My Blogging Journey
It’s been more than a week since my last post here on the blog. I’m not entirely sure what happened, but I want to keep going. So, I decided to reflect on my feelings and consider how my life is going to see if I’m still interested in blogging.
I started blogging in March and loved it from the very first word. I spent hours researching:
- How to write a blog
- How to promote a blog
- The best platforms for blogging
- The ideal structure of a blog post
- What SEO is and how to use it
- And much more
At first, I had no visitors or readers. To change that, I overcame my reluctance to be on social media and set up business accounts on Instagram, Threads, and Pinterest. Most of these platforms were new to me—I was familiar with Instagram, but I’d never used Threads and had only visited Pinterest when Google led me there while searching for something. That meant more hours learning and figuring out the best way to use them, all while trying to limit the time I spent on promotion.
I realized I didn’t want to spend more time promoting my blog than actually creating content (you can read more about this in my post “The One Where Blogging Is Just a Hobby”). I started because I wanted to write, not for any other reason—and that’s still what matters most to me.
Challenges and Setbacks
But I struggle with sticking to things, even hobbies. I start out excited and pour a lot of time into something, but after a few weeks or months, my enthusiasm fades. Sometimes I simply stop enjoying it; other times, I discover a new hobby and devote all my energy to that, leaving no time for what I loved before.
And that’s not even counting the time I spend scrolling through videos or rewatching shows I’ve already seen six times while playing games on my phone. I’m not proud of it—it feels like a waste of time and gives me nothing in return. Since starting therapy, though, I’ve learned that I need to rest. The problem is, I didn’t know how to rest or relax (and, honestly, it’s still a bit of a mystery even after two years of working on it). Just lying on the couch doing “nothing” seemed like rest to me. But I’ve realized I need something more—something that truly recharges me, something I look forward to.
But I digress. Back to blogging.
For a few weeks, I managed to post three times a week. I prepared my posts in advance, usually writing at least two over the weekend, and the words just flowed. Then, life happened, and I cut back to two posts a week. I told myself that was still okay and consistent—after all, everyone on the internet talks about the importance of consistency.
Then I got sick. I was tired and stressed again, and I missed a post. Suddenly, I wasn’t ready for the next week. I felt like a failure. I struggle in these moments—if I’m not perfect (if I don’t hit the goals I set, like posting three times a week), I feel like I should quit. It’s very “all or nothing” for me. But I want to fight that mindset. I know it doesn’t make sense. If I skip a week and then post again, the world won’t end. I’ll still be here. Everything will be okay. There’s no reason to quit.
If I stopped enjoying it, that would be different. But I asked myself: do I want to keep blogging? Why did I start in the first place? I loved it before, and I still like writing. I just don’t feel the urge to do it every day anymore—which is completely fine. I’ve started crocheting more again. I discovered audiobooks and I’m reading more, too. There’s just a lot I want to do.
I even asked AI for advice. Maybe it sounds silly, but in moments like these, I think it’s a great tool. I needed a little push, and it gave me one—it’s usually very supportive (I guess it’s designed that way), so it said something like, “You loved it before, keep going! One quality post a week is better than forcing yourself to write three that aren’t as good.” And I agreed.
Finding Balance
Writing this, I realize I still enjoy it. Writing opens something inside me—a part that wants to be seen, to share my thoughts, and to keep this little digital journal. I want to get better at writing, at storytelling, at explaining myself.
In conclusion, yes, I want to continue blogging. I probably won’t post as often, but I’d love to keep it to one post a week. That feels doable. We’ll see how it goes over the summer, especially during holidays with friends (since I haven’t told many people in my real life about this). But I think I’ll be able to find the time. As an introvert, I’ll need some alone time anyway.
Deciding Whether to Continue: Navigating Perfectionism
Lately, I’ve been asking myself: how do I know if I should keep going with something, or if it’s time to let it go? This question pops up a lot for me—especially when perfectionism sneaks in and whispers that if I can’t do something “perfectly,” maybe I shouldn’t do it at all.
I’ve noticed a pattern: I start a new hobby or project with tons of excitement, pour my energy into it, and then, when life gets busy or my progress slows, the doubts start creeping in. Did I lose interest, or am I just being too hard on myself? Am I quitting because it’s not right for me, or because I’m afraid of not meeting my own (sometimes impossible) standards?
Apparently, I’m not alone in this. Psychologists say perfectionism often tricks us into thinking we have to be “all or nothing”—that if we can’t give 100%, we shouldn’t bother at all. Dr. Brené Brown, who researches shame and vulnerability, writes that perfectionism is really about trying to earn approval and avoid criticism, not about healthy striving or self-improvement. That hit home for me.
So, how do we figure out whether to continue with something—or give ourselves permission to step back? I’ve started using a few gentle questions to check in with myself:
- Does this activity still bring me some joy or sense of meaning, even if it’s not always easy?
- Am I holding myself to unrealistic standards that are draining the fun out of it?
- Would I regret stopping, or do I feel relief at the thought of letting go?
- Is there a way to adjust my expectations and keep going in a way that feels sustainable?
I’ve found that when I let go of the idea that I have to be perfect, I’m much more likely to stick with things—and enjoy them for what they are, not what I think they “should” be.
Reflection prompt:
If you’re wrestling with whether to continue a hobby, project, or even a relationship, try asking yourself: “Am I stepping back because it’s truly not right for me, or because I’m afraid of not doing it perfectly?” Sometimes, just naming the fear takes away some of its power.
And if you decide to pause or stop, that’s okay too. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’re listening to yourself—which is something to celebrate.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever struggled with keeping up a hobby or creative project? How do you know when it’s time to continue—or take a break? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, or let me know what helps you find balance as an introvert.
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