It is November 2016
I have been blogging for over 6 years
I am feeling a little at a loss
As to what my blog is about
It has become random ramblings
Perhaps that is what it has always been
But I am worried
That it has no direction
That it has no place
In a saturated blogging world
Should I stop blogging?
Should I choose one aspect of my life to focus on?
The problem is I am so many things
I have been through so many things
I am a twin mummy
I have suffered birth trauma
I had a premature birth
I am a NICU mummy
I lost my baby
My baby died
I am a loss mummy
I have a rainbow baby
I am a rainbow baby mummy
I have suffered multiple miscarriages
I am a home educating mummy
I have PTSD and anxiety
I have battled depression
I am so many things
I have been through so many things
I know that my blog is most read
When I write about loss and grief
I know that my blog is my therapy
My release
A place of my own
That is mine
I feel like I am drifting
Like I am losing the life of my blog
But I am not sure how I would cope without it
So I want to save it
Revive it
Improve it
But I have no idea how to begin
I have no clue where to start
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own, and you know what you know.
And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
Dr. Seuss
Should I focus on home education and messy play?
Should I try to work with more of a structure?
Perhaps focus on a different thing each day of the week?
Should I focus on charity work in memory of Matilda Mae?
I really do not know what to do
Do you read my blog?
What do you feel I do right?
What are the strengths of my little space?
What would you like to see more of?
What would you like to see less?
How could I improve what I do?
How can I set sail again
With purpose and direction?
I would love to know your thoughts
Hear your ideas
As I try to take stock
Reflect and improve
Find a way to move forward
With this writing I love
What would you do?
I love your blog and read everything you write! I love it being everything and anything. I adore your sensory and messy play ideas. Your blog (particularly your sensory and messy play) inspired me to be a better parent, and made me realise I had a passion for early years teaching/play that I never knew I had. I have even started my own little blog diary! So basically, please don’t stop 🙂
If I can share my experience – the worst thing I can do to try to rekindle my blog is to plan and over think! I am terrible for having no structure, no sense of purpose and not very good and keeping track of ideas… but everytime I try to think of a way to improve things it makes it ten times harder to continue, and as such I have almost completely stopped blogging.
Jennie your blog here, right here, is as wonderful and diverse as you and your family are…. and you know what that’s just perfect… it doesn’t have to be a grief blog, or a messy play extreme, it is just edspire and that is what makes it wonderful – do what you’ve done for the passed six years, record your thoughts, record your happy times, and your worries, sing your childrens achievements and your times of trouble, share their beautiful clothes, their toys and your play ideas.. share those times you want to scream and cry and laugh… have a break or write five times a day, it really doesn’t matter – because this is your blog and it is amazing.
I have read your blog on and off for years. I think it’s fine to write about what you want/ need to. It’s the story of you and your family so any of the things which touch you feed your blog.
Don’t stop when you find that at times you need it, and don’t limit it because you might find it isn’t what you need.
Lovely portrait btw
I love your blog because you’re so honest. I’m pleased to hear you find it helpful too. If a structure or focus helps you write then go for it but I like it just the way it is
I totally love it just as it is. It’s not what you write about, it’s the rawness of your writing that appeals to me, weather it’s about baby loss, reviews, home ed, marriage. I love it for all the mixed up ness that it is. And your voice is what comes through… Whatever the topic x
I think your blog is great as it is as it is what a blog is meant to be – writing about what comes naturally and what you are passionate about.
Ultimately though it needs to bring you joy and not be a burden, so many think about what do you want it to be and get from it – is it a hobby, is it so you can campaign/charity fundraise, does it need to be a job/income stream for you?
If you need the blog to be an income stream, I definitely think you could start to capitalise more on the Homeschooling and Messy Play areas as a way for the site to be self funding. For example:
1. at the top have a clear Homeschooling and also a Messy Play heading so people can go straight to those sections after reading your latest posts, or straight there for reference.
2. Have an Amazon shop or affiliate links where you can link to products you mention that people could buy – I have looked on Amazon.co.uk for things you have mentioned so a shop page would collate everything in one place – making it easier for busy Mums. Or even just having affiliate links in the posts.
3. Create an ebook of all your Messy Play activities and one for Homeschooling that people can buy on Amazon / download from your site and easily reference.
Amelia
Oooh I love your ideas! Thank you x
Hi I read all your blogs and love the style in which you write and your utter honesty about life. As a mum of 3 children, for me the most interesting posts are the ones in which you explore the various play opportunities that you create. I have 2 older children and a toddler and it is so easy for the youngest to be deprived of the play experiences the other 2 had. I use your blog as inspiration and motivation to remember that she needs thinking of too (in between school runs and after school clubs!!!).
BTW name Edspire really lends itself as a Homeschooling and Messy Play brand name as looks like a combination of Education and Inspiring:) Your experience and passion as a teacher puts you in such a strong position to help other Mums who want to homeschool or do Messy Play with their children, but have zero ideas! If that is something you are passionate about.
hi
I think the whole home school idea could be interesting to raise awareness of how to home school and bring educational learning into your home without a school structure – its all popular down south but less so in the north here – you have so much experience as a primary school teacher that us mums dont often think to do and i like that xxx
Jennie,
The best part of your blog is that you are you. You share all of the highs and lows of your life and you’re letting others know that if they’re feeling the same way, it’s okay. You’re the Mom of four children, one of whom looks down on you with smiles and love. If putting your words down helps you, then please know that they help someone else too. I wish you comfort and peace.
I love your blog Jennie and all your random ramblings! It’s the most honest and open blog I know – please keep doing it!
I totally agree with what other people are saying…you have an individual style, and communicate your feelings so well, through sadness and happiness as well. Just carry on the way you are!