Since I started blogging almost 2 years ago, I've strived to keep my blogging free of any personal drama I may be going through. My thing is no one comes to this blog to read about my problems {and I don't blame you}. I know we all fight personal battles even though we don’t share them with the world.
So, why I'm I bringing up this random bit of information. Well, I just didn't think anyone would really notice if I didn't blog for a while over the summer. Let alone that I would get messages and emails checking in on me. Or folks looking for my summer home tour {ya'll really wanted that tour LOL}.
I was so touched and humbled by this.
The truth of the matter is I actually never planned to take any time off from blogging this summer. However, the past few months have been hard, to put it mildly. So many things going on that affected me deeply and left my world feeling like it was crashing down around me for a while.
An actual picture of how I spent most of the summer. I was the definition of a hot mess.
One of the biggest things that happen is my husband losing his job. This has had a huge impact on me and my family since we are a one-income household.
So as a family we were thrust into a new normal and had to make some adjustments.
As a new{ish} blogger I still spend more money overall to blog than I make from blogging. Given everything going on, the idea of not blogging at all until the job situation is resolved was on the table.
But you guys not blogging at all over the summer made me realize what a big part of my life blogging had become in this short time I've been doing it. To me blogging is about more than money {spending it or making it}.
Being able to connect with my readers and hopefully inspire you in some way. Sharing community with my fellow bloggers. Having a sense of accomplishment, feeling useful. Not to mention keeping me busy and focused are all things I get from blogging and I'm so grateful for them.
So although things are still a bit uncertain right now and admittedly some days are harder than others. I decided I'm going to do my best to reclaim my time from stress, worry, and all that jazz to focus it on something that brings me joy instead which is blogging! This will be an opportunity for me to push myself to find fresh and new ways to use the things I already have. Grab hold of content I've been pushing to the side for one reason or another. And to generally, think outside the blogging box so I can still bring you new content that is useful and gives you some inspiration for your own home.
This was really on my heart to share some of this with ya'll. So thank you so much for allowing me to share a bit of what's going on in my life with you.
P.S. You can download the printables from this post HERE.
emily says
I found your blog a few months ago and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I love the realness! We are all on budgets ... and i love how you have decorated your home like a real person (with fabulous taste!). xoxo
Linda P. says
Emily, totally agree most of us are on some type of budget, I want to save whenever I can. Thank you so much for your comment, I truly appreciate it.
Bonnie says
I'm sorry that Your husband lost his job. I will praying that he will find another one soon that he loves. I really appreciate your positive attitude and blogging about what's real in your life. I look forward to all of your posts.
Linda P. says
Bonnie, Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I really appreciate you visiting and taking the time to comment.
Jamala says
Hi Linda! I was wondering about your absence... (and felt kinda awkward emailing you because you were missed) I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's Situation...i truly understand what you're going through... i too had to halt when my husband's shop caught fire back in February... drastic loss for us.. and it's stressful ... the struggle is real but keep the faith that God will work things out.. blogging is a good outlet to take your mind away, so just be a bit creative without shopping... you'll be surprised with what you come up with.. prayers for you
Linda P. says
Jamala, Thank you! I'm so so sorry to hear about your husband's shop :(. I will be praying for you guys. Blogging is such a great outlet, isn't it? T
Dara says
Hi Linda, im sorry about your husband's job. That happened to us a few years ago and it was terrifying. I'm glad youre back to blogging and hope things work out for a new job very soon!
Linda P. says
Hi Dara! It is a scary thing, isn't it?! It's really more the uncertainty really. But, we are doing good. Thank you so much for the nice comment, I appreciate it!
Shelly @ConfettiStyle says
i'm so sorry to hear about your husbands job and know that God will work Things out for you. I'm happy to see you back blogging and look forward to all you have to share. I Love that you are challenging yourself to create fresh content getting creative and using The things you Already own. It will be exciting And definitely inspiring to lots of people, myself Included. Wishing you and your family blessings during this challenging time.
I've sent you a couple of Instagram messages regarding the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Tour so is you want to join us again this year just shoot me an email.
Hugs and well wishes.
Shelly
Linda P. says
Hi Shelly! Thank you so so much for your kind and thoughtful comment. I will shoot you a message 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
E Aelterman says
I really like the photo you shared about being what you choose to become because it hits home for me. So sorry your family is going through this. Sending prayers. And I also missed reading your blog this summer!
Linda P. says
Thank you so much. I saw that quote online and it really spoke to me as well.
Mary-The Boondocks Blog says
Linda I hope all goes well with you and your family. Yes blogging is so much more than just the income it opens up a whole new world to us to be able to connect with like minded people. Wishing you all the best.
Linda P. says
Mary, Thank you for your kind comment. You're so right, it does open up a totally new world. I'm so grateful for the connections I've made with folks I would've otherwise never met!
Stacey says
Oh I hate that you are going through this!!
I've been blogging a long time and have seen others go through the same. Actually, there's a blog called The Cultivated Nest that I've read for eons. Manuela is the writer. She started out as a decorating and DIY gal but when her husband lost his job, she shared everything she did to make it through Financially! Her blog then morphed into a frugal living blog and she has been extremely successful! I'm not telling you to change your focus but the truth is most of us don't spend a fortune decorating all the time. That's not real. My husband hopes to retire in 5 or 6 years and we've just moved - the move made me realize that I buy far too much stuff and should stop that nonsense. 🙂
Just be yourself and know that the rest of us understand and may have been there too. Your home is gorgeous! I'm here all the time and don't comment enough...you are rocking this. Keep it up girl!
Visit Manuela for some great ideas: https://acultivatednest.com/
Linda P. says
Hi Stacey! i appreciate your comment so much. You are totally right, none of us realistically spend a ton of money decorating. Although as a blogger there's definitely a bit of comparison syndrome that I'm constantly fighting against. Also, the thought of us moving has me taking stock of what I do decor wise and I realize it's probably more than most.
also, thank you for telling me about Manuela's blog I will certainly check it out.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment! ❤️