Hello there, bookworms! I genuinely can NOT believe how long it’s been since I last hopped on here to take care of anything book related. I still had all the themes and whatnot set to winter which is crazy in my universe. I have a backlog of books to review and (hopefully) other content coming down the road. For now, I’m here to post yet another overall life update and explain why I’ve been more MIA than ever before.
This is officially the longest I’ve left this little blog sitting stagnant since I started it back in 2014. I miss the days when I’d post every week, or heck, even multiple times a day. Not only do I not have that sort of bandwidth to churn out content on that level anymore, but also – a lot has changed between 2014 and 2022.
The past few months have felt a lot like treading water. Between my own minor health issues getting my anemia in check, working full time, trying to read, write, and rest AND dealing with the ongoing saga of family health challenges, 2022 has been a whirlwind of mental, physical, and emotional struggle. You can find out more about what’s been going on at my old Instagram post. All I can say for now is that I’m beyond thankful for everyone who reached out to check in on me and my family – it really means so much, especially when you feel totally isolated and at a stand still trying to get through the day-to-day while everyone around you is living life. We still have a few more steps to go in the whole transplant process, but after almost 4 years, I think we’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and life (for the most part) feels fairly normal. If you’re interested in learning more or donating to the cause, I implore you to check out CKD.
With everything going on personally, I switched entirely to autopilot. Not only did my reading and writing take a huge hit during a crazy time of hospital visits and helping my parents as much as I can, but I’ve found the marketing aspect of running a blog and social platforms far less fun than it used to be, and I didn’t have the time or energy to devote myself to any of it. To an extent, I still don’t, if I’m being honest. When I started my Bookstagram and later, the blog, years ago, I really pushed myself to learn how best to create content and engage with other book lovers. As any of you who make content know that it’s shifted greatly over time. I debated even getting rid of this blog because who reads these things anymore? Still, I put years of love and effort into my little corners of the internet and it doesn’t feel right abandoning them entirely. Instead, I’m trying to remove the pressures of algorithms, insights, boosting, and promoting anything I create. Maybe it’s old school or maybe it’s lazy, but hey – it’s what works best for me at the moment. If you’re still here, thanks so much for reading!
All of the above mumbo jumbo said, I feel like I’ve navigated my way to a new normal, as most of us have learned to do over the past few years. I miss the working on the blog and chatting with other readers. I have a backlog of books that I’ve been reading, and books I read a long LONG time ago that still need to make their way to a review status and be featured on the site. Bear with me, but I will get there and get them posted.
I hope you’ve all been well and continue to stay safe.
Until next time, happy reading! xx
