Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The End.

If you read the post from last Thursday, you probably remember reading that I wanted to take a weekend to spend with myself. To take some time out to reevaluate things, and find my happy place.
I'm afraid to say this... but this blog is no longer a happy place for me.
I can't pinpoint it to a single event, a comment, a post, there's just nothing that really happened.

I've kind of mentioned a few times that I struggle to come up with posts. I stress about it, about putting out a product for people to read. And sometimes I wonder what for?? If I'm no longer enjoying blogging here, then why am I doing it? If I give you motivation, that's fantastic, and I'm happy to.
But I don't feel like this blog is fulfilling for me anymore.
I think the bloggosphere is a great place, very positive, but a few rude comments to wear on you. And why would you subject yourself to that? And then there's also jealousy. Everyone wants their blog to get more readers, more comments, more followers... and I found myself caring about those things.

That's not why I started this blog. At all! I rarely compare myself to others in my daily life, I'm really happy with who I am, and all of the things I've accomplished in my life. I've worked hard to get where I am, and I refuse to let something petty like blogging make me doubt myself. I'm many things, but I'm not a jealous person. I'm a giving person, a caring person, and feeling stupid jealousy doesn't work for me.

I started this blog 2 years ago to document the amazing thing I accomplished - Losing 85 lbs. to be healthy. I've done that, and sometimes I think this blog has served it's purpose. You all see how I live my life, the struggles I face, the way I pull myself back up, the way I set a goal and push to reach it, and the way I also fail. I feel like I have nothing else to put out there.

Right now, I'm flailing. My goal was to lose 100 lbs. I've tried countless times to get myself motivated to do that. This blog, unfortunately, isn't working. I lost all of the weight prior to the blog, and in the 2 years I've had the blog, it's just fluctuated from -75 to -85.
So I think, for the time being, I'm going to put the blog on a hiatus.
I'm very happy with all of the other aspects in my life, and see them continue to grow and flourish, I don't regret a second I spent writing this blog, and I do want to keep in contact with many of you and follow you in your quest to be the person you want to be.

My cooking blog is still an integral part of my life, so you'll always be able to follow me there.
I will do one thing - I'll write one post the day I reach my goal of -100 lbs.
See ya then :)

48 comments:

  1. I understand. :hugs:

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  2. I'll miss you girlie. I made the same decision last year. See you on Twitter. Good luck in your adventures.

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  3. I understand, too. I hate that you won't be blogging though. You will be missed! Good luck in reaching your goal!

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  4. I completely understand but you will be missed! See you on the cooking blog! I wish you nothing but the best!!

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  5. Best of luck with everything. I'll miss reading your updates!

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  6. I will miss your updates - it was something interesting to read at work :) xx

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  7. Oh man. My heart sunk a little when I read "The End" ...I think I knew what was coming :-( I love reading your blog. You are definitely my favorite out there in the blogosphere. I can't exactly pinpoint it, but maybe it's BECAUSE you don't care about the readers and stats, etc... you're just you and that comes through in your blog.

    I guess this gives me a good excuse to go back through and read all your archives. And believe me, I will be checking back for that -100 post! I wish you all the luck in the world finishing up your journey and know that if you do need to come back for motivation or support or whatever that we'll be here with open arms!

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  8. I've loved reading your blog.

    Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us and good luck on the rest of your journey :)

    Take care!

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  9. Good Luck in getting to that 100! Thanks for all your wonderful advice!

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  10. Thanks for the encouragement and support to you left me Ash. I can relate to numbers, I never cared. When I first started blogging I had 2 readers and one of them was my husband. From there it has grown on it's own, I never was out to get the biggest number of readers, people came to me and I know feed from the support. The blogging community I have always found very supporting, but I too have been tempted many times to shut it all down.

    I will continue to leave you on my google reader and when you post your 100 pound post I will be here. Best of luck to you Ash, i know you will accomplish it.

