Blogging is a funny gig. Sharing what we love can feel so totally amazing one day, yet can become somewhat of a burden the next.
This is where a plan of action can really help you. (see part 3 here) A plan will basically guide you on where you need to apply your time.
But what if you don’t have a plan? What if you’re still winging it in life?Â
I remember when I started blogging. I had no idea what I was doing or why I was spending a ridiculous amount of hours decorating my home, only to have to photoshoot it, then edit, then put it on a blog that didn’t pay my way in life. I mean, what was the point?
And I’m sure I was like 99% of you. At some point you say, “I should just quit.”
And then I stayed offline for abit, convinced I was far better off. But as soon as I drove by a piece of junk, my heart did a lurch and I was back in the thick of it once again.Â
And again and again and again.
Truly. I’d be in tears some days with the amount of busy I was dealing with. But I could not for the life of me turn off my passion. Know why?
Because it was a chance for true happiness. That in itself, continues to give me enough fuel to push through.
So on we go. But now what?
Well, it took me 3 years to figure out one of my plans. Tonight I cracked open my unfinished sign ebook yet again. Yes, the one so many of you email me about. Sorry for my procrastination.
I now know I needed the time to get a better camera, and hone my photography and writing skills. To learn what works and what doesn’t in the world of blogging and social media. Every hour I’ve spent online may look like play to one, but to me, I’ve been improving, working with others, learning and trying to be the best I can be. I guess I just needed 3 years to position myself into a place where I could be self sufficient in my next step.
Plans just flat out don’t happen overnight. We don’t know what will happen or where this will go. Or even if we’re on the right track.Â
But one day something will click. You may get an offer in your inbox that will tip your world. Or a phone call that will have you rejoicing with happy tears.
Or maybe.. just maybe, your plan was sitting on your lap the entire time, waiting for the perfect moment to be acted upon.Â
Is it your time?
A past post on blogging for those times when you want to quit:
All 31 Days – Junk That Matters posts can be found on my blog HERE.
Read by day from the Pinterest board HERE.
Enter your email
to have Funky Junk’s blog posts sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
Yay! I think you were always a great writer, but now, you really Know WHAT you want to say. Plus, you have read a lot of different blogs and know what works and what doesn’t. You have to mull things over for a while and let them solidify in your mind. Can’t wait! Ann
PS. I think I already HAD my time. Or maybe it was a Different Time. Ann
This is such an awesome post Donna! Love your words of wisdom and encouragement. 🙂
I’m so glad I stumbled on this great post. I began blogging about 5 months ago and have begun to think “Why The Heck Am I Spending So Much Time Doing This”!?! I’m glad I am not alone in questioning my new found passion. Thanks 🙂
Yeah, I think we’re all there once in a while – I guess sometimes I could walk away from blogging, but I could never walk away from crafting and being creative. It really depends on the feedback you get and the community you find online.
Beautiful. So glad I read this on a morning I was asking myself that very question. I’ve known where I want to go from the moment I started, but the path is long and windy. Thanks for keeping my eyes on the prize.
Thank You Donna for your encouragement!! (Sometimes, I do think your talking to me!)
Thanks for these encouraging words Donna. I have often wondered why I do this too but for me it’s all about a realease for my artistic side. I hope to keep taking it to another level one day.
hugs
Sissie
I think probably the bonus here is that you don’t begin to realize how many people you inspire with each and every post- Not only do you show us what can be done with “junk”, you show us what can be done with perseverance and dedication. I always read here but don’t always comment-but I LOVE coming here for my Dose Of Donna everyday!;>)
BTW- Happy Halloween! xo Diana
This is a thoughtful post. I often think of starting a blog…I do love to write. I weigh the options and then decide no…I am afraid of the commitment of time. Yet, that doesnt stop me from considering it again and again.
Great words of encouragement! I have been trying to be a teensy bit consistent in just posting since I met you at Bella Rustica! I do have a house I’ve been working on and that has given me something to blog about. I’ve gotten involved in a group that helps push each other and that has been a GREAT help! I need their encouragement and they need mine! I don’t know that I am in it for money, as much as recording our life. It’s a fun journey and I”m hoping to keep it up!!
Such a great post. I’m blogging but very minute to what you have accomplished. It is such a pleasure to be able to read about your passion and your life as it is happening. Thanks for sharing. Hugs.
This post just inspired me to jump out of bed and write my own post that’s been swirling in my head for a while now. I linked back to you too. I would love if you checked it out 🙂 http://thepaintedtrailer.blogspot.com/2012/10/why-i-blog.html
Erica
Great post…I can so relate! I have been struggling with the “Why am I doing this”
question myself. Thanks for the encouragement.
LOVE this post. I’ve been blogging for 18 months now and over the last two months, for the first time, I’ve been questioning whether or not to drop the blog. I guess I lost my focus or maybe I just need a break. Who knows? Maybe this disenchantment is the very thing that will spur me on to the next big leap in this journey. This time last year, I was despairing over the lack of interaction – few comments, few views, few followers – and now I have no shortage of comments or followers. Amazing! Maybe I just forgot to appreciate how far I’ve come. 🙂
Thanks Donna!
ps I forgot to say that I am a MUCH better decorator now for having participated in the blog world for the last 18 months. Thank you to all you wonderful women who are unafraid to share how you create your designs and DIYs in addition to the photos of your lovely homes.
I’ve thought about quitting a few times in the past few months. I just keep putting added stress on myself to post more often. I use to post every two weeks, now it’s once a month. I do feel a lot of pressure and I know it’s only me doing it to myself. Lately I’ve just adapted to my blogging schedule and it is what it is. I agree with Cocalores, I could probably walk away from blogging, but I’d still do what I love to do in my spare time.
