I was going to get this post out on Friday and then say "see ya on the flip side next year", but alas, today is Monday and that's when it's finally going out. I just can't seem to get my stuff together this month. I'm lagging behind and feeling ragged in every aspect of my life right now... it's not a pretty place, trust me. =)
As I'm getting ready to sign off for the year, I've been thinking about next year. Well, that's not exactly true, I've been thinking about next year for about a month now. I've been thinking about how I want to do things differently or the same, what I want to accomplish, what I want to inspire me, etc. My blogging friend, Jennifer from Brave New Home wrote the best post last month. She decided things that she wanted to do with her blog/life and just put it out there. As I was reading it, I just kept thinking "me too, me too".
So, I'm going to take Jennifer's post idea and clue you in on some changes I want to make.
Getting Back to our Roots : In the beginning, this blog was mainly about home renovations. I want to get back to that. Not 100% because, well, our life is full right now. But, I want to steer that direction with one post a week being gritty home stuff.
Social Interaction : I want to be more careful with the things I say "yes" to. I love meeting new blogging friends, seriously, it's the most fun. It's like having a friend in your life who "gets it" with home reno, projects and decorating. But, I need to rethink my values and what my strengths are before I commit to blogging parties/hops.
Compensated Posts : Again, on this one, I need to be 100% sure that what I'm committing to fits in with what I want to accomplish in our house. I took on a few posts that added "extra" stress to our life when it really didn't fit in to what I wanted to accomplish around the house. That being said, I am and will always be 100% truthful in my reviews and I did do that. I just need to reevaluate better when I'm offered something if it fits in to our time frame and what we are working on at that time.
Worry Less : I hesitate to pull the trigger on a post here or there, because I wonder how it will be perceived. For example, I have a design board for our guest bedroom with plans for it that I haven't posted because I wonder if my readers can keep up with what I'm doing in the kitchen, hallway bathroom and Greyson's room. That's just me though and I need to let me be me more. I'm scattered on house renovations/design partly because of money (we move to projects that we have stuff for) and partly because of time. I wish I could finish one project from start to finish, but I can't. So, I just need to stop worrying about it and just post what I want to post. Definitely easier said than done.
I think that's it. I hope you guys have the very best Christmas and New Year's! See you in the new year!
Amy W
All sounds like a great direction to head if you ask me!! Enjoy your time off and Merry Christmas.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Amy!
Jennifer @ Brave New Home
I'm glad my post struck a chord with you, Ashley. I'm happy for your new found direction and I look forward to encouraging each other in the year to come. All the best!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, now only to stick to them!
Charlotte W
Great goals! I'm excited to see more gritty home stuff. Regarding the worry on how your post will be perceived I truly hope you can worry less!! You are absolutely not alone in having a ton of things going on at once. Every thing takes time and I think it's common to switch gears when you have to stop to save up more money for a project.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks for the encouragement!