I started 2019 with a mission to revamp my life. I have so many wonderful things happening, and I just want to be able to enjoy them to their fullest, and not feel like I am waiting to check another thing of my to do list. I thought the way to do that was to be super organized, have a plan, and make it happen. But I started realizing as I continued to struggle keeping up, that I needed a new approach. I truly needed to step back, take a break and start over.
I am not going to lie though, it’s been a week and I am already ready to jump back in, #oldhabitsdiehard I guess…. It is hard to force myself to take the time I know I need. Last week I took the time to give my blog a bit of a refresh, catch up on tasks around the house, and for the first time in 2019 I actually am fully caught on on laundry. #momlife
As I move into this week I am starting to think about how I want to move forward. But to do that I needed to reflect. Did you know that I started my blog almost exactly 12 years ago. We had just moved to DC, already made a trip back to Pennsylvania to get married, and when we returned back to our new “home” (I quote that because I never thought DC would feel like home, and we would end up moving back) I realized I literally had no one but Matt. Our family was hours away, I knew no one in the area, so I started a blog on Xanga. Blueyedlove07 was created in March of 2007. The funny thing is, most of the time it was simply what a DITL would be on YouTube, just in writing. From that moment I never stopped. I changed platforms, switched my name to Happily A Housewife, but I never stopped. I have so many amazing things to show for all the hard work over the past 12 years.
The day I posted my “taking a break video” I went back, read old posts, watched old vlogs. It all comes down to the fact that I am so proud of what I have done over these past 12 years, not only in my life, which looks so different now, but also with my blog. I just need a short break, and a bit of a revamped feel and then I know I will be excited to be back at it.
I haven’t fully decided what/how I things will look when I return to YouTube, but I do know a few things. No more schedule. Better quality on the editing, taking my time to make a video something I am proud of instead of throwing it live to beat a deadline in my own head. Also this may be disappointing to some, but I decided to no longer run the weekly vlogs. That is not me saying no more vlogs, or that I will never post a weekly vlog, it actually allows for more of my content to be vlog style.
Lastly, I want to thank each and every person who has commented, messaged me, and emailed me over the past week. The support was overwhelming and so thoughtful.
Awww Sam I miss you already!!!!…Love your vlogs….you are so real and relatable. It’s strange your life changed around the same time mine did. I found your channel a couple of years ago when I was trying to come to terms with giving up work and going from full time working mom to SAHM to a teenager who didn’t really need me at home. Your positivity and energy gave me motivation to make the most of the situation . Anyway in September I was told my health was good enough I could return to work part time…….I thought it would be a walk in the park…..it is not…I too am struggling to adjust and keep up with my routines and work! I just wanted you to know how your channel has helped me and I will be looking forward to your return, but everyone needs time to re-adjust! I suffer quite severely with depression and it was your vlogmas that pulled me out of a depressive episode one year and got me feeling all christmassy again…….THANK YOU XX
Samantha, I am so very proud of you. I’ve watched you now for about 4 years and I feel inspired and motivated like most that watch your channel. The day you posted that you were taking a break was bittersweet because selfishly I want to watch your content and as a SAHM (11yrs, 3yrs & 2 yrs, 2 boys and a girl))I want someone to relate to and I relate so much with you. I look forward to “conversations” everyday and it’s awesome. But I can also relate to needing a break and you just reminded me that it’s ok to take a break! I don’t know you personally of course and you don’t know me, BUT I can say from the bottom of my heart that I am extremely proud of you. It takes a strong person to step away from something they love to be better at it. You GO GIRL! I am and will always be cheering you on!
Lissa
Hello from Alabama!
So I am super new to your youtube/blog. BUT, I wanted to say a couple of things. First, thanks for be authentic. (with your faith, your feelings, your anxiety, your relationships). Second, I have made several of your recipes and everyone loved them! Third, my husband decided to vacuum the other day and mentioned you as his inspiration (he looks over my shoulder when I watch it on the IPAD). IT WAS AWESOME.
Thanks Samantha. Keep being kind and authentic. 🙂 I appreciate Y O U.