One day at a time I suppose.
What a brilliant, brilliant post! It’s like you’re in my head 🙂 I have so often felt like what’s the point with my blog but I keep returning to it because it is my passion, my love, my obsession! It’s not giving me much of a financial return but it is so rewarding in so many other ways that I can’t help but hope and dream that one day it will also support my financial needs as well as my heart 🙂 Thank you for sharing your wonderful encouragement!!
I am 59 and have been a junker for 40 years, long before it was cool. For the past 25 years I have lived in a rural county. The thrill of taking garbage to the dumpster and finding primative furniture and antiques was wonderful. I don’t blog but I do scavenge. Even though we have garbage pickup now I still find some good “stuff” on the side of the road periodically. One of my finds was a Hull vase in perfect condition. I’d take a day of junkin’ over a mall anyday. This weekend my daughter and I went to “The Country Living Fair” in Stone Mountain State Park. It was one of my greatest experiences in my life. All of this makes me more happy than doing any other thing. That is the point. Don’t quit doing what really makes you happy. I love your Funky Junk!!!!!! Kathy B.
Dear Donna, Thanks for shareing your post,about bloging do l stay or do l go. I am thinging about starting a blog my self.I have journaled for almost 20 yrs,So l know tht part wont be hard.I have been in the antq.bussiness for many yrs also. Shut my store down 2 yrs ago due to the economy…Loved it! Met a lot of wonderful people,tht l miss.But times have changed,so we must go w/ the tide! I know there is a new journey l must take…I just invested in a new DSLR..LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY..So you have giving GREAT advise!! You made me feel like l could do this!THANK YOU!!! (Well),l will more then likely take the plunch!~Sincerely Victoria
I’m so glad I’m not alone here. In 2007 I learned that I would be losing a great job due to company consolidations, I made a plan for a new career path so I got my real estate license and would be all set when our office finally closed in 2008. Well, in 2008 the real estate market went into the toilet. I struggled with that career until last fall when I finally decided my blood pressure and budget just couldn’t take it any more. In January of this year, I discovered blogs, I got lost in Pintrest, I re-discovered creativity, and I started a blog of my own. Just this month, I rented a booth in a local store where I’m selling items that I’ve salvaged and given new life to. Every day, I question the path that I’m on, I question my sanity, and I question my financial situation. Since my sanity has always been questionable, my path and finances I’ll work on one day at a time. Financialy, I’m no better off than I was the day I said goodbye to real estate but my blood pressure is in much better shape so I think I’m on a better path.
Thanks so much for this post.
Oh man you’re speaking my language….I think of stopping so often. Then the passion pulls me back. I make a plan and work toward the goal. Sometimes I feel myself getting there, many times I feel stalled and don’t know why.
My mostly written book sits there. My family needs me. It’s a balancing act.
Thanks for sharing! Lisa~
I think part of it is deciding if what you’re spending all of your time on is helping you achieve your goals. Love your “junk” btw!
Oh, totally! But then again I didn’t plan for half the opportunities that came my way due to blogging. I never imagined I’d be a regular contributor to a magazine or be flown out of the country. Sometimes not following a plan can benefit you too I suppose! 🙂
And this is why you’re awesome…just what I needed at the right time! I didn’t realize how difficult blogging is until I had one of my own, but I totally relate with having that passion that keeps the momentum! Thanks for sharing!
Shirley said:
Donna, you don’t know how much I enjoy your blog. I have severe back problems and limited to what I can do. So I live through all the blogs that I follow. God Bless you and all who take the time to share.
Stunning blog! Absolutely inspirational…thank you…awesome stuff to look at too! Well done – your patience and determination has created something beautiful – you should be VERY proud of what you have here 🙂
This post was so great to read. I have been blogging for a little less than 2 years, and I can completely relate. I often call my blog my fourth child. It’s amazing some days, and then others I feel like no one is out there. Blogging is something that does take a lot of dedication and passion, but it’s always worth it in the end. Thanks for reminding me of that.
I have just begun blogging and found your post inspirational. I spend many hours reading and learning from other bloggers and yours is one I go to often for inspiration.
thank you it is a simple two words…but when you have some tough stuff to deal with and you wonder if the blog is still worth my efforts…then I get maybe one sweet comment..and I keep on moving forward…so for you inspiration thank you
blogging is fun and something new to learn once we start blogging we find a
lot of friends from all over the world . its totally amazing .
Donna I have to say I started following several different diy bloggers awhile back, but your posts I really look forward to. I’ve only painted furniture before, never made any pieces, but you sure having me wanting to try. Keep doing what you are doing!
-Gina-
Thank you for your inspiring words. Blogging can be such a hassle but if you love it then keep it up!
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I always have to remind myself it’s not my timing and my plan, it’s God’s timing and his plan. Patience is the best laid plans! Good luck on your e book and remember the 3 years were part of a bigger plan not yet revealed to you. You have touched and encouraged so many others in this time!
When I started blogging (about a year ago), I had a plan. Sometime this summer, I realized my plan had changed. I wasn’t sure that blogging fit into the new one. I took some time away (not much) and realized that I didn’t want to quit. I love blogging. However, I did want to quit doing it the way that I had been. I made a new plan. I think the key to keeping at it may be a willingness to revise our plans and then to revise our blogs so that both fit each other. Love the idea that we don’t know what will happen or where things will go. Isn’t that what makes life fun? (Sometimes in the same way a roller coaster does, but fun nonetheless!)
I love this post! It really feels like it’s something that happens alot, not just in blogging. I’m really glad you didn’t quit! I love reading your blog, for the humor and tips! Don’t quit anytime soon!