I’m still trying to figure out how to blog with this new style I’ve decided to adopt. I’m sure at face value it appears that not much has changed. This is probably because I’m still working on switching my mindset. See, I have a list of topics I’d love to chat about and recipes I’d love to share but am not sure how to to randomly bring them up or I haven’t had time to properly photograph them, which leaves me with this blinking little cursor that seem to be taunting me.
I started stressing yesterday about what I’d write about today, then I finally realized that the attention I was paying to it was against the whole philosophy itself! So, I decided to stop trying so hard and to try easy instead. Plus, I had very important things to attend to like will peeling the chickpeas really result in a creamier hummus?
The answer is… I haven’t gotten around to peeling them all yet (a slotted spoon will only entertain a baby for so long), so stay tuned.
The problem is that I get so caught up in posting about a topic or making a ‘pinnable’ image or trying to scratch up something of interest that I lose the joy in writing. I worry the day to day details will seem dull, but when I think of blogs I enjoy reading the most, it’s not (usually) tutorials or how-tos, but peeks into other people’s lives.
Like sharing the fact that our garden is growing… but I can’t remember what we planted where so for now we are enjoying a rousing rendition of guess that plant, followed by don’t step on anything green until we know if it’s a bean sprout or a weed.
A skilled gardener I am.
The best blog advice I ever received was to write a blog you’d enjoy reading. So today I am recommitting to try that and blog just for the joy, the connection and the sharing. Even if that just means just sharing lunch.
Immersion blenders in black beans and salsa make for a tasty quesadilla spread… and an artichoke because… lemon butter.
Or if I just share how Kaitlyn woke up at 4:30am yesterday and though I powered through a workout, I was in jammies by 2:00 willing the rain that was predicted, but never came, to fall from the sky and give me an excuse to stay inside.
Little nap evader.
I managed a little time on the couch working on 2015’s family album (have I ever mentioned how much I love having these?)
before taking the girls out to pull weeds and draw with chalk on the still-pollen-covered driveway.
Another run-of-the-mill day ended with roasted Brussels, which David said he could eat like candy.
Agreed, so so good.
I called it a night not long after, content with my choice to be topic-less this morning and to keep the joy and the release of writing front and center. I might have started this blog many moons ago as a source for my health coaching clients, but life has changed in 5 years and it’s taking me a little time and growing pains to embrace that it’s ok for the blog to be different too.
Let’s chat…
Do you often have to revisit your goals to stay on track?
Man, I do! That’s why I love tracking my fitness, combing over our finances and planning our meals- I need direction to stay motivated! Even if that means motivated to let it go…
Angel says
Love the family albums! Such a great idea! Where do you have them printed?
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
I’ve tried making hummus both ways – peeling and not peeling chickpeas. I really can’t tell a difference! I’ve heard that removing the shell helps with digestion? Not sure if that’s 100% legit though haha. Love those photo albums! My husband and I need to start our own soon. Where do you get them done?
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
This post really resonated with me, particularly the part about feeling like you need to write how-tos and create pinnable images and all that stuff. I think I’ve been feeling a lot of that, too! It seems like blogging has evolved a lot over the years but sometimes I find that I’m not enjoying it as much as I used to because I feel like I have to write about searchable/shareable/pinnable topics. You know? *Phew* end rant 🙂 Thank you for this post, Brittany!
Brynn says
I could not agree more with this post and your current conflicted state with blogging. It seems as though everyone is trying so hard to have a pinnable, printable or hot topic to be at the top of search engines or score that high traffic day. But for me, I love to write, and that is why I started my blog. I know it is not doing everything a blog has potential to do, but it is doing what I want it to and it serves me. The second I start to get wrapped up in other’s ideas of a blog and success I lose myself and the joy of writing, which is why I am here in the first place.
Lauren says
Ok…how do you do your photo albums? I am desperately behind. Are yours Shutter fly or do you add in the pic yourself..
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
My favorite blogs are the ones that offer a peak into their lives too! I loved this post! Your struggle is the story of my life right now. After work yesterday I had a Junior League meeting and then I had to turn around and meet up with my husband for a cocktail class. It was a lot of fun but getting home at midnight on a Monday night to try and write a blog post before getting to bed to wake up at 6 for work the next day gave me a serious FML moment. So I did what I could and wrote about a new comedy I’m loving lately!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
Brittany – thanks for posting about this. I love that you’ve tried to take a more relaxed approach to blogging and I have been struggling off and on myself since having a second child. I’ve been trying to ignore all the blogging wisdom out there roo about having a pinnable image or writing about a subject that will draw the most tweets. So I write when I can and I don’t worry about how many views I’m getting and just love that I’m still getting involved with other bloggers and sharing a bit of my world in whatever what I enjoy doing so.
Ashley says
Mama you are doing amazing!!! Keep at it. I will read your blog even if you post one line. Try not to be so hard on yourself. We all do it as moms whether we’re writing a blog or not. Good luck and just keep reminding yourself of what your top priorities are and know that everyone’s are different and that’s ok! 🙂
Brittany says
I’m a stalker at heart so loving seeing a glimpse into people’s everyday lives! Also–those family albums are such a good idea and useful way to display photos!
Natasha says
I really do love your blog…even when you dont say much you say it all. Really made me think how we are always trying to impress others by living what they expect of us rather than living what we should…
Hope you have a great day with your girls.
