Anytime I read posts where bloggers question the purpose of what they do I just smile and shake my head not really getting what they mean. I guess I’ve been hit too. Apart from the fact that I’m much more busy at work, I find that there’s little joy in what I’m doing on the blog these days. Please do not get me wrong, I get excited when my work is praised and I do try to make time to visit, comment and appreciate or like posts from bloggers. But is that all there is to it? Am I missing something? Am I doing it right? I’m afraid I’m loosing it all.
Maybe I need a break. I don’t know. My well-meaning blogger friends have been urging me to publish, poems or stories. Whatever! Even as my first draft of my work-in-progress is nearing completion, I still am not excited. I’ve done quite a number of book reviews both on my bog and on amazon upon request. But I ask ‘who will be interested in this jazz?’ (as we say here).
I know I ought to break and take time off the blogosphere to re-charge. If I had enough money I would just pack my bags and head off alone to a luxurious hotel here, or maybe outside, for about one month and chill. I will remain incommunicado for the whole period. 🙂 Alas! So my dear friends, pardon me if I don’t visit your blogs as often as I should.
On the brighter side, my aunt who lives with her husband in Kenya visited home this month. She wants to set up a business over here, selling Kenyan jewellery and accessories. I think it’s a great idea since we’ve been hooked on authentic African stuff for some time now as a people. I believe it’s all part of the ‘sankofa‘ or ‘go back and take’ or ‘go back to your roots‘ rediscovery agenda. 🙂
According to my aunt Veronica, I could check the internet for authentic Kenyan custom jewelry for verification. Apparently they are in high demand even here. People post free ads in Kenya all the time so this should not be a problem. . Now she wants me to help her with this since she believes I might have some connections (erroneously I might add) but who wants to burst her bubble? I will do the best I can when she is ready. There’s some excitement bubbling in me at the thought of this fine venture and my expectations.
Reading Pleasure 
Oh Sweetie! Sounds like you know what to do. It’s quite okay to admit burn out and to proceed to break – short or long is also up to you. You’ve been more consistent that me so I give you permission to stop for a while! Also, consider coming to our monthly Women Writers Forum meeting at the Barclays Club House. It’s on tonight at 6:30pm. We’ll talk soon. 🙂
Lol Kinna, I’m truly burnt out. I never knew bogging could be so exhausting. when you set me up on that wonderful path two years ago.
Sure, thanks for the gentle reminder. The mails from Mbaasem have been sitting in my inbox for a while now. It’s the distance to the house that makes me hesitate but I’m going to remedy that my dear. Miss you lots you know. 🙂
The boys are dying to see Kobby. 🙂
BIG SIS,I don’t possess enough literary mettle to proffer advice.
Fatigue, whatever its origins is natural and should not be apologized for.
Judging from this article, you are back on the trot.
You are always an interesting read,and I am not biased.
Greetings to your “riot” of men.
And my love to Mama.
Ricky darling, you make my day anytime I see you here. Maybe you should be visiting more often so I will not feel fatigued and bored.
And who says you don’t have any literary mettle! Topos! You have it in tons. 🙂
The ‘riot’ of men will hear your message. I do miss you, you know! I’ll let mum know too. 🙂
Celestine, I can completely relate with what your’re saying. I’ve been there, done that…I have realized too that often when we work so hard at getting the best blog posts, poems or stories posted it amounts to few reading, commenting or liking it at times when we worked so hard, and bothered me a lot then, but I have realized recently that God has a new agenda for me and it involves leading a writers’ group at our church in our new small groups program. I have gone to our training sessions and made contact with my writers, etc. and am doing a lot of bible study and prayer on this new chapter in my life. I have named it ‘Kingdom Writers’ and am looking forward to it. I took a break too once from blogging once as I needed to just rest and regroup. I learned that when I had one agenda God had another one for me, and it didn’t mean I had to give up my writing altogether when I thought that is what He wanted me to do. It just meant his plan for me as a writer would take a different form. Our whole new small groups program at our church involves making connection with people and building on relationships all the while we are strengthening our relationship with Christ. It is now my desire and purpose to serve Him in that capacity and keep my blogging at a slower pace and also will mean my posts will be bolder with my own faith as I use it as an outreach.
Take care, Get the rest you need and I will keep you in my prayers, Celestine that you will find that plan and purpose in your life at this time.
God bless,
Joyce
Oh Joyce, thank you so so much for this wonderful comment. I have been asking myself how best I can serve God with my writings especially since I tend to go the romantic way most times. 🙂
In May I was nominated and voted to serve as one of the 17 presbyters at church. (church leaders) being a Presbyterian. This means that my time and focus as a leader must be geared towards serving God, and being an exemplary Christian in all spheres. Maybe that is what is missing in my blogging, that Christ-like element. 🙂
And like you, I have volunteered to teach drama/choreography to the youth at church. Through these media, I and the others can help spread the word of God and to keep the youth more focused. My group and I have met with them in what we dubbed ‘Time with the Youth’. We had discussions on career path, university/secondary school life, etc. You have given me an idea that I could discuss further with the Minster and Session. If it s approved I could take it up form there and inculcate writing into the content of ‘Time with the Youth’ or into my teachings in the drama class.
