I took this photo in 2002 as a Boston University senior. My friends and I had made our way downtown to cheer on runners as they neared the end of the Boston Marathon. Although I haven’t lived in Boston in over a decade, I still feel closely connected to that city. My heart is heavy for the victims of today’s tragedy.
{Mister Rogers’ quote via PBS}
image sourceLately I’ve been thinking a lot about blogging, creativity, and comparisons. About the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of blogging. And about becoming a better blogger.
I’m not the only one thinking about what it means to be a blogger. Just last Friday, Victoria wrote about the “faux reality of social media” on SFGirlByBay, a topic that more and more people are daring to discuss. I always appreciate when bloggers with seemingly perfect lives are willing to reveal the cracks beneath the surfaces of their impeccably styled facades.
Blogging is hard. It’s hard when it’s a hobby you try to fit in between work and family obligations, and it’s hard when it’s a job you try juggle alongside other responsibilities. Besides requiring a lengthy time commitment, blogging can be creatively and emotional draining. There’s a constant pressure to come up with engaging yet unique content on a daily basis that will entice your readers to keep coming back for more.
Then there’s the (often unspoken) competitive aspect of blogging — Why is this person getting more comments than I am? Where does she come up with all of her great ideas? Is her family really happier than mine? How does she eat so much yet stay so skinny? — More power to you if you know how to avoid these types of comparisons. I sure don’t. The truth is, I get jealous. A lot.
I could go on and on, but instead I’d like to share some interesting posts I’ve recently read covering these topics (and more). These writers do a better job articulating some of the feelings and frustrations I have about blogging, as well as offer some advice and solutions.
On online burnout…
“I can watch for the cues: Oh, I’m not feeling like I’m enough? Or I don’t have enough things? I’m not doing enough? Time to get offline. Go outside. Hang out with friends. Make things. Cook. Read a book. Regenerate. Time to stop and smell those proverbial roses.”
On competition amongst creative professionals…
“There’s an abundance. A massive amount of opportunity. There’s a big enough pie that we’re not even competing for slices. Collaboration is the name of the game.”
On conquering procrastination…
“Psychologists assert that procrastinators actually sabotage themselves. They put obstacles in their own path. They actually choose paths that hurt their performance, and avoid success in life. It represents a profound problem of self-regulation.”
“But one thing I can’t help but notice in blogger-watching (including observing myself) is some of the not-so-subtle shifts that come as time rolls on. The wonder and gratitude and enthusiasm that we had as beginning bloggers has the potential to slowly give way to a sense of dissatisfaction, hurt feelings, and discouragement.”
“And then on some days, I feel like I have nothing to offer, like I must be the only one who isn’t a graphic designer and hasn’t yet managed to display her entire darling life online with lots of chevron and mint accents. I feel so certain that my life is a lot less darling than other peoples’ lives.”
On being creative and productive…
“The theory boils down to the fact that we can’t increase the hours in the day, but we can increase the energy with which we make the most of those hours. Taking short, scheduled breaks throughout the day rejuvenates and restores us physically and mentally, helping us plow through those assignments and to-do lists in a third of the time.”
Do you have any thoughts to share on blogging, creativity, or comparisons? Have any posts on social media struck a chord with you lately?
Today Levi is officially a 21 month old! We are getting closer and closer to the two year milestone. How the heck is that possible? Wasn’t I just planning his first birthday party? Sigh. Time goes by too quickly.
I suppose I’m feeling extra nostalgic because we recently received our finished leather-bound album from Kameron Bayne Images of Levi’s first year, which includes photos from my maternity session plus Levi’s newborn, 6-month, and one-year portrait sessions. (I just realized I never shared Levi’s one-year photos. Must upload those ASAP!)
Sniff.
At 21 months old, Levi…
…refers to himself as “Beebi”
…is starting to say “mine!” (much to our frustration)
…has discovered the joy of sandboxes
…still loves playing with pretend kitchens, whether at home, school, or the Omaha Children’s Museum
…is getting better and better at coloring with crayons and tinkering with stickers
…thinks the answer to any question with “name” in it is “Max” (except for Sesame Street characters, of course)
…wants to drink from a cup like a big boy
…has started asking for water instead of milk
…frequently wakes up with damp pajamas despite wearing extra-absorbant overnight diapers
…knows that two comes after one
…thinks the answer to any question with “how many” in it is “two”
…prefers his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on “Elmo bread
…almost always says please and occasionally says thank you
…is starting to make three-word sentences like “More cookie book
…is beginning to show an interest in lining up his toys
…asks for a plate, bowl, fork, and spoon during mealtime
…wants “gucky book, gucky book!” (his sucky and a book) before bed
…only uses his sucky when he’s in his bedroom
…will nudge, push, or pull me if he wants me to move
…does not have any more teeth than he did at 20 months old
…likes to snack on cheese, yogurt, applesauce, and cookies
…still won’t eat meat or vegetables
…holds your hand while he walks (“awk! awk!”)
…mostly calls me “mommy” rather than “mama”
…experiments with walking backwards
Yes, these are all iPhone photos. Can you believe that I only took photos of Levi with my DSLR once this entire month, and it was when he was sick earlier this week?!
P.S. – Go back in time and check out all the monthly photos from Levi’s first year.
image via Country WeeklyToday has already been quite a day — and it’s just barely 1pm! I had to scramble to tidy up the house after my cleaning lady unexpectedly showed up at the door at 8 AM. (Did I forget to write down the appointment in my calendar or did she forget to confirm the date?) She must have been able to tell I was feeling frazzled because she offered to come back two hours later. Bless her heart!
Lunch with Levi was challenging. He was loud, messy, and unusually particularly about wanting a plate and a bowl and a fork and a spoon. He refused to drink from his sippy cup, instead requesting a straw. Then he didn’t want the straw. Then he wanted a different cup. Then he wanted the original cup with the straw…or was it without? I love that he’s vocal, but it frustrates us both when I can’t understand what he’s trying to communicate.
Plus, I’m just now able to access my blog’s dashboard, which hadn’t been working since midday yesterday. Instead of rushing to finish (ahem, start) the fun post I had originally planned to share today, I’m going to take a breather and give myself a pass. I actually feel guilty for not having something ready to post. So silly, right?
Speaking of silly, have you seen this short musical clip from “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”? It’s an all-clucking version of the Lumineers’ song “Ho Hey”, and it’s hysterical. Laughter always lightens the mood when I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Let’s all stop what we’re doing and have a laugh together.
Are you more inclined to make a purchase if you know the story behind the product’s origin? If you know that a simple swipe of your credit card will help to support an independent artist pursuing his or her passion?
BRIKA is a new online shopping destination that connects you, the buyer, with the markers, artisans, and designers of beautiful, modern crafts. The site’s founders believe in the value of following one’s passions and building a beautiful life through well-crafted everyday objects. In addition to offering a curated selection of jewelry, home decor, paper goods, and baby accessories, BRIKA celebrates the makers behind these special pieces.
Here are some of my favorite makers…
In addition to searching BRIKA by makers, you can search by products to find exactly what you need and by occasion to discover the perfect present. Want to see some of the products I love? Check out my Well-Crafted Life board on Pinterest.
BRIKA is offering a $15 credit to all new customers who sign up using this link. Plus, you’ll be automatically entered to win one of two $100 BRIKA gift cards just by signing up!
Tell me, what do you think of the concept behind BRIKA? Who are some of your favorite makers? Did anything on the website catch your eye?
