I write because I love words. Somehow, I find it relaxing to sit with my thoughts and select word after word to fall in line, one after the other. Between this blog and my Patch Articles, I find myself writing a lot. It feels good yet with Mommy duties ever looming, laundry to fold, boo boos to kiss, and meals to cook, I am pulled into the real world as my thoughts sit in waiting.
This place calls to me and I have found so much solitude in the words that fall here. Yet, my real life that involves tangible relationships pulls me away from my computer. It becomes challenging to visit other blogs. It becomes hard to respond to comments and reach out to other bloggers. I know that this community thrives on communication and as my life gets busier and my to do list gets longer, I miss my on-line community. These relationships thrive on a give and take. So, what happens when a blogger has less time to give?
How does one balance it all? How do I navigate through writing as a profession and writing as a hobby? Of being a mommy and being a wife and trying to pretend that I am a halfway decent homemaker? I see the amount of comments left on my blog dwindling a bit, only a handful of loyal readers stop to comment daily and I treasure their support so much as I juggle my time. As I juggle all the words in my mind. As I juggle playing with my children, meeting deadlines, and exploring where my writing can carry me as a career.
I suppose that my real life has to take priority and I can't ignore the call from my children. I love this space and all the words that scream to be written, all the memories that beg to be documented, and the friendships that I have made. So, I will continue to carve out time to write for fun and try hard not to put pressure on myself to maintain a readership. Although I appreciate all the lovely feedback and treasure every single reader who stops by, a hug from the arms of my children should be more validation than a heartfelt comment any day.
13 comments:
Very well written and thought provoking!
I find myself in the same boat... as I type these words my 6 year old is asking for breakfast... my real life beckons and I must log off and tie that apron back on.
As the old AT&T ad slogan says, "Reach out and touch someone", it's clear that you touch our lives (as your blog readers) and the lives of your children (Who you write about so beautifully). Those of us who love the way you put words together certainly understand!
BTW, don't be surprised if you find more time to nurture your blog as much as you want to after this long hot summer is over and kids are back in school.
I'm so there!!
I feel you on this one!
But you are doing the right thing and it shows. Your kids are loved, your writing is amazing. Sometimes we have to just let the mess at home be a mess and we can't please everyone in the blog world. And I think the battle to balance is age old...
And when a blogger has less time to give (I find myself in that boat too) you just have to stop giving in that way a little. Our families come first and I think the majority of people respect and understand that! :)
I have been reading your blog for a couple months but have never commented because I am in the same boat of a mom and housewife.My blog has barley any readers but yet i still write.I think it is good to just document your life for YOU.Im blogging cause my son was born with a facial palsy and our days are filled with doctors appointments.so it is a way to keep me calm threw it all. Just do it for YOU and keep those thoughts flowing:)
So what if you don't blog every day.. I haven't blogged on my main blog at all this week. Sometimes we think life gets in the way of the blog when in reality the blog can get in the way of life. Step back take that breathe and don't lose this passion...
So what if you don't blog every day.. I haven't blogged on my main blog at all this week. Sometimes we think life gets in the way of the blog when in reality the blog can get in the way of life. Step back take that breathe and don't lose this passion...
I'm glad you will continue to write for the sake of it. That's the best reason of all.
And I enjoy visiting here regularly.
=)
Beautifully written post Leigh, try not to put pressure on yourself for all us fellow bloggers & writers. Your blog is incredible, but more importantly is the relationship you have with your family. That is the most important of all. You are so blessed. Love, Christy
Although I have never commented, I do read your blog every single day and so look forward to how you share your days and ideas and family. Thank you, Leigh, for what you do. I am grateful for your time and talent. You have made a difference in my life.
Not having children, I don't like Mommy Blogs generally but I have to say I LOVE yours!I feel like I know your family-yet have still NOT been invited to dinner.
Your blog is a true feel good blog- so keep writing, Leigh. I don't always comment,but I read nearly every post.
I daresay there isn't a day that goes by that I don't decided I'm done blogging for the time being! It's not the time in my life for it... but, here I am, still. I think you reach out more realistically to us than so many blogs and I love that you remind us of ourselves :) Thanks for all you do to balance things and share :) Hope you have a great rest of the week!
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