What’s your addiction?Running, exercise, TV, food, reading, writing, blogging, men, women, volunteering, politics, scrapbooking, sports, gardening, Twitter, Facebook, FarmVille, decorating, cleaning, collecting...?
Another bloggy friend has called it quits…bitten the dust…blogger burnout. In her case, it was a matter of wanting to spend her free time doing other things. She wrote a gracious letter as her last post, thanking us and wishing us well. I will miss her blog.
In other cases, one blogger wrote a quick three liner, basically leaving us hanging. Another left a video post that was critical of the process and of a few bloggers – indicative of the stress she incurred doing this “hobby.”
And a fourth, who was very popular, still blogs, but has changed her format to promoting products with giveaways. I miss her mischievous sense of humor and her dedication to good causes, which was very encouraging. But, she did what she wanted or needed to do.
Some have taken sabbaticals – a summer or another period of time away from blogging - while others admit their addiction in a blog post, perhaps as a way to get control over it.
Regardless of what it is that you’re spending a LOT of time doing, I assume that it is wise to assess your motives, rewards, and costs periodically; and when necessary, make some tweaks and changes along the way.
Have a good year!
Are you enjoying your "addiction" or is it causing a problem in your life?
32 comments:
I have an addictive personality - it's in my dna and the dna of my relatives. Thankfully I don't drink or do drugs.
Etsy is an addiction of mine (for real). Blogging was an addiction until I eased up last summer. I also have this thing for baked goods. Oy.
Anything to excess or that which makes us feel guilt should be analyzed. I should spend more time with real people...but in the cold of winter it is hard.
I guess blogging is one of my addictions. Along with Farmville and eating. I stopped Farmville for the summer and didn't even miss it, but now I'm back at it full force.
The last month or so have been tough for blogging for me. Work schedule definitely played a role, me being a bit lazy as well. I do enjoy blogging though.
Here's hoping you and your family have a great new year... and stuff!
Well now in my life there's chocolate in any form and chips (hot or cold) and sweets and pastries and the bubbles in champagne that could be described a addictive - blogging.....well thats a pleasure that doesn't make me feel guilty at all. I could stop tomorrow if I wanted, really and truly I could lol
Gee, I dunno, the only thing I feel bad about spending too much time on lately is working. HA!
Guilty about blogging? Now way! I remember an online friend, though, who admitted to being addicted to the internet. She cut herself off totally, and I was impressed with that.
I have more then one:)One of them is my blog.Coffee, tea, chocolate, plain yogurt.I also have a movie addiction...Walking turned into a addiction too:)
Wish you and your family all the best in 2011, Anita!
These are some really good questions!! I really need do some thinking about this!
I hate it when a blogger leaves. Feels like you've lost a friend.
You had me worried there for a moment...like you were building up to saying you were done with blogging! Whew! :)
There was one I read who decided to quit--her final post, with no lead up at all was, "Put a fork in it, I'm done." Comments closed. E-mail changed. Done.
Addictions? I find it very difficult to function without coffee...does that count?
On another addiction...I'm registered for the 10k...wave PB! :)
I don't think I have any obvious addictions. I'm going to try harder to blog at least three times a week. If I do more or less, I'm not going to berate myself.
I'm relieved that you weren't signing off in this post.
I don't have an addictive personality. Thank God. I enjoy blogging and the friends I have made through it. Like you. And maybe, possibly, someday, I'll even get to meet you - never know!
HI!! I hear ya....I miss a few bloggy friends. I know I dont blog nearly as much mainly because I havent the inspiration for a riveting post! But Im still here from time to time and make sure to try and keep up with my favs!!!!
One of my goals this year is to get back into the blogging community more. The last part of the year I really fell off, then realized how much I miss it. Yes, it can be addicting and it takes a lot of time, but the rewards are more friends :D
Blogging is like smoking. I have quit a dozen times. I had to go to hospital to be able to give up smoking and now have two bad lungs as a result of smoking. I have quit blogging several times and never really quit. I started with my wife in 2000 and we are both still at it. I have a lot of blogs but only a few are listed or active. I do it for myself in spite of what I think or say. If I can't get interested in something new then I probably will stop blogging. I found it is easier to visit people at random and that's what I do. And that's how I got here.
Happy New Year's Anita! I am so what addicted to blogging and the gym and at times plucking my eyebrows.
xo
Blogging and photography and kettle-cooked potato chips!
It hasn't gotten to a point where I'm absolutely obsessed, but I'm getting there...
