleep, but I realised some time ago that I’m actually a better blogger for taking some time off. It’s hard when blogging is our career and we have client commitments but as you say there has to be a balance and time with our little ones is so short. I hope you find the balance you’re looking for – no-one will think any less of you for living your life xx
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Thanks huni, It is so hard to find a way that works for you and ticks all the boxes. I will get there xx
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Thanks lovely, it is always such a struggle isn’t it. One day I will find a balance that works xx
Great decision honey! Every time I think about you, I am admirative. You share so many amazing tips and write tons of useful posts, but I also think that posting 2-3 times a day is pure madness, and have no idea how you’ve managed to do that until now. Look after yourself, enjoy your gorgeous little girl and your hubby, with no screen, no stress. Well done for making the decision to have Saturdays off. Xxx
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Thanks lovely lady. I am a bit bonkers, but I do have a lot of reviews/sps etc to get up so if I add in my own content it comes to 2-3 times a day xx
Dearest Aby, what a beautiful post, I feel and relate to all you say, albeit I am no where near as ‘big’ a blogger as you. So I imagine the pressure must be super intense. YOU are what keeps everyone supporting you, because you’re so fab. And so honest. Look after yourself lovely. Kaz x x
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Ah thank you so much for your lovely comment Kaz, it means a lot xx
Well I just don’t know how you do it and I think you’re amazing! I only post once a week and can barely keep on top of that.
Your schedule is very much like mine as a musician….If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. I could never book a holiday or plan a weekend in advance as my husband and i never knew if lucrative work would come in. But after having kids, I drew a line in the sand and said ‘enough!’. And I chose my life over waiting for gigs. I booked holidays and missed out on doing the ‘Rule The World’ video with Take That (gutted) and a massive George Michael tour. But it’s ok…because my family mean more and there will always be other opportunities.
It’s possible to have it all . I’m still trying to find the right balance and juggle it all. But I always make sure I have days off….or else my head would explode!
Your blog is ace. Have a (mini) break, have kitkat…and a nice glass of Prosecco!!xx
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Oh huni, thanks so much for your lovely comment. It is great that you have such a fab attitude to the stuff you missed out on. Your blog is amazing too lovely and you are doing so well xx
I think you’re making the right decision and something really does have to give. Like you I find it hard to switch off and am often emailing on my phone but I hardly respond to comments unless there’s a real reason to – and I don’t run linkies so hats off to you! Whilst we were at Bluestone last week I spent time replying to emails and doing blog admin each day but limited myself to that – an hour or so maximum. It will be the same at Center Parcs next week – I can’t switch off completely as I’d have a huge mountain to climb afterwards. Sending love, I totally know where you’re coming from x
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Thanks lovely, I think we are quite similar my love, workaholics! 🙂 xx
You’re FANTASTIC! 😀
…Just wanted to say that.
And beyond belief you drum home the point that no blogger should be sat there feeling sorry for themselves that the opportunities just ‘aren’t there’! They ARE there, and you DO have to WORK for them! Nobody’s (or let’s at most say, very very few are) riding some kind of free wave landing them on all the best beaches!
You get what you put in; and with ENDLESS amounts of ‘things’ to do, you certainly need to invest those efforts and that time wisely.
Please, please stick to your plan of having a night off hun x
It’s SO important to find some balance; and you don’t want to look back on any of this, at any point and regret any of it. Find that balance… It’s for you, for your daughter, for your husband …For YOU (again) 😉
You’re an inspiration!
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Oh honey I don’t know about that but I really appreciate your support and your lovely comment. xx