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  11. Please know that you'll be missed. I absolutely love your blog and it was one of the few out there that didn't jump on the "blog commercial" bandwagon. You're definitely someone I admire a great deal and I wish you all the best. I know you'll reach your #100 and I'll still be nosing around your blog when you announce it.

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  12. Oh man! And to think I just found your blog and have begun to love reading it every day! Good luck to you and good for you that you figured out what you needed...or didn't need anymore. I wish you all the luck in the world and can't wait to see you reach your goal...which I know you will. Smile! :)

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  13. Thanks for all the inspiration and best wishes!!!

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  14. This makes me sad :( I really enjoy following you. I wish you so much luck in your venture to lose 100lbs and I would like to float a suggestion:

    There are blogs/forums where you can disable comments, the ability to follow, links, etc. Like a tumblr. If you are interested in documenting your experience without any comments from the peanut gallery, there is always that option.

    As one of the people you have really inspired, I would love to see you continue to update people on your journey at least occasionally. No matter what you decide, good luck!!

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  15. I am sad that you won't be around but I completely understand. You need to do something for you. At least you and I still have Facebook. I have LOVED reading your blog. You are an inspiration and I am happy for our "blog friendship".

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  16. Ash I'm REALLY sorry to see you go. But I understand. If you're not getting enjoyment from something then it's time to move on. I have loved reading your blog. Take care and enjooy life! Hope it treats you well.

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  17. awww...i'm so sad. of course, i understand, but i will miss reading your daily updates. best of luck!

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  18. Ash, thank you for being so honest! I totally understand your decision. I love a year in the kitchen, and can't wait to see more recipes! Good luck with your journey!

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  19. Good luck with everything, Ash! Thanks for allowing all of us a peek into your life, struggles, and accomplishments :) You are still in my google reader, and will be so excited when I see you post your 100 pound loss!! Best of luck, girlie :)

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  20. So sad!!! I will miss reading you but understand why you need to do so.

    Good luck with the remainder of your journey!!

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  21. I definitely understand where you are coming from.
    I will miss hearing from you, but wish you the best of luck, and am confident that you will reach your goal!

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  22. Sorry to hear it Ash, but I get it. If blogging doesn't make you happy and give you a sense of fulfillment or push you towards meeting goals, then why continue? I will definitely still keep following your cooking blog and I wish you the best of luck with your health and fitness goals!

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  23. Good luck with getting to the 100lb! I'll miss reading your journey, you are such an inspiration!! But you have to do what works best for you and I totally understand. Go kick some ass!

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  24. I will miss reading your blog, but I understand. Take care of you and I will be waiting for that blog that says you lost 100lbs!!!!!

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  25. I will surely miss you :(! Your posts were an inspiration to me and seeing your post first thing in the morning would make me eat healthy the whole day. Good luck in all your endeavors!

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  26. I'll admit, I'm sad that you're going, but I totally understand. You have to stay true to yourself, and this is the best way to do it. If and when you come back, I'll be here, and good luck!

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  27. Add me to the list of folks sad to see you go. I don't think I've ever commented, but I read everyday. I've found your blog incredibly inspiring and the progress you've made is admirable. I'm glad you are taking time off for you, because honestly, I'm not sure how you did it! Work, gym, running, doggies, husband, blogging. You're quite impressive!

    At any rate, I wish you the best of luck with meeting your goal of -100, although I know you don't need luck. I hope to read new posts again someday soon. All the best!

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  28. I've never commented either - seems weird because I don't know you. But I've been so inspired and looked forward to your posts, thank you! You can take all this blogging time and energy and add it to reaching your goal. I'll look forward to your 100 lbs post. Best of luck!

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  29. This makes me so sad as well! I enjoyed reading your blog and will really miss your words of wisdom. Best of luck from an avid reader.

