So it’s been awhile since I posted.
Since November 3rd, 2016 to be exact.
I turned 50 in November.
Plus life got complicated, which interfered with my happiness, which in turn affected my purpose and productivity.
It did | does not have anything to do with my age but it does go hand in hand with my place in life. It took my attention away from the blog and by taking a step back it allowed me to look at it with fresh eyes. Similar to when we’re done decorating a vignette or finish creating a floral arrangement and take a step back to get the overall feel.
This pause made me question the direction of my blog and my intentions for this blog. Since I haven’t cracked the code on how to profit from my blog, I questioned the energy & effort I was spending on it with no clear reward. No apparent ROI. Zilch. Nothing. Nada.
As the holidays have passed and I find myself reflecting on my future and what I desire for 2017, I realize that my blog was| is much more than I thought. And most importantly I miss it along with all the friendships that it brings along with it. This blog makes me happy.
So although I don’t have a financial return from my blog, I do have an emotional reward, which I intend to keep in my life.
My one little word for 2017 is {happy} and this blog makes me happy. {You can see my other one little words here: 2016, 2015}
I love to share my ideas & projects. I love to learn from others. I love the inspiration love fest we all share in blogland. I love the motivation I have to do more and to do it better in order to share here with everyone.
And although I’m not 100% out from under the dark cloud that descended on my life I am working on the conscious decision to focus on the bright things in my life and take control of my own happiness.
I plan to continue to share all the same things here, albeit it might be in a more edited form, and continue to try to navigate through all the millions of things involved with a successful blog AND remain happy while doing it.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with many of you in the new year.
{Since I did not post throughout the month of December I’m sharing some of our Christmas time magic around here. I always like to look through my blog archives as I plan for a new holiday | event. I also noticed I did not take as many photographs since I wasn’t posting regularly. For example, I did not photograph our Christmas eve tablescape, sigh! Just another reason to keep the blog alive.}
C’mon get happy !
sharing @:
the scoop @ stonegable
amaze me monday @ dwellings-the heart of the home
inspire me monday @ my uncommon slice of suburbia
metamorphis monday @ between naps on the porch
motivation monday @ making our life matter
celebrate your story @ the sweet sensations
inspire me tuesday @ a stroll thru life
talk of the town @ knick of time
tuesday with a twist @ stone cottage adventures
winter blues @ diy by design
wonderful wednesday @ oh my heartsie girl
wow @ savvy southern style
waste not wednesday @ gratefully vintage
vintage charm party @ charm bracelet diva
home & garden @ a delightsome life
syc @ have a daily cup of mrs. olson
home sweet home @ the charm of home
share your style @ 12 rosemary lane
inspiration gallery @ craftberry bush
feathered nest friday @ french country cottage
morning up of joe @ the cottage market
friday’s 5 features @ diy vintage chic
pinworthy projects @ my suburban kitchen
craft frenzy friday @ craft dictator
the creative collection @ the crafted sparrow
funtastic friday @ olives & okra
saturday sparks @ pieced pastimes
a bouquet of talent @ life on lakeshore drive
sundays at home @ love of home
dishing it digging it @ rustic & refined
creative corner @ curly craft mom
show&share @ coastal charm
make it pretty monday @ the dedicated house
Welcome back! Please know that you are not alone in these feelings. Lately I’ve been doing quite a bit of soul searching myself trying to decide what direction I want to go with my blog. Thank you for these lovely pictures and thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great week. We all have much to look forward to!
Happy new year, my friend! I can definitely relate to the ROI of a blog/website. I(still) have my blog but don’t post. I have a website half done. Sigh. I love Instagram but I only want to share certain things. But I do feel happy looking back on my blog and my pretty IG feed. There’s a lot to be said for happiness. My OLW this year is Practice. Miss you,
hi sandra- thank you so much for your sweet comment. it means the world to me. i know many of us share the same sentiments, but i really appreciate you taking the time and making sure i don’t feel alone. onward & upward to 2017. looking forward to sharing in the new year. xo- mj
hi sweet friend! lets get together! miss u too. xo- mj
Hello Mary Jo! Thank you for your recent visit to my blog and your kind comments. I am so happy to have found your beautiful site as you share not only beautiful treasures but the words from your heart are so real and refreshing. Life is not always pretty and neatly packaged but with deep breaths, new perspectives, and “friends”…they do take the sharp edges away. Stay in touch my new friend and we will find more smiles together. JoanMarie
thanks so much for your kind words joanmarie. it’s very uplifting to hear. looking forward to many smiles. xo- mj
How pretty! I have missed you. Thanks for coming by. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Sweet friend, I am sorry to hear that your happiness has been affected!! I am so glad that you decided to return to your blog. I don’t make money from my blog either. Haven’t really tried to go there. It just makes me happy and I cherish the friendships that I have developed. Always love what you have to share. You are one talented lady! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
thanks sherry. your comment made me smile. xo- mj
thank you so much for your sweet comment jann. it really filled my soul and i truly appreciate it. i’m looking forward to sharing together in 2017. xo- mj