You have noticed my absence on social media and the blog for the past couple of weeks. Oh, how I’ve missed you my friends! I felt so loved with your encouraging comments. You have no idea how much I needed to hear them! As much as I want to plan my life, sometimes it has a way of surprising me with unexpected turns and I just have to go with it. I’m reaching out to you to say not only am I doing well, but I’m coming back to you soon! There are a few things I’ve learned during this time and I’m opening up my heart to share a little with you today.
Taking time for yourself is necessary
If you’re a blogger or any other hard working American, you probably understand the importance of not overworking yourself. When I hit this road bump, I discovered quickly how much I had been pushing myself to achieve my goals. Striving for goals is a great thing and having a strong work ethic is amazing, but those goals will never be achieved if you overwork yourself. I know I sure did by having a full time teaching job and taking on blogging full time as well. Taking the time to rest not only helped me reflect on what matters most, but also gave me some time to just take care of myself. Both are so vital!
It’s OK not to plan
I am such a planner and live a very organized life that without my schedule I feel like I’m surrounded by chaos. However, sometimes I forget that the very things that are causing me to be “on top of things,” are actually the things that contribute to stress in my life. This blogging break taught me to let go a little and not put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. Only God is perfect and shields all those who take refuge in Him. That is what I’ve learned to do, because only He knows the plans for me. I am an optimist, but this can lead to unrealistic expectations that everything needs to go perfectly. The truth is, life’s messy. It can be unpleasant at times. It can be stressful.
Life moves on
Well, this may sound harsh, but it’s so true! You may have missed me. I hope you did, because I missed you! 😉 You may have not even noticed my absence, and that’s definitely OK too! There are so many other wonderful bloggers out there! But during this break, I learned not to take for granted the wonderful things that life has to offer. Taking the time to appreciate those things God has given you is incredibly important and will make you so much more grateful for what you have! In the end, my lovely community will be here when I return. Thank you so much for your patience with me in my rest.
Keep smiling!
“God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers!”
Photo credit goes to my sweet husband who took them on a previous trip to Canon Beach, Oregon. He always takes the best pictures and knows how to capture special memories!
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
I completely agree with you. The blogging community will be here when you get back. Take care of yourself. God bless 🙂
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Thank you! It’s support from people like you that make it all worth it!
Glad you had some time for yourself, Molly 🙂
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
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Thank you! It’s so important to take time for yourself!
Agree with you! But glad you are back 🙂 Always look forward to your posts!
Xo Lauren
http://www.auburnrobes.com
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Thank you Lauren! That is a very kind compliment! Can’t wait to bring out some awesome posts coming up!
Couldn’t agree more! I definitely noticed your absence on instagram; my insta-feed was missing some smiles and brightness for sure. It’s so important to take that time for yourself? To take care of you and your loved ones. We’ll all still be here when you’re ready to come back to blogging 🙂
Ellie
http://Www.Maplesyrupandteacups.blogspot.com
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Aww thank you Ellie for being so supportive! And what a sweet compliment! You made my week!
Molly,
I Couldn’t have said it any better. I think it is very important for any blogger to realize that we need to step back sometimes to appreciate the success and work that God has granted us. Blogging can be very overwhelming, and it has been a struggle for me to find a schedule to make time to blog while doing everything that I have. But I must remind myself that I blog because I love it, not because I have to. This post assures me that I’m not the only one to feel overworked at times and that it’s okay to step back sometimes. Have a great week Sweet Molly and always God Bless You!
-Robin
RunwayTeacher.com
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Such a good reminder, Robin! Blogging because we love it, not because we have to! Stay strong sweetie, but don’t overwork yourself! Hugs!
I noticed you were gone and I’m glad to hear you’re well! Taking time for yourself is always important! I personally feel the need to totally unplug a few times a year just to feel centered again… the demands of our busy lifestyles can get overwhelming! I hope you had some lovely R&R 🙂
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Thanks Jesica! It was a great reminder so take the time to relax. Definitely agree with you about the ned to feeling centered again! Hugs!
Well said Molly! You deserved a break, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next for your blog! Xo
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Thank you, Victoria! It is so reassuring to have your support. Love you!
Totally agree with you Molly!!! Break is important to recharge yourself. I am going through the same phase since past few months – full time job (need my extra hrs including weekends), personal responsibilities and blog (blog is lot of work), I am trying my best to create balance!
