Just a few thoughts about the year ahead.
Last year, I blogged less. I had to. Life with three children is brutal. There is never enough time. In the past, I have fought against this lack of time, blogging during the day even though my kids wanted/needed me, blogging into the night when I should have been watching crap television with Brendon.
The balance was out. The priorities were topsy turvy.
But the blog, the blog! When I write, the people come. When I don't, they still come but far less often. If this is my career, I need to feed it, feed it, constantly be building it.
I want to feed it, build it, create and write and take this thing to the limits. I want to do that.
But now is not the time.
I have three small children and the time is not now.
Have we had this conversation before?
This thing I have created, this accidental detour on the way to being a freelance writer, this blogger thing, is in cruise mode. And it needs to stay there for a little longer.
My goodness, that's hard to accept.
But there it is.
So I can't promise constant content – even though my head is constantly creating it. But I can promise that I will continue to write in that raw and slightly uncomfortable way that I seem to specialise in. I will tell you too much and quietly pray that I am not the only one. And you, you'll let me know that I'm not, and my god, that will be the best feeling in the world.
Thank you for giving me that feeling.
I can also promise that when I work with brands, it will be because I think they're worth working with, that there is a story worth telling, a product worth sharing. I will make sure there is something in it for you and me both. I will make sure it is worth our time. I will ask to be paid whenever I can because my time is valuable and I write the shit out of everything I work on.
And as inspired by Claire at ClaireyHewitt, I will be asking all the brands I work with in 2014 to do A Little More with their PR efforts. Where possible, I am asking brands to help me support the charity that I have personally adopted as my very own, St Kilda Mums. This might be by donating products (just as Stuck On You did recently) or in other ways but I am determined to do what I can, when I can, because doing so has completely altered my life.
St Kilda Mums has transformed me. I am personally invested in the amazing work that they do for families in need. Being a part of that, in my small way, feeds my soul and gives me purpose. I share this soul food with my children so that they experience the power of giving, too.
So thank you for coming on this journey with me, for those who have been with me from the beginning and those of you who have just come aboard. For all of you who show up in my stats and let me know I am not screaming into the void.
I have so many stories to tell you. It just might take some time…..
I am so hearing you. There is never enough time with little ones is there? Hopefully the world’s still waiting for us on the other side!
You know what else you should do more of in 2014 – hang out with me. I too am soul food. I promise. Mwah xo
Never enough. Them with all their demands. So little, so needy!
You so are. Count on more hanging. xxx
I have blog content running in my head full time too and never enough time to get it down. It’s a frustrating as all get out. Good on you for allowing yourself off the hook more. Your children need you more, as much as I am hooked on the antics of Angie.
You have a HUGE heart Angie and your support of St Kilda Mums is beautiful. So glad you’re getting your sponsors to give in the right direction. It all makes a difference xx
Oh, so frustrating!
It’s like, “Stop being so demanding, kids! I need to blog about how demanding motherhood is!”
Ooops.
Oh, my heart is standard size, honey, but it feels much fuller since discovering the potential to make a difference via SKM. Love them! And love the wonderful brands who are willing to help, too.
xxx
Here whenever you are. xx
You know what Angie, I think back the ummm 6 years or so since I met you that day in that pub somewhere in Melbourne and I am so freaking proud of you. You have grown so very much and have realised your dream and are working on it. I love your blog, I love it when you write and when you don’t I know it is because you are being the beautiful Mumma you are. Love your work ! All of it xxx
We love you online and offline. Thank you for being you. Now go watch some crap tv with Bren xx
Very wise decision Ange. I’ve also transferred the balance to being more a SAHM than a WAHM over the last few months. That includes housework!!! lol
Time. There’s never enough, is there? I don’t even have 3 kids, but I hear you. This new evening work gig is taking some adjustment in our home. I constantly have paragraphs and posts composed in my head, and that’s where they mostly seem to stay. Life just gets in the way, doesn’t it? xxx
They’re little for such a little while. Enjoy your family. xx
I’m on the same page. I had 3 under 2. The eldest is now 3 and the twins 18 months. Life can be chaotic and long nights working but I wouldn’t change it for the world. You are doing a great job.