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I feel the struggle of figuring out what I want my blog to be right now. Blogging is taking more and more of my time and with three little ones I need to set limits for myself with technology or I’m going to miss out on so many of the important little moments that happen each day. I love how you’ve set a morning blogging time and then put it away for the rest of the day! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. It’s posts like this one that I enjoy reading most, because they connect with my life at this stage. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Don’t waste time peeling all the chickpeas! Makes no difference! Live for skins!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
I agree with you about what I look for in a blog post. Lately my blogs have been 80% for me and 20% for family member who like keeping up with Ethan and pregnancy updates.
And that pic of K is too cute! Now if only she sleeps in a bit more for you… 🙂
Paulina says
You’re blog is great, don’t over think it.
I LOVE the annual family album idea. Why have I never thought of that before?? I made a couple albums about my kids first year, but I think I’m stealing this idea. Do you use shutterfly?
Taylor says
I loved this post, easy seems to be working 🙂 An emmersion (sp?) blender is on my list of kitchen gadgets to acquire! Sounds delicious!
Katie says
While you didn’t post a specific recipe, the idea of blending up black beans to make a spread is exactly what I needed!! Keep up the good work, do what makes you happy.
Glenda says
I loved this peek into your life. I definitely have to keep checking in to reach/maintain my goals. Any tips for roasting Brussels sprouts? They look so good…
Natalie S says
I love roasted Brussels sprouts too and ALWAYS say that I could eat them like candy!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I, too, have ran through this dilemma in my head SO many times as to “how” I want to go about my blogging… The planner in me likes the idea of doing more topical posts, but like you, I realize that I actually enjoy reading blogs that show more glimpses into the blogger’s daily life with some good info scattered in there, AND I don’t like that I stress/think so much about what “topics” I’m going to write about…so I often thinking about this “trying easy” method you have going on here and wonder how it’d go. However, remembering to take photos (because let’s be real, who doesn’t love photos?!) through each and every day is tough for me. Guess there’s pros and cons to each “style”, and you gotta do what works for you. I’ve kind of started doing a mix of the styles I suppose, and it’s worked alright for me. I do adore your blog though, and I think you’re doing an awesome job!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I happen to love the more simple, day-to-day posts… so I say keep ’em coming!
Also, you should try this trick for peeling chickpeas. It’s not a miracle worker, but it truly does make it go by a bit quicker. Peeling them can be SO darn tedious!
http://www.cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2015/03/27/how-to-easily-remove-the-peels-from-canned-chickpeas/
Jen says
As a non-blogger..I LOVE these kinds of posts. If I want to learn how to do something, I just Google it. I usually skip over recipes and how-to posts from blogs. Just my opinion….
Kate @ Indulgent Wellness says
I’m sure you mention this in a previous post, but what site do you use to make your yearly albums? Any particular reason for choosing that over other options?
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
I so agree with you. “Write a blog you’d enjoy reading” is my favorite word of advice! I no longer allow myself to blog anymore when it starts to feel like “work” either. I have to keep in mind I decided to do it for fun, and will only allow myself to write when it doesn’t stress me out. 🙂
Julie says
These type of posts are my favorite, too! Keep on keepin’ on! 😉
molly says
I would LOVE to see more about your family albums! What site do you use? How long does it take you to make them? Did you use the same company/format for your baby books? I have two little munchkins, close in age to your babies, and still have to create their baby books. I know, I know, I should have done it a while ago but just haven’t gotten around to it. It’s not for a lack of pictures, fortunately, so that’s good at least. I’m hoping to finally create their baby books when I am out on maternity leave with baby #3 so any tips, ideas, advice, etc. is definitely welcome. 🙂
Heather@hungryforbalance.com says
Sometimes it is so hard to remember to keep things simple! I know I always want to make things more complicated than necessary!
I have no patience for peeling chickpeas- even without a 17 month old!
Julie says
Your blog is great – I always enjoy reading your posts about your meals, exercises, and family. Even though I can’t totally relate because I’m 28 years old and single with no kids, your blog is still one of my favorites because it is so real.
Margo says
How do you do they annual albums? What do you include in them?
Maria says
I definitely prefer these types of posts! They are much more relatable and interesting!!
Colette says
Thank you for writing this post! As a new blogger, it can be really overwhelming to see all the blogs I follow seem so “perfect” all the time…perfect recipes, meals, pictures, outfits, etc. even though I know that isn’t real life (or at least not mine!) I love that your posts are real and honest and you prioritize your girls first. It’s refreshing and takes real guts! Keep on blogging on Brit:)
Laura @FitMamaLove says
This is just what I needed to read today–thank you! And also why I enjoy reading your blog. 🙂
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I hear ya on all the blogger to-do’s! It’s this strange line that we walk between writing what is on our hearts versus what is going to generate traffic. The more I write for traffic, the unhappier I am, usually. It’s tough to find that balance.
Just give yourself a little time to figure out your new normal. I am amazed at how you post every day! I have tried that on-and-off, and I just couldn’t do it. I am trying to take my own advice (new normal), and it’s not easy! Hugs
Kelli says
I always have to revisit my goals in order to stay on track! I meal plan very sunday, fill a pitcher of water every morning to drink throughout the day, and track my workouts every week. It may seem over the top, but it works for me!
I love love love your blog and no matter the format, I will always read as long as you post!
Josephine says
As others have said, I enjoy the posts about family and your daily life the best too! No need to worry about topics, just life as it unfolds is interesting.