I DID IT AGAIN.
I got so involved with work/The X Factor/doing a North of England tour (the Lake District is lovely even in the rain, innit) that every time I sit down to write something here there is NOTHING LEFT. Which is a weird feeling to have.
I actually got home from work with two tired and screaming children a couple of weeks ago and just felt this thing of not having anything left to give anyone at all. No energy to talk, to parent, to email, to read. If I remember correctly to make myself feel better I just had a massive mug of tea – because that’s how I roll these days – and went to bed at 8.30pm after one of those self-pitying weeps that makes you feel much better.
It was a great feeling, though, because it means I am giving everything I have. And I’m all about making the most out of life at the moment (and probably read too many celebrity self-help books, but hey-ho), and with all that lovely stuff that is part of our busy life I go to bed each night knackered but happy.
Happy, apart from I don’t see my friends enough AND I MISS THEM. That means you, Amy. And Bryony. And Lizzi. And Steph. Don’t forget about me!
You can console yourself with the fact I have six half-finished blog posts sitting in drafts currently. You have to look forward to gems such as: “DATING TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE!”, “HOW TO BE A PARENT”, “WHY I AM NOW A FEMINIST” and “OH GOD NOT FROZEN AGAIN”. One of these posts does not exist, but is a phrase I utter on the regular… I will let you decide which.
One of my biggest problems currently is that I have started reading again. Books by women I admire and aspire to be like when I grow up – Bryony Gordon’s The Wrong Knickers, Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and Sali Hughes’s Pretty Honest (also: Graham Norton’s The Life And Loves Of A He Devil). The issue with reading such fantastic aspirational stories is that they leave me a bit stunted creativity-wise. Like if I am writing I MUST make myself as interesting as I can like my new found heroes. Which is about when I crumble under the pressure, make myself another cup of tea and turn to Netflix.
Told you, ROCK N ROLL down in here.
Anyway, after a quick jaunt to the glorious Boden press show today and some time with one of my favourite bloggers I do feel a little bit rejuvenated and ready to tackle more writing. I love my blog so much, I just need to grab my snatches of inspiration when I’m not so tired.
In 2017, maybe? Wait for me, readers!
This weekend I’m heading over to Mumsnet Blogfest to speak on a panel about monetising your blog and am looking forward to catching up with my buddies in the Blogging world – do come and have a listen if you’re there!
Thank you for the good writeup. It actually used to be a entertainment account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?
I have only been back at work a week but I understand this completely. I get home and I do not want to do anything or move anywhere. By the time Matilda is asleep I feel like I have given my everything and I just want to rest. My laundry pile grows, my draft blog post list is growing and the dishes in the sink are not getting washed. The wine is getting drunk though so that’s ok.
Somehow the wine is always the last thing to get ignored – I’m with you on that! Hope the return to work is going well xx
Oh Alice, I completely identify with this. I have so many part written blogs that I’m just too busy to finish. When I do get the time I end up staring blankly at the screen as I’ve nothing to give – I’m just too tired to be coherent and to write want I want to write, if you know what I mean? Hopefully this is just a season and I’ll find that much sought after balance..!
Ah, I know that blank screen staring feeling!! Like you I hope it’s just a season and we’ll get back to normal soon x
I absolutely understand this. After months of feeling meh and having nothing to give on my blog, I decided to start a new one, for so many reasons. Now, I am not saying everyone should do that because it’s scary and most people don’t need to but I felt I have changed so much but my old blog was tied to another time of my life. Anyway, hope you enjoy Blogfest, am sure you will have a ball!
So glad the new blog is working for you – congratulations!! I’ve thought about it but just don’t have the energy ;)
Ditto. Hugs from Sweden, Dxx
I hope your lovely clan is doing well over there xx
Oh boy do I know this feeling! My Mum passed away at the beginning of September and my 15 year old daughter and I are moving in with my Dad. I am bone shatteringly tired at the end of each day and can’t wait for the move to be over.
Love your posts. Hugs from Cape Town.. xx
Oh Sharon I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending love to Cape Town and hope the new bring year brings lots of happier times xx
I seem to have the opposite problem at the moment which is too many posts to write and not enough time to write them in. Enjoy reading other people that inspire you for a while – your writing mojo will rear it’s head again when you least expect it (although frankly all your posts are wonderful!) Hope you have fun at Blogfest x
Thank you for your lovely words Michelle! Look forward to the return of the Mojo but will take your advice and get reading for the time being :) x
Yeah, totally there with you. One four year old, one seven week old and all the stuff and it’s just hard to get developing/photographing/writing. I’m trying to manage once a week but it’s ending up more like very nine days…
Anyway, giving all of yourself is no bad thing – as long as you are not giving so much that there isn’t anything left for you.
xx
That’s one extremely cute seven week old you have though! Hope you are all getting on very very well xx
Boden press show – so jealous. Have been ogling the instagram feed and almost drooling.
SSG xx
Oh, it was all kinds of wonderful!! (sorry) x
Oh gosh, I totally hear you! *Those* days where you barely have the energy to actually switch the kettle on to make yourself a cup of tea in the evening…! It just goes to show you’re living life to the fullest :) xx