3 ways to enjoy blogging again

Let's start this week out with what we want ...a better blog.
And what we need...less computer time.

Did you know those two things can coexist harmoniously? I didn't.

Did you know most bloggers quit before two years? Maybe life got in the way. Maybe it became less fun. Maybe it became "too much". Maybe it was starting to feel like (gulp) work. This is my third year of blogging. Awhile back, I implemented three things that I do /don't do regarding my blog to help me keep it going around my life and not the other way around.

1. I schedule my posts. I write them before my kids get up or after they go to bed-- never in between-- and then I schedule them to post when I want them to post. This way, my kids know that they are more important than blogging, not the other way around. This way, I don't miss anything. Before I adapted this policy...I missed too many moments that I knew I would regret missing later. Internet is forever. Children are little only once.

2. I don't respond personally to every comment. I  do however, try to respond to every post that receives a comment. That is not to say I don't value each comment any post receives (I do!). But I value my family time more. Did I mention I do read and value every comment? I do.

3. I Keep it in perspective.  I'm writing a blog not the Magna Carta. It's probably not as important as I think it is, even on those days I think it is important (in the grand scheme of things, its not). If I don't take it (myself) too seriously in the grand scheme of my life's work, then I don't feel stressed or pressured to do more or feel I am not doing enough. Because I am then free to just be.and enjoy what comes. and feel blessed, not stressed.

But, I want my blog to grow. Because I enjoy it. Because I have something to say.  Because I have a unique perspective (Waldorf inspired homeschooler who happens to be a speech-language pathologist, who happens to be homeschooling typical and special needs learners). I don't want my blog to grow because I am slaving to facebook or putting endless hours in front of a PC screen.

 So when I saw Rachel Meek's new e-book,  Simple Blogging:  Less computer time, better blogging, I bought it. Read that again. It wasn't provided to me. This is not a paid review. I did not receive a complimentary copy. I bought it.  I loved it. I don't know if this is the popular opinion, but I think in general we Moms are spending too much time blogging and not enough time momming. I include myself in that group and I don't want to be "that mom". So, besides deciding to cut down on my facebook page time,  I read Rachel's ebook about how to get a better blog with less computer time. I found it to be full of information and tips I was able to start doing immediately-- (and I laughed out loud at her tip to never give parenting advice to others online if you are still sitting there in your bathrobe!)  I felt validated reading the reasons why hours a week on facebook are not necessary to build a great blog following (It's still about great content folks) and was glad to read a voice of reason telling me I can build my blog without sacrificing my family, time or sanity by being smart about it.  

Know the best part? You can read the first 10 pages free HERE and decide for yourself if you want to read the rest... 

Ladies, it's time we reclaim our children's mothers from our PCs.

What do you do to balance your blogging time and family time? click photo to read more.  Be blessed, not stressed.

**This is not a compensated or paid review. I was not asked to review this ebook.  I was not provided a copy of this ebook. I will however, receive a small compensation if you decide to purchase it  and do so from a link on my site.