I figured something out.
It seems there’s a cycle to my blogging. Every six weeks or so, I get burnt out. I start out nice and balanced, but then it snowballs until I’m in over my head and completely overwhelmed. My priorities get out of whack and I realize I’m logging way too many hours on the computer.
And I’m sure this is just me. I know NONE of you can relate.
Right???
Mmhmm.
Recently I spent a little time going over priorities, writing out a daily and weekly routine for us and making a list of things I need to accomplish.
During that time, the Lord really spoke to my heart about taking a little break every now and then. Not that I haven’t done that plenty of times, as you all know, but I always feel kinda guilty and I usually just take a break from posting. I really sensed the Lord prompting me to plan for a break… a scheduled “week off” every six or seven weeks.
So this next week is going to be my “seventh week,” by little bloggie sabbath. And this time, I’m taking a full break. I’m completely shutting down the computer. No posting. No designing. No reading. No commenting. No email.
Wow–it’ll be like, you know, the early 90’s or something.
I have a list of things to do this week. Stuff like cleaning out my closet, finishing the pile of ironing that’s been sitting in the laundry closet since before John left, reading in the evenings and finishing a couple parenting books, braving the pool with our neighbors, the park and lunch with friends, and maybe even get Troy’s toddler bed set up in his room. Without using nearly every nap time and after-bedtime to catch up with computer-y stuff, I should be able to get a lot more accomplished.
We’ll see how much of that actually gets done, but I’m off to do my best. Tomorrow the computer is shutting down and being put away for the week.
See you next Monday, peeps.
ETA: (Wednesday night) Lest you all think I’m some sort of great and wonderful bloggie-break-ish-person, I must confess that my computer was turned off, but it’s back on. And I’ve even actually been online a little. But only a little–mostly just to get phone numbers, check weather, contact my beloved and check my bank account. Mostly. Oh, and, obviously, allow my comments through. But this is still a HUGE break. I’ve really only been on here a few times, when I’m nursing and forgot to grab the book I’m reading… like right now. The other thing I’m realizing is that I can’t entirely blame our crazy days on the computer, because they’ve been just as busy as ever. I’m just getting a whole lot of other stuff done beside computer stuff during naps and after the boys go to bed. So that’s all…. just sayin’.
Katie says:
I’ll miss you and your lovely words – but enjoy your break!! Your list actually sounds fabulous (you know you’re a mommy when…) I pray that God rejuvenates your heart and spirit during your week off!!
Blessings!
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May 5th, 2008 at 5:38 am
mel says:
I think that’s a great idea, just so you can get refreshed and such..
But we will miss you!
See ya when you get back, my friend.
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May 5th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Tiffany says:
I will pray that you can finish everything on your list! You will be missed for that week!
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May 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Mike Golch says:
Ashleigh,yep burn out is not good and a break is good.see ya when you get back.
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May 5th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Kelsey Smith says:
Thanks wonderful see you in a week!
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May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Mel's Mom says:
Enjoy your week. While you will be missed, all who matter understand!
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May 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Mrs. Butler says:
WOW – that’s daring :) I can’t imagine a week without my computer and I really should be doing that myself. I’ve been forcing myself offline more often though… such as, I can’t get online until I do “____”. It helps some. Hope you have a blessed week :) See ya soon!
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May 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Melanie says:
Great, now I feel convicted about my computer time. Thanks a lot. :-) Just kidding. It’s actually a very disciplined thing to do.
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May 6th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Becky Perry says:
Hi Ashleigh! My name is Becky and I stumbled upon your blog today. I will surely come back to visit. Your courtship story particularly touched me! It is inspiring me to write how my hubby and I met. I love your blog design – you are so good. I like to do it some too (just a little).
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May 6th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Mayhem And Miracles says:
Have a wonderful time! Once I got past the guilt, I realized that my bloggy breaks are often a huge blessing and so helpful when I return with something substantial to say. I hope you enjoy yourself and prayers for your hubby will not be on a sabbatical.
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May 6th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
trying says:
good for you we all need a break. and here i was feeling guilty that i hadnt gotten to my design questionaire for you. ive been focusing more and more on family life and less on computer world. im guessing that you arent upset by my lack of effort! : )
[Reply]
May 7th, 2008 at 6:27 am
The Girls says:
Hey Ash,
This is Krystle M
Just wanted to let ya`ll know we have a blog.
Visit it sometime.
Keep in touch Kryssy.
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May 7th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Leah says:
I really respect you for doing a computer fast, Ashleigh! ::hugs:: Thinking of you.
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May 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Heather says:
Miss you!!! Love you bunches!!
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May 11th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Heather says:
BTW…I LOOOVE Mel’s blog!! Beeeeauteous!
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May 11th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Happymama says:
Hello, Little Mama! Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day with your two precious boys.
~Kristi
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May 11th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Audrey says:
I found you through Melanie’s blog. I can so relate. Since I work online, I can’t just shut off the computer, but when I get overwhelmed, I do shut it off at dinner time and don’t turn it on until the next day. Those evenings are so important to me. I hope you enjoy your time off.
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May 12th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Elizabeth says:
Great idea, Ashleigh, about having a Sabbatical every seven weeks! I may borrow it, if that’s okay with you, of course! Thanks!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 am