Last week I talked about one of the reasons I’ve taken a little step back from blogging. Work has been keeping me really busy and I just feel a little burned out. On top of a busy work schedule, I have really been struggling with where I fit into this blogging world. I haven’t felt connected to blogging over the past few weeks and I knew I needed to take a step back to re-evaluate my next steps. If I’m being completely honest, blogging can be a tough gig. If you’re not careful you can get caught up in a whirlwind of comparison and feeling like you need to keep up.
When I was working retail, I noticed I felt really guilty for the consumerism that we were creating. New collections every month, pushing the latest and greatest, even though people already had last months – now they needed this months collection. It’s a vicious cycle that never ends. Lately, I have been feeling this way with blogging. I don’t like the pressure to constantly buy, buy, buy… or as a blogger to sell, sell, sell. So I took a break to remember why I started this.
My intention when I started Waketon Road was not to make money. It was a creative outlet that would challenge me to learn new things and step out of my comfort zone. I found that every week I was more and more excited for the weekends so that I could spend more time on the blog. That excitement had faded away and I wanted to know why!
I think with the blogging world being so heavily saturated we can all start to feel like we should be doing this a certain way because it’s working for “her.” But the beauty of a creative outlet, is that it is your creativity. There is no roadmap and success looks different for everyone.
During my time off, I realized a few things. The most important being, I have never wanted to be a “LikeToKnowIt blogger”. What do I mean by that? Just that I don’t shop enough to be able to showcase a couple of outfits a day that are all currently in stock. And I am not the type of person to buy something, shoot it and then return it. But I was definitely starting to feel like that was the direction I needed to take my blog. The girls who do that well are definitely the accounts that grow the fastest, which is great for them, but I needed to realize that just isn’t for me.
Blogging can feel a little narcissistic at times. I get tired of only posting pictures of myself because that’s not always what I want to share. I love to be inspired by so many different things and I had to get back to a place where I wasn’t being driven by likes or impressions. Letting go of the pressure to grow felt really freeing.
So I guess where I’m going with all of this is there are so many amazing bloggers out there that I follow who do a beautiful job of highlighting fashion with quality content. These are the blogs I look forward to reading and the influencer’s voices I trust when I’m considering a product. I think I got discouraged because I saw other people experiencing growth from a different formula. I started questioning my content and my vision. Taking a break helped me remember why I started this and my plans for the future. And it feels good to be excited about blogging again! xo Bryn
Shop the Look:
Tee: Old Navy, Skirt: Zara (old, similar), Bag: Cuyana, Shoes: Castaner, Earrings: Zara
Personally, I LOVE how you write and I love reading these kinds of posts. The way I fell back in love with blogging was to stop focusing on the sell, sell, sell aspect and just remember why I started my brand. I think you’re heading in the right direction — keep it up, lady!
The Champagne Edit
Thank you Dana! Your blog is truly one of my favs and I think you do a great job of creating amazing content with great style! Xo Bryn
I’m with you. the constant shilling and selling of overdone pieces is so annoying…combine that with the Nordstrom Anniversary sale posts and I’m so over it.
I’m looking to re-evaluate my blog and direction (actually have some time this weekend set aside) so I understand exactly what you’re saying. At the end of the day it is an extra, or a hobby and it should be whatever you want it to be.
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Yes! I can’t keep up with all of that and I think there are so many people out there who do that type of blogging so well. I’m just not one of them! So I guess that just means I can do my own thing! Haha thanks Maddy! Xo Bryn
It’s awesome that you don’t push consumerism on people. I have never wanted to go down that route either because it’s just like when is it ever enough. Your blog has really inspired me and I hope you keep putting out content even if it’s only once a week or however long. Keep doing you girl!
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! I will definitely continue and I appreciate the support! Xo Bryn
Wonderful post, Bryn! I absolutely relate to your thoughts and feelings on the pressures of the blogging world. I am glad that taking a break was helpful for you. Your blog has always been on that I love and part of that is due to your authenticity!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thank you Taylor! That really means a lot to me! I always appreciate your support and how genuine you are! Xo Bryn
I always look forward to your blog posts Bryn! Your provide a quality of work that I can’t find from other bloggers (and you have amazing style too!). I also felt that you did about blogging, and how I felt the need to “sell” to feel value. I took a step back from that and only shared what I feel passionate about. Welcome back Bryn!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Rach that is the nicest thing to say! Thank you so much! I’m so grateful for the support that you always show! Xo Bryn
I totally understand your thoughts and where you’re coming from!! Great post Bryn and thanks for the honesty here.
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Thank you! I really appreciate it! Thanks for the constant support Katherine! Xo Bryn
I love this Bryn!
I’ve totally felt the same way (numerous times) I feel like any blogger I talk to, regardless of their following feels the same way. It just goes to show that when you hit whatever bench mark you are aspiring towards you just want the next thing. You create wonderful content and stay true to yourself and that is all that matters.
Breaks are a must – it all gets overwhelming and I’m happy you took that time to refresh!
Xo
Thank you Chrissy! I think that’s so true! I know I’m always looking for what’s next and need to remember to appreciate where I am. It can be easy to get caught up in the metrics of everything but my focus should just be the content and the enjoyment that brings me. Thanks so much for your nice comment! I appreciate it! Xo Bryn
LOVED your post Bryn and I personally have also struggled with everything you’ve stated in your blog post! I Dore your content and keep up the amazing work!
Xx Julianna
Julianna thank you so much! I think your content is amazing and you juggle everything so well! I’m always impressed! Xo Bryn
Another beautifully written blog post! Blogging can and is overwhelming at times, but I’m so glad that you always stick to your purpose and loves in life! I enjoy reading all your content and seeing all your beautiful photos. You’re definitely doing amazingly in my book! ☺️
That’s so nice of you! Thank you Emmahlyn! I really appreciate that! Xo Bryn
Loved this post! I also took a blogging break because of similar reasons. It really started to take enjoyment out of why I started out doing it to begin with! I needed to realize what me want to blog in the first place!
I think it’s good to take a step back and remember why we started. It’s easy to get caught up in what we think this should look like! Thanks Todd! Xo Bryn
I loved reading this post Bryn! It’s so honest and so true with how many people are felling. Thank you so much for sharing!
“Success looks different for everyone” is my takeaway from this! I don’t think I’ll ever be profitable in this hobby, but as long as I am enjoying it, I’ll keep doing it 🙂
xo Sam
Don’t count that out, Sam! Look at how much you’ve accomplished and grown in a short time! But enjoying it is definitely the number one goal! It’s the same for me! Xo Bryn
I loved this post! I find the same thing, I was growing at a MUCH slower rate than other people I followed and it became so about numbers and likes that I was growing frustrated. It really puts a damper on the fun side of blogging! Now I have to realize that I do it for me and me only, and that way I make it fun again!
xx Victoria
http://www.strungingold.com
I totally understand that! That side is things really does take the fun out of it but like you said you just have to remember your why. Thanks so much Victoria! Xo Bryn