Blogger Anonymous: Blogger Burnout

Welcome to the second edition of Blogger Anonymous. Not quite so anonymous, but definitely a place where people (mainly me, but feel free to join in), post about issues and drama that is currently plaguing me pertaining to blogging.

Today's topic of choice? Blogger Burnout.

I am currently suffering from this very condition, as is my co-blogger. Typically Gabrielle and I try to time these things so one of us is on their game, but this summer, we've both been going like crazy and there hasn't been much time do blog updates. (Please notice how there have been no updates in 2+ weeks.)

And honestly? I'm OK with this, but I didn't used to be.

The first time I experienced Blogger Burnout (we'll just call it the Big BB from here on out), I had been blogging just over a year. Life was good. I had my followers, I went to my first BEA ... and then my life went into overdrive.

I got back from NYC, my brother got married 2 days later, and then I started a new job the day after that. It was crazy and my blog went untouched for the better part of the Summer of 2012.

But you know what? When I started blogging ... I found not much had changed. The majority of my followers were still there and the world kept going. I was so worried that my followers would scatter to the four corners of the earth, 

but they didn't. 

I've had several friends say to me lately that they're tired of scheduling posts, making sure they're on top of books, blog tours, and trends, and all of the things. That blogging has become more an occupation than a hobby.

If that's you, can I give you a little bit of advice?

WALK AWAY.

Not forever. Maybe for a couple days. A week. Pick up a book that doesn't need to be reviewed until 2015 just because you can. Sometimes I forget the joy of losing myself in a book just because. I forget that I started blogging as a way to squee and share my love of all things bookish. But somewhere along the lines, it got twisted into an obligation. 

So, if you feel like you're hitting that burnout point, the Big BB, give yourself a break. Your followers will still be there when you come back. In fact, taking a beat and letting yourself breathe can be amazingly refreshing.

I am loving my current hiatus, even though it's coming to a close because I've had my break. Now I have energy and more importantly, I want to blog again. I've missed this community and seeing what my friends are loving and reading.

But I promise - you aren't admitting defeat if you take a break. Quite the opposite in fact. Come back more fabulous than ever.