Today I just want to talk to you for a second.
About a year and a half ago when I really got serious about blogging, I made a promise to myself that I would blog three times a week. Period. I wanted to be consistent, to be taken seriously. And that's what I did. I posted a new recipe on Mondays, "What I Ate Wednesday" on Wednesdays, and either something topical or another recipe on Thursdays. That's just how it was.
Then last week came along and guess what? I didn't post on Thursday. Then I didn't post on Friday, either.
And then I realized something. I don't want to be a slave to the internet.
I never wanted this space to be stressful. It's supposed to be my creative outlet, my way of giving back. So why am I putting pressure on myself to meet some silly standard that doesn't even exist?
Life HAPPENS. We get STRESSED. We get BUSY. We get EXCITED. We're LIVING.
The second Alchemy is opening in less than two weeks. I'm stressed, I'm busy, I'm excited, and I'm sure as hell living!
Last Wednesday my friends asked me if I wanted to get dinner and drinks at Columbus' new Guild House and my immediate thought was "shoot, I still haven't done tomorrow's blog post." Then I stepped back. I realized how ridiculous I sounded, that I was about to turn down an invitation to drink good wine and eat great food with fabulous friends because I hadn't photographed the freaking chickpea salad. What the hell is wrong with me?
Having a blog that doubles as a job really blurs the line sometimes. There's pressure. People depend on you. It's expected that you'll post pretty food and write funny things each and every week. But it's also your job to have a life, to keep some sliver of sanity, and to practice what you preach. I preach balance, and now I'm going to practice it.
I'm going to have a glass of wine even if tomorrow's post isn't finished.
I'm going to enjoy a long, lazy brunch even if I signed up for a workout class.
I'm going to stay out late drinking vodka sodas even if I haven't responded to the last two hundred comments.
It can wait. All of it. At the end of the day, I love you all and this blog more than anything and we all know that. But if I'm spending all my "free" time working working working working and then working a little more, no one's happy. Not me, not you, not the chickpeas.
So if I suddenly don't post, don't worry. I'll always be here. This space is only going to get bigger and better. I can promise you that.
But if I'm gonna do this, if I'm gonna make Hummusapien all it can be, I want to do right. I want to do it with a smile on my face. I want to always have that warm and fuzzy feeling I get when l nail recipe that I know you're gonna love or when I think of something hilarious to say on my way home from work. I don't want it to be forced. I don't want to blog just because it's Thursday.
So on this beautiful Monday, I don't have a recipe for you. All I have are some wise words.
Don't push your passion over the edge. Don't accidentally turn what you love into something you don't. Do you and rock it. Embrace your inconsistencies. Anyone who matters will love you for it. I can promise you that.
Malissa says
So so cool to see everything you’ve done since college! Amen.
Whits@amusebouche says
Amen. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Dubose says
I agree. Amen.
Kara Mathys @Wellnessgrit says
Looks like You had a wonderful time, Alexis! 🙂
Kara Mathys @Wellnessgrit says
Looks like You had a wonderful time, Alexis! 🙂
Linda says
Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals and also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!
Linda says
Magnificent website. A lot of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals and also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your effort!
Julia Kruz says
Agree with you about preaching balance. Blogging is a job nowadays it is harsh realities. Btw found your post from Pinterest, thanks for sharing.
Alexis says
It really is crazy. Glad you found me!
Julia Kruz says
Agree with you about preaching balance. Blogging is a job nowadays it is harsh realities. Btw found your post from Pinterest, thanks for sharing.
Alexis says
It really is crazy. Glad you found me!
Jessica @ Floptimism says
Hi, I've never been to your blog before -- I found it through a link on a friend's space -- but I have to comment because this is...exactly what I've been feeling lately. You nailed it, and I'm so glad you put these words out into the world.
Alexis says
It's good to hear that this resonated with you. I wasn't sure if I should post it, but I'm really glad I did!
Jessica @ Floptimism says
Hi, I've never been to your blog before -- I found it through a link on a friend's space -- but I have to comment because this is...exactly what I've been feeling lately. You nailed it, and I'm so glad you put these words out into the world.
Alexis says
It's good to hear that this resonated with you. I wasn't sure if I should post it, but I'm really glad I did!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
Catching up on your posts now and love this one! i haven't posted anything for a little while because life. I definitely see where you are coming from. And CONGRATS on the second Alchemy!!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
Catching up on your posts now and love this one! i haven't posted anything for a little while because life. I definitely see where you are coming from. And CONGRATS on the second Alchemy!!
Bri says
As a fellow must-post-three-days-a-week blogger, I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
Bri says
As a fellow must-post-three-days-a-week blogger, I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
I can totally relate to this post. Sometimes for me its working out, resting or reading that I choose to do over my blog because those things are important to me too in addition to my 9-5 day job. Thanks for sharing!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
I can totally relate to this post. Sometimes for me its working out, resting or reading that I choose to do over my blog because those things are important to me too in addition to my 9-5 day job. Thanks for sharing!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I love this so much. I sometimes feel guilty for not posting, but then I stay out a little later (or study a little more). And then I make memories that I can blog about (or not). I think it's important to remember that my blog is mine - I get to manage it, but it shouldn't manage me. This is perfect.
Alexis says
I love that you mentioned making memories! Now THAT is what life is about, whether you blog about them or not 🙂
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I love this so much. I sometimes feel guilty for not posting, but then I stay out a little later (or study a little more). And then I make memories that I can blog about (or not). I think it's important to remember that my blog is mine - I get to manage it, but it shouldn't manage me. This is perfect.
Alexis says
I love that you mentioned making memories! Now THAT is what life is about, whether you blog about them or not 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Amen, Alexis! Love this! So glad you're able to see the light and have some balance in your fabulous life! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Ashley! I'm glad I opened up about it. Feels great!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Amen, Alexis! Love this! So glad you're able to see the light and have some balance in your fabulous life! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Ashley! I'm glad I opened up about it. Feels great!
