A Much Needed Break
In 10 years of blogging, I have never taken an extended break.
This past year has been my busiest yet, and I have stretched myself way too thin. So for the next 3-4 weeks, I am going to be quiet here on The Mom Creative.
You’ll still find me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so I am not going away entirely. I’ll be doing things behind the scenes too (a big redesign is coming this spring and I’m working on a new book), but more importantly, I’ll be investing in me and my family.
I’ll be scrapbooking and doing things around my home. I’ll be reading. We’ll be going to the park and having game nights. Matthew and I will have more quality time. I’ll be reprioritizing, slowing down and doing those things that have been pushed off for far too long.
With 10 years of posts here on The Mom Creative, you’ll have plenty to read. Check out the bottom left sidebar to visit posts by month, going all the way back to my earliest days as a blogger.
Lastly, if you haven’t bought my latest book My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life, I’d encourage you to get a copy. Now is the perfect time a year to go through it. With dozens of journaling prompts, it will give you the opportunity for some important self-discovery.
Thank you for showing up and for loving me so well. I’ll be back soon.
If you feel like you too need a break, or just need to slow down, head to (in)courage to read these 5 intentional ways I’m slowing down this month.
Enjoy your time! I know you are going to come back inspired, excited and revitalized! Taking a break is hard but it feels so good to step back and look at life and the little moments that make such a difference.
I have had several seasons of stepping away, and when I have come back to writing I find it more inspired. I have to say I miss the days of just blogging to share our hearts and our faith…family. I understand that more and more people use blogging to bring an income into their family and so I appreciate that, but I have stopped reading any posts, anywhere that are “sponsored” posts…they feel like they have taken over the spaces where writers living life used to be. I miss those “life” posts that felt authentic and transparent. It has happened everywhere…and I think the weight of keeping that up can be overwhelming. Praying in your break that you find where you should best spend your time and follow your creative passions!
Hi Kristin, I have read your comment a few times and am not sure if you are commenting about sponsored posts here on The Mom Creative, on blogs in general, or both. On The Mom Creative, I am very careful to only accept sponsored opportunities that make sense with what I naturally write about (I have been talking about products I love on this site since its earliest days). Life is always woven into my posts.
When I started blogging, everything was free, my time investment was low and there were few expectations. Now I pay nearly $1,000 a month to keep this site going and readers have expectations of the look, feel and frequency of content. I also invest a significant amount of time into the content. Being compensated for some of that content helps to offset the monetary and time investment I make, and I am so very thankful for that.
Additionally, I am incredibly grateful for the loyal and engaged community here. When I started blogging, I never expected it would evolve into what it has today. I hope to be writing here (and elsewhere) for many years to come. But first, a short break! 🙂
Jessica It is all blogs really. Your posts do read more like an extension of your life than so many that feel like ads and I appreciate that! When I started reading and writing on my own blog the cost was pennies to start and no site maintenance to hold reader expectations. I understand times have changed but it is a little sad to me. It becomes like a second job and the desire and ability to keep up becomes too much! Taking a break now becomes s potential loss of income but the site costs don’t stop! I’m just an 80 yo old lady in a 40 yr old body….I miss the old days when it was simpler!! 🙂
Enjoy your break! I love that you follow through with what is on your mind and in your heart. You are an inspiration.
Aww, thank you Christy! So happy to see your name here.
Enjoy your break! You will be missed around these parts. I will look forward to your return sometime soon. 🙂
You are a gem! I promise, I’ll be back soon! I already have posts drafted for my return.
Good for you because when it all comes down to it your family is what really counts
Amen, amen, amen!
Sounds like a smart decision!!!
Good for you! Enjoy!!
So excited for your sabbatical and can’t wait to see what you do next… sending love your way.
You know what’s best for you and I bet you’ll come back fully rejuvenated! Enjoy this special time!
Enjoy your break! I’m always in awe of what you are able to accomplish, and I know you’ll come back from break relaxed and invigorated!
Good for you recognizing the need for a break and and then actually taking said break. I’m going to miss your blog but family and self care definitely comes first. I hope and pray this break is rejuvenating for you!
Excited for you. Love knowing that you will have the time for peace, reflection, your family and all things that feed your soul. Enjoy the time and I will be watching for you to come back with all kinds of heart and brilliance.
Enjoy the much needed break and yay for diffusing some oily goodness!!! Hope your hubby and kids feel better asap! Oil them up! 😉
I just received my copy of “My Fringe Hours…” after listening to your “The Fringe Hours audio book last month. I can’t wait to dive into it. I’m trying to make the most of my fringe hours while trying to be a ‘hands-free mama’, like my 90-120 min. round-trip daily work commute by listening to self-improvement and personal development audio books. You have really inspired me. Hope you enjoy taking time for yourself and family. 🙂
Jessica, your book ‘Fringe Hours’ so resonated with me that I chose to share some key points from it on my blog. I started this year with reading ‘Fringe Hours.’ I should have read it sooner! Thank you for teaching how to make it possible to live with balance instead of chaos and exhaustion.
Hope you enjoyed your break, I often paint on my time off as well as at work… I love face painting and fnd it so relaxing, but a spa day and some me time woudnt go amiss either.