Seven years ago, when I started this blog, I never knew the way it would evolve and grow. It started as a place to share my journey towards running my first marathon and then grew into a health and wellness blog. My blog isn’t the only thing to grow and change over time. I’ve changed as a person. For years, I prioritized the blog over other aspects of my life – often without realizing it. There were times when I would sign up for press trips and blog conferences without considering the impact this travel would have on the rest of my life. As I was working to grow my blog and reach new audiences, I would say yes to every opportunity even if it wasn’t relevant or convenient.
As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that I want and need to prioritize life first and my blog second.
This isn’t to say that I am going to stop blogging anytime soon or stop sharing my journey towards a healthy, happier life. Instead, I want you guys to know that I will continue to share the tough bumps in the road with you as well as the positive highlights. I have also found that over the past few months, as I’ve said no to the opportunities that don’t feel right or make sense, I’ve been able to say yes to ones that excite me and reignite my passion for this space. I feel at the age of 32 I have far more to offer you all than I did at 25. I was young and naive back then. Living a healthy life doesn’t get easier as one gets older. Instead, as other priorities and demands are continuously added to my plate I find it harder and more challenging.
I’ve started making changes, beginning with my calendar, that are already benefiting me and those around me.
During our drive home from Lake Placid on Sunday, I spent 30 minutes reviewing my calendar for September and October. I used the color coding system to organize my commitments: work, family friends, workouts and blog. I realized that unfortunately, September was a month of over-commitment on the blog front due to multiple opportunities. The change of season as well as New York City Fashion Week often bring incredible events. While I’m always honored to be invited to them, it is difficult to balance these in addition to my professional and personal life. As you guys know, I have a career with Procter & Gamble that I love. My role just increased in responsibility, which means the next few months are going to be exciting but demanding. Instead of trying to squeeze things in, I started making tough decisions.
One of the biggest things I decided to remove was something that was looming on my calendar and causing guilt – Montreal Rock’n’Roll 10k.
Due to work commitments for both Bo and me, our three day weekend to Montreal to eat, tour and run our way through the city slowly started shrinking. As of last week, it became a 30-hour trip that would be an expensive proposition considering flights and hotel costs. I felt guilty emailing the Run Rock’N’Roll team since I am a Rock’n’Blog ambassador. Luckily, a few friends and family members reminded me that at the core my blog is about maintaining a healthier, happier lifestyle and I should pursue things that match this goal. While it was a tough email to write, the moment I pushed enter I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
This was intended to be a virtual coffee date but instead grew into a long post about one thing – change.
Sometimes we need to take a step back and reflect on where we have been, where we are and most importantly where we want to go. Over the next few weeks and months, you will start to see my vision for this blog come to life. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and continue reading.
Picture: Lydia Hudgens
Gear: New Balance Newbury Jacket – New Balance Newbury Legging
Ashley, as always, I enjoy your honest reflections on your life. It has taken me much longer to realize many of the lessons you have shared in this thoughtful post. Truly, we must take care of ourselves and listen closely to those voices deep inside us. Like you, I don’t want to let people down if I’ve committed to doing something and there’s also a certain manner of gratification from having a schedule full of fun activities. However, honoring those relationships most important to us (including the one we have with ourselves) and investing in those activities that truly ignite our passions brings tremendous fulfillment.
On another note, I’m wondering if we can have an email exchange with regard to my career shift. I don’t have your email address and would prefer not to engage in this conversation on social media. I’d truly appreciate the opportunity to get your advice as your schedule allows.
Girl, I feel you. It can be so hard to say no to opportunities and figure out what to prioritize — naturally I want to do everything! I’m getting used to saying no when it’s not an event that gets me super excited. All about finding that balance.
You definitely need to do what’s best for you first and foremost. When I first was offered opportunities for my blog, I too didn’t want to turn anything down. It feels like you need to take advantage of the opps that do come to you.
But in the last year or so, I’ve also stepped back and am only taking on things that I truly want to do. Don’t feel bad that you want to step back and live, that’s important! 🙂
Beautifully written! I can so relate with you on this. I’ve swung both ways, putting my blog first and then putting it last. Sort of crawling out of the latter at the moment and really struggling, but still happy to be blogging again, even if I’m behind. Striking the balance is so difficult. I guess it’s one of those things that will be a constant challenge. I’m so glad to hear you’re going to continue blogging still. And it sounds like you have a great group to support you. I loved this line, “a few friends and family members reminded me that at the core my blog is about maintaining a healthier, happier lifestyle and I should pursue things that match this goal.” Can’t wait to see how your blog journey continues! <3
I’m glad you’re finding a good balance with blogging that works for you. For me, I’m really stepped away from anything sponsored or commitments and am just blogging for me lately. It’s all I can commit to as a new mom and working full time. I’m prioritizing time with my family, working out and living the lifestyle I want and blogging is my last priority. I’m ok with that!
Love this post and I couldn’t agree more! I feel like I’m at a similar stage in my life and with my blog. It really used to take over all of my free time, and traveling used to stress me out because I didn’t have my “normal” time to catch up and blog. Over time, I’ve realized that living, unplugging, and saying no from time to time is absolutely essential to happiness. You can only do so much for so long. I think you made the right choice about Montreal, and hey, you have plenty of other opportunities coming your way soon! Keep rocking it, girl!
Thanks Heather! It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Thanks for being honest with your readers. I stopped blogging two years ago because I didn’t like how it was ruling my life, and honestly, as my role increased at work, I wasn’t comfortable sharing so much publicly. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves.
i totally get this. i m signed up for a half and a ten miler that i just dont feel ready for and dont really feel like prioritizing training. sometimes i feel like i should force myself, but WHY? there is no reason not to enjoy life, run the 5k distance, take the pressure off and spend time working out in ways that make me happy
I am so with you on this. I have started turning down more and more opportunities and also cut back on the number of time I post. You know what? I’m less stressed, enjoy life more, enjoy blogging more, and the content I do post is much much better! I have a half marathon looming that is causing more stress than excitement, so I may have to pull an Ashley :)!
Great post. We all need to step back from time to time and decide what really matters most. Sometimes it’s obligations that are a priority and other times it’s fun things that need to be pushed to the fore front. Life is about trying to balance things even when the balance tips more to one side than the other. The next go around it may tip the other way.
Great post, Ashley! I think it’s so easy for us to forget these simple sentiments sometimes, especially when we’re passionate and excited about our blogs and the opportunities they present! But you’re so right, we can’t say yes to everything and need to focus on the things that are right for us and that fit in our lives without adding extra stress. I totally think you made the right choice and love that you were honest in sharing this aspect of your journey along with the rest of it. Keep up the great work 🙂
Thanks so much Katie! You’re rocking it too – thank you for being an inspiration!
To be honest sponsor trip recaps are soooo boring to read. I get that those trips must be fun for bloggers but they don t really add anything to your blog. I m much more interested in your workout routine, running training schedule, the new classes that you try and recipies.
Thanks for the view point – I love to hear that!