It’s Okay to Take a Break

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4 years ago I quit blogging. I was a senior in college and the pressure felt overwhelming. I had been blogging for 3 years and nothing really came from it so I closed up shop and moved on with my life. I never forgot about blogging and constantly had the urge to write but I didn’t think I’d ever be here posting again.

I eventually forced myself out of blogging “retirement” because I needed a creative outlet. I realized that I was blogging for me, not for anyone else. It didn’t matter about stats or staying committed to my blogging schedule. All that mattered was that I enjoyed it.

The majority of us are maintaining a blog while holding down a full-time job. Blogging is a commitment but it’s also okay to take a break when you need it. I have found that stepping away from my blog and actually missing it gives me the inspiration to keep writing.

The urge to quit blogging still hits me every once in awhile when I have zero inspiration to write and feel like a complete failure. I want to give up when my life is too busy and putting my thoughts on the internet just makes me feel silly.

I’ve learned from being a “retired blogger” that it’s okay to take a break. Take a week, a month, or a year to gather your thoughts. Take some time for yourself and when you are ready to return your readers will still be here.

Have you ever quit or thought about quitting blogging?

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Photo by Harry Sandhu on Unsplash

14 thoughts on “It’s Okay to Take a Break

  1. peckapalooza says:

    I think I had a hard time with keeping the blog up throughout a lot of 2019. I chalk that up to where I was personally. But I still had a certain amount of guilt about not regularly posting because, once upon a time, I made the effort to post something at least once a day. This year has been different and I have managed to post something every day since January 1. Not that I feel like I’m required to do so. Maybe I’m back in a place where I enjoy the challenge. Certainly, working from home has freed up a lot of time for creativity when it’s needed. I do agree with you, though. A break is definitely necessary from time to time. Right now I may be on a hot streak, but I’m sure the time will come when I’m just not feeling it and will need to take a few weeks off. It’s just like anything else that requires our energy. We need to take a vacation and recharge.

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    • Life of Hayley says:

      I understand completely. I always feel guilt about not posting regularly too. I think it’s so amazing that you can been able to post everyday this year! That’s an amazing achievement, congratulations! It’s even better that you don’t feel required to post but you actually enjoy it.

      Knowing that it’s okay to take a break if needed is huge. Sometimes we just have to recharge and come back when we are ready. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. 50shad3s0fjay says:

    So grateful you came back to the blogosphere otherwise I’d never have met you. I agree, taking a break and doing what feels right for you is always okay, so long as you’re happy, nothing else matters ❤

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    • Life of Hayley says:

      Thank you! I am so grateful too! Blogging been completely different this time around and I’m actually enjoying it now. This community is amazing and I’m really glad to have so many great blog friends. 🙂

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  3. Paul says:

    It’s definitely good to take a break sometimes, or space out posts. I think most bloggers are constantly thinking about something to write about, but if the motivation isn’t there to sit down and write, then that’s fine.

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  4. jaimieweb says:

    Before today, my last blog post was in May. I feel like I don’t have a lot to write about right now. Also, it’s been hard for me to concentrate. I’m back now though! I agree breaks really do help.

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  5. Chanelle says:

    I agree with you, it’s fine to fall out of love with blogging occasionally and it will be there if you wish to come back to it. Since lockdown I’ve been posting less and posting when I feel like it, I’ve had some stuff going on and blogging isn’t my main priority but I do enjoy checking in and reading other’s posts almost daily still 🙂

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    • Life of Hayley says:

      I’ve also been posting less during lockdown. It’s such a stressful time and it’s hard to know what to post these days. But that’s okay! I agree that blogging doesn’t have to be the main priority. The community and reading other’s posts is the best part about blogging after all! 🙂

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  6. lifewithal3xis says:

    I am still new to blogging but I love this post! It just shows the raw & realness of bloggers and how not everyone is perfect. This gives me hope that I’ll become better even if I don’t post consistently right away because I am at a loss of inspiration. Thank YOU!

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    • Life of Hayley says:

      Hi Alexis! I’m so glad you found this post helpful, especially as a relatively new blogger 🙂 I have been so intimidated by other bloggers but we are all human and aren’t as perfect as our blogs sometimes make us seem. I try to show the struggles that I go through instead of the highlight reel.

      I’m sure you will figure everything out along the way but feel free to let me know if you have any questions about blogging! I’ve subscribed to your blog and I’m excited to see your journey!

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