Saturday Discussions: Blogger Breaks

As some of you may have noticed, my blog has been a bit scarce these last few weeks because I've taken some time away from the blog and reading to re-organize my life. I was shocked at what I found had happened while my eyes had been glued to the computer screen. I'm happy to say that I've been able to re-prioritize things to make my life happier and healthier. But the cost has been cutting back on blogging. And I have to say, it's a great thing (though I've been terrible with follow through lately so if I owe you something, I'm really sorry).

What I was to talk about is how you feel about blogger breaks. To do this, I need to be honest. Back in my blogging hayday, I really didn't get them. I'd hear blogger complain that this all feels like work and I'd wonder why they even started a blog if they want to complain. I was blogging everyday, sometimes more than once and had loads of posts set up. This stuff really isn't hard.

But then I turned around from the screen. I looked at the number of books I'd acquired, all the tough due dates I'd put myself under and something sort of just broke inside me. I love writing and reading. It helps me escape. But I'd escaped out of my own life so much that I wasn't really living it anymore and the people I love had noticed.

Suddenly, the four or five hours a day I'd put into blogging seemed like way too much (because it was). Unfortunately for me, I still haven't found a great balance for all this. Right now, I find I really don't want to blog or read because I'm blaming it for something that I did. But blogging and reading are things that I love and things that I plan on sticking with. Just in moderation.

I've come to realize that taking a week off can be the only way to really let yourself wind down. This is not a job, it's supposed to be fun and the second you lose sight of that, you are in trouble.

I'm not perfect at figuring this thing out. I'm sure I'll stumble more along the way. But I'm excited to be trying.

Have you stepped away from the screen lately to see what's going on right behind you? I hope you all will just take a moment to breath. It'll make you a much happier blogger.

What are your thoughts on blogging breaks? Have you found your balance?