With the blog I write here (we can just forget about other blogs I hoped to establish ha!) I really don’t quite know, or even remember, how it all began. Okay so it was my friend, Nathalie, who first suggested a blog so I began to write one and even included photos.
Fast-forward to now and I have learned a lot about the politics, joys and disappointments of blogging. WordPress is a blog-site I would recommend to everyone and I have had the most wonderful fun, made friends, and connected with people and groups who share their photos and stories beautifully.
But I just can’t keep up with reading, commenting, replying and so on; the blogdom for me has become a bit of a problem. I so admire people who CAN keep up and feel really guilty for not replying to comments etc. My gratitude to blog friends is difficult to describe; how people who are unknown to me have become known friends – extraordinary!
Anyway, I’ve decided to go off-line for a week or two just to remind myself what it feels like to be off-line. Oh yeah, and I’m beginning to ‘get’ Tolle’s NOW thing!
jmgoyder 
Have a nice time dear Julie, in Japanese philosophically it is said that there is only NOW… I do believe this, but yesterday and future always make me busy my mind… By the way I will be away too soon for some times… Thank you, love, nia
Taking a break and knowing when to take a break, both extremely important.
Be gentle with yourself.
Big hugs. Donna 🙂
We will miss you, you write so well.
I understand all too well! I don’t want to give up the connections I’ve made on WordPress, but I just can’t keep up with posting, commenting and reading. It’s become far too time-consuming. I completely understand your decision to take some time off. And don’t worry about responding to this comment! 🙂
I get you Julie – with the blog thing – the whole social media thing is absolutely mind bogglingly (now there’s a word!) amazing and an interesting concept. However, it’s problematic because it is all so time consuming, I think people miss out on a lot of life and meaningful friendships, and if you spend time reading everyone’s blog the time has gone, never to be recovered.
Ingrid
we all need to take time out every now and again. you could spend all your time reading and replying to blogs but it is just not practical. be kind to yourself and don’t stress. We are going to be away soon and so I wont have time or inclination to read while I am cycling in Europe.
I’ll be watching for your return! Blogging is an odd obsession and I often wonder why I do it. It would be a hard habit to break. Mr Tootlepedal’s daily posts are my inspiration.
With being on vacation for the best part of three weeks, it’s almost like I’ve not been here… but I must admit I checked in on certain people through this time. I’ve don’t some soul searching on how much time I am here blogging… and the ‘guilt’ I do feel when I can’t keep up with it all…. so I’m going to work out something whereby I don’t lose touch with people but also accept that I can’t do it all…. So I understand completely what you’re saying. People here on WP have come to mean so much to me also…. It’s going to take a ‘plan’… Diane
I sympathise. There is too much of interest out there for comfort.
i really feel you on this one julile! if i don’t read or comment on certain blogs i feel terrible, like a bad friend. in my mind though i feel as though i can hear/read what these friends would say to me. they wouldn’t want me to stress or feel guilty and i am sure the same is true for you. all i want is for you to take care of yourself. if that means being off line for a time then please do that. of course i hope you will check in and let us know how you are as it isn’t like we can pop in or call you.
sending you love and big big hugs:)
Julie, my dad always said everything in moderation, and reading blogs, or being online in general, is definitely included. Take the time you need to feel grounded again. We understand, but know also we will miss your unique voice. You are a born writer.
Jennifer ❤
We will be here when you get back.
Take time off and recharge and hopefully you will return
Enjoy your time away Julie! ❤
Diana xo
So agree!
You have to be strong and make rules for your internet use, Julie.
Self discipline is hard because most of us really want to ‘do unto others’ (and read or follow the blogs of people who read, or follow, us).
It’s impossible. Next thing you know you are spending hours in the blogasphere and not living in the real world. Same with doing research on the internet. I used to spend every spare moment researching my complex health condition until I realised that I had become my illness. I had lost my identity. When I took up photography, I was finally set free and become a real person again.
I try (note, I said try) to delete all email notifications of new posts a couple of times a week or when I feel they are stacking up and I can’t keep up. No matter how much I love the blog, I know I have to pace my activity and time online or suffer from a deterioration of health symptoms.
Initially, you feel you’re letting your blogging friends down. You feel as though they won’t understand your limitations. But the reality is that many of us follow so many blogs, we know what it’s like to run out of time. Most of us know that one has to take time off…..take a walk…..spend time with friends and family and put aside the Blogasphere for a while.
Enjoy your break. Vicki xx
You are a rock!
I totally get it. I feel the same way sometimes. Taking a break is a good idea. I will have to try it at some point as well. Enjoy your time.
I can soooooo understand needing a break. I had shared a blog every day for more than 4 years. Then my husband passed away suddenly in Feb. Since then I just can’t seem to write. I know many people simply saw an abrupt stopping. I offered no explanation. I have no idea if I will ever write again but I also know that I need to mourn in my own way and at my own pace. So we will simply see what tomorrow… and the day after that, brings!
Oh Mandy, I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie x
Julie – enjoy your time away. I did this for a week once, and it was difficult to stay away! I left my blog in capable hands, but I craved the connection.
Here’s the thing: There’s never enough time to do all the reading and commenting and writing we’d like to do. I suggest this: Be fine with what you do. It should never feel laborious; we never should feel we fall short by comparison to anyone else.
Be you. Write you, and read you, too. The way you can. Those of us who find ourselves lucky to be in orbit with you don’t expect everything, all the time. We’re just happy when the phase comes that brings you close enough to read and share.
I miss your writing – hope to see you back soon.
I keep threatening to go off-line, but . . .