For the last couple of days, I’ve been in a dilemma.
There’s this sense of uneasiness about a few things that I’ve been trying to work out with regard to my blog and writing in general. Along with it, there’s been an inner compulsion to tie up a few niggling ends on the personal front too. I’d been in two minds when I found myself signing up for the #A-Z Blogging challenge earlier this month. Having decided to brave it, I did the theme reveal and even wrote 18 posts so far. But, now, I’m beginning to realise that I’m not in a position to commit to the rigors of the challenge which means a big investment in terms of the time I spend online.
This comes especially when my attention is going to be divided between the many responsibilities that I will be juggling over the next two months, along with travel and the time spent with elderly parents who come visiting this time. It is, therefore, with a heavy heart, that I’m opting out of the blogging challenge.
In the past, I’ve pushed myself to take on added challenges quite a few times and have found it to be a wonderfully enriching experience, later. But, this year, I’m taking a conscious decision to step back, no matter how tempting it feels to jump in, along with everyone else.
To everyone who cheered me on this one, by your encouraging words on my theme reveal post, all I can say is, I hope you understand why I do not wish to take on added pressure, which will neither benefit me nor my writing!
I know I’ll be missing the fun of being part of this frenzy but at the same time, I’m also hoping that this will give me a little break so that I can come back rejuvenated and fresh with ideas. On that positive note, let me sign off.
All the very best to all the participants of the A-Z. I will be reading your posts whenever time permits and cheering you on!
Good luck, everybody:)
I too opted out, sad and i did feel like missing out on something big.. after 9 posts i gave up.. may be next time i would prepare better… 🙂
I can imagine that feeling Pratikshya. Well, lets hope it works out bettter next time. Preparation is certainly key to it and I’m sure you’ll do well if you set your target well in advance. 🙂
I stopped by here to read your AtoZ posts, Esha. And only now I realized that you opted out. I hope you are having a good time with your family. This is my second year sitting out AtoZ and I do miss that rush and fun. I hope to participate next year. And you know what you are 18 posts ahead for 2018 AtoZ challenge, aren’t you, Esha? 😀
Thanks for your kind words, Vinitha. You’re right, one misses the fun and the adrenalin rush of writing, commenting, sharing posts each of those 26 days but in the end, life is more important than blogging, so its ok to step back and move on. Hopefully next year will be better and as you say, those 18 posts will surely come in handy, I suppose. 🙂
Awww so sorry to hear this Esha but family comes first and the reason for doing it is for pleasure and pushing yourself to do it!!!
There will be many more such challenges to do when you can!! Cheers
Theme: Peregrination Chronicles (travel)
D is for Dolphin Delight in Goa #atozchallenge
Thanks a lot, Shalini. I’ve been on a blogging break for two weeks now, hence the delay in getting back. I’m really looking forward to reading your posts on the challenge along with the other participating blogs and m planning to do so over the coming week. Love your theme, Shalz. It must be so much fun blogging everyday!!!! Good luck with the remaining days! 🙂
I’m not doing it this year either, because of family stuff and other commitments. Sometimes we need a break.
Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts, Damyanti. Yes, its better to decide one’s priorities before they get the better of us, isn’t it? I’m glad I took a timely decision!
It takes a lot of guts to figure out what to cut out when you are juggling with multiple deliverables. and to stick by it and not regret later. I am going through something similar. More power to you for deciding what is realistically possible for you.
Thank you so much, Jayanthi. Wishing you more power too! I hope you find peace in deciding what is best and sticking to it as I’m doing right now. Hopefully, next year will be different. Fingers crossed. 🙂
Sorry to read you are opting out. Hope you will keep in touch tho’ and maybe a blog post or two too 🙂
AtoZ is overwhelming in terms of the time it demands! Today is day 1 and i am drowning!
Thanks so much Isheeria for sharing your thoughts. I hope things have been going smoothly for you after the initial feeling of being overwhelmed with the A-Z Challenge. Most importantly, I hope you are enjoying it. I will hop over to your blog over the coming week to check out your posts. Best wishes with the remaining 2 weeks 🙂
Thank you 🙂 it’s a mixed bag.
I’m not doing the challenge either. Kinda bummed about missing my fourth year, but I have to take care of myself first, just as you do!
Hope you are taking good care of yourself. As they say, life comes before blogging. I’m sure next year will be better. Fingers crossed !
So sorry to hear that, Esha. I came in to read your ‘A’ post, actually! I understand the time and commitment that you need for the challenge. So, it’s okay. You have a great time and we will all drop by your blog to read you 🙂
Thank you so much, Shalini for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I’ve been on a break for the past 2 weeks, hence this delayed reply! So glad to have your reassurance dear. I’ve not been blogging at all but even though time is tight will try and post as often as I can this wek and the next. Will also stop by your amazing blogs and check out your latest posts over the coming week. You must be doing a fantastic job of it, as usual. Best wishes for the remaining 2 weeks 🙂
I think you are the best person to decide whether to participate or not…you know what’s on in your life. I didn’t participate last year for that reason — I was juggling a lot of stressors at work and my personal life and mental health. Yes, it feels a bit weird feeling a little left out but everyone will be back post-April. In the mean time, sit back, relax and enjoy real life. And maybe save these posts for next year when you can be super-organised! 😀
Thanks for the reassurance, Sanch. I am enjoying the leisurely pace after making the difficult decision but this too was important! Will stop by your blog to read your latest posts for the challenge over the coming week. Love the theme you opted for. Anyways, best wishes for the remaining 2 weeks of the challenge. I’m saving all my 18 posts for next year. 😀
Honestly, Esha, when I decided to opt out too, I felt such a lifting of the pressure I was putting on myself. I’m sure you feel the same. The best part is that you can still to the A to Z posts – you have a weekly to a bi-weekly series ready to go! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Corinne. I cant help but agree that I too felt the pressure at that point but opting out of it was the best thing to do under the circumstances. Yes, hopefully will put the posts to use one way or the other. 🙂
sorry to hear that you won’t be participating and know that I will show miss your thoughtful posts. however, I understand that from a time investment perspective it will be hard. have a good time with parents.
Thanks, Parul. I feel lighter having opted out of the challenge although I know I’ll be missing the fun. But, then, life comes first and in this case, I’d have to give up one of the two things. Glad I chose wisely. No regrets. Fingers crossed for next year, surely. 🙂
But you will surely post the 18 of them you have written..
Oh…. Sorry to hear that you are opting out of A To Z !!! Better luck next time, Esha !!!
Been there! I think you’ve made the right decision…sometimes priorities take over what we want to do!
I know how you feel, Esha! I loved last year’s challenge! It was my Grand Opus and so rewarding. I just did a FlashBack post on my 2016 Theme Reveal. I’ll be following this years A to Z bloggers too!
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2017/03/31/me-in-the-middle-of-a-to-z-theme-reveal-2016-flashback/