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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.
I can totally relate to you… I’m a total work hard/play hard nut as well! Most weekdays I’m doing work, school & freelance work, and blog stuff until super late at night. However, I also take breaks during the day to work out, walk my dog, run errands, chat with my mom, etc. so I think that that helps me create balance in my days.
I actually used to post 5-6 days a week as well, and once my Marine was no longer active duty and was home every night and I started school, I decided that it wasn’t sustainable. I now post 3-4 times a week and think it works best for me. As a reader, I have to say that I think it’s better to post 3-4 times a week instead of almost every day, because I normally don’t have time to read everyday, and this way it gives me a chance to check out every one of your posts instead of just some of them.
Health and living your life need to come first always! Sounds like it is time to slow down and take care of yourself. Good for you and best of luck on your next projects!
You deserve to take time for yourself and other endeavors! I’ve said in the past how much i admire your work ethic and blogging as a job and its not surprise that you’ve got more up your sleeve! Take the time, take care of your body and enjoy the ride.
I’ll be watching and reading. 🙂
You’re awesome. I mean, you already know how much I think you’re my hero, but this is just another solidifying example of it. It’s so courageous and competent of you to realize the changes that need to be made and to take action in order to carry out those changes.
College has forced me to step back from blogging, which has been hard even though it’s not my job! But time slots open up, and we make it happen while also prioritizing LIFE.
♥
love you Divs!! and proud of you always. xo
Well, I’m a huge fan of popcorn and wine for dinner but I know exactly what you are saying!!!
I’m glad that you are listening to your body and know it is time to make some changes!.
And, I can’t wait to hear about some of your upcoming projects – I’m sure they are going to be incredible!!!
Gotta have the balance baby! I’m happy you’re realizing that you don’t need to blog 24/7for sanity’s sake. Plus, I know at least one thing you’re working on, which is a BFD!!! Can’t wait for that one.
As long as you keep posting stuff that makes me simultaneous drool and laugh (which is not a good look, mind you), I’ll be happy.
PS you changed your photo on the side! I was just thinking how that pic didn’t look like that Davs I knew :p You’re beautiful in both, but I ADORE this new one.
Glad to hear it! The best thing for health and happiness – you should always come first in your world! 🙂
I hear ya. I don’t even do half as much as you do and it’s so easy to get burned out. I went down to one post a week at one point cuz that was all I could manage. Now I’m back up to 3/4 a week.
Also, can’t wait to see what project you’re working on. Positive it’s gonna be the bomb.
Girl, I feel you! More than I could ever convey! Do your thang and we’ll all still be here! I’ve dropped down on posting, jumped back up, dropped again… its all ebb and flow! But isn’t life? =) Can’t wait to hear what you’re up to!