Taking an entire month off from blogging after doing it nearly every day for four years was not easy. But, the reasons it was so difficult were the exact reasons why I knew I needed the break.
I’ve made it no secret that I can sometimes have a love/hate relationship with blogging (I’ve addressed it before here and here), and I think a lot of that can be applied to social media as well (hellooo comparison trap). So I guess you could say this post and my break as a whole is just another step for me to see blogging and social media for what it actually is - helpful? harmful? both?
Anyway, on to it. Here are some of the things I learned from taking a month off from blogging.
Blogging is my creative outlet.
That’s what keeps me going with GML. I may not be an artist or a musician, but this little platform on the interwebs where I can babble on and on – I’m so thankful for it.
I love and crave the interaction with others.
That’s my other favorite thing about GML – I’m able to reach and interact with people I would never be able to otherwise. HI GUYS, LOVE YOU.
I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to my phone.
Yep, I’m admitting it. This is more related to social media/technology than blogging, but it’s something I really noticed over the past month. I can successfully turn off my phone for days here and there, but it’s something I still want to master completely.
Blogging/social media brings out the (narcissistic?) people pleaser in me.
Eeeeeek, the not-so-pretty side of blogging. This seems to be a bit of a epidemic among bloggers (and potentially anyone that uses social media, really) but I can only speak for myself. It’s difficult to NOT engage in some sort of people pleasing when you know that there are eyes on you, so I make it a point to consciously a) choose my words wisely and b) CHECK MYSELF often. Here’s an interesting article on this topic, if you’re interested.
Experiences can be just as fulfilling – if not more – when not documented.
I’m pretty sure we all know that.
“Blog life” is not real life.
Hate to break it to ya…what you see here in GML is only part of the story. Of course I enjoy being open and transparent here and there, but my relationships and personal wellbeing comes before that. I can make my life look as “perfect” as I want here on GML, but it’s all worthless if I’m not truly happy with my REAL life.
I want to be a more responsible blogger.
Pardon the short rant, but I’m starting to get fed up with some of the crap bloggers put out there on the Internet and then use an excuse like “well it’s MY blog” or simply not explaining themselves when their readers bring up constructive criticism. Don’t get me wrong – I know that getting criticized can suck. But when I receive it, I like to think I responsibility consider it and respond accordingly (sometimes admitting that I am indeed in the wrong). That’s part of the job description, people!
…but I also want blogging to be more of a hobby than a “career.”
With that being said, I’m not trying to be the next Man Repeller or Pioneer Woman. I’m just not. Of course I’d love GML to grow and everything, but I’m not about to quit my day job(s) and start blogging full time. I guess the reason I’m sharing this point is because I want you to know that maintaining a sense of realness here on GML is important to me…mostly because I think that’s becoming more and more of a rarity in the blog world.
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If you’re a blogger, can you relate to this?
As a blog reader, what do you enjoy most about reading blogs?
Welcome back, Gracie! You were missed! I’m glad that your blogging break was refreshing for you though. One of the reasons why I love reading your blog so much is that you keep your posts truthful, even when uncomfortable, and you keep them relatable.
Thanks for that, Stacie. it really means a lot!
This is so great to read. I definitely relate- especially to the people pleasing part!
Love this, Gracie!
Thanks for always being yourself girl, that’s why we love you!
Glad you’re back!!
Xx
Andrea
Thanks girl! Hope all is well!! xoxo
Glad you’re back Gracie! Nothing wrong with a little summer vacation!
D
http://www.naturallyginger.com
I completely agree that bloggers need to be responsible and open to both positive and negative comments. That is part of blogging and it should be a conversation - that’s part of the fun…at least for me.
Couldn’t agree more!
Hi Gracie! So glad you’re back!
My favorite posts are actually these kind of posts…like, the life lessons and what I’ve learned/anything about New York because I love suggestions, haha. xx
wooo thanks Melanie! these are my favorite posts to WRITE so I’m glad you like ’em too 😉
Hey there! I really enjoyed reading this post. I just started my own blog and posts like this that show honesty and lessons learned are my favorite to read! I especially liked the thought about being a responsible blogger, I hope to be one! Have a wonderful day, glad you are back!
Thanks Britlyn! Best of luck with your blog, checking it out now
great post. welcome back!
As someone who has fairly recently come back from a long blogging hiatus, I totally get it! Sometimes actually living life needs to take more precedence. Also, I’m with you on showing more honesty. I think it’s so easy to look like bloggers (and anyone on social media for that matter) live these perfect lives, but of course only we know that’s not true! So glad to have you back and looking forward to new posts!
I can totally relate. I kind of wish I could just take a little social media break (but that’s my day job, haha)
That last quote is my favorite!
haha yeah, I do social media for brands too so I couldn’t completely take a break 😉 just the time off from blogging made a huge difference, though!
Missed you!!!!! This was such an amazing post and I totally agree that taking breaks from blogging/social media help remind me of what truly matters - relationships (in real life - but some stemmed from amazing online friends/bloggers/etc.) and “real life” life.
xo!
Love this! I wrote about on my blog after a blogging conference some realizations that it’s not real life and that I too want it to be a hobby.
Soooo happy youre back!!!!!
This is so spot on. Can’t wait to read more!
Go, girl.
So happy to have you back Gracie! I’m glad you had time to reflect on your blogging life. I truly enjoy your blog are because you are so relatable, you give amazing reviews and recommendations in the city and your refreshing honesty on topics. Blog on girl!
Thanks for the encouragement, Ana! xoxo
Me too, I missed your posts even though I so understand. I, too, love being away from my phone. But I miss reading your life in New York, from the great food and friends to all the awesome places you get too =)
I love the last point! That’s precisely how I feel, too.