Since the end of September I’ve found myself in complete rebellion with documenting our every move and sharing it on Instagram. I’m not sure if it’s burnout or just complete and utter shutdown of that instinct that’s been very much a part of me since I launched my Instagram account in February 2012. I’ve found myself craving more intimacy with my children and family, and really living in the moment. As an avid picture taker always, I didn’t really feel like Instagramming our moments was that intrusive. I could do it quickly and quietly. And I loved that I could glance through the pictures and really catch the highlights of our lives.
For some unexplainable reason, I almost completely stopped until late November. Since then I have shared maybe 18 pictures, which may seem a lot, but definitely not for me. It’s really bizarre. But it’s as if I’ve shut down. I periodically share a status on Facebook, but it’s like I truly have a sense of wanting to keep our moments private. Wanting to quiet my mind and soul from constant documentation. And with that I stopped writing here, and I’ve felt my voice slip away. Is it Writer’s block? I don’t know. I’m just quiet. Still.
I’m still cooking, and usually take pictures of my food. It’s just everything related to my blog and social media came to a screeching halt. I like it, and though it’s given me time to clear out mental clutter….I know I want to find my way back to blogging eventually. My roadblock is how to go about sharing again in this space. What do I want it to look like? After blogging for 4 years, I feel a need and urge to change this space. I love the food blogging community, and I know I definitely still want to talk about food and share recipes. The part I’m not sure about is what else do I want to share? And how do I want to share it? And the desire to create a community with you all.
It’s time for a clean & fresh facelift for Creative Kitchen. It’s time to tidy things up a bit. I have so many ideas…..so many thoughts swirling around in my head, but at the end of the day…….ROADBLOCK. What to say, when to say it….how to jump back on here and communicating with you. Are you even out there? I know every blogger goes through this at some point or another. I am just stuck, and don’t know how to get unstuck. A little help is MUCH appreciated……
Friends….I need your HELP!
so the question is……..
What matters to you? When I continue writing in this space, what do you want to see? A big part of me wants to tie in more about where I live (Florida), and I’ve always enjoyed writing these types of posts:
I like sharing what inspires me in my daily life. I like encouraging and motivating others. I love the outdoors, and spending time in nature…..spending QUIET time alone outdoors renews my spirit. Highlights of life with my girls…. a focus on healthy living, travel, adventure, and of course still the food and recipes. That’s part of who I am, and I don’t see it changing. We’ve been on many camping trips these past couple years, and I have several camping posts half written in the recesses of my mind.
Okay friends……any ideas of where to start?
And as a blogger…..what helped you get through the transition; any tips for me?
Wow. I am chomping at the bit waiting for answers. I have been blogging off and on for over 10 years, and my husband wants me to start a blog in earnest, but I am vacillating between wanting a blog that addresses EVERYTHING and one that has a distinct focus. Since the majority of my blogging was done on a private subscription site that has since imploded somewhat, I’m a little skittish about putting myself out there, and aside from that, I’m feeling like everything I’m interested in is already more than adequately “covered” in the blogosphere. Who wants to hear what I have to say????
I do not blog, but follow other blogs. Here’s my thought: You just have to go with what is comfortable to you. ( I personally don’t care to know every detail of someone’s life.) If you change direction (Of your blog), then you should change the name of the blog,too. I wish you the best, in finding your way through this.
Denise,
I have definitely noticed you not around as much. In fact, I periodically check you FB page and IG just to see if you’ve posted anything. I love reading your blog as well and love recipe blogs that throw in that piece of them. That’s how I first came to know you. I also was glad to be living near a fellow food blogger in such a great State!
Speaking of which, are you attending BlogHer Food in Miami. I only found out about it last week and wanted to attend, but feel guilty taking off work. So, I miss out on yet again another conference, and have to follow vicariously through everyone on IG. And it’s right down the street! So disappointed! One of these
years….
Sherri @ The Kitchen Prescription recently posted..Homemade Chicken Soup with Rivels
Hi Sherri! So great to “see” you. I’m slowing find my way back to blogging. Things are still busy as ever homeschooling 3 girls, and at their ages they need me so much…but I’m going to make it a priority to try to keep up a lot more regularly than I have in the past year. It helps that my oldest daughters (15 and 11) want to get involved working with me on my blog. Makes it more like a hobby I can enjoy with them.
I wish I’d been able to attend BlogHer Food Miami as it really was right in our backyard. Ah well! Bigger and better things to come I suppose. Thanks for reading…I’m off to check out your site again. 😉