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  30. Thank you so much for keeping this blog going as long as you have! I'm not a commenter, but I thought I'd come out of lurking to let you know how much I've enjoyed reading you over the last year or so. You are an incredible example of someone who really practices what they preach as far as leading a healthy lifestyle and I've picked up so many wonderful ideas through this blog.

    I'll continue reading A Year in the Kitchen, but if you ever decide to revisit this blog (before the -100 mark!), just know that I'll be following along, even if I'm generally a silent reader.

    Good luck!

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  31. Ash,
    Thank you for standing up for yourself and doing what you think is best. While I love your blog, I'm totally supporting you in this decision. Best of luck, and thanks for everything. Take care and enjoy the break. You deserve it.

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  32. So sad to see Ash go!!

    What other health/fitness blogs does everyone else follow? Any similar to Ash's style? Thanks!

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  33. Why give up when you could just post once a awhile? You don't need to post 24/7.

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  34. Sorry to see you go! I enjoyed reading your posts :) Good luck!!

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  35. I totally understand...you have to do what is best for you! But I will miss reading your blog...just know you have done a fabulous job with this blog and made it so helpful and fun to read at the same time. Thank you for your honesty and how open you were to share with us all. Good luck on the last few lbs til you hit -100!

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  36. I will miss reading your blog, but I think you should do what is best for you. Good Luck!

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  37. Sorry to hear that, will miss your posts, you are a motivation to me. But at the same time I totally understand not wanting to continue to do something your heart is not into. Best wishes and thank you for sharing what you have!


    Melissa H

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  38. You have been an inspiration. It was wonderful to be able to read about your journey.
    I agree that there is no point continuing with something which you no longer enjoy.
    I have no doubt you will reach your 100lb goal. Keep positive and you will get there.
    The most important thing is that you do things for yourself which make you happy :)
    I have to admit that I loved seeing photos of the ‘twins’ and Pumpkin – they are just too gorgeous. Hopefully they will make an appearance in your food blog.

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  39. Ash, I'm sorry to hear that you are going to go, and I totally understand where you are coming from on being stressed out about posting. I get that way sometimes too. Just know that you have been such an inspiration to me, as well as many others, and you should DO what makes you happy, blogging or not.

    I know you will reach your goal, and thanks for encouraging me to get to mine. You ROCK!

    Hugs,

    Hope @ Hope's Journey

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  40. Hey Ash,

    I started following your blog a little over a year ago, I would check up on your adventures nearly everyday.

    You inspired me to start a blog of my own at the time I wasn't sure what to blog about then in August of last year I was diagnosed with a terminal illness at 27.

    I have since used my blog to shed light on my journey for my family and friends, it's been an amazing tool of hope.

    In a way I have you to thank for it, so Thank You!

    So although this may be the end of your blog I'm certain you have inspired many others to begin their own.

    Here's my blog http://stacyneild.blogspot.com/

    Thanks again,

    Stace

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  41. I've loved reading your posts, and when I decided to get back on the wagon last year - you're blog was the first one I found, the first one I read, and the first one that motivated me to get my butt in gear.

    Thank you for that. Thank you for being honest, and thank you for the support.

    I wish you the best and I can't wait until I see the post "100 lbs, gone forever"

    Talk soon bella,
    previously plump... in progress
    xoxoxo

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  42. Sad to hear but I think you are right- if blogging isn't making you happy, no point in doing it. I'll continue to follow your cooking blog and look forward to the post about losing 100 pounds!

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  43. I keep checking your blog thinking you would have changed your mind and posted something :(

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  44. I'm a little behind on my blog reading, so I just saw this. I totally understand where you're coming from--you gotta do what's best for you. Thanks for all the inspiration and encouragement you've provided. Best of luck with the -100, and I'll see you on the cooking blog!

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  45. Wow Ash I am sorry to see you go, especially as I am coming back...I have loved your journey and your encouragement. I can't wait to see the new cooking thing...I will follow it! Love MG

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