When Writing Stops Feeling Fun

What do you do when you get tired of blogging? That’s a good question. After writing multiple topics over the years, you reach a point where the excitement fades.

There have been moments when I dreaded writing. I was bored out of my mind being boxed into one niche topic. It’s a drain on my curious mind.

That’s not the reason why I haven’t been updating the site lately.

I still think about writing all the time. I have opinions, ideas I want to share. I have things I want to say about culture and the way people behave online. The problem is when I think about the possible consequences sharing my words could have, it sucks the passion I have for writing.

Common Sense Isn’t Common Online

There are certain principles that shouldn’t need repeating, yet here we are. Most people learn them early on, but somehow forget once a keyboard is involved.

Confidence is good. Cocky arrogance because one’s ego has gone out of control is bad.
How can you make an informed (good) decision without all the facts?
Don’t write when you’re emotional.
Think of the consequences of what you’re writing.
Take responsibility for what you do.
Some things are better left private.
If you don’t have a thick skin, why are you airing your dirty laundry for the world to see?
Maturity is when you make the right decisions so you can have more fun without the headaches (drama).
If you aren’t proud of what you’re doing, don’t do it.

This is not deep philosophy. It’s basic common sense.

And yet, too many writers (and this applies to businesses too) who act as if none of these rules applies to them. They say reckless things, ragebait, chase attention, then act shocked when people respond. Worse, they expect strangers to forgive their mistakes without accountability.

People will spend more time deciding what to eat for lunch than thinking about the impact their words will have.

Change Is Not Always Comfortable

The truth is, after everything I went through over the years,I’m not the same. Something has changed. That inner person always lurking inside me had the chance to spread her wings and fly… and I like her.

I look at this site, knowing what readers expect but I’m not that person anymore.

Change makes people nervous. It breaks expectations.

Having a Voice Comes With Responsibility

I have a voice. I’ve helped and inspired a lot of people (ok, I’ve angered some too). That comes with the territory. One of the best (and worst) things about the internet is that it gives people a platform. A way to speak when they normally kept quiet.

Since writing is technically my job, it makes sense to do what I enjoy. That makes the rough times easier. You know, when people criticize you and twist your words in ways that are so creative it deserves an award?

I’ve learned a lot through writing, sharing what I know. The fun part is connecting with people I never would have met.

I have to accept responsibility that I’m the one choking my voice. I’m the one that remains silent when I really want to write.

That’s a hard truth to swallow because it would be so easy to blame everything on burnout.

Writing shouldn’t feel like walking on glass. If writing feels exhausting, you should ask yourself why. Silencing yourself to avoid discomfort is easy, but it comes at a cost.

The solution is to decide what kind of impact you want your words to have, then accept the responsibility that comes with it.