Recently Blogger made some changes to their comments and as a result, I've stopped receiving them as emails. That is a feature I've had set up since day one, and as I've also had an iPhone for the last ten years, hearing that chime and reading a new comment was a bright spot of my day. I know, much as getting 'likes' on Instagram is said to trigger a dopamine reaction, seeing others interactions with my words and photos was what helped me get through all the days when I felt like I needed some justification for staying up late editing photos because I had to get a post up.
I know I've mentioned it before, but as of late, shopping has become a way of trying to fill up my emptiness. I know it's futile, but I realize it likely won't stop until I can come to terms with how to change my life to make the emptiness feel like less of a chasm and more of a pothole. Perhaps being more honest about it is the first step.
But I know the answer to what keeps me blogging is everyone who reads.
The Rundown
Floral Jumpsuit Old Navy similar
Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files
Mules Madewell similar
Round Rattan Bag Etsy
Wide Brim Fedora "Lady Roulette" Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie
Round Rattan Bag Etsy
Wide Brim Fedora "Lady Roulette" Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie
Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files
and
I think, before we criticise ourselves too much for all of the things we can't do/don't do as bloggers, we have to remember how much has changed since 2009. Back then, we just had blogs. Slowly, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other platforms also became essential, so suddenly our attention was split among five different things (at a minimum), all requiring separate but related content. We were all also a lot younger then, just getting started in entry level positions at work or still in school - I was out with bloggers last night and met a girl who is new to blogging at 22 just now. "I'm in university," she said, "and I have a job, too." And I remember a time when those commitments felt time-consuming, but in reality, I now know how little they demanded of me compared to my career ten years down the road, which combines a corporate job and a freelance role and stubbornly refuses to confine itself to the standard 40 hours a week. Sometimes, finding the energy to post at all these days takes a staggering amount of effort, never mind crafting a well-worded post on an important subject. We are all doing our best and, as I find myself constantly telling people, that is all anyone can ask of us - whatever our best may be.
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
Oh wow! Didn't even notice they stopped sending emails for comments, wowwww. That's annoying!
ReplyDeleteLoving that jumpsuit too, such a cute print
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
It's funny because I feel the same way. Whenever i read and respond to comments, I always get a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteEven though it's a solitary thing writing a blog....it gives a social aspect to it!
I love this jumpsuit on you Lydia!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I really love this post because I've been trying to get back to more meaningful content and thinking about what I loved about blogging when I first started. Honestly what I still love about it is that it encourages me to be creative with the clothes I already have in my closet (which is in direct conflict with the push to monetize everything these days). Thanks for the honesty in this post!
ReplyDeleteDistrict of Chic
I'm taking a MOOC right now on coursera called The Science of Well-Being. You may want to check it out. https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being/home/welcome
ReplyDeleteI really miss the notifications on comments - it was so nice to get those. And I really admire your honesty in this post. Blogging has always been an outlet for me when things have been dark in my life but I weirdly never allowed to much of that to find its way into my blog content. I can't help feeling I missed out on a lot of opportunities for some catharsis because I know when I wrote some content about how tough I found my "birth experience" and those truly miserable and lonely early days of motherhood, it made me feel so much better to just have at least put my feelings into print.
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Girl I feel you! When I switched to Wordpress I can't really reply back to comments and know that someone got an email and I feel so BAD because some people are like spilling out their heart and they have no idea I responded! Comments truly are what keeps me going and it's so important to have so I wish it was more thought about!
ReplyDeleteYou look really pretty in that jumpsuit and hat L.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was just my blog at first and then realised it was everyone's. Now I don't get emails, like from nobody. Its sad and lonely in my in box. I miss it and wonder if they are going to have this set up again.
Funny thing, I've been blogging for about 8-9 years and "blogging" has just become popular where I live. But it seems more of a competition I do not want to be a part of.
One of the things I have noticed from your blog is that I do not see you shopping second hand like before, is there a reason for that ? I ask because lately its all I do, also as a form out outlet because I am nowhere close to where I'd like to be. I've had better days, Marshmallow passed away yesterday afternoon.
Blogging was SO different back in the day. I've been blogging for 8 years, and it really is crazy to think about what a different environment it was. There wasn't all the social media and the comparison. It was a more peaceful, happier place LOL. I just try not to get too wrapped up in it. BTW, love the jumpsuit!
ReplyDeleteNikki
thefashionablewife.com
I love your jumpsuit and how you styled it. Blogging has evolved so much since I started, some good and some bad. It's hard to sometimes figure your way through it. Hope you're able to find that blogging fix you need.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
First, you look lovely, that's such a fun and colourful outfit! :)
ReplyDeleteSecond, I'm sad that blogging hasn't been so positive for you lately. I think it has changed a lot and any kind of change is definitely something that takes some time to adjust to. I'm an emotional shopper too, my 6 months without shopping next year helped to kinda break that for me. But I think if something makes you happy, keep doing it. No harm in having a few more pretty things!
I turned the emails off so I didn't notice the feature had gone.
Hope that you are having a better week now :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Your style is the best.
ReplyDeleteGeorgeous look! Thanks for the idea, dear!
Xoxo,
Alexandra | Favorite Summer Maxi Dresses
I was so upset about the Blogger changes too. I loved reading those emails throughout the day! Andrea at Living on Cloud Nine mentioned a fix for it in her Wednesday post that worked for her if you are interested!
ReplyDeleteLydia, I think you do a great job of sharing both your style and your personality on your blog. I appreciate your honest thoughts about life and how you aren't afraid to be vulnerable here in this space. I do agree that I like reading about more than just style details (although there are times I'm in the mood for that too!) but it can be a challenge to find the right balance. You do it well.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how much blogging has changed just in the last couple of years. I used to spend hours reading blog posts and leaving comments and now, sadly, I hardly do that at all. My focus has shifted to Instagram and that's where I do all of my engaging. I do find myself more in the camp of people who prefer short posts with fashion inspiration as opposed to long meaningful posts... I guess that's why I like Instagram? But it does frustrate me that people don't visit blogs as much anymore because I still love blogging and it takes a lot more time and energy to create posts.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have Disqus installed on my blog and I still get emails whenever someone comments. Maybe you could switch to that?
This floral jumpsuit is soooo cute! I love those mules too. I actually have them and need to wear them more often! Love the color!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Oh, so that’s why I’m not getting emails regarding comments?! I had no idea! I thought it was just my blog lol. Lydia I love your blog. All of your posts are very thoughtful, relatable, and unique. But I know the feeling. When you’ve thrown yourself into a hobby you want to feel like it’s being recognized, but the blogging world is fickle. Just keep going! That’s what I’m doing, even if some weeks it feels like a slog!
ReplyDeleteUgh I hear you about the shopping, I've been buying way too much nonsense for the past few months (which I've been attributing to general unhappiness). I'm going to try to kick it by the end of summer, but we'll see. I often find that things like this take some time.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about writing again and may even put up a post this week. What keeps me from writing is that it costs me a lot of energy to produce something I'm satisfied with. That and it's difficult for me to get photos... maybe I'll be iPhone everything from now on? Words I definitely thought I'd never say.
Also I really like your jumpsuit. I never seem to have success with them, but then again I haven't tried any since last year
This is such a chic look dear! Loving the print of your jumpsuit, so pretty, really perfect for the season! Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts dear, this is such a lovely read.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
I loved the combination of black and florals. Even I have a dress in the same combination.
ReplyDelete