Jaye’s Days…

This might be a new year and all that, but am I the only one who feels like
their magic spark has gone out?

I have been blaming this feeling on health and other problems, but maybe
something else is going on?

We are constantly told that reading more will make us better writers and
that we should blog with enthusiasm to build up our presence on the web. But I
find that some of the things we do seem counterproductive and time-consuming.
Confusion is not a happy place to be, so my brain has rooted out its thinking
hat. Not sure if that might be an oxymoron!

Don’t get me wrong, reading does make me think and probably improves my
vocabulary, but sometimes I end up reading too much, taking time away from my
writing. When I first started blogging, I read everything I could get my hands
on, desperate to learn the secrets of the black magic box of the blogosphere.

And admittedly, I learnt a lot.

Just lately, though, I have noticed a slight change in my attitude to all
things blog related. It suddenly dawned on me that, as bloggers, we are trying
far too hard to be the best at what we do with our constant searching for the
golden egg. And because we are so busy running around like headless chickens,
we are losing sight of our focus, the real reason we blog in the first place.
We might even be missing the plot or choosing all the wrong moves.

I have been worried that there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to
do everything. With the increasing amount of emails and time spent on social
media, there isn’t much left for writing or blogging, come to that. Not to
mention any new ideas that need to be explored or any of our other interests.

It could be time to step away and have a long hard look at what we do. Time
to prioritise and cherry pick what we really want to concentrate on, or even
find different ways of doing it. Don’t ask me what, for my brain hasn’t gone
that far, yet. I just know it is time for something new, exciting even. How
about that?

Life might be different when the weather settles down, but I doubt it. I
think we must concentrate on what we can do and do well, instead of chasing so
many rainbows…

What does everyone else think?

 

 


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Responses

  1. Susi Bocks Avatar

    The one thing I’ve learned as time slips away, definitely prioritize those things which bring me joy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      and is usually the first thing that falls by the wayside, the minute we start reaching for the moon…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susi Bocks Avatar

        Yeah, that’s life.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. John W. Howell Avatar

    Time is a precious resource. You should spend it the way you want to, not the way you think you should. I hope that makes sense.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      These days, I am not being allowed to, no matter what I do… I am going to find a way though, as not happy about this at all…

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Widdershins Avatar

    Last year I lost sight of so many things I wanted, and sometimes needed to do … and still struggling with that this year. I try not to give myself a hard time though, not too often anyway. :) … I’m slowly finding my new Path through the morass, but it’s hard work and it fucking sucks some days … every so often though I came across a diamond, be it seeing more birds in the sky every day, (I really missed them over winter) or observing the huge piles of snow slooooooowly melting/evaporating, (mostly to do with the turning of the season) and it kind of resets my internal gyroscope for a while.
    With reguards to my writing, I’m trying to view things through the WIBBOW test – Would I Be Better Off Writing – again something I’m struggling mightily with, and crashing-and-burning most of the time, but my success rate is slowly climbing out of the single digit percentages.
    All the above is my way of saying you’re not alone in this struggle. :) … I don’t know where we’ll all be at the end of this time, but I have this teensiest bit of hope that it’ll be OK. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      I am hanging on to hope like it’s the end of the world, Widds. A glimmer is trying to break through, so all is not lost…

      Like

  4. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more Avatar

    Don’t worry too much. We are living in a very challenging time. So many news from all over the world, mostly negative are influencing our behaviour. This is so stressful, and any slowing down is welcome to create new power.Thinking positive is the best we can do. We cannot change the world, and we should not allow world news changing our life. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      You are right, Michael and it has been too easy to accept defeat. But most of us will not give in without a fight…

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Audrey Driscoll Avatar

    No need to worry about the number of visits or likes for your posts, maybe? Or whether your blog is attracting followers. Post when you have something to say, and limit the number of posts you read and comment on.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      It’s not just blogging, Audrey. Everything is slowly grinding to a halt. Whatever it is, I hope it moves off soon…

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Audrey Driscoll Avatar

        Indeed, yes. Do take care of yourself!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Jacquie Biggar Avatar

    I’ve felt the same about writing for the last few years. I find it hard to care anymore, and that trickles into my characters’ thoughts- not a good combo.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      We can only hope that this is a passing phase, Jacquie…

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jan Sikes Avatar

    You have hit the proverbial nail on the head, Jaye. It’s too hard to try and do everything, be everything to everyone and have any energy left for our own pursuits. I agree. We often must step away and reevaluate our daily actions. Hugs!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      For the first time in my life, Jan I’m not sure what to do … but am working on it…

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Annette Rochelle Aben Avatar

    Well, this is my 9th year blogging and I do what pleases me. If others don’t like it, that’s okay. This being said, I Do want to put my best self forward because I like it better when I am at my best. Does this make any sense? xx

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Goff James Avatar

    At times, as far as blogging is concerned, one has to be ruthless and cut back on what one is trying to do and achieve. It is impossible to do everything. set oneself a strict limit to the number of e-mails to read each day. My rule is usually a maximum of 10. Set a limit to the number of posts regularly followed. Stepping back and reflecting is not failure. It is wisdom’s torch burning bright. One has to focus upon what ones body and mind are telling one. The whole purpose of blogging is to enjoy, have fun and be as stress free as is possible. There is life beyond blogging. Take care My Friend. Stay Safe. Have a great day.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      I always want to enjoy what I do, I spent too many years working for other people…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Goff James Avatar

        Enjoy. Happy Blogging My Friend.

        Like

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