I Stopped Blogging For 2 Years And Here’s Why

jenniLifestyle 54 Comments

Life happens.

I launched my blog with enthusiasm, but then life threw me a curveball:

A deluge of projects inundated the blog, and while I was conquering my goals and establishing new ones, I found myself immersed in the fantastic semi-retired lifestyle I had enjoyed for three years. Add to that the fact that I had been consistently blogging for a whopping 12 years (can you believe it?). At some point, it felt like I had exhausted every topic, and I threw my hands up in frustration.

Before I knew it, weeks – or, worse, months – had slipped by since my last blog post. True, I sporadically published a few articles to meet my clients’ needs, but two years ago, I began suspecting that the reason behind my irregular blogging was burnout.

I immediately turned to Google to confirm if what I was experiencing was indeed burnout (just to be sure, lol). I delved into searches like “What is burnout?” and “Signs of burning out,” partly because I couldn’t fathom that someone as naturally hyper as myself could go through it. Unfortunately, Dr. “Google” verified my fears: I was burned out. After this realization, my next instinct was to consult Google yet again for guidance on “How To Recover From Burnout” (because let’s face it, what would life be without Google?).

Essentially, I started living my life without feeling compelled to share every single aspect of it on the blog. I also ceased creating content for my editorial posts because it demanded time, preparation, and creativity on demand. Truth be told, when I decided to stop blogging two years ago, I didn’t miss it. Quite strange.

I joyfully embraced a new lifestyle: Living in the moment

Things I learned during my blogging hiatus:

Unplugged headphones, just wearing them (not listening to music) to make it easier for me to focus on reading.

It’s OK to unplug.

First and foremost, it was crucial for me to acknowledge that there is NOTHING wrong with wanting to take a break. While it may sound like a no-brainer – duh, who wouldn’t want to relax? – in today’s society, where we’re constantly bombarded with must-do’s and deadlines, it’s not as easy as you might think to step away. This is especially true for someone like me, whose livelihood depends on blogging and being active on social media.

Who knows, maybe someday I will post a home tour. Maybe.

I even had this grand idea that when we moved into our new house three years ago, I would transform every nook and cranny into a mini studio to create content for the blog. BUUUUT, the more I relished our stay at Maison Epperson (my pet name for our house, LOL), the more I found joy in spending quality time with my family. I wasn’t preoccupied with taking photos or writing about it; instead, I focused on being in the moment—showing less and feeling more. It was pure magic.

Big fun being in the moment with The Epperson’s!

Learn to say no

As a blogger in an exceedingly competitive and saturated industry, I often found myself compelled to seize every opportunity that came my way, believing it would lead to something more significant. They say good things happen to those who hustle, right? Well, not always. Due to that mindset, some brands felt entitled to request free content in exchange for products or gift cheques (unless they’re Meralco GCs, HAHA). While it’s not a difficult concept to grasp, sometimes I forget that my time is actually valuable (certainly worth more than Php 0!). Why not invest it in myself, my loved ones, or things that would enhance my overall quality of life? I’ve learned to shift from hustling hard to hustling smarter.

A rule of thumb that I adhere to: unless it’s something I feel passionate about or would spend my own money on, I do myself a favor and politely decline. However, if a friend asks me for a favor, I’m more than happy to oblige because I’m friendly like that. Haha! Moreover, if I believe in the brand, it would be my pleasure to collaborate and promote their products. Just because something is free doesn’t mean your time is, especially when someone else is profiting at your expense. I choose to channel that energy into creating more substantial content instead. The magic is, the more meaningful content you produce, the more brands will appreciate and value you. It’s true!

I revisited my “why”

I began my journey into blogging in 2006 due to the constraints imposed by the newspaper I used to work for, which started cutting down on space for my articles. Young, energetic, and fueled by a burning desire to share ideas, the frustration of not having an adequate platform (at least not enough space in the paper) led me to explore the world of blogging. Introduced by a friend, I was initially nervous, but once I drafted my first article and hit the “publish” button, I was hooked! I wasn’t concerned about whether people would read or appreciate my blog posts. There was zero agenda, and it was 100% fun!

This experience made me realize that my passion lies in living life, sharing ideas, and being creative. Writing without a specific agenda or an intent to build my brand (honestly, it never crossed my mind) was meaningful and joyful. During the first four years of blogging, I published 2-4 articles a day, well before blogging became a mainstream trend. I blogged out of passion and a genuine love for sharing ideas, and it felt like heaven!

I believe that because of my passion, I stood out among the few bloggers in the Philippines at that time. I attracted major advertisers to my site and received recognition, winning blog awards both internationally (Best Lifestyle Blog at the NuffNang Blog Awards in Malaysia, surpassing other top bloggers) and locally (Best Online Reporter, chosen by the editors of Preview magazine during the Virtual Style Awards). These successes, unheard of during those times, humble me when I reminisce about them now. It also proves that when you love your work, it will love you back.

