During the months when I wasn’t blogging, I realised that when I did start posting again, I’d want to change the focus of what I wrote about. Because, it turns out, being a mummy blogger isn’t for me – at least not in the way I was doing it before.
Please don’t get me wrong: I think the parent blogger community is brilliant. It’s full of wonderful people with amazing stories to tell. But for me, blogging about being a mother left me feeling like I was drowning in mummy-ness.
I love my daughter to bits and I love being her mum. But I also don’t want to lose sight of the other things I am too.
During my first two years of motherhood, I have felt like the things that defined me before I became a mum got left behind in the delivery room. That’s not a bad thing – raising a kid is a lot of work and is definitely my priority. But Pumpkin is more independent now and it seems like a good time to start working on myself again.
So, what’s the New and Improved Shannonagains going to be about?
I’m really trying not to use phases like “self-improvement” and “self-discovery” – because words make me feel a bit sick. But, I want to focus on improving me and my life – and sharing how I do that in the hope that it helps other people too.
Basically, I have five goals – and these are the themes I’ll be writing about:
- Become healthier
I’ve been on Slimming World for a long time and tried plenty of other weight-loss plans before that. SW is fabulous and I’ve seen it work – for me, as well as others. But I’m a serial yo-yo dieter and that needs to stop. I have a lot of weight to shed and I’m tired of thinking it will happen someday. - Create I home that I love to live in
We live in a small flat and it’s a mess. All the time. We haven’t properly decorated, I HATE the blinds and we have too much stuff. In the last couple of months, I have done a bit of work to make little improvements, but I want to do more. I want to create a cosy home that’s not too cluttered and somewhat organised. Having a toddler – and a husband – add to this challenge, but I’m determined to make my house a home. - Make better use of my time
Some days seem to go by in a flash and it’s suddenly Pumpkin’s bedtime and I’m still in my pjs. I don’t know how this happens – but I look around me and see other people getting things done. Lots of things, with a kid or three in tow. I don’t know how they do this, but I’m going to try to learn some of their secrets. - Indulge my creativity
I have a lot of creative intentions – but I’ve not been so good with the actual doing of creative things. I’m also terrible about finishing the few projects that I do start. That’s all going to change. I hope.
- Explore more
We live a short train ride from London. It’s one of the world’s most amazing cities, but I rarely head in to enjoy it. Similarly, we don’t have the time or the budget to do much travelling besides visiting our families in Scotland and America’s Pacific Northwest – but those are two breathtakingly beautiful places that have plenty to offer. So, I need to start taking advantage of the opportunities we do have.
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Now, I realise blogging about such a wide range of topics breaks, like, all the rules. I know, I know: I’m supposed to pick a niche and write about that AND NOTHING ELSE.
While I would love to become a popular blogger who makes loads of money off her writing, I’ve decided that what matters more to me is writing what I know and using my little platform here to make myself a better person. That means writing about a variety of subjects.
(I expect most of my posts to be food-related though. Because I basically think about food constantly.)
Anyway, let’s see how this all goes. It might get a bit bumpy while I try to find my new direction, but I’m looking forward to where that road might take me.
I hear this so loud!! Parenting is something I do. It’s not who I am. Plus I disagree wholeheartedly that you have to pick a niche. I have always been writing about me and my life including weight loss. Some of that also contains parenting. I think it’s much much healthier to write about what you want to and not what you feel you should. But that’s just me! Good luck with your goals hon xxx
I’m so glad you’re back to blogging. Unlike you, I don’t have a toddler who needs me to manage her life. I only have my own laziness to blame. (I’m sure you know in my case, it’s a medical condition. Just ask my mom.)
I think your “niche” is you, and “you” encompass many things. Think of your many directions as “blogging diversity”. It will keep all of us on our toes.
After a verrrrrrrrrrry long hiatus, I’ve started writing again. I think the loss of five years of creativity on my flash drive last year put me in a downward spiral of mourning for the lost pages and ideas. I still have hopes of someday being able to pay $500 to get some of the info retrieved from said flash drive. Until then, I’m going to work on the story ideas that have trickled through my mental dam.
I look forward to reading your posts. Now get writing!
This sounds like an excellent plan (especially the posting about food bit)! Good for you and good luck!
I’m happy to see you back to doing what makes you happy. There are way too many things more important than a clean house so shove that one to the bottom of the list.
Oh my goodness I’ve missed you! I’m so glad to see you back blogging. I am a big believer in writing about life, not just parenting or what have you, so I cannot wait to read your new content. Vx