Battling the slump
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a little less present over the last couple of weeks. (And there is indeed a good chance that you have not - no self deprecation here, just a fact of the information parking lot that is the Internet these days.) I generally try to swing by daily the many blogs I follow to not only learn a thing or two, but to hopefully contribute something meaningful. I also try to reply to the great comments that I receive on the pieces I write, but the last couple of weeks, well, not so much. I’ve been working to restore my regular features of this site, including the Friday recipe, but I’ve missed at least two now, yet again. I say regular, but it has become what folks in software often refer to as vaporware - the feature sounds great, but it seems to be mysteriously missing in the end.
As most writers who use a blog as their platform know, keeping up with your site is truly a labor of love. As much as we would all like to be working full time on the subjects for which we’re passionate, when it comes down to it, most of us are expressing our thoughts for one reason: To Be Heard. I’d love to say that Almost Fit is providing a healthy meal ticket for my two children and getting that whole college education fund thing all wrapped up in short order, but at best Almost Fit pays for itself right now, and the occasional geekish new domain name registration for some other random project that sounds good in a moment of Bourbon-driven inspiration.
The thing is, I’m good with that. The Bourbon.
In my case, I’ve been doing this for a while now - writing on my terms - and I do indeed love it. I thrive on meaningful interactions with people who read and feel compelled to contribute. I love exploring new culinary territory and indulging in vicarious food experiences that I read about when those who leave a comment also include their Web address.
I think more than anything, I love participating in a community of people that are taking personal responsibility for their health, rather than waiting for a broken system to be fixed. Personal responsibility is the power we all have, both individually and collectively. Elections may help some things, but in the end, it is what each one of us does, in our own immediate space, with each minute of our day that counts. It is owning who you are, where you’ve been, and where you intend to go, that matters most.
So where am I going with all of this?
I would love to say that this is one of those “recommitting” moments, where I am now fully back in the swing of things, ready to take on the world, and prepared to move to the next great debate. Sad to say, I’m not quite there yet. That said, I’m trying to dig my way out. And in so doing, I’m finding inspiration in folks like good old Crabby McSlacker over at Cranky Fitness.
Crabby’s greatest strength, in my opinion, is her sheer honestly wrapped in a sense of humor and intelligence that few of us can match. And she keeps good company with folks like MizFit, another of my favorites and a frequent visitor to Cranky Fitness, who shares those qualities. For me, the first word that comes to mind when I think of either Crabby or MizFit is “tenacious”. And that is a rare quality these days.
But even Crabby struggles to keep moving forward sometimes. In a recent post (”Ill-Advised Post“), she expressed her own slump, which frankly came as a surprise to many of us. But in classic Crabby form, it was honest, inciteful, and heartfelt. Here’s an excerpt:
“To grow Cranky Fitness into a “real” blog, I figure I have to write not just when I feel like it, but when I don’t. I write long posts that take hours and hours and then realize they’re not “good enough” for publication so I don’t run them. I worry when feed subscriptions drop for no reason. I watch the stats constantly. I feel terrible when I realize I haven’t commented on blogs I like; I feel dumb for not taking advantage of promotional opportunities that could help me get the word out about Cranky Fitness, just because they involve a little extra work. I forget to link to great blog posts I’ve seen even though the bloggers who’ve written them link to me all the time.
Most problematic of all, I am a painfully slow writer, and it can take forever for me to do the research, organize my thoughts, and compose a post. (I know it doesn’t seem like it, given the slap-dash quality of the writing. But, sadly enough, even slap-dash takes me a huge amount of time and futzing around).
Let’s face it: I’m a dawdler. I’m sure one day they’ll discover a gene responsible for dawdling. And when they do, I plan to blog about it at Cranky Fitness. Slowly!”
See what I mean? Honesty is powerful stuff.
So uh, rambling man, can you get to the point please?
In the end, my point is simply this: Writers, if you are in a slump or you are intending to be in a slump in the near future (ha), just realize that you are in good company. For me, I’ve been stuck in this spot for a couple of weeks now, trying to get back on my feet and moving forward in any direction again. And reading the confessions of a Crab and her Merry compadre (compadre Merry?) has really helped me to not worry about it too much - but to try to focus on getting the bus chugging again. Roll that together with the taking-on-the-world-one-donut-at-a-time attitude of MizFit, and you’ve got an arsenal of inspiration that will motivate just about anyone.
So to Crabby, Merry, and MizFit: Thank you - even your “ill-advised post”, Crabby, became one of my greatest blog inspirations over the last month, and I do appreciate it. I’m doing the old “bootstrap” routine as well - I’m just a few steps behind. Thanks for leading the way.
Related posts:
- Great blogs for health and fitness writers (and readers, too)
- Personal: Fitness as part of my business plan
- Thursday Resources: Health and Fitness Finds for 28 August, 2008
- One Step Forward…
- Personal: This week’s exercise confession
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totally entirely and wholly get this
shall email you privately.
MizFits last blog post..The Other Side of the Couch: Mother Warriors.
I had been missing you! And at times, I equate blogging to working out. Sometimes you go through phases where you just don’t feel like doing it. But, you get a plan, get re-inspired and do it. And you feel better because of it. I think that’s what keeps us all going…the community and the ability to help others.
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..When Do You Work Out?
@MizFit: I knew you would.
Looking forward to the email.
@FBG: Hi there Jenn/Erin, or JennAire, as you two could be called.
I agree - it is definitely like working out, which ironically, is also, er, not happening right now. gotta fix gotta fix gotta fix, fix, fix! 
