My posts have been sparse and a little on the light side lately. I’ve experienced blog burn out before and taken blogging breaks. I’ve even experienced writer’s block, but this is different.
This time it’s personal.
Where have I been you ask?
I promised myself to take some of the pressure off during the month of August.
I told myself I needed focus on something other than my (in)fertility, medications, hormone levels, doctor’s appointments and marking days on the calendar.
I wanted wear little to no make-up, let my hair dry naturally, throw on a baseball cap and s l o w down, get back in touch with myself and my family and friends and just be for a while.
Relaxing is so hard for me and like many of you, I struggle with being present, being truly in the moment and realizing that so much of what I actually need is in the simple things; a wag of a new puppy’s tail, my son’s face lighting up as he gets the last puzzle piece to fit, the satisfying feeling of sweat dripping down my back, belly laughs and good cries.
So far I’m pleased with my progress…
My husband and I celebrated our five year anniversary by spending the weekend in San Francisco. We rented Segways, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoyed some fabulous dinners. A big huge thank you to my in-laws for keeping Lucas while we did so.
We’ve been having fun getting acquainted with our new puppy, Charlie Pasta!
I’ve been living deadline free, having quit my freelance job the end of July.
I took Lucas on a trip to Santa Barbara to visit with high school friends, a couple I hadn’t seen in a dozen years. We picked up right where we left off, which is the great thing about old friendships!
This trip also marked my first time taking Lucas in a pool by myself. It was challenging at first, but a huge success. He is such a fish and we had a blast!
I have been staying up too late to read rather than play on my phone or struggle to pump out a blog post and after a mandatory three month hiatus, I have picked up my hot yoga classes again.
I’m spending more time outside and soaking up what is left of summer. There have been trips to the library in search of books about dinosaurs, many rounds of Go Fish, lots of pretend play, several hours logged in front of the TV watching the XXX Summer Games and Scooby Doo, countless walks around the neighborhood with our new furry friend and last week I was able to spend three glorious hours at the Getty Center by MYSELF.
All I have wanted to do is spend time with my sweet family, practice living in the moment and keep cool! I hope you are doing much of the same.
I’ll be back soon.
When was the last time you took a blogging break? I highly recommend it!
Incidentally, today marks my third year blogging. Ironic, no?
Related Posts:
Happy three year, and happy taking care of *you* time! xo
Thanks. It should be a lot easier than it actually is, but nevertheless I’m doing it.
BTW, I LOVE seeing your name and profile photo pop up in my comments. xoxo
Happy 3rd year!!
Sounds like the break was needed, and glad you took it.
Thank you, me too!
Happy three years! Looks like you have been having a wonderful break.
Thank you! It has been trying at times with both a preschooler and new puppy, but yes, mostly lots of fun.
I’ve been seeing your fun photos on instagram, and I’m glad you’re having fun! D LOVES dinosaurs, and we like the books by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague, in case you’re still in need of more 🙂
Thanks! I appreciate the recommendations. We have “How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You” and it became an instant favorite. I need to check out their other titles.
Three years! WOOT!
And hooray for your successful break. I did miss you, but it makes my heart parts happy that you are relaxing and being YOU without the screens and social media.
I am horrible at taking breaks. HORRIBLE about it.
I don’t know how successful it was when I continue to post photos, Facebook status updates and Tweets, but stepping away from the blog for a while was VERY good. My brain needed it.
I love you, my faithful friend and reader. xoxo
I’ve essentially taken the WHOLE summer off. My posting and reading has been so erratic. If I didn’t have a deadline, I probably wouldn’t turn my computer on. I have enjoyed the pictures of your new puppy/summer that I have seen on the internet though 🙂 I am glad you’re enjoying yourself. I am sure we will all get back to it in the fall! XO – Happy Anniversary
Poppy, thank you for understanding. Erratic is a great word for it. I refuse to feel guilty about it… after all, it’s summer!
For the record, however, I have missed reading your blog so much and have saved each and every single e-mail notification of your posts and PROMISE to read them soon.
Congratulations on three years of blogging!
It sounds like it’s a great summer with friends, family, and a new puppy!
I often think of taking a break but I never do it. I’m afraid people will forget about me or something!
Thanks! I know, I have that fear too, so I stay social on the outlets (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
Sounds like you have been using your time wisely 🙂
Living in the moment and re connecting is so important.
I’ve missed yoru writing but happy to know you have been relaxing.
Thank you for missing me. That makes me feel super good. I promise to try to get my head back in the game, but blogging breaks are AWESOME!!
You deserve this break. I’m happy you’re making the most of the summer to do all these fun things!
Congratulations on your three years! xoxo
I’m just coming off a blog hiatus — I lost my mojo this summer and decided to just sit back and let it go. When it was time to write again, well, I’d know. And it seems to be time again! I’m so glad you’re enjoying your time off and really living in the moment — why is that so hard for so many of us to do? Enjoy!!
Slowing down is so hard for me. I swore that I was going to cut back, relax, and enjoy the last few months of this pregnancy before we were thrown into the full swing of parenting two and getting ready to make a 6 month move next Spring. I just never have been able to sit and be idle. It’s so hard for me. Glad you’ve been able to cut back and enjoy some with your family. I love reading your gratitude lists every night on InstaGram. 🙂
I’m happy you took a blogging break and were able to do so many things with it. I’ve been blogging a lot less lately and it feels good. I read every night now instead of tapping away at my laptop. I seem to sleep a lot better.