You know, I like a giveaway here and there but when the blog was funny and about life and then turns to giveaways, it kind of makes me sad.
Thought I was the only one!
I've seen alot of people give it up for various reasons, usually because it take much time. I know post when I have something to say, and if I don't I won't. I have other things I'd like to focus on as well...mainly life! I'd like to focus on healthy living this year...food as well as exercise. I don't plan on changing the format of my blog or anything but it might not be as much of a priority...and of course, there's always the book that won't finish itself! Happy New Year to you, Anita! I wish you not only a year but a lifetime of beautiful blessings!
Wow. I love this post. It's funny because, as you mentioned, we do share similar curiosities! My addictions? So I don't think I am yet hooked to blogging, since I've only been REALLY at it for a month, but I would say I'm addicted to my morning cup of chai. SO amazing.
It's always so sad to see a blog friend go. It's really hard. They come part of your daily life and then one day their posts just stop updating. :( Although, I always do understand because its definitely something that does take a lot of time and energy.
Lovely post! Happy New Year to you! Have a wonderful day!
Most interesting to read about bloggers who are quitting or redirecting their energies. I often assess all the time I put into mine and wonder how I could refine the process or head into new directions. Online communications can be quite complex with many considerations.
Hmm, I'm enjoying my addictions ... coffee is one. Walking, definitely. Blogging is right up there. I get something enriching from all of them! Happy New Year to you, Anita :)
Last year I had to cut my three blogs a week to two and that seems to be a good balance for me. I think I'll stick with it for awhile longer. And btw, I love your blog and hope to be reading you for a long time!
Cheers!
Julie
Julie Magers Soulen Photography
Hmmm...addictions...my morning cup of coffee, nostalgia, overthinking things, and, hot baths. I can't afford to allow blogging to become an addiction, too. I'm too busy! When I first started my blog I admit I spent a LOT of time on it, but that is with any new passion, I think. I once was that way with running, too. Not now - now I just do it when I feel like it. Blogging has added so much to my life but I keep it to a manageable limit, like you do I believe. Nope, I won't be quitting any time soon.
I don't know about addicted but I sure do enjoy blogging and feel it gives me some focus.. and mostly a purpose to my photography. I don't think I'll drop it anytime too soon. But you never know.
I struggle a bit with the time I spend blogging which isn't even half of what I used to do in the early years BUT I have made so many wonderful friends I wouldn't want to miss out on what they are doing and lots of laughs and words of wisdom that they write. Just recently several different blog friends and I have been pulled together by a loss that one of our other blog friends has gone though and even though we are miles and miles apart even continents, we uphold each other. What other format makes that possible? :o) Good to hear from you as always!
YOu always ask the best questions! I can see how blogging can become all consuming. The thrill of a new follow, more comments, an idea in the middle of the night you just have to writ down. Then the guilt that you have not responded to or left enough comments. Eek.My goal this year, to write what I love, review what is of interest, and comment when I can..but not let it take over my life. Fingers crossed:)
I once had an addiction to exercise... I am not kidding!I started working out in the mornings before work... then started walking a mile with my 1st graders during their PE time... then I started working out after work as well... three times a day! It was to the point that unless I was actually working out, I felt terrible. I went to the doctor in an emotional shambles and we discussed ways to handle this without all of the exercise. Craziness! I'm all better now and am working very hard on returning to the gym :). I really wish I could develop enough of an addiction to my writing to keep me going a few hours a day!
I love the cartoon you have with this blog! Reminds me of my daughter! :)
I think the definition of 'addiction' is important. If something gets in the way of your everyday life and responsibilities, then you have an addiction.
I have more 'alone' time than most folks, and I play games and blog but I have enough sense to know that it's only a distraction when I'm bored. The house and family still need tending to.
I'm not entitled to use the puter anytime I want. It's a convenience for communication and fun.
I am totally enjoying it...creating..I did love to blog for a good long year, but honestly I didnt have the time to read and read and read, and then comment and go back to everyones blog that commented, and then go say hi to those who didnt get around to it...etc...I still like to visit and comment but I just ciuldnt keep up the pace...with my art ..I bring it with me wherever I go and can always get a little in during down time...and I feel like I am creating something that gives me satisfaction as well as stress relief and also a little extra income...and its fun..I have many addictions that I love and few that I dont..if it dont work, stop doing it..!Hope you and your family are well..! and I love to read your great posts..!
I how I've missed you!! No I've not stopped blogging, but I've lost part of my pizazz....you have given me much food for thought.
Thanks Anita
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