Thank you dear Joyce and please continue to remember me in your prayers. 🙂
I will, Celestine. The Lord will direct where exactly He wants to use you, and maybe this is His plan. If you are in prayer and listen to Him you will know what to do. 🙂
Sweetie, every person goes through a phase where they wonder the point of it all. I know I do. When it happens I take a break and switch off and do the things I enjoy. Of course some peace and solace would be nice. But if I don’t get that (especially with a young family) I immerse myself in a great book / movies and zone out.
So please do whatever you need to do and take a break. You need it. Blogging/writing can wait.
As for the new venture, I wish you and your aunt all the best. xx
Kiru, thanks so much for understanding. I’m just going to soak myself reading some books downloaded from Amazon including two of yours darling. I’m pretty sure today is my last day on the blog for a while. 🙂
I’ll miss you loads but I shall sure be back beofre you know it. 🙂
Aw! I’m going to miss you. I hope my post didn’t put you in this disenchanted mood. But I understand having to step away and refocus. I’ve done it a few times. So go clear your head and come back and wow us again. I didn’t like this post!! Good luck with your aunt and the jewelry and hopefully you’ll finish your book up and find a publisher. My love and blessings to you my dear Celestine.
Kimmy darling, you don’t know how much I will miss you gals. Blogging is in my blood now but I’m getting dehydrated 🙂
I shall be back before you know it my dear. Thanks so much for everything my dear sister. 🙂 keep the flame burning! 🙂
Stay well Hugs!! 🙂
Celestine,
You know yourself better than anyone else in the world. Follow your heart, my dear.
You’re absolutely right about the amount of creative force, time and energy that blogging uses every day. For me, “blogging” has completely taken the place of the energy I used to pour into writing books. Blogging carves a BIG hunk out of my life.
I understand shifting priorities.
If you decide to take time away, I’ll be thinking of you from over here. And I’ll keep you on auto-follow so I can catch you when you pop up again.
All the best. ((HUGS))
Alice
Alice darling, I shan’t be gone for long and that is for sure. How can I ever leave you guys? I just need to rest my mind do some long over due reading, see to WIP and focus on church issues a bit; of course the jewelry business is also there.
Thinking of you everyday, Alice. I’m always mentioning something or other you said or did at home. 🙂
Like Schwarzenegger said on Terminator, I shall be back! So keep me on auto follow 🙂
Celestine,
Oh GOOD! I was worried that you’d wander off into the sunset (to your REAL life) and not return for a very long time. Thanks for the reassurances.
Alice 🙂
PS I talk about you here as well.
Dear Celestine I understand completely where you’re at, I may be around the same place. The important things to do what’s best for you and it sounds like you’ve sussed it. I’ve already missed your more frequent posts but I know you’ll be back. Like you, when I began this journey I had no idea how it would grow and how many lovely people I would meet who I want to ‘chat’ to every day! Rest, enjoy new ventures and stay in touch – I expect this is what you plan to email me about? Take care sweetie and see you soon.
Gilly darling, missing you gals already. But I sure shall be back. I really need the rest. You are right, I ‘ll email you soon about a project in the pipeline. 🙂
Sometimes we need our breaks from different parts of our lives.
Take the time that you need to refresh & recharge.
And – good to hear that your aunt survived the mall terror.
Will miss your adorable smiling face while you are away.
Take care – take it easy & enjoy life!
{Hugs}
Thank you dear Rosy for all your lovely support; I shall be back before you say ‘Celestine’! 🙂
glad for your aunt, sorry for those who lost their lives in the hands of insanes!
Thanks for the concern. 🙂
I know how you feel, I’ve been there too or just emerging from there! I urge you to take a break, relax, if you can pack your bags and go for an holiday, that would be so cool! Your blogging is not futile because I get to know you! 🙂 and you’re a fantastic poet/writer.
However, like you really laid bare on your post, sometimes we question the purpose of our life, like what’s it all for? Don’t ignore that little voice, just work through it and you’ll come out better than before. If you do take an hiatus, make sure you feel better before coming back, blogging shouldn’t;’t be a pressure thing but a pleasurable thing!
And if it’s anything to you, it’s been an absolute pleasure knowing you Celestine!
Much love, always! 🙂
Sandra darling, how are you doing? I hope you are fine as well as the family. I’m actually enjoying the break; very busy with my WIP which I hope to finish by December or January latest. Then I’ve got to source publishers. But we will cross that bridge when I get there. 🙂
Thanks so much for the lovely words and encouragement. What will I do without you guys? 🙂
I’m fine my sweet sis, just came back from your site too. I wish you best of luck in your search of a publisher, I’m certain you’ll find one soon by His grace!
Much love to you my sis. 🙂 🙂
Well, I for one am happy when you post! 🙂 smiles & (((hugs))) always!!!!
Thank you Marie.Missing you always.Be back beofre you know It. 🙂
I recently (the best year or so) have really taken a step back from my blog promotion and went back to basics, blogging for myself and enjoying the hobby!
I went all out and blogging became work, now I enjoy it much more.
http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Glad to hear that. Blogging should give us pleasure and not be a routine thing! 🙂