It’s all about change
“Old beliefs are ready to crumble after a time of stillness. The dust settles. You emerge reborn, with a stronger sense of clarity and strength of purpose.”
– Davina
I never thought I’d EVER say this, but I’m taking a blogging break, my friends. Did I just see some rolling of the eyes? Friar, was that you?
After almost nine months of blogging pregnancy, hormone changes, late nights and early mornings, growing pains and stretch marks, I’m about to give birth. To what? To my senses.
For me personally, I’ve allowed blogging to take over my life.
Last June, I jumped into blogging with gusto and “just did it” — like you hear it said so often. “Just do it!” That’s not always the best advice.
I had no idea what I was getting into and how much time was involved. I didn’t have a plan. I’ve allowed blogging to throw my life out of balance.
So, I’m stepping away. Taking a break. Deciding who I am as a blogger. Re-establishing priorities.
In the meantime, my focus will continue to be on working with my coaching clients, proofreading and editing, and producing ebooks. Just less blogging.
Thanks to everyone who has continued to support my blog. I love you guys! I’ve loved being here, connecting with you and reading your blogs. I will miss that, but I will be back… when the dust settles.
Upcoming interview — virtual game for kids
I promised a friend an interview and that is still going to happen — very soon. Her name is Lisa and we embarked on our entrepreneurial journey together last year. Her business plan involved the development of a virtual world for kids, called my myfrog™.
myfrog is a secure, safe site where kids create a frog character that will preserve and protect their world, Frog Hollow. Set up your own treehouse, jump in the pond with other frogs, and chat to your frog friends with your own chat mail. Your frog will also be taking care of the environment, making sure that their world is protected from things like pollution and climate change.
Frogs are very sensitive creatures and when the environment is stressed, frogs show physical changes before any other animal. Taking care of your frog’s habitat means that your frog will live a healthy life.
The animation and graphics on myfrog are lively, bright and colourful. I signed up and chose a name for my frog character to play the free introductory game.
Have a look at Lisa’s myfrog home page. If you have any questions, please share and we’ll do our best to answer your questions in the interview.
What would you like to know about Lisa and the virtual world of myfrog?
Photo credit: Whotheheckareyou’s Photostream
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Enjoy your break Davina! And be kind to the frogs! Knowing how you love to write (and how good you are at it) I reckon you will be back with bells and whistles.
I don’t think any of us knew how time consuming it would be – we only knew we wanted to do it. I reckon we can trust that – and find a way of doing it on our own terms, so it works for us – that’s what I’m trying to do anyway.
love – Rob x
Robin’s last blog post..The Journey, With Brandon Bays
Hi Davina – What an exciting project! We’d like to know everything we can of course about myFrog! And no need to apologize for doing what’s right for you – selfishly, I hope it won’t be too long, though. :)
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..NETBOOKS – LESS IS MORE THESE DAYS
Bravo Davina! I understand how you feel about blogging taking over your life. I’m having late nights and early mornings in front of the computer too! Have a good break, and trust that this is the best thing for you right now. Peace.
Daphne’s last blog post..Do You Have A Personal Creed?
Davina, I applaud you for having such finely developed senses—and for listening to them! You’ve not made the decision lightly, I know. It’s just not a light one to make, because you enjoy writing and blogging so much. But surely it’s the best one, for the time being.
I’ve often wondered about the lives of others, that they manage to be everywhere I turn, commenting, doing guest posts, writing nearly daily on their own sites… I simply can’t imagine it. But I’ve certainly tried to emulate it!! Why? I’ve been asking myself that question for a while. What’s my purpose, my goal…? You’re so right: It’s all about the plan. That’s just so not me, but I’ve learned that it must be.
Davina, I hope your dust settles soon and you return well rested and with new purpose. … and that you and the rest of your life perk up dramatically and beautifully! Let the new Davina shine…!
Then, after your blogging break, when you fling your curtains back wide and open your front door, again, we’ll all rush to hug you with our happy hellos. I’ll bring the cookies and coffee… ;)
Julie’s last blog post..In Others’ Words
I can certainly relate to stepping away – it’s getting time for me to do that myself. I tend to go in waves and balances….I think I’ve basically honed down on what works for me best, but time will tell.
