Hey y'all!
I'm sure you noticed that I didn't put up any posts on Monday or Tuesday. Usually I would have a weekend or event or maybe style post up on Monday, and my Berry Writes post on Tuesday. But I really think I need a break. This isn't the first time I've taken a break on the blog, but this time is a little different.
I don't know if I've mentioned it here, but for the past few months, the thought has come to mind a few times to shut down and stop blogging. I have felt quite tired lately (mostly due to work), under pressure (due to life), and generally uninspired about blogging. I almost feel like my posts have been half-hearted in the past month or so, and I've even stopped reading other people's blogs. It's like I got to a point where I was dealing with information overload and I just got exhausted.
I started this blog because I wanted to share my life, and have fun with it. Along the line, people started talking about blogging as brands and that came with the pressure of structure, editorial calendars, etc. All that is well and good, but at some point it started taking the fun out of blogging. I was worrying about views and engagement (comments and shares) and putting myself under too much. Even my Social Media channels have been affected slightly - there's this new need to have the perfectly curated Instagram feed, and great Snaps. But it gets tiring! And I'm tired. Sometimes I miss the randomness that I started off with. You guys never knew what to expect - there was just always something different.
I've mentioned my struggles with a few people, and like someone said to me on a DM on Instagram today "There is always someone somewhere who is interested in your story." So I think that instead of shutting down - because I would really miss you guys and blogging truthfully - I will take a much needed break. I put up roughly 200 posts a year, 96% of them original posts (not ads), and this babe needs some downtime.
I haven't decided how long the break will be - I may be back after Christmas or New Year's but I will definitely be back. Have a lovely holiday season. Lots of love, kisses and hugs to you!
Pace yourself and ignore that nagging feeling to portray perfection. Also you may want to reach out to others and possibly post articles from others or have a single question day. It takes work and many times it is uninspiring but hey we keep coming back to read.
ReplyDeleteIgnore the views and stuff for a while also..
www.pynk360.com
totally understandable...just make sure you come back!!!!
ReplyDeleteBerry! I will miss you. Enjoy your break and don't be gone for too long.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a break Berry. Thank you for being honest with us. I'l be chewing on this post...important stuff!
ReplyDeleteCupcakes and efo riro xx
Chai. Berry. I feel you. It can get really tiring. All this brand building etc. Exhausting stuff!
ReplyDeleteAunty B!!!!!!! You'd be missed o. Its okay to take a break, but pls dont consider breaking up with us ooooo. Much Love
ReplyDeleteBreaks are a great way to regroup and refocus. I'm glad you're not shutting down the blog because I would miss your posts. I hope you will continue sharing your story and your randomness. That uniqueness brings people back. Enjoy the break and hopefully you will feel refreshed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being true to yourself and putting your happiness before anything else. From the first day I read your blog I bookmarked it because I enjoy your posts and over the years it almost feels like we are friends (Am I creepy yet?). I think its because you come across as genuine and I wouldn't want you to compromise that for anything.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself. I'm sure you'll have plenty of gist for us when you return.
Lots of love,
Ummi.
Ummi's Blog
I totally get you dear... Sometimes a break is needed, so that if and when you come back you'll have fresh stuff for your Readers. No need for any unnecessary pressure... Take your time girl, and have a happy holiday...
ReplyDeleteOH NOOO !!!! :O
ReplyDeleteI really get what you're coming from, the struggle to keep up with the blog, Branding, social promotion, staying true to your voice, and still churning out awesome contents like you do and still manage your job and life... It's a real hassle, I do hope you come back soon, cause yes, your stories really do inspire us.. Me in particular. We love you Berry!! !
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Awww.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to miss you.
Take all the time you need pls. Blogging should be fun too.
I am certain you will come back better. The moment you start getting inspired and start missing blogging is the time to return, no matter what that calendar says.
I think you should go back to the blogging style that made you happy i.e. doing it randomly. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteU will be missed. Take as much time as needed (not forever). When you ready I will be waiting to read your post.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love the outfit. Where did u get it?
please rest by all means bur we need you back when your up to it...love you
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ReplyDeleteAww taking a break cannot be over emphasized. It does feel tiring. Have a lovely christmas
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Awwwwwwwww... Take the needed break dearie.. God bless your truthful heart.
ReplyDeleteFAVOURMOYSE BLOG
We'all miss you Berry and I just want you to know that for whatever it's worth, I've enjoyed your blog so much. It's always refreshing to come and read! Thanks
ReplyDeleteHey Berry, I totally get this post. It's not easy and it's almost a constant conflict between the blogging for fun and blogging professionally. And the pressure is real. I'm glad you've recognised it and are taking a break. That also really helped me when I had my baby. I completely unplugged and was able to re-evaluate naturally, not sitting down forcing myself to crack it. At the end of the day, you need to enjoy it too. Have a great break, however long it'll be and see you when you're back ;)
ReplyDeleteWe will miss you, Berry, but you gotta do whatcha gotta do! I understand perfectly...
ReplyDeleteHey Berry, I kinda get what you mean and its totally understandable. Get the rest you need and am sure you will be back with even better content. Don't forget that there is always someone out there inspired by the hustle you put into this blog.x
ReplyDeletewww.stephylately.com
At every point in our life, self-care is the most important thing. We are told to put on our OWN oxygen masks before helping others, so take all the time you need to put on your oxygen mask and just breathe. Your blog will be here when you are ready to come back. Your readers will be here when you are ready to come back.
ReplyDeleteIf I may say something about the pleasure of blogging, I would say take a step back and try to recapture the magic of your beginning. Be spontaneous and don't worry too much about curating the "perfect" social media presence. Give your self enough room to engage in what I liked to call "organized recklessness/organized chaos." It is organized, but it is not regimented. That way, you will always remember why you started doing this.
XOXO! Kisses.
Aww, we will miss youuu.
ReplyDeleteI am that someone who is interested in your story. Be well and keep writing from your heart.
ReplyDeleteAww Berry, come back soon pls. Will miss you but you come first so enjoy your down time. Compliments of the season.
ReplyDeleteOh Berry! You are one of the first lifestyle bloggers I got introduced to. Your wittiness and gists are what I love especially. You are such a great blogger. Do whatever's right for you. All my love. See, I started a blog and trust me when I say you're one of the bloggers that inspired me greatly for years now. I've been a quiet follower.
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Aww berry we love youuu!
ReplyDeleteGirl, Sometimes the break is necessary. I'm obviously still on break and trying to motivate myself to come back, lol. Thank God you are not copying me:)
ReplyDeleteYour randomness and freshness are part of why we love you. At the end of the day, you need to do what's right for you and trust that we'll be here when you are back.
Aww dear, we understand take as much time as you need. Hope you had a splendid Christmas!
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Take the much needed break my dear. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that you are staying true to the original plan. Rest up sister, we can't wait to have you back!
ReplyDeleteAwww..thank God you're back anyway!
ReplyDeletewww.liveinibadan.blogspot.com