An Open Letter…to You
I always write and write and upload and post and quote and tweet. For just one second, I need to STOP. Why don’t I ever stop and address YOU…I Heart Heels readers? In case you were wondering, I’m ever grateful you’re still around reading after several years. Like an old shoe, it just keeps getting more comfy. Or, if you’re new, I’m just as grateful you’ve found this blog. Like love at first sight when you instantly find a new shoe love, I hope? Rest assured, I don’t always go on rambles such as this one. But, as of late, I need to be honest with you, my audience. I’ve been suffering from “blogger burnout.” I keep thinking it will pass. So I wait, and wait…
At the heart of me is writing. And, ok, fine…shoes. I really, really like shoes. When I blog, I’m being genuine, and I hope it comes across this way. I really do like shoes…and bags…and baubles. When I first started, I wasn’t thinking so much – and now I believe too much of my thinking has caused a stifle in creativity, or shall we say burnout. I’ve missed project after project for being too far away…or not good enough (the words “we’ll pass” sting every, single time). As you know, I have a son (little C.) who is almost three now (eek!). My day’s spent making pancakes with blueberries in the shape of a smiley face, playing with trains named “Oliver” and “Billy”, transporting the lil’ love muffin around town and then trying to squeeze in a moment to check my iPhone or blog just before I roll over and crash in my cozy bed. So I ask myself “is it worth it?” And if it is worth it…how can I make things easier for myself, and more worthwhile for you?
Moreover, is anyone out there reading (hellooooo) and would you be upset if IHH was gone when you clicked the page tomorrow? I need to hear your feedback – it’s important to me. What do you enjoy about I Heart Heels, and what would you like to see more of? Thanks for reading and for all of your support as I figure out which direction I wanna go. Air kisses…xo
September 28, 2012 @ 1:46 pm
I would miss you if you stopped, but I would understand, there are more important things than shoes. I really enjoy your posts about your own shoes, your take on celebrity shoes, and plus the giveaways (who DOESN'T like a giveaway??).
However, if it's no longer fun for you or if you simply need a break, go for it. If your heart's no longer in it, maybe it's time to focus on something else. But know that you will definitely be missed!! <3
September 28, 2012 @ 2:05 pm
Aww I can totally relate to this post – it is a lot of work to be a mom & full-time blogger! But I have found for myself that the connections/interaction I get out of it is so necessary for me – not to mention, I am absolutely passionate about it so that makes even the stressful/crazy times bearable. I personally love your blog & would be very sad to see IHH go away, but you have to do what's right for you & if that means stepping away for a bit to recharge, then your readers will understand and we'll welcome you with open arms when you're ready to come back!! 🙂
September 28, 2012 @ 2:39 pm
I would absolutely miss your blog but I completely understand the burnout and why you feel this way. I'm actually going through the same thing myself. Maybe you could cut back the amount of posts you do a week?
Regardless, you have to do what's best for you and your family, because that's the most important thing.
Good luck!! 🙂
Christa
http://www.freshsqueezedfashion.com
September 28, 2012 @ 6:59 pm
Of course i'd miss you blog! ive been reading for about a year now (i can't believe its been that long) and i love getting new ideas and inspiration from your posts. I also hear of a new brand or different makeup or style to try and immediately get inspired to try something different that i wouldn't have normally gotten because your advice is so genuine.
I think you should watch a fashion inspiration movie and get ur spark back. and maybe since you're so overwhelmed with being a mom and a full-time blogger that you should do a blog 1-2x a week. OR make it into a mom & fashion/heels blog with more about being a mom with style. even though that idea is kind of vague, you know how to get ur spark and inspiration back. bottom line, dont give up on the blog just because ur getting burnt out. because the minute you lose faith in the blog and leave it, you'll want it back and it won't be so easy to get back where you already are. find that love, find that inspiration, find what made you start in the first place.
xoxo. Teri C.
sorry for such a long reply. but… hope it helps.
own1zebra@hotmail.com
September 28, 2012 @ 8:31 pm
Shoe Twit, thank you soooo much for the insight. It really helps to know what everyone's interested in, so I'm going to keep up the things you mentioned.
