This post has been a long time coming and to be honest, it feels like a relief to be writing it. If you know me, then you know how I operate: work-hard, play-hard. I work crazy long days for weeks on end and then I detach completely. It’s a strategy, which I found to be effective for me in the past, but slowly it is beginning to catch up with me.
Since the blog is not just my passion, but my job it is no exception that I’ve adopted this mentality in how I operate it as a business. So far it’s worked. And while I am so incredibly grateful for the following THM has achieved, in the process I have lost a lot of the core values that this blog is supposed to be about.
Balance is key. I’ve said it from the start. Move your body, eat your veggies, drink your wine and binge-watch your favourite Netflix show. Some days more veggies than wine, and others more Netflix than activity. It all evens out in the end.
But when those veggies and sweat sessions get pushed aside to make room for more work and then suddenly you find yourself eating popcorn and wine for dinner in your PJs from the night before, it’s pretty clear your balance is off kilter.
This has been me for the past couple of months. I have been working my butt-off, as is to be expected when you are self-employed, but not at the expense of your health. And especially not when you write a blog called The Healthy Maven.
As terrifying for me as this is admit, some changes are necessary. Partially because it’s time that THM and I slow-down our relationship and find a better sense of balance. But also because I have a few other projects in the works that are going to force me to divide and manage my time better.
I don’t want to keep pushing off workouts and skimping on the healthy food because there “isn’t enough time”. I don’t want to say no to an evening walk with C because “I’m too busy working”. I want to work hard to enjoy my life, but not have my life be my job.
So what does this mean? I will be cutting back to 3 or maybeeee 4 (should time allow it) posts a week. I used to post 6 days a week and over the last few months have dropped down to 5 but even this isn’t sustainable.
As to be expected, the focus of these posts will be my always favourite topic, food. Occasionally I’ll be popping in for an update on life, Maven’s Cravins, travel and some blogging-related posts. So pretty much the same as always, just less frequently.
While I am saddened that I’m going to have to be choosier when picking which recipe to make from my never-ending idea list, I also am excited to have a bit more free time to focus on some of the other things and people I love. Plus, I think once I reveal the other projects I am working on you will be happy about this change too.
My tentative posting schedule is looking like it will be Sunday, Tuesday, Friday with either Monday or Wednesday open should I have time to post. Otherwise STF it is (good thing there’s no day of the week with a “U”). I highly doubt you’re sitting at home trying to console yourself, but I felt the need to share with you why I might not be frequenting this place as often as usual.
Should you need some counselling, you can always stalk me on my various social channels. I can’t promise to be all that entertaining but I’ll do my best!
I just realized how fitting it is to be posting this on the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Lately, it’s been feeling like a chapter is coming to a close with a new one about to begin. I am excited/terrified/happy about what this next one has to offer and you better bet I’ll be filling you in when I have the time!
In the meantime, I’ll be embracing the change.
Have you ever recognized that you need to take a step back from something you love?
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48 Comments
Diane
November 11, 2014 at 10:27 amNew reader here, your blog is incredible with gorgeous photos. Keep up the awesome work, happy to be here and looking forward to trying some recipes!
Davida Kugelmass
November 12, 2014 at 8:00 amwow Diane! Your comment just made my day. Thank you for being so kind. Sending you a great big hug!
Lauren @ Sweat The Sweet Stuff
October 8, 2014 at 9:29 pmI’m SO glad you’re taking some time for yourself! 3 posts is perfectly fine! I actually think that’s better and easier for readers. Plus you gotta live to get inspiration right?!
Jordan @ The Balanced Blonde
October 3, 2014 at 3:41 pmI know I’m a bit behind on this… but I am so proud of you for writing this and for realizing that more balance was necessary in order for this blog (and your health) to be its very best. And I can’t even tell you how much I needed to read this right now… going through something quite similar (“I’m too busy to workout, too busy to date, too busy to eat well…” whoops..) and decided to take an impromptu blogging break for the last 3 ish days and I NEEDED IT. Posting less doesn’t mean you’re working any less diligently. I will be patiently awaiting those STF posts 🙂 ANNND more info about the new projects! love you missayy
thewhite_pages
October 3, 2014 at 12:15 amI love this, balance is everything if you’re trying to avoid a 1/4 life melt down. P.S. I blog stalked you for like the whole night.:)
Davida Kugelmass
October 3, 2014 at 8:39 amSam!!!! I’m glad to hear the stalking is mutual 🙂 Just nearly avoided that 1/4 life meltdown…
Kelsey @ Ramblings of Change
September 29, 2014 at 11:19 amSo so proud of you! And you have to make the decisions that work for you and make your life happy and healthy. We will all be anticipating your posts, and I think they will have so much more to them if you are taking time for yourself at the same time. My goal for October is to make a blogging comeback, but I know I’m going to start SMALL (like 2 posts a week!). I think this will make it seem less daunting with my schedule at first!
Cassie
September 26, 2014 at 9:50 pmGirllll you gotta do YOU and live life and spend time with that hottie boyfriend of yours and relax and all of those things that you need time to do. You’re gonna be successful and amaze no matter how many times a week you post. xoxo
Alex @ Alex Runs For Food
September 25, 2014 at 5:51 pmI completely know how you feel. Since I started my new job two monthes ago I’ve been so mentally drained!!!! It’s been a while since I’ve posted, which really sucks! I’m finally getting to that point where I have more free time so I’m going to try to get back on a posting schedule.
But I definately understand the need to cut back. Don’t sacrifice all of your personal life.
Chelsey
September 25, 2014 at 9:24 amYES! I can’t even imagine if blogging were to become my full time job, but now running my blog, plus having 2 part-time jobs and being a full-time grad student, things definitely get overwhelming! Pat on the back to you for recognizing taking a step back …it’s definitely worth it & your loyal readers will still be here!
cait @pieceofcait
September 25, 2014 at 9:06 amhonestly, this is just awesome. you DO work your butt off.. and it shows! But sometimes it overwhelming, I think taking a little step back and enjoying more things you love is just what you need.. what we all need <3 love you girl!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
September 25, 2014 at 8:19 amThe fact that you could churn out 5 quality posts per week has always amazed me. You’re awesome girl and capable of so much, but sometimes being successful means NOT doing everything we’re capable of. Good luck with finding your new balance! 🙂