Photo by Dominic Alves
Recently I've noticed a few authors of Mommy blogs reconsidering the medium: giving it up, taking a break, writing fewer posts, or closing the comments. It seems this amazing outlet called blogging can also become a distraction to what's most important in our lives.
I've seen this in my own life at times since I started Steady Mom. Taking last week off from writing new posts provided a little extra reflection space for this mama to consider my priorities.
I want to make sure I don't waste time online, while still contributing here and benefiting from all of your fabulous ideas as well.
With that in mind, I've developed a few new blogging resolutions:
1. I only have 30 minutes a day to spend writing new posts.
If I don't have a post completed by the end of 30 minutes, then I will wait to post until the following day (instead of trying to squeeze extra time in somewhere else). I do have other writing periods in my weekly routine, but I need to devote those to finishing up my book. I don't plan to write posts on the weekends, either - that's family time.
2. Open Steady Mom up to other voices - yours!
I've been thinking about this for a while, as I never really wanted to create some kind of "Jamie empire." I'll share more thoughts about the practicalities of this idea soon.
3. Limit checking blog statistics.
Am I the only one who can get a little obsessed about page views, ladies?! (Maybe I am.) We each have our unique voice to share, and as long as I contribute mine authentically there's no need to compare it with anyone else. All of our voices are valid and important.
4. Keep the computer turned off when not in use.
I have a few times throughout the day when I get online to read blogs, comment, or check email. When those times are over, I find it helpful to turn the computer off. This prevents me from "hopping on quickly" only to find later that twenty minutes have passed.
5. Take regular breaks from blogging.
Taking time off from producing new content last week gave my tired mind some freedom. Now I have more ideas and feel eager to begin again! So I think I'll aim to take a little blogcation every six weeks or so.
As we all know, motherhood is a constant juggling act. It's amazing how a "good" thing like blogging or other hobby can pull us slightly out of balance. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, "If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."
My legacy in life won't be this blog, but hopefully it will be three growing lives touched and changed by my undivided, focused attention. I hope these blogging resolutions will work for me so I can invest in what matters most.
How do you remain balanced with family and your blog or other hobby?