Data points, Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach’s last blog post..2 Tier vs. 1 Tier Affiliate Marketing programs
Davina,
Blogging is an interesting critter, yes? Best wishes on finding a healthier center, renewing your energies, and bringing your words back to us again.
Enjoy your break. It’s good that you’re taking care of yourself.
Hey I just got here, you can not leave yet! LOL- I understand what you mean- blogging can become a full time job quick. Have a great break!
Jay’s last blog post..The Precarious Journey of a Life Purpose
Enjoy your break. Many of us will still be here
ifwhen you come back to it. ;)Mike Goad’s last blog post..Wednesday Weigh In, March 4, 2009
Hi Robin.
Thank you! I am already. I will definitely be back with bells and whistles — you got that right. Finding a way of doing this on our own terms is completely necessary to keeping it going. Sometimes that means stepping outside of it to understand it better. To quote Albert Einstein, “You can’t solve a problem with the same mindset that got you into the problem in the first place.”
Hi Betsy.
I am proud of what Lisa has done with myFrog. I can’t wait to have her share about her journey. I don’t think I’ll be away for too long. I’d miss it, and you too much.
Hi Daphne.
Thanks for your support. I can empathize about the late nights and early mornings. I’ve seen it become an addiction and the only way to curb it is to break the habit. Take care of those joyful days :-)
Hi Julie.
Thanks! Cookies (gluten-free right?) and coffee — yes! This was a very difficult decision, you’re right about that. I’ll still be writing… in the journal, and there will be lots of new material for The Morning Muse.
Hi Barbara.
Waves can make a person seasick, lol. Sounds like you’re getting good at listening to the signs for yourself. Sometimes even just a week away can make all the difference.
Hi Lori.
Thank you. For sure, blogging will keep a person hopping (pun intended). Finding the balance is so important.
Hi Vered.
Thank you. I will. Day one has been fantastic.
Hi Jay.
Thanks, I will have a great break. The Inner Noodle will still be here when I get back right?
Hi Mike.
Thank you. …
if/ when, I get back; lol.Great idea about turning off the commenting function for posts older than 30 days. I have not been able to cope myself!! In my last post, I have also switched off the comments because I am recuperating from another intense round of inner energetic work!
Have a good break!! Hope to see you back here soon!
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..What Are The Akashic Records?
Hi Davina,
Glad you are taking care of yourself. I will be here when you return. Will miss your posts, but now I’ll have time to read your new e-book while you’re gone!
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers — 3/4/09
Hi Evelyn.
Thank you. Yes, that idea of turning comments off on older posts is a good one. It came from Miguel at Wisdom & Life http://eldietario.com/2009/03/03/comments-closed-in-older-posts It’s a really good way to cut down on spam too. Closing comments does have its uses, as I see you are finding :-) Sounds like you’ve been quite busy… and revved up! Your new business must be doing wonders for you.
Hi Linda.
Thanks. It’s nice to “see” you. There’s a lot of good reading in The Quote Effect, thanks to 32 excellent bloggers. Hope you enjoy the reading Linda. See you soon.
I’m feeling the same way myself, Davina. I think it’s the spring in the air. Happy frogging!
Simon’s last blog post..Walking The Walk
I am glad I know how to find you if I need too. Thank you for all your support Davina, I think breaks are good, and new focus is good, and I will miss you but know such a good writer will be back.
Hip Hurrah for knowing what you need to do for yourself…
patricia’s last blog post..How We Make Decisions and Changes Take 2
Good for you about taking a break!!
Come back refreshed and full of lots of frog insight.
xo
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Seriously Weird!
Enjoy the break Davina!
Lance’s last blog post..Be Yourself, Share Freely
Hi Davina – Have a good break and I hope it helps you decide the best way to go. Blogging can be a huge time sucker and it’s good that you’ve realised that and you’re taking a break.
A long time ago, I realised I was spending far too much time reading and commenting on other blogs. And while it’s great to support others, I think there has to be a happy medium. I see people making the same mistake now and it’s sad.
