I’ve decided to take a blogging hiatus.
It started, as great ideas often do, with a walk. On a crisp sunny morning a few weeks ago I skipped the post leg day treadmill in favor of a 45 minutes walk at the Nature Center. Instead of my usual walking soundtrack (Happier with Gretchen Rubin) I chose to listen the WYCWYC podcast. Roni and Carla had been noticeably absent for several weeks and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new episode waiting on my Unplayed list.
As I admired the morning light and the changing leaves, Roni and Carla talked about their hiatus. I can’t recall all the exact details of what they did during their hiatus or even why it became a hiatus. I just remember a feeling of envy at their ability to take a step back and take a break. Then it hit me:
What if I took a blogging hiatus?
I have been blogging for over 6 years without fail. When I travel, I write ahead to make sure something arrives in your inbox every Monday and Thursday. In addition to my own blog I also occasionaly write for other sites, like DietsinReview.com, and the Egg Nutrition Center. I’ve even had the honor of guest posting for Carla Birnberg’s blog a time or two. Even though I fought writing in the beginning it is now something I enjoy very much. The problem is it is a constant battle. There is a never-ending stream of planning, writing and revising. It can be at times a bit exhausting.
So all it took was the tiniest suggestion to make me think, “Maybe I need a break”.
- What if I took a month off in my recharged and refocused state to regroup?
- What if I made some space to form a plan of attack?
- What if I pulled up from the weeds and got a chance to look at the big picture?
The idea of NOT doing what I have always done scared the crap out of me. Change always does. Yet I knew in my heart I needed to do this. Not just for me but for my business to, well, THRIVE. I need time to think. I need time to plan. I need some space to figure out how to take things to the next level. With a month of not writing the blog I could finish my next book, create new experiences for my clients and plan new kinds of content for my entire fit family. My body almost tingled with the possibility. The thrill of it soon pushed away the fear.
I also needed help.
I made a list of friends whose stories and style spoke to me. (I am lucky to say this list was longer than the number of blog posts I needed.) I emailed or messaged them, asking each if they would write a post for me. I promised I would pay them in kind some day when they needed. (I only hope they don’t all decide to ask me at once.) Without hesitation each one said yes.
In November you’ll get to hear from some amazing women that I am proud to call my friends. Some whom I have known for years and some whom I have only met once, but they all have things to say that I know you’ll want to hear. I am excited for you to meet them, learn from them and perhaps become friends with them too.
I’ll still be here if you need me. I’ll be back to help you navigate the holidays in December (plus I’ll still post my annual Fit Gift guide on Thanksgiving). I’ll be ready to help YOU make 2016 the best year yet.
To make the next year the best year, what can you step back from? What do you need to do to regroup, refocus and recharge?
