Reasons To Stop… Reasons To Not…

13 Feb 2018 191 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

I sit here often, thinking of taking a break.

A blogging break.

A real one.

You know, no visiting blogs, writing, reading, interacting… nothing.

Yet I can’t do it.

I think of the reasons to stop, yet there are arguments that voice themselves, making me think I can’t just up and disappear.

Reasons to stop

  • Real life is manic – whose isn’t though, eh!
  • My kids need to see me doing things rather than being on a pc or laptop a lot of the time… am I setting a good example?
  • That WIP isn’t going to get itself finished
  • Certain people think maybe I’m more involved in my online life than reality
  • No one is really going to miss me that much – I am one of millions of bloggers out there, there is plenty to read without my mindless ramblings

Reasons to not

  • I love my blogily
  • Reading and writing feeds my creativity
  • I love to spread positivity
  • I get to switch off from the worries of life and enjoy my time interacting with my friends around the world
  • I feel I can really be ‘me’ on my blog
  • I’m not in the right frame of mind to be writing my WIP at the moment but I don’t want to lose the love of writing
  • I am perfectly capable of switching off when I need to do other things (just!)
  • I enjoy it. This is my one outlet, my one stress reliever. I don’t drink, go out regularly with friends, go to the gym etc, this is my one ‘vice’ so to speak.

I did decide to post less… but I still end up on here at least once a day, taking part in creative prompts, and reading via my reader during the day.

I’m still sharing the odd posts for others, but not as active on my blogging group as I know that took a lot of time out of my days; on an interacting and sharing mission, I was – hands and eyes glued to my phone so I could be a fully active participant. I still do some days, but not every single one.

The long and the short of it is that I can’t let go. And I don’t want to. I have seen a few close blogging friends take that blog break leap, and know that it hasn’t affected their blog or interactions in the long run, but I just can’t!

I think my blog is keeping my sanity, in all honesty! I can rant, I can joke, I can be serious… and I know that y’all got my back!

So I guess you’re stuck with me Peeps!

Have a great Tuesday  – I need to go pack my bags for my road trip to my parents tomorrow!

 

191 Comments (+add yours?)

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  1. joylennick
    Oct 09, 2019 @ 06:54:11

    Don’t ever stop, Ritu – you are an important part of the whole blogging group. I’m now ancient, but writing -in whatever form-will always be a part of me (for good or bad!) and I am drawn to blogging as I love interacting with other writers. I’ve had five mini strokes over a long period, so it’s slowed me up a bit but I still manage to Chair a writing group, write a weekly column for our local newspaper, produce a monthly blog, and am trying….to write my eighth book. You should be proud for being a busy, loving mum and wife AND a teacher – in my umble opinion, the best vocation, alongside nursing. Hugs xx (https://joylennick.wordpress.com/)

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. Tony Burgess
    Apr 01, 2018 @ 18:24:36

    Blogging is like breathing, I can’t stop. Won’t stop.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  3. Anna
    Apr 01, 2018 @ 18:07:14

    Reblogged this on Annas Art – FärgaregårdsAnna and commented:

    Good decision! I think we all have those thoughts now and then, but I always come to the same answer and reasons for continuing. It’s too fun to stop. I talk with so many nice people here in the blogsphere. I think blogging interaction is a world peace project 🙂
    For comments visit original post/Anna

    Liked by 2 people

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  4. thereluctantpoet
    Mar 09, 2018 @ 05:19:00

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:

    Come see if you feel like our Dear Ritu??

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. thereluctantpoet
    Mar 09, 2018 @ 05:17:03

    Ha! Love to read your posts – you make me laugh, My Dear! I really identified with this so much! Not enough hours in the day! Sometimes blogging feels like trying to get a drink from a firehose! I know the truth of what you say because I see your likes on all the writer’s blogs I read too!

    isn’t blogging like breathing? You can moderate it some but you just can’t stop??
    Fantastic post. Schedule your posts in advance? Don’t leave us without you!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Mar 09, 2018 @ 06:44:43

      Chuck – no matter how much I say I may take a break – I just can’t mentally! This blog and community are as much a part of my life as my family!
      I shall be around for a good time to come, fear not!
      Thank you so much for appreciating! 😀

      Like

      Reply

  6. Rida Yumn Ahmed
    Mar 08, 2018 @ 07:39:01

    you have been so amazing and I always look forward to you..please accept my nomination
    https://merakiforever.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/award-ceremony/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Tara Sparling
    Feb 25, 2018 @ 13:02:14

    You really made me pause with your comment on not being in the right frame of mind to write the WIP but not wanting to stop writing! I’m struggling to prioritise at the moment and I think this has really helped 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Hugh's Views and News
    Feb 20, 2018 @ 15:19:58

    As you know, I took a blogging break, Ritu. However, I didn’t stop writing. In fact, I ended up doing more because I wasn’t blogging. Whilst I was not writing and publishing posts, I still kept in touch with my blogging friends by reading and commenting on their posts during the breaks I took from my writing. For me, blogging is all about fun and enjoyment, but I also get that outside of the blogging world. It could be more about finding the best balance for you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Pam Avoledo
    Feb 19, 2018 @ 18:53:03

