Wednesday, July 24, 2013

living life vs. blogging life ...

When I started blogging five years ago, I did it for myself, I did it for my kids, and I did it to have a way to look back at all the little things I am likely to forget over the years.

I have never written for anyone but myself and my girls. When I say "you" in a post, the "you" I envision is the adult version of my children. I hope that they can go back and read all of my ramblings and have a better appreciation of who I am and why I've made the choices I have. And with the exception of, the now very infrequent, giveaways, my writing is merely a reflection of who I am and a snapshot of the happenings of our days.

Now don't get me wrong, all the perks that have come from writing this blog have been fantastic. The friendships and partnerships are rewarding and the experiences have been life changing. But, none of that has been or ever will be more important than why I started writing. And none of that has ever or will ever affect my "voice".

I do not write for money.
I do not write for product.
I do not write so that others can guest post.
For every brand I rave about, there were a 100 that I never even considered mentioning.
This is not a forum. My views are my views and they are the only ones you'll ever see here.

It is true that over the years the content here has evolved. When I started writing, I focused on my training and the antics of my children. At times, I said "NEVER" and have had to eat my words (as in I'll never do another marathon or I'll never understand why people race longer than a sprint triathlon).

All these years later, my training has become less of a focus. Yes, I mention it here and there and it is a HUGE part of our lives, but I no longer need to obsess over it in my writing. I know myself as an athlete, I know what I can do, and I don't need to rehash every detail. It's just not that important to me anymore.

Then there are my children. Some of my favorite posts are about them, whether it be recaps of their hilarious outtakes or words of wisdom I wish to pass on to them. But as they grow older, it has become increasingly challenging to find a balance of what to share and what to hold back. They are aware I post about them and they are equally aware that it may be embarrassing. Someday, they are going to care enough that I have to stop talking about them all together.

And then there is the fact that now that we are out of the toddler years, we are doing a lot more living life and I have less time to blog life. This summer is the perfect example of this. Since school has been out, we've gone to New Jersey and Baltimore and are leaving in two days for Georgia.




We have taken swim lessons in the mornings and hung out with our friends poolside in the afternoons.






There has been drama and laughter ...






We've studied and read and crafted our way through our days.








Once you add in my training, there isn't a lot of time left to rehash all of the epic moments that are sprinkled through our days. So, it's not that I don't have things to say or stories to tell. It's just no longer that important for me to share every little detail of our lives. I would much rather be out living my days than writing about them. Maybe in the future that will change, but for right now, blogging is taking a backseat to life. And I am perfectly okay with that.

13 comments:

Run with Jess said...

:) smile. enjoy life.
I totally get this blog post. perfectly.
I've feel like I've been stuck in the same place this summer. Kids are at Grandma's house for a week now, so I actually feel like I've had time to blog... and read. While I enjoy still blog writing, it's just different than when I started 3 yrs ago...

Unknown said...

I get it... enjoy this time and if you come back to blogging, we will all be here to read! :)

Where in Georgia are you coming??

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

Good for you!! There have been many times (this summer being one of them) that blogging has taken a backseat in my life!
Enjoying life with your kids is more important!!
Blogging will be here when you absolutely have to write... but your kids grow up too fast to make blogging a priority!
I'm happy you guys are having a great summer!! *hugs*

Jen Feeny said...

You are definitely not alone in this feeling. You have a busy life, go enjoy it!

Unknown said...

I love your blog just the way it is. It is real, inspiring, thoughtful and well written. You and a few others are the reason I have started my own blog. To capture the moments of my life that are too soon forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the day to day. I still look forward to your posts as infrequent as they may become.

Kayla said...

I totally understand what you are saying and many times have felt the same way. I too have always written for me, but at times blogging has almost become a chore and at those times I try to take a step back!

Enjoy the rest of your summer with your girls!! Looks like you guys are having a blast! :)

6 Pack Momma said...

Bingo! Well said!

bobbi said...

Yes. Just yes. :)

Unknown said...

I totally get this. I took a break from blogging - and missed it a lot - but there were other things that I had to focus on more (like family and work). Priorities change and it's great that you are seeing what is most important in your life.

Rachel said...

Enjoy life!! You know as much as I do, that training, being a wife and a mother, is a giant juggling act. I will gladly take you healthy and setting that example for your girls vs you blogging about it, but I sure do miss your face on social media!! :)

Penny said...

Ditto. I love reading all the blog I follow, but dont have time to comment as much as I would like. Life journey is going in a different direction. ENJOY!

Elizabeth said...

Ditto. Just had this discussion with Jessica H. today. I just don't have time to write every.single.day. I've got to "live" and make money to live :):) and, I know it may be a short GA trip, but I will come to you if you are anywhere near ATL!! hugs.

Anonymous said...

This post made me tear up a bit! I share your sentiments 100% (although my moments are spent wedding planning, making our new house a home for our future, and prepping to go back to teaching in the fall rather than chasing little one's around all day). You are seriously one of the world's best prioritizes and that is so admirable!