Greetings, friends! I’m glad you’re here.
Everyone who knows me knows I have a tendency to over-commit, to have grandiose plans, to think I am Super Woman and can do it all. I’ve always tried to do it all.
Then reality comes crashing in. The word today is “WRESTLE.”
And that’s what I find myself doing a lot in life. For the past two years, I’ve been wrestling with my website, trying to keep it functioning with no support. I’ve finally had the opportunity placed in my lap to completely rebuild the website, taking it out of the hated bootleg Elementor and into a theme I can easily maintain. I wish I could show you the mockup, but I will tell you I absolutely LOVE it!! The color palette consists of warm colors; beige, dusty rose, teal and gold. Believe me, when the site goes live, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops!
There’s one ‘wrestle’ hopefully coming to an end.
I’m also wrestling with what I so grandly committed to do going into the new year, to blog three times a week. I’m already feeling the crunch. What was I thinking? And to announce it, like it was set in stone…well, that’s just me and my fantasy world. Here’s the truth. While I would love to have the relaxed time to blog three times a week, I simply don’t have it. Between taking care of the grandkids, working in the store and trying to publish another book, I let myself get run down and got sick.
What did I realize? It’s just like on the airplane when they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help anyone else. If I don’t protect my aging body and health, I can’t do any of the things I want to. I have watched Jaye Dawes struggle with aging and a health decline and I admire her so much for refusing to give up! I’ll never give up, but I have to take care of me first and foremost, then all other obligations come second.
Therefore, I’m ending the “wrestling” with trying to blog three times a week and I’ll pop in when I have something meaningful to share. I’m not going away by a long shot, but I’m withdrawing my firm commitment to three days a week of blogging. A big thank you goes to Hugh Roberts for talking me down off the ledge. 🙂
Here’s what I know. The world will not stop turning regardless, and I want to feel good, have vibrant health and be productive. So, I have to do more self-care, move a little slower and commit a little less.
Thanks for letting me wrestle through it with you! I love the blogging community!! It’s the best, most accepting, understanding community in the world. Hugs to everyone! See you soon!
Discover more from Jan Sikes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Can’t wait to see your new website, Jan, and I’m doing the same regarding blog time this year. Everything you wrote resonates. After 14 years, it’s time for a change. I love the connections here, but everything gets worked around the day job, and I can’t sit on the computer during that free time. I’m working on another children’s book that is on the front burner, and another poetry collection right behind it. But I’m not sure of which path to take. So, I’ll blog when inspiration gently pats me on the back and hope I won’t be forgotten. 🙂 Anyway, take good care of you! ❤️
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Lauren. We can only do what we can do and I will blog when there is something to blog about, not something forced. It feels more organic that way. Congratulations on the children’s book and poetry collection! I’ll be watching. Hugs!
It’s always okay to cut back to take care of yourself and other needs. I cut back on my blog a while ago from once a week to once every three weeks, due to my own ongoing health issues. I haven’t lost subscribers. In fact, I’ve gained a few, and I feel like life is more manageable right now.
Thank you for your comment, Debra. I feel like people will stick around for content they enjoy and nothing will be lost. I appreciate you stopping by and hope your health issues improve!
I think you are being very smart, Jan!
Thanks so much, Paula!
When blogging becomes a chore, it isn’t what you should be doing. You have a busy life, Jan, and lots on your plate. I will enjoy your posts when you get a chance to post them. Wrestling at our age is not advisable. 😁
Lol, Carla. I have to agree with you about wrestling at this age. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment. You made me smile. 🙂
When you can show up on an extra day, we’ll try to be here for you. But this is supposed to be fun.
Thank you, Dan!
Well, Jan, do what you can, first things first, and it will be great. 😍
I do believe you’re right, Tim! Thanks for your comment.
My pleasure, Jan. 😍
I’m glad you came to a conclusion about how to spend your time. So the blog wrestle will be behind you and i think you will enjoy what you are doing more. Well done.