JennAire–I like that!
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..When Do You Work Out?
I have missed you and your wonderful articles. I know exactly what you are saying. I’ve been feeling burned out lately and can’t think straight but when I say I’m taking some time off I think of too much I want to share so I keep going.
Good to have you back, even if it’s not full time yet!!!
Robins last blog post..Good Meat - Bad Meat - How to buy good meat…
I’ve felt the same way at times.
I’m not hugely concerned about the number of people who read my blog but sometimes it’s hard to post.
Andrew is getting fits last blog post..Weigh in: Stasis
Jeremy,
To tell you the truth, when one of my favorite bloggers isn’t blogging as often, it takes the pressure off a little to read everything when there’s so little time.
Early on I knew there was no way I was going to be able to keep up the daily posting gig. With 4 kids and a home day care business too, I decided to go with a M-W-F schedule and have been very consistent with that. (I still put in about 30-40 hours a week on my blog, though.) The schedule has worked well, but I know it seriously hurts my monthly pageviews (and profits). I have to remind myself often that all I can do is all I can do, and that’s got to be good enough for now, since being a Mom comes first.
The stress is always a monkey on my back, though. Thanks for being honest and sharing your struggles with us, feels good knowing I’m not alone.
Kelly
Kelly the Kitchen Kops last blog post..Jeremy from Almost Fit - Guest Interview
@Robin - Hi Robin! Great to hear from ya. It is funny - you know I think about the “time off” thing from time to time, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I think when you’ve worked so hard to build something you’re proud of, it’s just plain tough to set it down. That said, I think that the HFCS articles really took it out of me…….I put a lot of energy into something I really care about, and while I think the articles were way to LONG, they at least captured what I wanted to say. Problem is, I think I sprinted when I should have been pacing myself a bit.
@Andrew: Speaking of running…Hey there Andrew. WOW could I use a trip to your neck of the woods right now, in beautiful Auckland. Thanks for the visit -
@Kelly: First of all, THANK YOU for the interview that you posted - I think it turned out really nicely. And thank you too for your honesty - I think we’re all in the same position at times, and as you said, it is really good to know you’re in good company even in the tougher times. Thanks again.
Metroknows last blog post..Battling the slump
A very nice story you got there and a very inspiring one. Yeah, maintaining blogs is not a joke and you should give love to your blog so that it would be a good one. Thanks for sharing this one! =)
By the way if your interested to exchange links with me please do email me or just leave a comment at my blog..thanks!!
Health and Fitnesss last blog post..Four Tips for Faster Walking Technique
Hi there, and thanks for stopping by my blog! I have three blogs and write lots more professionally…here’s what I know about how I deal with it:
1) I decide how many posts I can reasonably post each week, and I stick to that (2 of mine are 2-3 times per week and one is 2 times) this takes off some of the pressure
2) I create blocks of time and write several posts at once, using the scheduling feature on my blog platform to set the dates for getting them up in the public eye
3) sometimes i can’t get to comments…this summer, i went 2 months without answering comments (sorry!), but that’s life…I do the best I can
4) Do what is right for you and do it consistently…if you are true to yourself, you can’t fail!
Warmly,
Jean Ann
@JeanAnnVKs last blog post..Rosalind Creasy Told Me to Write a Book!!
The HFCS articles were great . Hope that makes you feel a bit better.
My blog is just a hobby so…no pressure for me. I would guess that any serious writer would go through what you are though.
Christines last blog post..Boys
jeremy,
it’s been too long, but i’ve caught up and love your blogs. oh how i would love to run that track and collect acorns down the street.
me thinks your other blog communicators may not understand my entries. but i love you and your writing.
sharon
jeremy,
it’s been too long, but i’ve caught up and love your blogs. oh how i would love to run that track and collect acorns down the street.
me thinks your other blog communicators may not understand my entries. but i love you and your writing.
sharon
@JeanAnnVK: Thank you so much for dropping by, and the advice. I have been reading PortlandFoodie for a little while now (found it through your profile on Twitter I believe), and I really love your writing style. I think numbers 1 and 2 in your advice are where I really need to focus. I do pretty well with 3 and 4. Great list - I am sure I will be referring back to it!
@Christine: Hi there Christine! Thank you so much for your kind words. It always brightens my day when you stop by and leave a thought. Thanks!
@sharon: Well hello there Sharon! Shocking - are you online now? Folks, Sharon is one of our kindred spirits, always popping into our lives at just the right time. Such great timing as usual - we are in great need of a visit from you and your family.
Metroknows last blog post..Battling the slump
Man i know what you mean. As they say when it rains pours, but that also means when its dry its dry. For my own blog I get into dry spells as well. I have a site that you and your readers might enjoy. Its called peoplesmd.com. You can find and share all kinds of health information, there is a lot there already on health and fitness. Browsing bookmarks and seeing new ideas is a great way to get some inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Mike - I like the dry analogy. I’ll definitely swing over and check out your site. Thanks!
That’s part of the problem with trying to diet and exercise while blogging at the same time. Maybe if I didn’t have to work and keep up a house and family I could do it, but the real world gets in the way. Not enough time to do everything you want to do!
Hey there! Been having my own slump. Don’t feel like posting, don’t have time to be reading other blogs, blog blahs happen to us all, sooner or later. I always wondered if I could even keep doing it, I’m not a natural writer… writing has always been hard for me. But I need the accountability. Makes for boring read most of the time though!
I really admire people who can keep the ideas coming! It’s quite a job!
Cynthias last blog post..30 Day Challenge - Day 1