It’s Friday night at 11:15pm, and I’m not even a little tired, so I’m sitting at my computer, writing this blog post. I don’t think I’ve written a post to go live on a Saturday in years, literally. But here we are! I realize that blogging is in no way life-or-death, and I don’t think any of you have been desperately wondering where I’ve been, but I figured I may as well check in since I can’t sleep and I haven’t posted anything in a while.
That has to be the worst post intro on the internet.
This month has brought a lot of good things and a strong sense of renewal–something I’m deeply grateful for. It’s been so overwhelming that I’ve found myself bursting into joyful tears at random, a reaction that’s become enough of a problem that I’ve started carrying a wad of tissues with me wherever I go. I kind of feel like I’ve woken up again after being in a foggy hazed slumber for the past year. It’s the strangest, most beautiful feeling.
With this renewal, I’ve been heavily considering each “thing” in my life and deciding what to focus on, what to drop, etc. In my reflection, I’ve noticed that blogging, my first love (you know what I mean), has become little more than a task on my to-do list. And that’s really crappy, because writing makes me feel like my soul can breathe when I write from a place of passion and purpose.
So, I’ve pulled back and thought about the “why.” What I’ve discovered is that I’m really, really, deeply tired of pulling together “perfect,” polished, 10 Ways to X posts. Y’all, I’m such a hot mess. My life is such a mystery to me. I wake up almost every day wondering what God’s plan is, why I’m here in this city, how He wants to use me, what my purpose is right now.
The only thing I’m sure of is that Jesus is walking with me and He’s called me to be an encourager. I hear it so often, it’s like a broken record. Be an encourager, Blair.
And the less I care about the world thinking I have it all together, the more I think I can encourage others–because there’s so much grace and goodness in the ugly mess. I’m living it. Wait until you watch my February Rooted video (a sequel to this one)–every clip I’ve shot so far has been a weepy, tear-filled mess. After filming, I always think I should re-shoot so I’m more pulled together, but I’ve decided against it every time–because I’d rather be raw and vulnerable and real and relatable than polished.
This goes against everything my mostly Type-A, perfectionistic nature stands for, but it’s completely liberating. Bear with me as I slowly get back into posting regularly–it’s a gritty process getting back to writing from a place of vulnerability. It’s scary! Sure, there are still list posts to be written and experience-based advice to be shared, but mostly there’s real life to be lived and lessons to be learned and words to be written in the midst of all of it.
I know this is why I’ve been so drawn to creating videos on my YouTube channel lately; because the videos I create feel like my authentic and honest self, and it’s so refreshing.
In the next few weeks, I’m working on coming up with both individual posts and post series I’d like to write this year. If you have ideas or suggestions, I’m all ears. (Please don’t say budgeting. All anyone ever wants me to write about is budgeting. Believe me when I say that writing about budgeting would not be writing from a place of passion.) You can expect a consistent posting schedule to resume around mid-February or so–I really look forward to it. Thanks for sticking around!
// Have you ever been in a similar place? Are you in a similar place right now of self-discovery?
Thank you for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. If you’d like to be alerted whenever I publish a new post, you can follow me on Bloglovin’ or subscribe via email. Check out my fun tees in my Etsy shop and listen to my weekly podcast about simplifying life, Simplify Everything! Are you a blogger too? Check out my Blogger Mentorship Program.
I know that this is a touchy subject and will understand if you choose to ignore the suggestion, but I really would love to read a series featuring different women talking about politics. The conversation is so this-or-that, and I really think that hearing different voices and different experiences of women will genuinely benefit all of us, if conducted in a respectful manner.
Hey there! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, as a rule, I don’t discuss politics online. I have seen a lot more benefit, understanding, and respect come out of face-to-face conversations! If I catch another blogger writing articulately about the political landscape, I’ll be sure to link to her site! Thanks again, truly, for your suggestion.
