A Little Breather …
December 2, 2009
Hi guys, just a little note … I’m taking a much-needed break from blogging the rest of this week, and didn’t want to disappear without giving some advance word.
Things are going well for me re: food/exercise/body image … and frankly, I don’t have much to say on that front–and that’s a good thing.
For a while now, part of me has been curious about putting this side (i.e., the recovery side) of my blog to bed in favor of broaching broader topics … but I’m nervous/unsure about it, or even how to do it.
I welcome thoughts from bloggers who have done this. How did you “un-brand yourself”? I don’t just want to be known as a recovery blogger. I mean, it’s a part of me, but not all of me.
Blogging can be viewed as such a self-indulgent passion, but knowing I’ve helped/am helping others helps me justify it to myself when I have doubts. I don’t want to give that up, but I’d like to explore more.
It’s funny because when I began, my first guest post was at BackinSkinnyJeans and I remember Steph (my blogging hero!!) gently cautioned me about considering maybe not being wed to “Tales of a (Recovering) Disordered Eater” as my blog’s name/URL, because it would, indeed, define me … and would make it hard to break away if I ended up wanting to do so.
At the time, it made sense to name my blog as such– I wanted to own it; I felt I needed to own it. It needed to be real and tangible and have a clear mission.
But in retrospect (isn’t hindsight always 20/20?) I totally see her thinking. Because now (surprise, surprise), a year and a half later, I feel recovered (for the most part; I still have some thoughts, but am not engaging in any destructive behaviors) and would like to expand into other topics, too — have more of a free-flowing blog …
I don’t want to stray from DE recovery/body image/food/exercise isuses entirely … but I’d like to just have a bigger base from which to choose topics–so I’m not “pigeon-holed” in this world.
So I think I need a little while to reassess my own personal “digital strategy” if you will. Please bear with me — and I welcome and encourage any of your comments. Please be honest; I’m genuinely asking for input.
I certainly don’t want to lose readers and I want to continue to provide a support network — I just feel like for months now, I’ve been OK, and it makes it hard for me to talk about the uncomfortable stuff when things are, indeed, OK. I don’t want to be dwelling or Googling for topics that relate to Tales specifically … I’m kind of at a loss, and I’m admitting it to you here.
Thoughts?
Entry Filed under: Blogging. Tags: Back in Skinny Jeans, Blogging, noshtopia, pigeon-holed, recovery blogging, Steph.
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1.
Lara (Thinspired) | December 2, 2009 at 1:12 am
I know we’ve had conversations about this, but I fully relate to the fear of letting your blog name define you!
It is so wonderful that you are doing so well to even be thinking about changing the blog name
I think that is something to be so proud and excited about! I do not think you need to change the name of the blog to start varying the content, but I understand the instinct. I will read whatever you do.
Enjoy your well deserved blogging break!
2.
missyrayn | December 2, 2009 at 2:10 am
I’d love to read more about how you are living life instead of just focusing on recovery. You blog was a nice reminder to me of how far I’ve come with my DE but I would like to see how you’ve moved past it.
3.
julie @ finding jewels | December 2, 2009 at 8:01 am
hi lissa
i’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. it’s great that you feel recovered! maybe as your last post at Tales, you can write a Top Ten list of things that helped you recover? (for those still in recovery)
I’d love to read more about you living life too, as missyrayn said.
xoxo, Julie
4.
Faye Park | December 2, 2009 at 9:08 am
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog as well. It’s good to hear that all is going well on the food/exercise/body image front, and I would love to hear more about other aspects of your life, especially since for many people with disordered eating, going through daily life isn’t the most easiest (or enjoyable) thing. It would be nice to hear about the parts of your life that you’ve been enjoying!
5.
lissa10279 | December 2, 2009 at 9:41 am
Thanks so much for the insight-this means a lot and really helps. I will see what I do with my blog, but I think it is time for a change–I think it has been for a while, actually. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement and I’m listening to what you’re saying … I like the idea of sharing how I’m living more … if that can be encouraging, rock on!
6.
love2eatinpa | December 3, 2009 at 8:07 am
hi melissa,
wow, that is such a big step, one that you are clearly not taking lightly. it’s great that you have that instinct that it’s time to move on. it is a wonderful step in your recovery and your self. definitely follow your gut.
it’s funny that you are writing about this because i’m in the process of switching from wordpress.com to .org and have to decide how long i would to buy my domain name for. i was hesitant to do the five year plan and you have confirmed my hesitation. you can just start up a new name and direct everyone from here to your new one, right?
i wish you all the best!
7.
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