Let me explain.
My ability to post has gone down. This was an essential change. While I still miss blogging and following everyone as much as I did before, the changes in my life really have been for the better. I'm getting more sleep. I'm building up more emotional reserve. I'm less stressed and more productive.
But I still miss blogging. For several years, as my job demanded more and then I moved halfway across the country to a state full of strangers, blogging was my only social life. Away from blogging and the friends I've made here, I feel isolated and lonely.
The less I've blogged, the more I've thought about it. I've worried that I'll lose touch with people, that I'll lose followers.
Which made me start thinking about why I started blogging in the first place.
I started blogging, first as a method to show off the grand kids to the grandparents.
Aw, aren't they cute? Sorry, just has to throw that in there.But it gradually grew. It grew for a place for me to express myself, share, vent, understand, and ultimately connect to amazing people.
Those have been my only motives. I don't blog for money, Google ranking, or followers. My blog is free from advertising. I understand the many women make an income from their blogs. Some have even made a career from it. I think that's amazing. That a media like this can change lives.
But that's not me. That's not this blog.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love every follower I get. I get excited when I see that little number on my dashboard grow. But for me, it's not my goal. Followers are like new friends, not statistics. I will never get a thousand visitors a day. Honestly, I most likely won't even get a hundred. But I know my followers. I know the people who comment. I have relationships with them (albeit in a long distant, Internet, never-actual-met kind of way.)
My plan is to continue doing what I've done for over two years now. Continue to write. Continue to share. In a way that continues to mean something to me. And hopefully, something to you as well.
Well, I am glad things are going better for you. I am glad you will be blogging from time to time.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we just need to get back to the basics to remember why they mean so much to us. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would break my heart if you stopped blogging.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. It's about connections and friendships for me. Not about building my brand or getting a huge following. Which is exactly why I don't advertise either.
I think blogging is such a great way to express yourself - i enjoy the writing aspect of it more than anything. I love my faithful readers, too! Keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteI am the same way. Well, I was...until I got an email requesting me to do a giveaway today. It sounded so fun that I don't think I can resist! Don't judge me!
ReplyDeleteHey, I just thought I'd stop by and say, I love reading your blog! Although I rarely comment, I read every one of your posts! It brings a smile to my face when there is something new to read...
ReplyDeleteWell, you're not getting rid of this follower! I always get excited when I see a post of yours pop up in my google reader, even if there aren't as many as there were before.
ReplyDeleteit is a wonderful way to connect with you and to see pictures of the boys! I love reading your posts. But first things first, making time for the family you have at home always takes top spot, always has, and for that I admire you immensely! HUGS!
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