Expectations and blogging

I want to start out and say thanks to Vanessa and Miranda for commenting on my last blog post, and to Jodi and Clair for talking to me about it in person. I really appreciate the feedback and to know that there are people out there that appreciate my blog. 

Last night, after talking to Clair and Jodi about my blog and my reasons for doing it, I have realised that the main reason I felt overwhelmed by the whole blogging thing the other day is because of my expectations of it. My expectations of what I thought my blog could be, but I know I dont have the time for turning it into that, and probably not the real desire for it anyway. Also I realised that I have been writing and posting for other people more. When having the mindset of writing for other people (for example interstate family and friends, or for other crafters, or as a ministry outreach), I find that I feel like my blog is a chore. I write completely differently, and I feel like if I miss something I am letting down my readers, and then the guilt comes in and I find it hard to start blogging again. I also feel like with owning my own photography business, that I shouldn't post half quality pics on here, so when I have pics to share I either don't show them if they are not quality pics, or I stress about editing them, or I add a little stupid dislaimer underneath them, which is really sad. It's my kids, and the cute things they do, and I have the right to show unedited low quality pics of my kids if I don't have time to edit them properly.

I don't want to do that with my blog anymore. I don't want the pressure. 

I want to go back to having a casual blog, that shares snippets of my life, and if I forget to post something or don't get time, then so be it. I am not going to stress about it and write it in my "to-blog" list to come back to. If the blogging happens, the blogging happens. If it doesn't happen, and people feel they are "missing out" on what's happening in my life, then they should call me and arrange a catch up or skype call. 

So there you go, a blog with lower expectations is coming this way!

So, with that in mind, my zoning the home posts are going to cease now. I have enough trouble keeping up with it anyway, I don't want to have the added stress of having to take pics, and upload them and post about how I clean too. If anyone wants to see my plan of attack and how I *try* and keep on top of maintaining a 5 bedroom house with 6 crazy messy people, then shoot me an email and I will fill you in that way. 

My photo a day pics, I would like to get in here soon and catch up with what I have done so far, and then from then on I will most likely go to posting only iPhone pics unless the urge to take nice pics of my kids strikes. 

I am going to also do more blogging from my phone, it's soooooo much easier!

Okay, so there you go, there is my plan of attack for keeping my blog, but reducing the stress and expectations, and overwhelming feeling that I was feeling before. 

Oh and before I go, here is a cute snap of my gorgeous boy. The other day I was going through some pics from over the last few months and printing them out for my corkboard aka my happy board. It's in my kitchen and filled with happy pictures of my family and friends that make me smaile. Anyway, I found this pic of Eli, and I am just so in love with it, so I had to share it. 

Back later!

Comments

[Felicity]

Hi Dannii :))
Just catching up on your posts! I am one that ALWAYS reads your blog (when time permits) - I am also one that doesnt comment much (again time!).
I find you very inspiring for my life in more ways than one. I still feel so thankful that I came across your blog - once upon a moon time - on Bons Scraps.
I do understand however about blogging feeling like a chore. I have had a battle with this and my husband said to me "why should you feel bad - its YOUR blog and YOU blog what YOU want and when YOU want" and you know how true that is. I blog also as a way for helping me with my feelings and sharing snippets of my life.
I am so glad that you have the bestest friends like Clair and Jodie and help you with your decision.
thanks for being so inspiring to me :))
I would promise to leave more comments, but I am not sure I could fulfill that comment - so I will comment when I can!
enjoy your day x

[Kym Piez]

Well, I'm working forwards with your posts, and am glad to hear/read that you have decided to lower your expectations. I think sometimes because you're a photographer that your photographs have to be perfect. But I don't care (and neither do your other friends/readers). The daily stuff is the best. And it doesn't have to be perfect.

Chill out and do on this blog what YOU want. Go baby! But keep writing the way you talk. That wins every time. Be true to yourself.

xx

[Vanessa]

Yay for you. It never occurred to me that you would stress over unedited photos! I am a mumma and 'get it'. Keep having fun with your blog.

ps odd request, but I am unable to ever leave comments on Clair's blog. Has she set it up that way? Could you tell her I am a big fan of hers and would love to comment on what an amazing job she is doing solo?

[Lusi Austin]

Great post Dannii!
Blog what's on your heart and mind I say!
I don't always check in as regularly as I would like, but I always LOVE looking at your photos and what you guys are up to! You always make me smile when I stop by :-)
Love Lusi x