It's July! We've reached the half-way point of 2019. How is this possible?
At the beginning of 2019, I started a new project on the blog that had me writing content based around monthly themes. It was fun for a while, but then blogging started to feel like a chore again - and I felt like I was letting people down if I didn't churn out enough posts for the month. The pressure came only from myself, of course, but it was enough to make me want to bow out of blogging for a while.
Then summer happened.
June and July have been such transformative months for me. I started working out again, I went back to Bible study, I stopped hiding. I think I'm finally beginning to experience healing in certain areas of my life that I've long-held insecurity over. Instead of letting me isolate myself, the Lord has been gently nudging me out of my comfort zone into community. I'm meeting people, making friends, opening up. As an INFJ (read: Capital H Hermit), this is a huge deal for me. And the progress I'm making at work and with personal goals has really grown my confidence and restored my joy.
But where does that leave this blog?
Honestly, I'm not sure. I created Acoustic Erin back in 2013 as a random, fun place to post my thoughts. Then it slowly grew into something I felt like I had to maintain for others. My day job is in marketing and communications, so the last thing I want to do is come home and worry about branding, marketing and designing this blog. UGH. I mean, it should be something fun for me - an outlet. All of the blogs I admire are more concerned with writing posts that read more like poetry than promotion. These bloggers write for themselves, to document their own journeys, and it shows. I freaking adore that.
So this space might get a small makeover.
Not in terms of design, necessarily. But I wouldn't be surprised if I continue to dial back my posting and only write when I feel like I genuinely have something to say. That might mean more randomness, more music recommendations, I'm not sure yet. But I do know that it's important for me to return this space back to its original intent - as an outlet for me to post about whatever, whenever, instead of worrying about SEO, my posting schedule or being the World's Best Blogger.
Yo, I'm just here to share memes.
What about you?
How has your summer been?
Has anyone else already binged Stranger Things 3?
(Please keep the comments spoiler-free if possible, but WOW, that season was the jam!)
I honestly feel where you are coming from -- I feel that way with my own blog. Sometimes there is so much pressure I put on myself to do really, really, good content and a certain amount in a certain timeframe.
ReplyDeleteI'm just not that organised.
And I never will be haha. Your blog is one of my faves -- keep blogging for you, girl. XOXO
You are the best, Kara! Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I realize I am replying to these comments really, really late - so that just goes to show you how I am with my blogging timeline lately, LOL! I think blogging needs to become fun again, and for us to achieve that, we have to just post what we want when we want. Hope you are having a good start to your August! <3
DeleteI think summer really is the best time of the year for change and I love that it has been such a good couple of months for you! I also try to follow the same rules of blogging and just let it be an outlet when it needs to be, so don't let the pressure get to you & I'm looking forward to whatever you post, whenever you post it! ♡ (P.S. I'm obsessed with stranger things and season 3 blew. my. mind.)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I totally agree, summer has just brought about so much change and I'm so happy about that. UGH you are so kind, and I so appreciate the encouragement! I love that you view your blog as an outlet. I think I need to re-frame mine as an outlet again. It had become something I added to my to-do list, and I'd rather have it be a place I come to when I feel inspired.
DeleteYES! Stranger Things 3 was so mind-blowing. I need to re-watch the whole season over again because it went by too fast!!
Welcome back, Erin!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally get your struggle. I’ve heard the hype about gaining followers and promotion and branding, and honestly…it takes whole lot of time that I could better spend elsewhere. Maybe if I made it my job, I’d feel differently. But for now I do it as just an outlet for thoughts and creativity. It’s very low-key and low-pressure (except for the dedication it take to actually write a post lol).
Anyway, I think the people who really care about you (the person, and not the blog) will stick around for whichever path you take this space down. I know I will.
all the best.
k.
Thanks, Keira! I could not agree more. Promo and branding is something I work on daily in my 9-5 marketing job, so it's basically the last thing I want to do when I get home after work. I love the creativity aspect of blogging and that is 100% something I want to get back to! You are just the sweetest. Thanks for your kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy writing and creating on your own lovely space! <3 :)
DeleteIm glad you've been finding a lot of healing this summer. thats such a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteand I know how you feel about the blog makeover. its normally, and I would say very healthy, to let your writing change over time. I started mine like, literally 8 or so years ago. its taken so many different turns, and a lot of people stuck around from the get-go. so I'll be here as your blog changes too.
Thanks, Faith! It's been a journey for sure. I totally agree and I so appreciate the encouragement! Right? I'm sure you've seen so many changes in yourself and the style of content you create. I guess life is always change! Thanks so much. You are the best! <3
DeleteI completely get the INFJ hermit thing. XD
ReplyDeleteGlad things are going good for you!
YAS I'm not the only one! It's seriously a thing. Thanks, Skye! Hope your summer has been stellar. :)
DeleteOh girl I feel this and I'm so happy you're taking the time to reevaluate what you want from blogging. It's so refreshing. We'll be here for whatever and whenever you get to posting. And I hope you find fulfillment and joy in writing here again! I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I seem to need more time these days to rest and re-evaluate my priorities. You are so encouraging and kind, and I so appreciate that!! It might take a minute for me to post again but I hope to return with thoughts I feel inspired to share. Thanks for commenting, Hannah! <3
DeleteI hope your new blog direction works for you! I loved Stranger Things season three! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you!! YAS wasn't it fantastic? I need to rewatch it because I feel like I will catch more details the second time around. I can't wait for Season 4!
DeleteI've been thinking about the same thing as well. After finishing my first year of college, I realized that my blog isn't what I want it to be: my strict schedule is RESTRICTING me rather than allowing me to say what I want to say, which is what I created it to be. I'm still thinking of ways to spice it up and make it a space I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHappy August!
Hanne || losingthebusyness.wordpress.com
I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way! College, especially that first year, can be so all-consuming, so definitely take time for YOU and make blogging a fun thing when you can get to it. The rigid schedule is not something that works for me for sure. Hope your month has been excellent so far! Mine has been flying by so quickly. <3
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