While it’s great to network, so many people spend way too much time just commenting on a heap of blogs, every single day. They get a whole heap of comments back – but they don’t get all that much traffic. And I think it can give people a false sense of just how many people are reading their blog.
Anyway, I’m glad you’ve also realized that blogging is sucking time out of your life. I hope you come back to blogging with a new plan that will help to build your business, as opposed to wasting valuable time.
Hi Davina
First all, thanks a lot for the link. I started in August and I wonder if I will have to take a blogging break sometime. Probably I will. We are humans, and need rest, and days off.
That’s why I’m wondering if, more and more, blogs would need to turn into partnerships. If four bloggers write four posts a week, that’s 16 a week, almost 70 a month. If four bloggers network for the same blog, you know… just something I’m thinking about.
If only I were some sort of a leader, I’d try to start something on those lines.
Oh, and something else, it could make your blogging life easier.
Again, this is strictly an untested idea: the 2nd Edition.
You know, we all have deep when our blog was new, those first posts almost nobody noticed. Why not to edit them and show them again to the world. That could be much faster and easier and still interesting to readers, you know “new and improved”… or so I hope
I want to acknowledge your decision to take a break from blogging. I’ll miss hearing your voice and will be cheering you on in the background.
Hi Simon.
Thank you. Spring IS in the air. The sun has been shining for at least 3 days in a row now!
Hi Patricia.
You are welcome. I’m happy to help out. Thank you… I will miss being here and the connections I’ve made. I hope to not be gone much longer than a month at the most. I already miss the thrill of getting that next post ready, finger poised over the publish button… and seeing what tidbits of wisdom and humour are waiting in the reader.
Hi Jannie.
Thanks. I plan on it.
Hi Lance.
Thank you.
Hi Cath.
Thank you. I’ve appreciated your support since I started blogging. I can’t imagine not coming back. There is too much here… too much to share, and too much to learn. My regret is not finding out more before I started, and having a plan. I can’t believe where the time goes while blogging. It is definitely smart to set limits, otherwise you get carried away.
Having a focus, and a unique personality gives way to a strong voice in the blogging world. I think you have that going for you Cath. When you blog, I listen, even if I’m not extremely interested in the topic :-) I can’t help but be curious to see what you have to say about it and how the readers will respond. You have a living blog.
Hi Miguel.
You’re welcome. I’ve already noticed a lot less spam from doing this. So brilliant… yet simple!
I think that is an excellent idea for bloggers to form partnerships. I can see more bloggers doing this in the future.
I’ve considered revisiting old posts and not ruled that out. I’m not out of ideas for writing though, I just want to tune in to who I am as a blogger. What my focus is. I’m a wee bit burnt out too and just need some time to rest and regroup.
Thanks for all your support Miguel. I look forward to getting back at it and reconnecting with everyone again real soon.
Hi Stacey.
Thank you. I appreciate that. I’ll listen for that cheering! :-)
Funny how I’ve just written about some newly chosen priorities myself ( http://www.delightfulwork.com/2009/03/02/free-yourself/) and come here to find you doing the same. There’s a lot of self-honor going around these days and I’m glad to see you’re on board.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..How To Get the Best Career Advice
Hi Tom.
This is great! I hadn’t read this post of yours until now… thanks for sharing… good to know I’m not alone :-) We so often run from things in our lives or pretend there isn’t a problem, instead of taking a look and working with what is there. The throw-away society appears to be related to more than just goods and services.
Davina, each human being re-evaluates priorities when it suits. Your generous nature continue to contribute much to other human beings and the physical world. In graitude for all you do and all you are.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..15 Unorthodox answers to awaken soul
Hi Liara.
Thank you for your kind words. To know that I’ve been of service means a lot.
Hi Davina
I can fully understand your decision. I myself have realised that it can be consuming and have take a slight step back. I think that many fellow-bloggers are beginning to feel this too.
It’s a pity, because I’ve only recently started reading your blog! But I won’t disappear ;)
All of the best.
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet’s last blog post..Overcoming The Barriers Of Introversion: Starting The Process
It’s so important to take good care of ourselves. I’m glad you are. I’ll miss your posts and your supportive and informative comments, and will be here when you return recharged, renewed and perhaps “repurposed.” :-)
Dot’s last blog post..OpenOffice Extensions
Hi Juliet.
