Somedays I wish I was the blogger who had an Erin Condren planner full of ideas and topics to post about. Really, I do. It would make days like today so much easier. However, I've come to the realization that I'll never be that girl, I'll never be that overly organized blogger who has all of her shit together. Maybe that means I need to take this more seriously? I don't really know what it means, I just know that for me I get more inspired by seeing a blank page to start writing my thoughts on than a planner telling me what to do.
I've never enjoyed being bossed around. Even if I'm the one doing the bossing.
Today I have no ideas, no topics, nothing. Today I have this blank page and I'm feeling slightly defeated as far as my blog goes. I don't know where the feelings of defeat are stemming from but sometimes they take over and I like to think it's what helps me to get more creative and start thinking a little harder. These are the days I think feeling defeated is a good thing. Kind of like the defeat is the foot to kick my creativity's ass in gear, if you will.
I really don't think feeling defeated is a bad thing, in this case at least. This feeling makes me want to work harder to be better, to reach higher. Not to say that I'm going to start writing in my glorified paperweight planner, because I'd be lying to myself if I wrote that here right now, but I think it's time for the creative juices to start brewing a little hotter.
It's so easy to get burned out when you do this 5+ days a week and it's even easier to turn down a path of things that aren't necessarily on the road you initially wanted your blog to be. We have to challenge ourselves when we feel defeat, that's how we get over the humps and get stronger, I think.
I'll never be the blogger who has it all together.
That means there will be days I get defeated and days I sit here and ramble to a blank screen, it all means I have to work harder.
I'm okay with that.
And that's all I've got today.
I was feeling the exactly same way at the beginning of January. It happens to the best of us!
ReplyAmen Sister! PREACH!
ReplyI've definitely had these feelings lately! I've tried to keep a blog book, but nobody has time for that.
ReplyIt is super hard sometimes to come up with content. I'm an up-and-coming blogger with three blogs and I decided that I need to set some boundaries on posting. If that means posting every other day or two days on each blog then, fine! Who cares! At least I'll have my sanity. I hate that defeated feeling that you describe! Get a latte and pick up a new magazine...I'm sure something will hit! If not, there is always pinterest, right? Cheers! http://tobemrscollier.blogspot.com
ReplyI love your not-together-ness. :)
ReplyI've gone through the ups and downs of blogging,too. I just get burned out sometimes.
ReplyMy blog has been active for about 2 years and since then I think I've been on 2 or 3 hiatuses (is that a word?) to just regroup and refocus.
I've done a few redesigns and restructuring changes and more recently decided to take my writing in another direction.
I've also given myself permission (b/c I'm controlling and need that sometimes) to not have to post every single day. That has really worked for me.
Sorry- no advice but I want to encourage you to keep going. I enjoy reading your blog!
I'm amazed by how many ideas you DO have and how much you find to write about! I've only been blogging for about a month, and I can't imagine how you've come up with all your posts :)
ReplyExactly how I feel today! All your posts are so good though :)
ReplyAnd you WERK it girl. You do you and i'll still be reading when all is said and done. But I feel you. I've done quite a few link-ups in the last few days cause I didn't have a clue what to wite about.
ReplySo this is just me, but I personally don't like a blog that posts all the time. I like the wait with anticipation for another juicy post. I like to sign into my reader on a Saturday morning and see that a favorite blogger decided to write a post at midnight on Friday. These cookie cutter blogs drive me nutso. Do what you do, girl. Don't conform to what everyone thinks you should do. ;)
ReplyI think some of the best posts are not planned and just real people talking. Keep it up...I think you are doing a great job and would never know you had these kinds of days (even though we all do!).
Replyxo, jill
Classy with a Kick
I totally get it! But don't worry friend, we love your blog because you're NOT that blogger! :)
ReplyPreach sister!!
ReplyWell, this is the most creative, no-post I've ever read! Great job Whitney. Some days are hard, some days are easy. This is the first non-hilarious/crazy post I've read from you, and it showed a more vulnerable side. You're even more awesome than I thought you were before!
ReplyThis is how I felt when I start writing today's post... I'm not lying when I say I stared at the blank page for at least an hour or so. at least.
ReplyIt's okay not to have it all together - planning every single post isn't all that and a bag of chips.
Keep writing about whatever you feel inspired to write about, and I promise I'll be here to read it ;)
When I started blogging I honestly didn't think it would be as hard as it is! Some days I am just burnt out from work or life in general and I can't think of anything. And then some days I have 80 thoughts running around in my head of what to post.
ReplyI LIKE that you aren't one of the bloggers who constantly has a planned post and always knows what to write the day before. It keeps you interested and it keeps us readers tuned in to see what is next.
i think the only thing you need to have all together is booze.
