Back To My Blogging Roots

Just some thoughts on why I'm here.

Over the past few weeks (okay, MONTHS) I've had the chance to sit back and really reflect on what blogging means to me. This time off from the cyber world has totally brought me full circle, back to where I was when I started this blog last spring.

Writing posts in the beginning was fun.
Just little notes to let family and friends in on what was going on in the Dufour house.
Posting recipes that people had asked for, and little tips and tidbits that I've found to work for me that just might make sense to others too.

Then I got caught up in all of the hullabaloo that goes with finding your "circle" of blogging friends.

Girls, don't get me wrong, I love all of you to pieces, but in life all circles have their competitive sides (C'mon, admit it!). In blogging you may not have to "see" these people face to face, or feel like your competing side by side, yet the competition is still there. Who can nab the most sponsors, who can host the biggest or most giveaways, who has more followers on GFC, FB, Twitter, Bloglovin', Linky Followers, etc...the list goes on. For some of you that's awesome, especially since you see it as (or it is) your job, and I applaud you for all the hard work and effort you put in each day. For me, that's not why I log on to type a post.

So what does this have to do with me? I admit I did get caught up in the competition, almost without knowing it. It hit me like a slap in the face a few months back when I could no longer juggle work, family, our backyard farm, and blogging.  I needed to step away for awhile and re-evaluate why I'm here. I didn't start blogging to compete with anyone, or to make a career out of it. I started to give myself some ME time, to sit back and reflect on my little life through writing. And to hold myself accountable. Accountable for what you ask?? Well, sometimes I think the greatest motivation in life is "showing" others how you can push forward and do things you never thought possible. Whether it be home renovations, or just merely finding time for a nap! And that's what I wanted for myself when I signed up for a Blogger account.

And, what does this have to do with you? Well, first, I thank all of you for being my followers. And I'm humbled by the amount of people that read my posts. I never thought anyone outside of family would even give me a second look a year ago. Never mind still be following me after so much time off. Yet, with time off and reflection comes change. In the near future I will no longer be hosting giveaways (maybe one or two if the time is right), or hosting sponsors. Hopefully this will make my life a little easier and help me to get back to my roots. I think this little blog needs to take a few steps back and be more about me rather than about everyone else. I know many of you are probably rolling your eyes, but at this point its what is best for me. I feel like the rat-race has to stop.

I miss blogging, but I don't miss the small amounts of stress and deadlines that go along with it - I have enough of that to deal with in my non-cyber life!

With that said, button swaps are still an option for those of you that want to share, and I'll still have a place on my side bar for all my favorite blogs (those of you that have been here with me from the beginning will always have a place!). I'll be slowly re-designing my sidebar over the next 2 weeks to de-clutter. That will make signing on to type a bit easier for me. I'm thinking a little simplicity will go a long way in being able to enjoy my little hobby again.

Well, That's That! It has taken me a few months to realize it, but I CAN go back to where I was a year ago and just have fun, and that's what I'm going to do.

Hmmm....funny how typing out such a small thing can take so much weight off your shoulders ;)

Lots of hugs to you all...

Katie