I've made a rather sad decision. It wasn't easy to make, but I've come to realize in the last few weeks that it's the right decision. I've decided that I'm going to stop blogging. I've had the blog up for about three years now, and it's been enjoyable. But in those three years, I've also moved about four times, gotten a master's degree, bought a house, and (this being the biggest issue of all) spent way too much time on the internet. I also realized something that bothered me the other day when I was unpacking my books (again...). As I sorted through them, I saw so many books I loved, but then I thought, "Oh, I can't read that now, because it isn't something for the blog," or, "I can't read that again, because I've already blogged about it." In other words, my reading is revolving around the blog, and not the other way around. Were I blogging for a bigger purpose -- that is, reviews at the request of someone else -- that would be fine. But I blog just for my own pleasure. Apparently, I no longer read just for my own pleasure, and that's the exact opposite of a habit I've developed over a lifetime.
In addition, there are other things I used to do and enjoy that have fallen off a bit since I started spending so much time online. I cooked, baked, gardened, drew, played the piano, and so forth. Those are the things that make life beautiful (to me, at least), and I need to go back to doing them. It's not that I haven't done them at all, but they used to fill my spare time in ways that the web has come to do so recently.
So, as of August 1st, I'm putting the blog into private mode. I won't delete it altogether, because it does represent a lot of work on my part. And there might come a time in the future when I feel like blogging again. But for now, I need to find my equilibrium, and I don't think I can do that on the internet.
4 comments:
I really, really respect your decision in this. And I'm also motivated by it because I, too, frequently fall into the "oh, I can't read that just now because it doesn't balance out the blog..." catagory. And that's not right.
Thanks for giving us a chance to say "good bye" to your blog at any rate. =) And I'm rather excited for you as you return to the things that you love and find a good balance for you!
I'm sorry to see you go, but I understand completely. Although blogging hasn't affected my reading selections (book clubs do that for me!), the internet can be a great time-waster for me. I've been honored that you were a "follower" on my blog, and I'll miss the insights you brought to great book selections. Is there any possibility that you might at least share a list of what you're reading - just to give me more to add to my TBR list? ( :
By the way, I had started commenting on your Last Battle post, but then it disappeared. Regarding your thoughts on heaven, I wanted to suggest a book called Heaven is a Place on Earth by Michael Wittmer. He is a seminary professor and was my advisor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He (and I) agrees with you that heaven is more than singing!
Best wishes as you pursue the meaningful and beautiful things in life!
Thanks for the recommendation, Page Turner. I removed the post, because after I wrote it I felt that it might be a bit sacrilegious. Good to know I'm not the only one who hopes for more than singing in Heaven! I'll put a reading list together and post it here soon. I don't promise anything special, but I'll post it anyway :)
Carrie: Thanks for the thoughts and the support. I'll keep reading other blogs (including yours, of course :) from afar, but I definitely need to minimize my online presence.
I will definitely miss your posts, but I understand - and respect your decision. You will be missed.
Oh, and I highly recommend the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. Biblically supported evidence that heaven is much more than singing!
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