ReplyTaking a day off once in a while is fine... We can't all expect you to be hilarious 5 days a week. If you ever figure it out on how to hav it all let me know I could use the tips of juggling life
Replywell, we love you regardless of your planning habits :)
ReplyYou have such an original, funny blog! I love the fact that it's unpredictable! Your "rambling" uninspired posts are well written and still make me chuckle. You don't have to prove anything to anybody. Check out your google followers. You have 1614 who have announced to Googleland that they read and love your blog. Now that's something to hang your hat on! Keep truckin on girl! You're talented and certainly don't have to "have it all together." Those who pretend to be that way are just that, pretending. I think it's rather annoying and boring!
Replyi think you have it more together than most, really. also, the post sig. amaze.
ReplyI hear you!!!! I'm totally the same way... I will never be the girl that has it all together - in life, in general, or in my blog. But you know what? That's OK!!! :)
ReplyI've hit that bump before a few times! It's not easy. But as a dedicated reader and follower of your blog, I sincerely appreciate the 5 days you post a week! I look forward to reading your blog daily, whether it's a serious post like this one, or a post that makes me fall of my chair laughing (like the drunk v-log). While I love how hilarious you are, I also love reading posts like this one where we get a little deep. Anyways, have a wonderful day! :)
ReplySheree
thehartungs.blogspot.ca
Well you already know I don't have an Erin Condren planner full of ideas, and even if I did, it would be of little help since it is (still) on my kitchen table. And not on my person.
ReplyI think you do pretty well and have ideas that I would never have. You make topics fun and interesting. Keep on keepin' on, sister!
You have it together enough for me, lover face, and that's all that matters! And by together I mean you usually drink classy wine on weekdays instead of tequila. So, there's that. And it makes you sweet :)
ReplyI like to think I have my shit together, but most days, I'm only kidding myself, and I've decided that it's definitely OK to be spontaneous. I do plan things out, but not necessarily on a specific day. More like ideas jotted down before I forget them. My planner is great for that...and I do have an Erin Condren planner...it was my xmas gift to myself. So far, I'm loving it. :)
ReplyYou totally turned nothing into something! I love this post because I feel this way all too often. I mean, I've only blogged twice this week. I feel like a total slacker!
ReplyI feel the same way. Blogging can get very frustrating at times, especially when I can't figure out something to post for that day :-/
ReplyPeople who have it all together are stupid & I think the writing ends up suffering & you can really tell. Gwyneth says to cheer up...she's trying to get Miley on the phone for you. Also, I like your headband.
ReplyHAHAHA! Oh Gwyneth...
I'll never be the blogger who doesn't like your blogs. Even this one. I also like how Staci really thinks her and Gwyneth are friends and she's literally putting it in her comment. This is what blogging is about... laughing, making friends, and writing about whatever WHENEVER we want.
ReplyI have the lovely Erin Condren planner but there's not a single blog idea in it. Shit. Is that what I'm supposed to do with it? You're not defeated...you're the bomb.com. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Guess this would be a bad time to beg you to guest post huh? lol
ReplyI have been feeling like this some! I have a day planner and that bish is almost always empty because I never no what to blog! I just think of it after I read some others and try to get inspired!
ReplyI've only had my blog for a few weeks and I already feel like this some days! I can't imagine how you have done this for so long! I love that your blog is hilarious and genuine! :)
ReplyPsh, blog planners? What's that. I fly off the seat of my pants. It's more exciting that way.
ReplyI feel this way on a regular basis but I always have to remind myself that as long as I stay true to myself, that's the only thing that matters! Some days we just need a break, huh? You know we all LOVE your blog and love you like crazy!!! You've got a good thing going on so don't you change a thing :) love love you!!
Replyi am def. not that type of blogger either. my sister bought me a planner several years ago and it is blank. i never wrote in it. i've never used a planner because i've just never been an organized person. i would love to be but then i wouldn't be the crazy person i am.
Replyas for my blog. i never have topics scheduled. i just go with the flow. some days it is completely easy and some days not so much. but that is when i work harder.
completely feel you :).
I just started blogging and I already thought "what do I do when I run out of ideas to blog?" It's nice to know that people who have been doing this for a while suffer from this so when it does (and it will) happen to me I won't feel too bad
ReplyThat being said, I am a new follower!
Sarah
anythingbetween.blogspot.com
I will never be that blogger either - and that's okay! I'm not the type of person who plans anything out so the blog is just keeping it real.
