This is the hardest post for me to write.
But it’s time.
It’s time to let this go.
The ‘this’ would be my blog, my little corner of the Internet that I’ve proudly fed and watered for the past 3+ years. The home I’ve grown very fond of and feel totally indebted to for all that it’s taught me.
Yet, this weekend — the weekend of the much-needed reset — and I had a bit of a breakthrough. It happened while running with Scott along the camp road in Maine.
Something’s gotta give. I am go-go-go all the time, and to a fault at this point. I need to find a better balance — and yes, I realize balance means that not everything in life will be perfectly balanced every single day — but right now? I’m juggling, and half the balls are dropping. That’s not exactly balance in my book.
And the biggest ball dropped? The presence ball.
It hit me hard this weekend. All those nasty habits I thought I did a pretty good job of kicking during the #presence2013 project came back to rear their ugly heads in the past few weeks. And it’s an ugly place to be, honestly. Too connected. Too distracted. Too distant.
So I made a decision this weekend. Blogging is the ‘thing’ that I need to juggle least in my life right now. As sad as I am to say good-bye to this home of mine, I am almost equally relieved and curious to know what’s around the bend in my path with this ball ‘dropped’ for good.
So this is me — saying ‘see ya later’ (and not good-bye). And thank you.
Because sometimes, letting go is the only thing left to do. xo
EatDrinkBreatheSweat 
This made me teary
I know it is the right thing to do right now, but it also sort of marks the end of sharing our fitness journey here together too, and of course, I always love reading your a-ha moments on runs, class, etc., and even though you’ve pared back a lot, I know it’s always on your mind, blogging, and sometimes you gotta cut the mental chaos somewhere. XOXO.
OMG! Your blog was my inspiration to start my own (food) blog. I cannot believe you quit. But to be honest: I fully understand and I applaud to your decision since it is such a brave one! I can subscribe to every single of the sentences above and often thought about letting (blog-related) things go. I tip my head, say “see ya later” and looking forward to staying connected with you somehow. Hugs, J.
Oh no!! Jess! I’m so sad!
But I totally understand, and I stand by your decision – just don’t stay away too long, ok? Big hugs from Cleveland!!
You have to do what’s right for you. And we’ll all still be here if you decide to come back to blogging. Good luck! Stay in touch on Facebook and Twitter!
I don’t even know you but felt like we completely connected when I found your blog before the Marine Corps Marathon last fall. It was so amazing to see both of us go through the same experience of training for our first marathons with our husbands. I’m sad to see you go…but completely know what that feels like…to know that you are just doing too much. It’s not a good feeling. But on a positive note, good for you for prioritizing and accepting that the blog as to be the thing to let go of. I hope you find that it brings more time to your life for other pleasures instead of stressors! You will be missed in the blog space!
😦 sadddddddd…..but i definitely understand!
Jess! Oh i wish we could talk more! I completely understand. I know you need this, but i know you might come back. Maybe with more Ah-ha moments. Maybe it’s a break?! I know, i’m being selfish. But at least I know where to find you and to talk to you. You are and have always been my INSPIRATION!
I think you are making a tough and brave decision. Your blog has always been a pleasure to read. Here’s hoping your next path, journey, discovery is just as fulfilling.
Oh girl, I get it. Mad hugs to you for having the strength to give yourself the care you need by dropping something… you know we’re all here if you need us for ANYTHING. (and yes, I’m still coming to Boston to visit you and your sis, so you’re not getting out of that, HA!)
know you will be missed, but if anyone understands this right now, it is me.
❤
thankful we have connected, and that we can keep in touch in other ways!
I’m so thankful that you took the time to blog in the first place. I feel like a better person having you in my life. I’m pretty sure that’s how the people you see daily feel too, which is why letting go of this space is so important to you. You always inspire me and I’m so happy to call you a friend. I know this isn’t goodbye for us. I will keep in touch with you. I admire you for doing what is best for you! So many hugs my friend! xoxo
Sounds like the right choice for you right now! Get ready for me to tweet and instagram ya a bit more 😀
I totally get this too but for completely selfish reasons, I’m sad and will miss reading your blog. I love your aha moments because they often lead to my own aha moments (well, maybe not always but at least I start to think about some things that I’ve probably done a good job at ignoring or hiding from myself). You have to do what’s right for you and your family. I hate that feeling of go-go-go and juggling and dropping things. Hate it and can relate to it as well. You will definitely be missed. And I do hope that we can have a date at Chobani Soho with your sister sometime in the near future 🙂 xoxo
I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be retiring your blog – you were definitely one of the first people I interacted with on Twitter but I absolutely understand. It’s hard to be in the bubble of the blogging world and remember that there is actual human interaction that happens in real life!
I’m wishing you much love and support and if you meet my friend Christine in NYC I hope I’m in town and can crash your party!
Very best to you!
Been there, done that. Props to you for recognizing it and acting on it. If and when the time comes to return you’ll feel it. In the meantime, enjoy!
I’m sorry to hear you’ll be leaving blogging, and I will hope for you to come back. It’s great that you had some clarity on what you need to do for you!
Good for you for giving yourself a break and for being able to critically evaluate what’s important to YOU!!! Life is an evolution which means letting go of the past to make room for new experiences and challenges!!!!!! i will miss your blog posts dearly though:(
I have to say, without any pressure at all, that I think you are a fabulous writer and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you decide to pen a book sometime in the future!!!!!
Wow Jess, I’m sure this post (and this decision for that matter) was not easy to right at all! While I am bummed to see you go, I know 100% this is the best decision for you right now & you are listening to your inner voice. You know you best, and I applaud that. I think being more present and focusing on your wonderful life (in which you have so much to be grateful for) is one of the best things you can do xo xo PS Sushi date pretty please soon??
Jess, I’m so sad to read this but I know it’s what you need and for the best. I often think of you on my busiest weeks and wonder how you do it. I think the same thing sometimes…what comes after the blog and when will the end be but life has a way of showing us when the time is right. I’ll miss your posts and comments and most of all those moments when we are so completely on the same page! We aren’t far apart so hopefully we can keep in touch via email and catch up over wine every so often! Best of luck but I know you won’t need it…good things are coming your way!! xoxo
Upset to see you go, but so happy to see you doing something for yourself! I’ll have to stop by the barre to get my butt kicked again soon 🙂
While I will miss your posts, I totally get it. Blogging is hard work. I wish I had the time and energy to blog more, but there’s thing called real life that we all should be living instead. I say, “good for you” and will look forward to the day that you return to blogging (which I certainly hope will happen)!
PS Please don’t stop instagramming your food pics 🙂
I totally get it! I’ll miss your posts but I know we will connect in other ways. I feel so lucky to have found your blog! Take care, friend.
So glad we connected and I know we’ll be in touch in other ways. Hopefully in person soon!!! 🙂 🙂
Bummed out!
I am in the same place. It’s hard, but you have prioritized and I 100% appreciate and understand this decision. We’ll welcome you back when/if you’re ready.
Beautiful post!
good luck with everything in your life! I hope you find the balance you are looking for 😀
Ahh I am so sad to read this since I don’t get to see you in class, but I understand 110%. The fact that you even posted this post is exactly WHY I find you to be so inspirational. Take care, friend. You are right- something DOES have to give. Hopefully we can catch up face to face eventually!