Simpler, Greener, and Happier

So it's been a while since I last wrote here. The last couple of months have been full of projects, trips, and new adventures and I've relied a little too much on my pre-scheduled posts, so when September came, I realized I had many post drafts, but no pictures and no time/inspiration/location to take any, and became a little disillusioned.

I found many excuses for ending up in this situation. I started taking classes and went on a couple of field trips on week-ends as part of this training, I co-wrote an e-book, started a new part-time job, and taught green living classes while continuing to work as a freelance translator with a couple of big projects scheduled for the end of last month. I felt it was a little bit much to add blogging to the equation.

So, instead of posting irregularly, I decided (or it happened) that I took a real big break. A 2-month long one. It wasn't planned and weirdly happened on my 1-year "bloganniversary" as they call it.

Not only did I stop blogging, but I also stopped posting on Instagram, which is pretty uncommon for me.

Nonetheless, I continued to repost relevant news and events on Facebook, and have had tons of fun using Instagram stories. This break was just what I needed to read books, and watch eye-opening documentaries (and a couple of TV shows along the way) to get inspired again. It was also a great occasion to take a step back, identify issues redefine my vision for the blog, and reflect on my use of social media.

I identified the following issues:

• I have trouble finding the time or motivation to take and edit pictures.
• I tend to overthink the content (length, links, images).
• I have doubts about keeping my personal Insta for the blog.

I also realized:

• I missed writing here.
• I missed you guys, our discussions, your comments, your ideas.
• I missed the rhythm of having a weekly assignment (Creating habits is very important to us freelancers).

So here's what I'm gonna try:

• Be regular.
• Don't overthink it.
• Draw the line between my personal and blog social media platforms.
• Schedule time to shoot and edit.

Here are the measures I've already taken:

• I asked my landlord whether we could repaint the house (I can't stand the yellow mustard and beige walls): --> epic fail!
• So I bought a whiteboard to shoot flat lays and I'm thinking about setting up a photo studio in the garage, or maybe in the living room.
• I opened separate Instagram and Twitter accounts for the blog.
• I connected with awesome creatives here in PDX and project a couple of collaborations.

And, last but not least, I reminded myself of the blog's motto:

Simpler, Greener, Happier

Be ready for some changes over here.

In the meantime, I'd love your feedback. What would you like to see more of here? Tips, looks, DIY, recipes, random articles, Portland-specific articles?
Are you a blogger? What issues do you face? How do you overcome them? I'd love to have your insights!