ReplyAmen! Girl, thanks for putting this out there! I love your ramblings they are my favorite! You are on there interwebs for a reason... somedays people just need your ramblings for a 5 min escape! Thanks for my daily escape... most of the time I save your blog for 5th period... only because if I take a moment to read it I decided against throwing a kid through a window... so basically you are saving lives on the daily.
Replyalso speaking of rambling see above ^^
Hi-give, Whitney!
ReplyI've never been and probably never will be that blogger ever. I've had moments like that lately cause my brain was all fried out from school projects.
Replyblogger who has it all together? i dont think ill ever be a person who has it together. that said, i think your blog is great and your posts are real. and honest. that is likely why they translate with such popularity. woooo girl.
Replyamanda
http://thingstoholdandstir.blogspot.com/
I'll never be that blogger. I have a planner I never write in (it's flippin cute though), sometimes I ignore my blog for days, I ramble. That's why some blogs are so fun to read anyway! Keep doing what you're doing.
ReplyI think the purpose of blogging should be because it's something you love to do. I think it should be a way for us to express ourselves and our creativity. It shouldn't feel like a burden, and I think sometimes people who blog get caught up in all the perks that come with having more and more followers (freebies for product reviews, for example). I think when people have to write stuff down on calendars and commit themselves, the blog becomes less fun and more work. It just takes the fun out of blogging.
ReplyA lot of people aren't that type of blogger. I think the bloggers who write things down on their calendars try to make more of a career out of it? I don't know. I can understand jotting down ideas but I couldn't imagine writing down a topic to write about on that day and forcing myself to commit to it, even if I weren't in the mood to write about it that day.
I think your blog is great and you should write about what makes you happy and what you're passionate about. :)
Also, you're so good at photography, as a reader, I wouldn't mind seeing more of that--if you cared to share more pictures! You take beautiful photos.
I feel like that some days too!
ReplyRamblings of a Suburban Mom
You may not think you "have it all together" but with over 1600 followers you're obviously doing something right. :)
ReplyAnd your non planned, sporadic, random blogging is what makes you queen of everyone's side bar.
ReplyYou are da wisest blogger and why I love your face so much. Plus you know how I feel about all of dis and a bag of chips.. or something.
Replyi feel ya too! it's too hard to keep everything need and planned out. just the fact that you're blogging everyday is an accomplishment even if you've hit a little writers block. you've got lots of readers who will keep coming back no matter what you have to say!!
Reply-- jackiejade.blogspot.com
Girl, clearly there is no planner needed for your awesomeness.
ReplyAnd sometimes that is okay! I have huge writer's block right now so what can ya do! haha
ReplyYour posts are always GOLD, why mess up that winning streak with a planner??? ;)
ReplyReally though, some people can't function without planning every little detail and thats fine, but it's not for everybody :)
Not only am I not the blogger who has it all together, but I just don't have it together period. So you don't have anything to worry about!
ReplyI think the nature of being ANY kind of writer is that there will be stagnant periods, and that's okay. We can't all be beautifully inspired all the time. And sometimes I think the best posts come from free write, no expectations, unplanned places.
We, the general readers always look for good blog articles for information on various things. Whenever we get such an article that meet our needs, we feel happy. No doubt article writing is a noble work. Thanks for your great service.
ReplyHoller. Sluggish periods can lead to good content.
ReplyStumbled upon your blog and fell head over heals for your honesty! I think this was a fab post. It's real. We have all been there in one form or another. Whether it's exercise, diet, job, blogging, the list can go on. I will be reading your blog daily!
ReplyCortne
I never have it together. :)
ReplyYou don't have to have it all together (I'm not really sure anyone really does)! We will still love you just the same :)
ReplyYou're now in my favorites for blogs to check daily! Love it.
ReplyI'm right there with you! I keep thinking that I just need a better organizer or planner... but in reality, it's my brain not the planner's fault! =)
ReplyHolly
We all have times like that even little ole me.............I know some of my blog friends would find that hard to believe but it is true........
ReplyVery informative and helpful post. I earnestly request you to submit an article like this one to help the readers like me. Thanks for your great work.
ReplyWhat is textile ? Textile is a word that means spinning to garments finishing and of fashion dessign.
ReplyYeah, I'm two weeks behind on blogs..so what.
ReplyWe're all going to be a hot mess once in awhile. Let's embrace it! ;D
hey girl. i'm new to your blog, but i totally relate to this post! i look forward to reading more and following along :)
ReplyI'm not sure who Erin Condren is, but I personally am glad I don't have it all together either. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone was a type-A get-everything-done-right-now-and-perfectly type of person? I'll take my laid-back, always-late-to-everything, creative, free-spirit personality any day. ;)
Reply