If you could, I would love to see something about drawing near to God during a tough time. Also, I have some issues with my own father, and it has affected every aspect of my life, especially my relationship with God. I’m trying to correct it, but I have no idea how. I’m also trying to figure out where to start when it comes to making reading the Bible and connecting an every day thing, because I have no idea where to start. Also, your journey about putting yourself out there, because I’m shy by nature and I worry so much about what other people think that it holds me back from doing pretty much everything, especially going to church.
I’ve missed you Blair!! (: Take this year and be unapologeticly you! That’s the best you, anyways! (:
Hi Jenna! Thank you for your various ideas–I really appreciate them. I would especially like to write about drawing near to the Lord during a tough time, because I’m living that right now. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
So happy to see a post from you today! I’m really looking forward to both your February Rooted video and your upcoming posts/ post series. I know these posts are a bit more “fun” and maybe not what you are going for, but I loved that one time you posted an itinerary for a dream trip. That was a lot of fun to read! If you ever can’t think of anything else to share and planning a dream trip sounds more fun, turn that into a post! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hey Emily! 🙂 I’m all for fun posts as long as they feel genuine and true to my current season of life and mood, if that makes sense. I loved pulling together that Fakecation post and would love to write another one at some point–thanks for the suggestion!
I think it’s always healthy to come back to the why – so take your time to make sure that you are on a path pleasing to God, and don’t worry about us, we can wait!
Post ideas I would be interested in: blogging/making a living through the online world, marriage, and friendships/lack thereof/how to cultivate the ones you have, etc.
Thank you, Madeleine! You’re so sweet. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this post and leave such a thoughtful comment. Thanks for the post ideas, too! 🙂
For what it’s worth – probably some of my favourite posts of yours are the one where you just claim to have sat down and started writing. I commented this on one of your videos as well, but what you said about your videos, how they show more of your authentic self? That’s exactly why I love them! And although I have yet to come across a post on your blog I didn’t like, the ones I love most are the ones where you have allowed yourself to do that as well! So, you know, I guess I’m just trying to tell you that even if you don’t polish your posts to perfection? I’ll still love reading them, and look forward to them!
Thank you so much for reading and leaving such an encouraging comment! I can definitely do more sit down, write, and just publish posts–they’re much less time consuming for me! I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed them. Thanks for your kind words!
I have missed your blogging! Also that’s why I started following you. You were a voice of honesty and vulnerability in a place where that is so often missing.
Thank you so very much. The internet is a scary place to be honest and vulnerable. so I really appreciate your affirmation and encouragement. Thank you!
I vote for more posts about Charley 🙂 They are my favorite!
Hehe, I can definitely arrange for that! 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting, Kailey!
Ohh Friend. Adore this post and adore your heart. I hear you and I’m some what struggling a little with my own blog space as to how to share a bit more personal stuff too. I think I’ll just dive in. Maybe. I’m a little scared!
I realized the other night that I hadn’t seen anything from you in a little while and attempted you see if I had just missed you. Totally ok of course but I did have a moment where I wished I could text you a lil love and encouragement.
Thanks for sharing and encouraging. I so wish I could give you a great big hug and have a coffee. I believe that your obedience and vulnerability will be so richly rewarded.
Xo
Blair, this is so refreshing! Blog posts in general are so much more engaging when written from a place of passion and vulnerability. I am excited for you to get back to writing those kinds of posts (though I also find your list and advice posts helpful!) For topics, I’d love to hear more about the ways you use essential oils. I’ve been using your DIY toner recipe for a couple weeks and everyone is complimenting my glowing skin! It’s got me wanting to learn more about oils in general – I know they have tons of uses and I love hearing how they’re helping people live healthier lives!
A while back you did a post about making macaroons. I admit I haven’t yet tried to make them, but have bookmarked your steps for when I do! I think other posts like this could be useful and interesting to others.
I’d love to see a post on how you use your Erin Condren planner!
I’m excited to read what’s to come. I love these kind of posts when you just write from the heart – you seem like such a positive person, and even in the darker times you always seem to have that glimmer of hope behind your writing (even when you may not realize it yourself!) and it’s just so refreshing as a reader. It’s what’s kept me coming back (even though I don’t comment often, I’ve been reading since before you took blogging pro!). Just keep being you!