Thanks for your comment, John. I honestly don’t know how you juggle blogging six days a week. It’s a big time commitment. But you do it well and I always enjoy visiting at your place. I can usually count on you for a smile or two.
Your perspective makes sense to me, Jan. One piece of advice a veteran teacher gave me in my first year has always stuck with me. “We can’t help others if we don’t first look after ourselves.” Blogging, above all, should be fun. It shouldn’t feel like a job or clocking in from 9-5. How exciting to have a fresh look for your website.
The teacher’s advice to you was perfect, Pete. It’s so true. If we aren’t up to par, how can we possibly help anyone else? I agree that blogging should be fun and I truly do enjoy it, but just have to be realistic about what I can actually do. Thank you so much for your comment and I am super excited about the new website revamp!!!
I had a big imagination about retirement, but needed to kind of try it out. I don’t think I’ll be back to frequent posting any time soon. Too many other things still clawing at my time. Weekly, sometimes more for me.
Retirement will start to settle in like a comforting quilt, Craig. It just takes a minute to deprogram from years of running back and forth to a job. Weekly blogging isn’t a bad thing. I honestly don’t know how people like Sally and John manage to blog every day. My hat is off to them. Thank you so much for chiming in and good luck settling.
Take care. On Sunday I will turn 83 can’t believe it.
Happy Happy Birthday, Emma!! I hope you have a fabulous day!
I’m so relieved to hear this, Jan! Glad you saw the light but I’m just sorry your body took drastic measures for you to see it. You should be more like me–sit on the sofa quite a bit like our mom and just reflect and meditate…maybe eat some candy!! Ha!!! Play a little Skip-Bo. Laugh. This is all going to be over before you know it. I’m enjoying the slower pace. Love you with all my heart, Sister.
Your comment made me laugh, sister. I do remember our mom holding down the sofa a lot in her later years. And yes, I also remember the bag of candy she kept under the corner of the couch. 🙂 I’m glad you’ve found a slower pace, sister! I love you!!
My book store is designed with Elementor. I guess it offers early design pluses, but not for the novice–like you and me! I barely revise anything in it other than wording or grammar.
Hopefully you don’t have a bootleg version of Elementor, Jacqui, and can get updates and support. Honestly, I’m sure the full version of Elementor is good, but I never had it. Thank you so much for your comment.
Ah, Jan, yes, I understand as I too am the queen of over commitment and I am wresting with the same problems. I’m glad you’ve made the right decision for you.
It’s so hard when we want to do it all, isn’t it, Robbie? I hope we are both able to strike a balance. I’m definitely going to work on it. Thank you for your comment and your support!
Exactly, the world won’t go away, and we’ll be here for whenever you do post.❤
Thank you SO much, Priscilla. I deeply appreciate your support!
A good idea. I’ve had to cut back on blogging as well. I certainly don’t want to stop though as I love this community. It’s amazing how getting sick teaches us a few things!! Take care. ❤️❤️
I agree wholeheartedly about our blogging community, Darlene. I feel a deep friendship with all the wonderful people I’ve found throughout the years in blog land, although most I will never meet in person. Still, it’s so comforting to have this kind of support. Hugs!! Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation.
This sounds very wise. Blog when the spirit moves you — and make time for self care as needed!
Exactly, Will. At least it takes the pressure off. Thank you so much for your comment.
Have always loved and admired how you do it all Jan ! But reality sets in, reaching us all as the tides of time catch hold. Look after yourself first and foremost, all else will follow, a little more slowly.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Joy. I’ve never been a big fan of reality, but alas, it’s there. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!
I quite understand Jan… and you do have enough spinning plates to manage as it is… You are right, your health is a priority and we will love seeing you when you feel you have the time.. love and hugs Sally ♥
Thank you, dear Sally. I truly don’t know how you manage to blog every day without fail. I am so grateful for our blogging community. There isn’t a more supportive group anywhere on the planet. Hugs!!