Hey guys,
Yeah so I have mentally written this at least a dozen times over the past three weeks. I don't even know what to say.
I quit. I just one day decided I had enough and I shut it down. Pulled the whole damn thing down, the twitter and Facebook for this site. I ripped the band-aid off. It is the way I like to do things usually. I don't like to drag things out or prolong the inevitable. Cold turkey it. I didn't tell anyone I was going to do it. I didn't plan on explaining why to anyone other than my husband. (Mom included. Sorry mom.) I felt I owed no one any explanation. It was my blog, my words, my time I could do with it what I wanted. Some people were super nice and sent me an email and others were, quite frankly, rude. Assuming I blocked them. I don't know why it said invite only apparently that is what blogger says when you private a site. There were no invitations I was the only one who could see it. (And from my end I couldn't see what others saw) My inner surly teenager didn't understand why I had to explain my actions. Funnily if anyone approached it gently I probably would of told them.
The reason I quit is because I am an asshole. I am a bully, I say horrible things and pick on... myself. Dude I have been mentally beating the shit out of myself. Every photo I posted I would go back and obsess over and see every single little fault and I waited for someone to point them out. To call me out as a fraud and that I shouldn't be blogging to begin with. I have a good life. I have the most adoring husband who thinks I hung the moon. I have a job I am good at. I have some kickass friends. I have a nice home. I have money in the bank, kittens in my bed and a belly full of food. Why am I beating the shit out of myself? I don't know. That is why I quit. I thought if I stopped posting the photos I would stop doing it. I didn't. It didn't change. In fact I'd say it got a little worse. I don't know what changed. I don't know why I am so harsh on myself. I have always been my own worst critic. No matter what bad thing you may think about me and there are those out there that think plenty bad about me. Doesn't matter I say things 10 times worse to myself. But it went from a little thing here and there to EVERYTHING. I could do no right in my mind. Everything I did was another chance to obsess how I did it wrong.
And you know what? I missed the blog. I don't miss posting photos of myself. I miss the people, I miss sharing with others even those who just come by to roll their eyes. Those who are just being peeping toms. I missed having a outlet for my mental ramblings.
I don't think I will ever get back to daily outfit posting. I don't know if I ever will post one again but haven't I always said "THIS IS NOT A FASHION BLOG"?
What changed my mind? I got a letter from a friend. I was frankly shocked someone cared enough to say the things that were said. He offered to buy byhillary.com so if I ever decided to come back he wanted me to have the option because he knew there was more I had to say. I didn't know what to think. It seriously left me speechless. I didn't think anyone other than Dave really cared what I had to say. I didn't miraculously develop self esteem from it but it did make me rethink my thinking.
I am a work in progress but I would like to offer my apology for leaving the table without excusing myself. My mum raised me better than that.
Thank you for reading.
Comments
I think you are beautiful.
I completely understand where you're coming from, which is why I deleted my old blog (though I was more judgmental of the things I typed, rather than pictures). I truly hope that you are happy with whatever direction you take with this blog. You can do what you damn well please because- HEY! It's your blog.
Just letting you know that I've missed reading your posts and appreciate all that you do on this site. Thank you! =)
I think it's perfectly ok to have a blog not focused on anything specific. Perhaps I say that because I'm biased on that one. I enjoy your outfit posts, but I mostly just like reading stories about your family and about you and Dave. It's not going to be for everyone, but the people who are left I think will keep you happier if you decide to forge on. I guess the short version of all this is hi, it's good to hear from you :)
I also deleted my (short-lived) blog because I didn't enjoy feeling obligated to do it and I put pressure on myself for no reason. So I can understand a bit why you feel this way.
Give a big hug to your kitties!
I've had this site TEN years in April. April 2002 I started. So blogging doesn't do it to me. It certainly didn't cause it. It was exacerbating it. So I'm cutting that parts. The obligation to post fashion I'd made for myself.
I appreciate all your comments.
Whatever! I do what I want!
♫♪ Baby, life's what you make it - don't backdate it.
Baby, don't try to shade it - beauty is naked.
Ev'rything's alright - life's what you make it -
Ev'rything's alright - what you make it.
Baby, life's what you make it - celebrate it
Anticipate it - yesterday's faded.
Nothing can change it - life's what you make it. ♪♫
i love seeing your outfits posts and reading about your hubby, your family, what you did over the weekend, your ramblings, etc.
but, like you said, if all the photos are exacerbating a bad thing, do what you need to do to get yourself at ease.
i look forward to reading whatever you decide to post here, and hopefully we can keep up over on FB.
love you, girl!
Regarding your blog, it is totally up to you to do what you need to do with it. There can always be more kitty pictures!
Do what you have to do, for yourself, though! And if you do post, I'll be here to read it.
Misty has left a new comment on your post "Hey guys, Yeah so I have mentally written this at ...":
I was missing your posts and wondering where you had gone! I love your blog and hope you come back for good. I have tons of experience with the negative self talk. It's a TOUGH demon to battle, for sure, even with loving people by your side. I enjoy reading your blog and even though Im normally just a lurker ;) this post touched my heart enough for me to comment, and just say I'll read it, whatever you choose to write!:)
Personally I enjoy non outfit posts as much as outfit posts. And most bloggers I follow are only posting 3 times a week now. Everyone's blogs are evolving to meet their current needs. I hope yours does too. Hugs!
People change so much in ten years' time. Who says a blog can't change? Whatever it is should be an extension of you now, not you ten years ago. If you choose to keep up the blog, I'm sure you'll have people who read it and care.
So I'm glad to see you're back! If you're not posting outfit pics, no big deal, we still love to hear what you're up to! :)
you think:I have something to say.
ask yourself: Am I being a jerk?
NO, then go ahead and say it.
YES, then zip it.
Unless of course someone asks you "can you show me your biggest jerk impression" then by all means!
(I was attempting humor. I hope it reads that)
I am glad you are well and around - i also love reading about mischievous Daisy Boo and Waffles...
lessake
Anyway, I'm glad you decided to come back, however that ends up looking since I enjoy your blog.