It is a pity because I have just started reading your blog too :-) Thanks for sticking by.
Hi Dot.
Thank you. I will miss being supportive to you and others whose paths I cross. I’m not far away though, if you ever need a friendly ear.
Davina,
Congratulations on the break through!!! I’m sure you won’t be gone for long though!!! :)
Kathy | Virtual Impax’s last blog post..Do you think you work with corporations or individuals?
Hi Kathy.
I love your play on words :-) I’m feeling terrific… except for missing the sharing with all you great blogging buddies. It’s a different world outside of the blogosphere. It takes a powerful person to not get lost in the Net.
Davina — I know you have to do this, but I will really miss your writings. They’ve always been good for me to read — calming, funny, and gentle. Yet, I understand your reasons for choosing to step back and consider how and where you want to go. I just know that you are a born writer and I will read you again, even if it’s not via this blog. I don’t think your muse will stay quiet long. Just take very good care of yourself…you’re a special person:~)
Sara’s last blog post..More than just 5 words in a journal
Hi Sara.
Wow, thank you so much for your encouraging words! I appreciate you sharing the impact my writing has on you — calming and gentle are huge rewards of just being. I miss the reading and playing in the comments sections of all my favourite blogs, but I do know this is the right place for me right now… thanks for your support Sara.
Physical existence gains meaning whenever you decide it does. Thishappens regardless of your geographic wherabouts. Revelations about purpose, meaning and fulfillment begin and evolve within the mind.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..Why move to a place of compassion?
enjoy your break. will be here when you get back. you’re in my reader.
NaTuRaL’s last blog post..Pet Peeve Friday
Hi Liara.
I understand what you are saying, as I’ve been questioning this these last few days. Time to peel away another layer perhaps. Finding meaning and understanding purpose are sometimes elusive and yet other times, they are there waving at us, if we would just get out of our way.
Hi NaTuRaL.
Thank you. Keep writing!
Good for you Davina.
With this being a busy time for me, work wise, plus starting another blog, and working on a redesign of my site, I haven’t had much time for visiting other blogs. Although I miss that interaction and participating in the communities of others, duty calls.
I pray you find the balance you’re looking for. I’ll be here when you return.
Enjoy your new journey.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Sharing Encouragement and Inspiration
Davina…
Though I miss you, I am glad you are taking the time to massage your soul!:~)
And no worries, I have been vigilant about my quote book in the making…adding more and more each day…I’m already formulating my design ideas for the book format, etc…:~)
Thank you for helping me become accountable!
Enjoy! :~)
Henie’s last blog post..Somewhat Of A Whole Hole
Just popping through to say I’m thinking of you and hope you are having a nice peaceful break!
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..After May 10th
Hi Barbara.
Thank you for the support. And that’s exciting that you are working on a redesign for your site. Change is always good, it keeps things fresh and keeps you motivated… not that you have any problems with that :-) You are one busy lady Barbara and kudos for all that you are doing. Congrats on the new blog too.
Hi Henie.
Thank you. I’ve been thinking of you and your quote book. Glad to hear that you are still on it! It will be a work of art when it is finished — you have a lot of talent to share. Please keep me posted. I may be taking a short blogging break, but I’m still here to support you on this project if you need it.
Hi Jannie.
You’re a sweetie! Thanks for popping by to say hi. I am having a nice break. I’m getting the urge to start blogging again, but being cautious and taking it easy. I imagine that you are intently preparing for your upcoming event in May huh?
Hey there! I am just returning from my break. I can totally understand where blogging has taken over your life. It is an addiction. It really is.
I never left it completely. I stuck with my photo blog with not writing. I got outside more and found a focus again.
I really hope you enjoy your time away. I am sorry I just vanished in January without saying good-bye. I had tried twice earlier to let blogging go and I never could achieve it. Now, I feel as if I have it under control and it will never rule my life again.
Have fun!
Cricket’s last blog post..Dear me…
Hi Tammy.
Welcome back from your break. Blogging is great fun but you’re right, it can become an addiction. So you’ve kicked the addiction — woohoo! Tell me, what is your secret?
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