I'm so grateful for readers like you! I do think I will continue for the time being, but maybe slow down a bit to catch my breath. 🙂 Thanks again for your comment; it means a lot! xo Julie
September 28, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
Thanks so much, Kimberly. I knew you would understand! It's hard, right? It seems like nothing ever comes of it, but I really think I'm looking at it the wrong way and need to change my mindset. It's supposed to be a hobby for me, and I get way worked up over it. It's not rocket science, lol, it's shoes.
I'm trying to change the way I think, and sort of cut down on things so I can spend more time with little C. (not that I don't already, but you know what I mean!). A more relaxed attitude should help me…I'm hoping.
Thanks for taking the time to respond…xo Julie
September 28, 2012 @ 8:39 pm
Hi Christa…thanks for commenting. 🙂
After awhile it just get old, right? I do think I've started posting too much and need to cut down a bit. The problem is I enjoy doing it so much! I just get that feeling that no one's reading half the time…such a frustrating feeling. So I think maybe not posting a million times a day will take some pressure off.
I wish you the best of luck as well…I hope we both find our happy blogging place. 🙂 xo Julie
September 28, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
Thank you soooo much, Teri. I'm always encouraged by your comments and interaction; I wish everyone was as involved as you are. You're the best!
I'm also glad you left some ideas for me; I will truly take these to heart. I think you have some great ones. I do think I'll stick around for awhile…mainly because it's a great outlet for me and I enjoy it. It's hard to let go. But, don't be surprised if you don't see as many posts. Hopefully I'll be going more for quality and not quantity in the future! 🙂
Take care…xo Julie
September 29, 2012 @ 1:47 am
Jules, I am not surprised you are a little burned out – you do a lot of work! Even most Sundays. I blog when I have time (the worst kind of blogger!)
Recently I was faced with returning to being a HR Professional or continuing to chase the creative dream. After consulting my “what should I do?” friend I chose the latter. I was told very simply to do what brings me JOY. I was also told that nothing was carved in stone and that I could do whatever I wanted to do. Good advice.
Would I miss IHH? Yes. What do I like the most? “What I Wore” posts. Because I like outfit inspiration.
I have linked to you on my site. However, the link is called JULIE. So if you flutter off somewhere – just tell us where. We can still follow YOU.
Amy x
http://www.thenewladytimes.com
September 29, 2012 @ 1:54 am
I'd be really upset if IHH was gone! I love your blog, Julie. I really love the “How I Wore My Heels” posts. You have such great style. You should do more fashion advice posts! Like what to wear to certain places/events. I also love anything celebrity related. Maybe some “Look For Less” posts, too. 🙂
XOXO,
Deanna
September 29, 2012 @ 2:00 am
Yes, I'm guilty of overworking on myself, and def shouldn't be working on Sundays (bashful face). Through everyone's feedback I've learned it will be ok for me to tone it down a bit. Gasp! Haha.
Kudos to you, Amy, for choosing what you love. This, too, is what I love, and I do feel very fortunate to be able to do this AND stay at home with the newest love of my life, little C. 🙂
So glad to hear you like the style posts – as those def take the most work! 🙂
Thanks for the link, and rest assured we'll always keep in touch, but I'm prooooob not going away just yet… 😉 Julie
September 29, 2012 @ 2:05 am
Aww, thanks Deanna! If I'm correct, I believe you were one of the VERY first readers way back when. That means sooo much to me that you're still around!
So glad you love the style posts…they're def not easy to pull together between eating dinner, fixing snacks and changing pull-ups, lol.
That is a great idea on more of the topical/advice stories. I think sometimes I get caught up in “brands” and maybe sometimes I just need to let myself write about what I know, rather than something from a press release. Great tips; thank you.
Seems I'll be sticking around for now, so feel free to comment when you see something you like – or don't like! xo Julie
Oh, and the reply below was meant for Amy above! Sorry!!
September 30, 2012 @ 8:35 am
I love the post and your blog! Have a good weekend!
theprintedsea.blogspot.com