Tip the balance

With great influence comes a plethora of paid blog entries. While I am genuinely grateful for all the opportunities and blessings I’ve received over the years, consistently writing sponsored posts lost its appeal. Was it because I was no longer interested in the subject matter? Was it because I felt overwhelmed with my workload? The answer is: All of the above.

Don’t get me wrong; I will still publish sponsored content (truth be told, I have several drafts already, and I hope you guys won’t mind), but there will be a shift towards more editorial content. The balance between blogging sponsored content and editorial content will lean more towards the latter this time.

I’m back!

Two years later, here I am back to blogging with a renewed passion for sharing and a newly redesigned website too.

It was serendipity that I received a random text two months ago from my tech guy and Online Business Strategist, Dart Tiglao, about updating my blog. After all, it’s been six years since I last had my website redesigned. What better way to embark on another chapter of my blog life than with a fresh and cool blog format. Thanks a bunch, Dart, and shoutout to Jenn Manigao-Tan, the designer! I absolutely adore my new site!

I am now at a point in my life where I’ve had ample rest and spent enough time living offline, giving me a surplus of experiences to share and the energy to blog. As I write this post, I can sense the same excitement and fun I felt when I first started blogging in 2006—OMG. It’s exhilarating!

Can I get a “welcome baaaack!” in the comment box? Thanks!

Comments 54

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  6. Welcome back Ms Jenni!!!

    Couldnt be more happier that you’re back! I’ve been reading your blog and been inspired by it for soooo long! (Since college!)

    Platu-platuhan and easy decorating ideas are my favorites and I hope you would be posting more on these topics!

    Sending you some fan love!

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      Hello Daryl! Thanks for the support! I can’t wait to share more tips, experiences, and yes, more plato-platuhan! Stay tuned!

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  8. Welcome back! Because of Instagram, I didn’t really feel you were gone. But surely, it would be refreshing to view your content again 🙂 I am doing #100daysofblogging for #the100dayproject this year. Hopefully it leads the way to the revival of my own blog – or not.

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      Haha! Tru.

      That’s good to hear! Just relax, take a breath and it won’t be long before your passion for bloggoing will catch up with you. Good luck!

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  9. Welcome Back Jenni! Ive Missed Your Updates! Yes, It Nice To “Unplug” And Be “In The Moment” Sometimes…. Nowadays! More Power To You! ??? @jenniepperson

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  12. Been following your posts since Multiply days (!) and witnessed how you’ve evolved into a better “brand” and person each time you recreate your platforms. Welcome back and looking forward to more inspiring content from #mabuhaygirl herself. More power!

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  13. Welcome back Ms. Jenni! I was a constant reader of your blog before and now I just can’t wait to rummage through it again. Thank you for coming back!

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  14. Miss Jenni! Welcome back! We met in your book signing in SM North way back, and I was the one who told you that you look so young in person, and that I’m a Dylan fan! Anyway, I am so glad that you’re back. Actually, I’ve stopped reading blogs and following some blogs that I used to love reading because most of them became super sponsored na umpisa palang ng post alam mo na. Actually, I miss as in super miss those who write about experiences and honest opinions about things. I think people na are running after genuine writing and honest content. I really miss you kasi I follow your positivity and wisdom mantras. As in tinetreasure ko talaga sya hoping that I could also live the life I imagined (wink). Again, welcome back Ms. Jenni! Ramdam na ramdam ko ang sincerity ng post na to. We need more people like you.

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      OMG! Ramdam na ramdam din kita, gurrrrl! Haha! Thanks for your sweet message and I hope you enjoy reading my new blogs. ?

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  16. Hi Ms Jenni! I thought I’ve missed 2 years or more of your articles in your blog only to find out you stopped for a while. Yay! (LOL) I realized I did not have the time for blogs neither since my move here in Vietnam 3 years ago. The last time I visited your blog was when I had to discuss ‘blog’ to my students. I did not have a hard time explaining because your blog is complete and easy to navigate.

    BTW, your come back article is so good that my only reaction was: Yaaaas! 🙂
    I’m excited to read new articles in your blog soon.

    WELCOME BACK! 🙂

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  17. Yey!!! Welcome back. At ngayon lang din ulet ako nagbasa ng blog for two years na rin. Sobrang busy, yun nga ang hanap ko yung totoong blog, yung may puso kasi ramdam mo ang saya. Cheers!

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  18. The Jenni’s back! Wishing you fresh passion and joy as you journey back online even more mindfully❤️ Big hugs, mama!

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      I’m baaaack! Love you and everything that you do Mama Janice! Thanks for all the support. I really appreciate it! Stay tuned!!!

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  20. Yey! Ive always wanted to ask you abt ur blog on IG but for some reason nakakahiya kasi baka it would sound demanding. Like pag me post ka sa IG stories i’d hope na sana me blog din abt it….
    Kaya welcome back Ms Jenni. So happy me mababasa na ulet.

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