I’ve been a bit AWOL the last couple of weeks, from blogs
and blogging, and I apologise to my readers - I have a
number of longer posts I’m still working on and cogitating over, but they’re
not there yet - and to those bloggers I normally read - I will try to catch up on my comments, though it might take a while.
Since I started blogging in 2006 (coming up on my ten years in a month or so), I’ve taken a break from blogging every single year, when I’ve taken a trip or holiday. (Note: I also took blogging breaks when I travelled to care for my mother, and although that used to be fun, it became increasingly stressful and emotional the last year or two leading up to her death this year, so I don’t think that these counted as a blogging break). This year, a particularly stressful and emotional year that’s not over yet but has already been (probably) the second worst year of my life, I haven’t had any breaks (apart from my ankle/knee, boom boom!*), so when some other things required my attention, I didn’t feel guilty (okay, maybe a little, hence this post) about turning away from blogging or commenting for a few weeks.
Since I started blogging in 2006 (coming up on my ten years in a month or so), I’ve taken a break from blogging every single year, when I’ve taken a trip or holiday. (Note: I also took blogging breaks when I travelled to care for my mother, and although that used to be fun, it became increasingly stressful and emotional the last year or two leading up to her death this year, so I don’t think that these counted as a blogging break). This year, a particularly stressful and emotional year that’s not over yet but has already been (probably) the second worst year of my life, I haven’t had any breaks (apart from my ankle/knee, boom boom!*), so when some other things required my attention, I didn’t feel guilty (okay, maybe a little, hence this post) about turning away from blogging or commenting for a few weeks.
In some ways the freedom from the self-imposed pressure to blog – other than Microblog Mondays, of course - has been a refreshing mental break. I stepped away from thinking of myself as a woman without children for the purpose of blogging, even in last week's rant about the the status of women in general. Sometimes, I think I need a break from being No Kidding Mali, and instead just need to be me.
Although I know that's not a bad thing, I think I'll be ready to resume normal programming again soon.
(* Tell me in the comments if you get the reference)
dear Mali,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the need to have a break. I have been blogging for almost five years. And in the last few weeks I feel more and more frequently that I don't like the self-imposed pressure to blog.
So, I decided that I will blog only when I feel like blogging. Otherwise I won't.
Take care of yourself.
Wishing you all the best.
xoxo
I too have been taking a bit of a break from blogging. I write my morning pages every day, but I don't seem to be inspired to write an actual post. And that'a okay. I think if blogging feels like a chore, we should rethink why we're doing it.
ReplyDeleteI totally get needing time away from "No Kidding Mali." I understand that she will always be a massive part of who you are, but that doesn't mean she always has to be front and center.
I'm sorry it's been such a bad year. {{{{HUGS}}}}
We all need breaks. Otherwise what we love turns into a chore and that doesn't spark creativity or insightful thought. I'm glad you also don't feel the. Red to apologize for this. I'm quite guilty of feeling guilty. So I'm learning from you and Klara.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this has been such a hard year. I know you've been processing a lot. I'm thinking of you.
And the "boom-boom" reference: was that you hitting the stairs?
Good one! No, it wasn't, but I like the way you think!
DeleteI am sorry you had to go through such difficult time... I lost my mom two years ago and it was and still is such an enormous loss that doesn't really compare to my other hardships :( I would go through any diffuculties and physical pain many times over if it could only help to keep her on this earth...
ReplyDeleteI also understand the need to be 'just me' as I am going through a similar process right now. I discovered that I am more interested in blogs that show the whole person, with ups and downs, weaknesses and strengths, victories and failures, because infertility changes us but it doesn't define us. I hope you catch a break from tough times and take care of yourself.
I'm terrible with references.. (there's an old song with the words boom boom at the end of the line, but I can't recall anything but a vague shred of it. Not enough to know if that could be it)
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then I go to the library telling myself I should really read the "world literature" or book prize winners. But stranded in the very first Salman rus.hdie I tried.
So, um.
hugs and greetings
Valery -- is it Walk the Dinosaur by Was (Not Was)? Or the French song, Boum?
ReplyDeleteIt's important to not only know what you need but have the brilliance to act on it. Hope it has been a recharging break.
I feel like there's some song with Boom-Boom in it (not the 80s "let's go back to my room" one) but I can't remember the words! I think a break is lovely, especially if it allows you to just be...you. Not childfree you, not fearless advocate you, but just the you that lives life. I hope the break is restorative and helps heal you from this hard year.
ReplyDeleteClueless on the reference :)
ReplyDeleteCompletely understand taking a break. It's a lot of work to keep up with blogging and sometimes it's nice to step away from it all.
I can understand the need for a break. I'm sorry it has been a difficult year. We will be heading into the holidays and that can be very difficult with loss and grief. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteSometimes blogging can become like a chore and life gets in the way, so taking a break is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've had an emotional and stressful year. I hope things turn around as soon as possible. Write whenever you want to and don't write when you don't want to. You've already been an amazing support for a lot of people over the years. I still go back and reread a lot of your posts. Thank you very much and thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry this has been such a trying year...I send many more hugs and cheerleading rah rahs your way.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about blogging too...as of late my posts have been these strange ramblings of floating thoughts more than complete ideas...
A break is important, and needed and nothing to apologize for.
this is your space, you make the rules and if there are no rules that is the rule.
I am sorry you're having a rough year. I know how a parent's death can take the wind out of one's sails. And given everything else, a break is understandable.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts.
I find my blogging mojo tends to ebb & flow... no need to apologize for taking a break now & then. Although we do miss you! ;)
ReplyDeleteLike dublinerinDeutchschland and yourself, I cautiously dial back when blogging and the online world feels like it's driving my schedule or feeling too demanding. Wish I could sit with you and offer up a glass of wine in person. Sounds like some unwinding is in order. Do take care of yourself xo
ReplyDelete