I am glad you took break and you are back! We are here for you! 🙂 Take care beautiful!
Rita – http://www.styleroundtheclock.com
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You’re right, Rita! It is SO much work! Hoping you can find the balance too! Thanks for all your support! You are amazing!
You were definitely missed love! I’m going through the same needing a break right now, and am evaluating what I need to let go of. God is definitely holding our hands though! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
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Thank you Kait for your positive words and encouragement! You are so sweet! I hope you too find the rest you need!
Sometime we all need time for ourselves, but glad you’re back! These photos are beautiful… love blue on you!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
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It is so true Jennifer! Thanks for the love!
I totally agree with you Molly. You are such a beautiful person inside and out. You inspire us all.
I’m glad you had a great time off. Looking forward to your posts.
Much love, Gorgeous!
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Thank you Raysa! You are always so supportive and I love following you too! You are amazing!
Molly this post is so refreshing and timely. I am so burnt out from blogging and life in general, and have been contemplating how I can step away without impacting my blog. Thank you for sharing this post and reminding others that it’s ok to take time for ourselves and reflect on what’s important. I did notice that you were away and was worried. I’m glad you’re ok and taking time to rest. Looking forward to your next post. Love these photos!
http://laceandpearlsblog.com
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Wow Asa! I didn’t know you felt the same. It’s amazing how many of us can feel burnt out! Hoping you find time to recharge too! Thanks for all of your support!
Yes, definitely exhausted. Blogging is hard work and so draining.
I have been so impressed with your growth and all that you have accomplished, I honestly don’t know how you do it. You inspire me!
I would love to get together again in the future. I’ll shoot you an email. Have a great week lovely and take care of yourself!
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Aww thank you for encouraging me! That really means a lot to me! I would love to meet up again!
I completely agree. So happy to have you back! Looking forward to your posts!
xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com/
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Aw thanks so much! I am so thankful to have your support! Hugs!
You look beautiful as always, and I completely resonate with the “it’s ok to not plan.” Something I myself have had a hard time letting go of but realized yes its okay to not plan everything! Just go with the flow 🙂
http://www.SHVETA.com
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Yes, it for sure is OK not to plan! I keep reminding myself of that and this break has been great to let that settle! Have a great weekend!
I love the fact that you write your heart out. Hope you had a great time! We will be here to read more once you are back 🙂
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Aww thank you so much! I do put a lot of heart into my posts! Thanks for all of your support!
Thank you for sharing a personal piece of your life with us! It’s not easy to show a side that is not always positive. Loved your thoughts on compassion towards yourself – one thing all of us need to learn. You always produce beautiful content and it’s okay to take a break and focus on yourself. We are so glad to have you back though <3
Love,
Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com
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Thank you Monika! It really isn’t easy to show that side, but I’m glad it was well received! Thanks for being so supportive! Hugs!
I agree with you, so good to take time for yourself, You do such an amazing job with your blog and instagram that we will all be here when you’re back.
Hope you have a great weekend Molly.
Xx Josette
http://www.josies.nu
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Thank you so encouraging me Josette! I really needed to hear that! Your support means so much to me! Have a great weekend too!
hi molly–yes, you have been missed. but everything you state here is so true. i think it is very important to take care of yourself no matter how much or how badly you want things to happen or goals to be reached. a lot of people tend to focus on the destination, however i always feel that it is really about the journey!! right? i know you agree with me here. DO YOU GIRL. xoxo,
janna | http://www.jannadoan.com
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I am so with you girl! We can get so focused on the destination and always worrying about the future, that it’s so important to take the time to reflect in the moment and observe the beauty around you! Much love to you friend!
Molly- I’m so proud of you for knowing when to put the blog on the back burner when you need a break. I’m sure it wasn’t easy spending time apart from your blog, but I’m sure it inspired you and even may have reminded you of why you are passionate about doing this. We all need a little fresh perspective sometimes. Support, love and hugs! <3
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It was amazing that I didn’t even realize how burnt out I was! Always on the go, go, go. I feel like I have found the balance again and I feel so much better for it! Love you my friend! Thanks for all of your support!
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So glad you agree with me Shelbi! And thanks for being so sweet to me always! Much love to you!
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Thank you Natasha for being so encouraging. You are right, that blogging can be so taxing so thanks for agreeing with me that it’s OK to step back a little when necessary. I appreciate all of your love and support!