Heceta Head Lighthouse

It’s no secret blogging can become addictive.

So addictive in fact, we may neglect our health, spend less time with friends and family or even let our blog consume our life. In some ways it’s like we’re connected to our blog via an umbilical cord; afraid to become completely detached from it.

That can’t be good.

As much fun as blogging is, just like with a real job, we need to take a break from it now and then.

Today’s Lesson

Over the course of the last month I’ve taken two breaks from blogging. One was to spend time with family and friends and to catch up on work commitments, the other was to take a short vacation to the Oregon Coast.

During both breaks, I was completely detached from the blogs. I didn’t use a Smart-phone to check in. I didn’t carry a laptop with me, nor did I let my thoughts drift to the topic of blogging. Instead, I concentrated on creating memories, contemplating life and enjoying my time off.

Needless to say, the breaks did me good.

I feel rested, rejuvenated and inspired to proceed forward.

That said, with blogging being so addictive, for many reasons many fear taking time off.

1. Visitors to our blog may not see updates and will unsubscribe or not come back.
2. Comment counts may drop.
3. Visitor stats may decrease.
4. The dream we have for blogging may dim or die.
5. Other ________(fill in the blank)________

In the comments of the “You’re Not A Failure” post, Patricia of Patricia’s Wisdom stated how she worries about her blog while she takes care of real life commitments and asked,

Will I have a blog to come back to?

What I’ve found is, our blogs will wait, as will our regular readers.

Living life is much more important than worrying about “the numbers”.

At least that’s what I think.

What say you?

Today’s Assignment

When you take a break from blogging, do you check in from time to time?

Or do you cut the umbilical cord and not worry?

What is your biggest concern when you’re away from the blog?

Care to share?

When blogging, we often hear how we should blog within our niche. You know, stay on topic so those who visit know what to expect when they land on our site.

But, blogs can be used for other purposes, too.

Often we’ll see bloggers participating in a meme (pronounced meem, rhymes with “cream”; usually some type of a factoid post such as “10 Things About Me”), or bloggers making announcements of other kinds, like when they take a sabbatical or are celebrating a milestone.

Today’s Lesson

Last week I unplugged from technology to catch up on work assignments and to spend time with family and friends. Although it was hard not to check in and see what was happening online, the break was just what I needed.

Can you imagine my surprise when I saw what had transpired during my absence. There on eleven blogs, fellow bloggers were dedicating complete blog posts which paid tribute to lil ‘ol me. The kindness extended to Facebook, as well.

The shock of it all left me speechless.

The words shared brought me to tears.

Although I left comments on all of the blogs and on Facebook, I felt that wasn’t enough.

Today I’ll again try to show my appreciation.

The bloggers who wrote blog posts are:

1. Patricia of Patricia’s Wisdom
2. Davina of Shades of Crimson
3. Hilary of Positive Letters
4. Lance of The Jungle of Life
5. Tony of Trottersville
6. Lori of Think Like A Black Belt
7. Sara of A Sharing Connection
8. Tom of Delightful Work
9. Jannie of Jannie Funster
10. Betsy of Passing Thru
11. Cath of Cath Lawson

Those who shared posts on Facebook are:

1. Vered of MomGrind
2. Linda Brodsky Abbit
3. Megan Bord

And other recent posts which mentioned my name can be found on:

1. Linda of From Roses To Rainbows
2. Karl of Work Happy Now
3. Delia of Real Delia
4. Talon of Talon…barely scratching the surface

To all you who used your blogs and Facebook to pay tribute to me, I am forever grateful. To those of you who shared your thoughts in the comment sections, your words will never be forgotten. And to those who link to my blogs, I am truly appreciative.

Although this post is about how others paid tribute to me, it’s a great reminder how having a blog can expand our reach, help others, as well as get the word out about issues which can affect millions.

Today’s Assignment

Do you see the potential a blog has to affect the lives of others?

Have you ever used your blog to start a movement, alert others of current events, recalls or an issue which needs attention?

Care to share?

P.S. If I’ve missed where you’ve linked to me, I apologize. Please feel free to add the link in the comment section so I can come by and show my appreciation.

P.S.S. If you don’t see me in blogosphere, it due to the fact I’m working behind the scenes on “Writers’ Blogk”. Hopefully those of you who want to participate by sharing a guest post(s) are close to having an article ready for publication. (And, don’t forget your bio.)