A.madhavan says
just wanted to do a shout out to this post - thank YOU!!!
I can relate to so much, as a fellow blogger!
Alexis says
I'm so glad you can relate!
A.madhavan says
just wanted to do a shout out to this post - thank YOU!!!
I can relate to so much, as a fellow blogger!
Alexis says
I'm so glad you can relate!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
So good, as always Alexis 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks, Tara!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
So good, as always Alexis 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks, Tara!
Hayley@healthyregards says
Just do you! We will still be here eating your delicious food (:
Alexis says
Thanks, Hayley!
Hayley@healthyregards says
Just do you! We will still be here eating your delicious food (:
Alexis says
Thanks, Hayley!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
"Having a blog that doubles as a job really blurs the line sometimes." I couldn't agree more. Well said and a great reminder that it's just as important to have a life too!
Alexis says
Thanks, Jessica! It's great to be surrounded by people who understand the difficulty of that balance.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
"Having a blog that doubles as a job really blurs the line sometimes." I couldn't agree more. Well said and a great reminder that it's just as important to have a life too!
Alexis says
Thanks, Jessica! It's great to be surrounded by people who understand the difficulty of that balance.
Kelsey says
YES. All of this. YES.
This is why I needed to start a new blog; my old one was being a negative part of my life that I just didn't need. THANK YOU for sharing your honest thoughts.
Alexis says
Good for you for getting rid of the negativity!
Kelsey says
YES. All of this. YES.
This is why I needed to start a new blog; my old one was being a negative part of my life that I just didn't need. THANK YOU for sharing your honest thoughts.
Alexis says
Good for you for getting rid of the negativity!
Andi Zaferes says
This rules! Thanks for being you and providing us with yummy food and making me feel better about those times I stay out too late when I should be doing other things (hey, there, exams.....). We'll always be here reading!
Alexis says
Thanks girlll!! Youdda sweetest.
Andi Zaferes says
This rules! Thanks for being you and providing us with yummy food and making me feel better about those times I stay out too late when I should be doing other things (hey, there, exams.....). We'll always be here reading!
Alexis says
Thanks girlll!! Youdda sweetest.
Danielle says
Yes! Blogging is such a tricky job/hobby/whatever. I just try to keep in mind that having life experiences will give me more to blog about or fuel my creativity. There always has to be a balance. I'm glad you're having some fun despite being so busy, though! It's so important!
Alexis says
Very true! Nothing good in life comes easy, right?
Danielle says
Yes! Blogging is such a tricky job/hobby/whatever. I just try to keep in mind that having life experiences will give me more to blog about or fuel my creativity. There always has to be a balance. I'm glad you're having some fun despite being so busy, though! It's so important!
Alexis says
Very true! Nothing good in life comes easy, right?
Rebecca Lwin says
Amen, sister! True words of wisdom from someone so young… I can say that coz I'm an old lady, haha! 😉 Seriously, it is really true… don't be a slave to something you created. You own it, it doesn't own you. We know you will always be here, just like we will always be here for you too. And we can always wait for the next awesome recipe. 🙂 You rock, girl!
Alexis says
"You own it, it doesn't own you." So well said!! XO
Rebecca Lwin says
Amen, sister! True words of wisdom from someone so young… I can say that coz I'm an old lady, haha! 😉 Seriously, it is really true… don't be a slave to something you created. You own it, it doesn't own you. We know you will always be here, just like we will always be here for you too. And we can always wait for the next awesome recipe. 🙂 You rock, girl!
Alexis says
"You own it, it doesn't own you." So well said!! XO
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Love you for it 🙂 Glad to see you living and loving life... just promise not to disappear for good, k.thx.bai *kissy face emoji*
Alexis says
I will not disappear on you, I swear!! KBAI
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Love you for it 🙂 Glad to see you living and loving life... just promise not to disappear for good, k.thx.bai *kissy face emoji*
Alexis says
I will not disappear on you, I swear!! KBAI
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
Amen girl! Since starting a full time job I've had the same thought about blogging. It's part of my life but I never want it to BE my life. And if that means posting only once a week or even less frequently, then so be it.
Glad to hear you're enjoying life too!
Alexis says
Sometimes I do feel like blogging IS my life rather than PART of it. Isn't that crazy?!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
Amen girl! Since starting a full time job I've had the same thought about blogging. It's part of my life but I never want it to BE my life. And if that means posting only once a week or even less frequently, then so be it.
Glad to hear you're enjoying life too!
Alexis says
Sometimes I do feel like blogging IS my life rather than PART of it. Isn't that crazy?!
Chelsey says
Yes! Yes! Yes! On point...SO well said!!!
Alexis says
Thanks, dear!
Chelsey says
Yes! Yes! Yes! On point...SO well said!!!
Alexis says
Thanks, dear!
Lauren says
I couldn't agree more with you here lovely! We all need to enjoy living life OFF the compute screen, otherwise what is the point!? The most important thing is your health, happiness and that you are getting downtime to enjoy life so you can show up at Alchemy and Hummusapien full and happy and being awesomely YOU! Lots of love lady, you are an inspiration to many xx
Alexis says
Right!? Health and happiness are key! No one likes a grump hummusapien 😉
Lauren says
I couldn't agree more with you here lovely! We all need to enjoy living life OFF the compute screen, otherwise what is the point!? The most important thing is your health, happiness and that you are getting downtime to enjoy life so you can show up at Alchemy and Hummusapien full and happy and being awesomely YOU! Lots of love lady, you are an inspiration to many xx
Alexis says
Right!? Health and happiness are key! No one likes a grump hummusapien 😉