I've recently been flirting with the idea of saying "goodbye" to this blog of mine. And the acceptance that life will be just as full, if not fuller without it has been quite freeing.
My biggest investment to this blog as been my vulnerability, my honesty, and my story. And it has really helped me process a lot that my mind has been going through, but now, I think I'm done. I feel like I've grown enough now where I can embrace a quiet little life, that has no outlet for others to peer into.
Basically, I've come to desire intimacy and privacy. This blog has represented me, but it has never defined me, though at times I thought it did.
I'm ready to acknowledge that just because I don't publish it here, doesn't mean that it is less important to me.
There is a lot my family is invested in. And a lot that I desire to remain special between us. There are a lot of things that my family is ready to dive into head first, but keep private. I'm ready to transition into hopefully a more intimate person.
So I thought it would mean that this is the end...
But I don't think it is. I'm ready for this blog to be a fun passing outlet for me. Something that doesn't take my time by investing, building, and creating, but instead use at my leisure and acknowledge that if I want to post an updo post, it doesn't make me any less involved in Social Justice issues as the next person.
My blog or your blog doesn't define who we are. I've come to accept that just because you might post light, fun, silly, or sometimes shallow posts, doesn't mean that that is who YOU are as a person. This blog is just a piece at things I think or are interested in, not who I am. And I realize that means it isn't who you are.
So I'm done seeing this blog for more than what it is.
Which might mean less posts, but that's a good thing, right?! Because the silence for me here, means more life out there.
So so true! It's hard for me to write about who I really am on the blog, you have done such a good job of it though! You are always such an encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThis is something I struggle with my blog -- so very true! Thank you for writing, Jhen!
ReplyDeletebeautifully put. I can so relate to this. Im really really glad that you are not leaving your blog altogether, because I truly look forward to reading what you have to say and I see you as a fresh inspiration. The way you use your blog is refreshing!
ReplyDeleteWell said....You are so good at expressing the truth in a deep but very understandable way. I know exactly where you are coming from but I must say that I'm glad your not giving up the blog completely. I enjoy visiting. :)
ReplyDeleteoh i loved this. i have totally been feeling the same way lately...wanting to quit blogging. like you said, i'm really coming to like having my own privacy and things that those close can see...
ReplyDeletei agree that a blog doesn't define who you are- so true! i'm going to be posting less too, which means more time for family & doing real life things. anywho- AMEN :D
blessings jhen!
Love it girl and love your heart. Look forward to silly posts about updos or whatever you want! :) xo
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. I took a break for a while and it was so freeing.
ReplyDeleteWell it sounds as if there's a whole world waiting for you - you're right, why make it more than it is. Love that and still love you!
ReplyDeleteYou are so true and so right! I haven't fallen full in to blogging and I have taken lots of breaks between blogging because sometimes I feel it overcomes you. Your daily life becomes about your blog and you define yourself through your blog. I've seen a lot of instances of this happening with other bloggers and I'm glad to see someone feels the same. Doesn't mean you have to quit blogging, but means it's time to take a step back. I'm glad to see you are doing whats right for you and your family, not your readers. True readers will be here no matter what you post!
ReplyDeleteI love it and love you Jhen. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteOf course I love your free thinking, but I will certainly miss your talk/photos/insight/updates. I understand though.....makes me think.....................................I'm thinking........................... :)
ReplyDeleteTo paraphrase a more famous saying, "Man or woman was not made for the blog, the blog for the man or woman." Use it as you see fit and enjoy it for that.
ReplyDeleteDo what you feel you need to do for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLight, deep or few and far between posts, I enjoy reading what you have to say.
I agree, it doesn't define who we are, but just an extension of us.
Sounds like a good plan to me! Blog for YOU :) I only blog because it's my scrapbook! I order my blog book at the end of the year so that my family can have all of our memories and pictures :)
ReplyDeleteI really love your blog Jehn but you are right. It shouldnt be a job or a place to put out every bit of us. And i think we've all been there, and lately ive taken the same approach. it's about sharing things i love and enjoy and not beating myself up if it's not everyday. :)
ReplyDeletemmmm, I know this feeling all to well! Just be ME is my life mottto...and it sounds like Just be You, is yours. Our blogs are a very one dimensional view of who we really are. Even at our best attempts we cannot write ourselves into life in the same way a personal relationship would. I will say though that based on what I have learned about you through your blog...has stirred me to like you very much and I look forward to a day we might meet in person;0. Glad you are keeping the blog though Jhen...I think I might be very sad if you were gone! xo
ReplyDeleteI read both this post and your next one. I admire you both for what your blog has been and what your blog will be. You need to do what you feel led to do!! I will continue to enjoy your blog regardless of how deep or how often you post. I think your lighthearted "up-do" posts are great!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of your week!
I read your addendum to this post before reading this post, and I feel you were expressing yourself accurately and not at all insulting. I totally get what you're saying about "shallow" posts. For myself, I sometimes need those shallow posts on my blog. It keeps me from turning every single part of my life into a dramatic or deep experience. Not everything is deep and I don't like to force a moral lesson out of life! Ya know? I think you know. :) One thing I practice is never apologizing for taking a break from blogging. Live your life. Blog when you want. When you start apologizing is when it turns into a burden.
ReplyDeleteI have that same feeling all the time. Love the last line of this post. XO
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with you. This is really honest post, and needed to hear this. I think that in this blogging world, it doesn't "define" who we are. It only "represents". xoxo
ReplyDeleteI read the after post to this one first. I understand what you are saying! ......I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, and you said it so well. I will miss you if you stop completely, your words are always so encouraging and uplifting :)
ReplyDeletei always love reading your posts, so i am sad they'll be coming less often! but i understand that stepping back is something you need to do, for you and your family. i have made the same decision a few times myself. i look forward to continuing reading what you write!
ReplyDeleteI got really sad at first, thinking you were going to say goodbye! I'm happy you're not! I love reading your blog. And still need to fill you in on the event I'm running for that helps save children in India from sex exploitation - all inspired by YOU! AND your blog! Don't go! :)
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog, and I totally agree with that you're saying. Sometimes our blog lives take priority over our "real lives"..and that's not a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I believe some blogs truly are a ministry. If you are changing lives, then encouraging others in their faith, you are certainly doing something right on here :)
I am a new reader too and I totally feel you. I started blogging as a teen and I was so invested in it, commenting, blogging, designing away. Now I'm 24, with a family and that stuff will have to wait... even the stuff that pays the bills. Taking a break is the best thing you can do because it leaves you feeling fresh. You end up bringing your best to your blog or line of work instead of just another update to fill a quota. And people will admire you for that :).
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