Monday, January 21, 2013

This Is Not Goodbye...

So, I have returned, sort of. What was supposed to be a two week break to celebrate the holidays with my family morphed into a hiatus with no clear cut end in sight.

It’s not that I don’t love writing because I truly do. It’s just that I found I had run out of things to write about that pleased me. And that’s scary. I never have experienced such a “writer’s block” in all of my years of writing, but there is always a first for everything.

I thought about quietly walking away from Chief 187™Chatter, but some of my loyal readers called me out on that. And I really don’t want to walk away. I love this site and I adore my body of work I have created. But creating out of habit or, even worse, pressure, was depressing me.

Life is a work in progress. Change is inevitable. The only constant is Change.

And my life is constantly changing as I have children in the house.

My ten year old and six year old sons are involved in many extra-curricular activities that keep us out of the house every single week night. My daughter, at three, has completely abandoned her nap and requires ever more time and attention from me.

These read like excuses, but I cannot help it. I am blessed with a daily life and schedule that keeps me fully engaged in the here and now and leaves me little motivation to put “pen to paper”.

I’m not quitting, but I am cutting back. I’m not even sure what that means. It could be 3-4 blogs per week or it could be just one. Each week will be different but I have to be okay with that.

I know writing is vitally important to my well-being. I will always write. But I must let inspiration wash over me. I have to allow myself time to live my life so I can feel compelled to write about it in a natural – not forced – way.

It is not without much thought that I write these words. I have prided myself so much on writing daily (save weekends) for two years and five months with NO TIME OFF.

But this isn’t a “job”, it is a blog. It is my blog. And for it to continue to have integrity I must give myself a break.

Simple Joys will surface as often as possible as it continues to bring a fresh perspective and positive glow to my life.

I may begin a “Thankful Thursday” post that shines a light on my gratitude.

Media and Music blogs will be revisited over time, but not on a weekly basis.

Tantalizing Thursday will be retooled and published only when I am pleased with a recipe that has worked for me and my family.

I realize, sadly, that I may lose my wonderful and loyal readership when I alter the formula I had used for these last several years, but I must plod forward.

My hope is we can continue to meet here at Chief 187™Chatter to exchange ideas, spread a positive message, and strengthen our bond.

Again, I am not quitting, I’m simply changing my writing schedule to better suit my family and my needs.

My aim is to put out even better work on a time-table that compliments my life.

Thank you for visiting the site, reading my words, and offering your support. I do so hope you continue to check in on the site regularly and watch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google + for when I publish new works.

Until we meet again… Peace.

8 comments:

  1. Way to go Chief, I'm sure most of us will be here when you come back, I know I will.

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  2. I have always been amazed at how much you can write with such a busy life. Take time for you and your family. Once a month or once a week...there will always be followers looking for your next post.

    All the best!
    Gayle

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  3. I know the feeling of running out of things to write about! I was writing 3 to 4 times a week however it's more like 2 to 3 now. And sometimes, I am completely blank! So I hear you...good luck with the new schedule!

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  4. I'm one of your faithful blog stalkers. :) I love what you share, but at the same time, I completely understand. There is more to life than the keyboard. I learned that one recently myself. If we don't unplug once in a while, we will not have anything to write about. Our busy-ness should never exclude our families and friends. I don't think you have much to worry about in the losing of followers. I've changed several times and still retained my following. ~ Butterfly Phoenix

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  5. I am overwhelmed and so touched by all of your gracious comments and generosity of spirit toward me and my writings. I'm already itching to write again just so I can stay connected to y'all and my own thoughts!

    Thank you for this outpouring of support! XO

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  6. Do not overwhelm yourself! Nothing more important then your family. We'll look forward to your next post.... As you already no, life's to short. Looking forward to and exciting NASCAR season, aren't you?

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