    I’d miss you! But I can relate regarding breaks. Back when I took my break, I wasn’t posting but I was still writing. It takes my mind off things. Writing, nowadays, so many things; promoting, some tech savvy, etc that’s it draining. Self-care is necessary. Take any time you need.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. jeremy@thirstydaddy
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 16:48:06

    I think we’ve all been there. My solution was to cut back to one post a week most weeks and participate in less linkies. Only so much time in the day unfortunately and I didn’t want to burn myself out

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Masha
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 15:24:45

    You’re really amazing, love your sense of humor. I know that for me sometimes I just need that brake, it’s hard at first, but if I stick to my brake time it gets easier, I don’t go cold turkey like not reading other posts, I just take time off from writing for my blog, not writing in my journal, but just not posting anything. And in the end it always turns out to be just what I needed in order to come back fresh.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Lucy Mitchell
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 12:27:54

    I am currently in week 3 of my blogging break and finding it really hard. Think I was addicted to it. I loved blogging but it took up all of my time and my writing suffered. I have to carry on with my break. It’s not easy to step away. But, you need to if you want to make progress on your WIP.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      Feb 18, 2018 @ 12:31:24

      I should listen to you… but actually the thing is whilst I’m working I’m too tired to write sense so the short blogs keep me going. When I’m rested in the longer holidays I find I’m able to write sense in my WIP… I’d have to rewrite the whole thing otherwise lol!!!

      Like

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  13. LaurenEph
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 10:53:44

    I have certainly thought all of the above as well, I think we all must do at times. You have to do what’s right for you – I don’t do nearly as much as you and appreciate all you do – your writing, sharing, reading and commenting x

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Anindya
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 10:50:05

    Words said very true Ritu…..it’s hard to stay away from blogging….:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. rachaelstray
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 09:27:49

    I think trying to get a balance like you’re doing is good. I love blogging and the blogging community and I think I’d be lost without it all now. I personally love your ramblings and I’m glad you’re here XX

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. drallisonbrown
    Feb 18, 2018 @ 01:08:00

    Not that I am suggesting you take a break, but I know for me, I sometimes panic at the thought of stopping, because I don’t want to have all the progress I have made be for naught, you know? But, then it is almost like an addiction, which isn’t healthy. Interestingly, I just had this very same dilemma! I just hit my 1 year anniversary (of weekly blog posts). That was my inital goal. I decided I need to pull back so that I can finish my book, as well as a few other exciting projects that are eating up my time. I LOVE writing my blog and interacting with all of you. And, I will….just not every week. I have to honor where I feel the Universe is taking me….

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Rae Longest
    Feb 17, 2018 @ 20:59:16

    I took a break from blogging from Thanksgiving 2017 until New Year’s Day 2018. Sort of… What I did was cheat a little. I read a few of my favorite blogs, especially those who frequently include cartoons and reblogged them. I only read about four to six blogs a day and often hit “like” without making a comment. Thus, I satisfied my blogging cravings yet cut waaayyy back on time-consuming activities. I hope this description helps you think out your plans. I found I “returned” renewed and refreshed.

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Unbound Roots
    Feb 17, 2018 @ 19:58:00

    First, you would be missed! Second, I’m a “newish” blogger – 10-months into this journey – and I’m trying to balance my time. Trying to figure out where the sweet spot is. I homeschool my kids, love writing, and I have just picked up my other love of watercolor painting after an 8-year break (kids y’know). When I get into my painting – I can’t think about writing. When I get into my writing – I can’t think about painting. Just the other day my daughter said “Mom, you’re always on your computer or phone.” I don’t want to be that mom, as our kids are little for such a short time. So, I’m still trying to find my balance. I imagine it’s an ever-fluctuating thing I’ll be dealing with. If you ever find the right answer – let me know, please. 🙂 Love this thought-provoking piece of yours, Ritu.

    Liked by 2 people

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  19. angelanoelauthor
    Feb 17, 2018 @ 18:19:47

    I think it’s good to keep perspective and good to pull back. Doing it just to do it is an addiction, yes? Some days I feel like that–like am I truly engaged or going through the motions? There’s a great line in a movie and I can’t remember which one, but it’s something like, “I’d rather have ten minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Maybe that’s true of blogging too. Make the ten minutes of wonderful really count.

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Trudy
    Feb 17, 2018 @ 17:46:43

    I agree with Susie, blogging daily is too much pressure for me. I take breaks whenever I need them, it isn’t usually a planned thing. If I feel run down, I take a break because I know nothing will come of forcing it.

    Liked by 2 people

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  21. susielindau
    Feb 17, 2018 @ 15:41:44

    Sounds like you talked yourself out of a break! I could never blog daily. Once or twice a week is enough for me!

    Liked by 3 people

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