No, I haven’t just returned from a thirteen-month journey across Middle Earth in a quest to destroy the One Ring. (Though I did watch the extended trilogy all the way through twice.) I have been gone for two weeks due to a nasty virus that landed me in the hospital briefly. In today’s fast-paced world though, those two weeks have left me feeling like I exited the slipstream and parked in a black hole. Can I just jump back in?
Under normal circumstances, maybe, but I’ve been wiped out. My current concerns involve becoming self-sufficient again, like cooking my own meals, and cleaning up the pharmacy that has accumulated on my kitchen table. I’m back to basics.
Every once in a while we all talk of getting back to the basics, of simplifying our busy lives. Some of us are good at taking the needed steps; others not so much. We cut back one activity only to have it replaced with something else. I would guess that for many of us, cutting back is difficult because we’re afraid of disappointing others. We take on projects and tasks, and though some may start off as “for ourselves,” we soon find we’re serving others. That isn’t a bad thing. It’s wonderful to be part of a community, to support other people, to be involved. When I started blogging, it was for my author platform. And while that function remains true to an extent, blogging has become so much more. It’s become a community. I love reading other blogs, commenting, retweeting, and supporting you all. So the idea of cutting back on that makes me squeamish.
Yet, the last two weeks have already done it for me. I need to get back into this slowly. So I’m reducing my blog posts to Wednesdays and Saturday book reviews. I might get back to three times a week someday, but I’m making no strict demands of myself at this point.
Thank you all for your well wishes while I was gone. I am doing better, but not great. Some days show improvement, others have small relapses. It’s honestly been frustrating, not being able to live up to responsibilities, to follow through on commitments. I know I get some slack. I know you all support me. I’m grateful for all your friendships. 🙂
Angela Wallace, Author 
Girl – you gotta take care of you and follow your own path! Do what’s right for you. We are here to support you whether you post once a week or once a month. There are no rules and no expecations my friend…so be FREE!
I think sometimes we can all get way to wrapped up in not wanting to let anyone down, pushing ourselves far beyond our abilities, and strapping ourselves down with expectations that we put on ourselves. It’s important to let go sometimes and quiet your world and ask yourself “what do I WANT?” Listen to the whispers of your heart and then…HONOR them!
Good for your for following your heart whispers!
And…so glad you are on the mend! Hugs!
So glad that you are doing better! I’m sending you lots of warm fuzzies to get well again soon 🙂
Good for you. Taking care of yourself is paramount, and everyone understands when you need to cut back. Like Natalie said, there are no rules or expectations – do what works for you.
And yes, we all get wrapped up in not wanting to let others down, and that ends up being a double edged sword.
Glad you’re feeling better:)
So glad you are doing better! I echo what Natalie said. You do what you can do when you can do it. Take care of you. 🙂
You just need to focus on you and what you need. Give no thought or concern to letting others down. You are the one that needs your own energy right now. We’ll be here, girl!
Healing vibes to you.
Welcome back! It’s been quiet without you. I’m glad you are feeling better!
We are glad you’re on the road back but take it slow. Your only responsibility is to yourself. When you take care of you everything else will eventually fall into place. Don’t despair … take some of the energy we are all sending your way and allow it to lift you. One breath at a time …
Welcome back. I hope you are feeling better. You need to take care of yourself and not stress over the change in your social media participation. It will still be around when you are back to 100% and it will seem new again.
Get well soon.
I can empathize Angela. Cutting back on blogging was a tough decision for me. Your recent illness has probably brought all sorts of life things to light and this is one thing you can do right now that will help you mind, body and soul. I am amazed at how freeing cutting back on social media has been for me. I have extra hours to write (which I should be doing anyhow) and I have more time to support others which I love and I know you love too. Normally I would close this with a cliche’ though heartfelt, “take good care of yourself” but I think you’re well on your way to doing exactly that. I’m proud of you for listening to yourself and taking charge. I hope today was a good day. Big hugs.
{{hugs}} Angela. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost the rest will fall into place. I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better.
We’re here no matter how often you post. Like Natalie said, there are no rules.
Echoing what everyone has written above. We’re all here to support you, and no one will fault you for taking some much-needed time to take care of yourself. Your health and well-being are the most important things, after all. 😀
Hugs, my dear! Continue to get well, and take things one step at a time.
You’re right: especially in this country, we’re a little too obsessed with efficiency, which makes getting back to basics hard. You’re setting the example. Take care of yourself (and I love the Lord of the Rings reference!)
Yes, yes, yes, Angela. We all do support you. It is so easy to get lost in all of this – we all have experienced it, but more than ever, you must take care of you. You’ve made your mark already, and it will continue to be there. Cutting back on your schedule won’t reduce that in the slightest. So do what you can, do what you feel. It’s all good. Big hugs to you, girl!!!
Yep. What everyone else has said. Your blog isn’t going anywhere and neither are we. You might feel a little lost and like the internet moved on way too fast, but it didn’t. We’re here for you ~ whenever you decide you’re strong enough to come back. Once a week, twice, five times, it doesn’t matter to us. We just want you healthy and happy.
Hugs and hugs and hugs to you, sweet girl!
Glad you’re feeling better!! Just take your time and let yourself rest. Sometimes I think that’s the hardest part for us women!!
Thanks everyone. You are all fabulous. 🙂
Glad to see you back, Angela! We missed you! xo
So glad you are back, and I hope you take everything nice and slow.
There was a time when I was quite ill. I went into survival mode. At times like that, you need to stayfocused on your health. Hope you stay well.