07 April 2011

Egg n' Jam Breakfast Sandwich, with a Side of Guilt


Along with my Toasted Breakfast Sandwich, made with 2 slices 
of Ezekiel Bread, 1 Poached Egg, 1 Tbsp Crofter's Jam, and 1 Tbsp Raw 
Pumpkin SeedsI want to address the subject of "Bloggers Guilt"


Since creating Snacking Squirrel I have met and been embraced 
by a wonderful community of people. Knowing that my blog appeals 
to many people is humbling and re-enforces the reasons I choose to write.


Because I have so many supportive readers, I feel obligated to return 
the same kindness. A few months into posting I experienced "Bloggers Guilt" 
when I realized it was impossible to balance posting, reading, and commenting. 


My blog is my baby, my online journal, used to inspire others 
through a reflection of my daily experiences. As much as I wish to find 
time to reply to comments and comment on other's posts, it isn't realistic for me.


Tomorrow celebrates Snacking Squirrel's One Year Birthday
and I feel it's important to let all my readers know that I am committed to 
continuing my blog. To do this, I understand I won't be able to maintain
 commenting on other blogs, or forcing myself to reply to all my comments. 


The reason I broach the topic of "Bloggers Guilt" in the first place is because 
I remember feeling hurt when I would comment on someone's blog 
but they wouldn't comment back on mine. I look back and feel sorry that 
I took it personal because now I am in that person's shoes. I understand the 
struggle between wanting to celebrate my readers yet not having time to do so. 


Likewise, please don't feel obliged to comment on my posts, 
or guilty if you don't have time to read. I want Snacking Squirrel to be 
a positive experience for everyone. To each and every person who shares 
my same passion, I thank you. We all have something unique to share with 
the world, and the world has an abundance to share in return. 


Tomorrow: Two Birthday Giveaways!

25 comments:

Anonymous said... [reply]

Kelsey, you don`t have to worry.. As long as the posts keep coming, and I keep commenting, then that is just fine with me. There`s a mutual understanding :)
All the best, and happy one year!!

-Lauren

Anonymous said... [reply]

i am so happy you wrote this! I have been struggling with the same thing since starting my own blog and for a second it made me want to stop blogging all together. I haven't posted anything for a couple of days thinking about this same guilt...feeling overwhelmed. I think this is just the right attitude Kelsey - thank you for being such a clear minded, and genuine person :)
p.s. sandwich looks yummy!! - I thought it was just myself and my dad that loved eating eggs with jam. ever tried eating a spicy lentil curry w/jam and bread? I highly recommend :P

Unknown said... [reply]

kelsey, you are so kind. We comment because we love your voice. No need to reply, just know that you are heard.
LC
:)

Molly said... [reply]

Kelsey, Great post! It is difficult to manage all the blog stuff. I love your post because your pictures are always beautiful. I also love your ability to be short and sweet in your blog.

Happy 1 year!

Anonymous said... [reply]

I know exactly what you mean! I try to comment on other's blogs as much as possible, but sometimes there's no way. I do think there's a mutual understanding with bloggers, but it's good for you to put that out there.

Anonymous said... [reply]

I completely understand! Now that I actually have my own blog I can understand why not everything gets a reply. It's difficult balancing it all! I'm much rather not get a reply and still be able to read your blog than not get to read anymore :) Your breakfast looks yummy. Loooove drippy eggs but I've never tried it with jam :)

Anonymous said... [reply]

I love your honesty in this, but there is no need to feel guilty. You words are always so wise and often amusing, and I would rather that you focused your attention on your blog and your health and wellbeing, and commenting when you feel you really can offer help. I know even reading your blog feels as if you are supporting me.
<3

Katrina (Betty Ray) said... [reply]

Awww, don't feel guilty. Nobody should ever read a post or comment unless they feel truly compelled to do so. Life is busy.

Your sandwich though, that looks yummy!

Hayley said... [reply]

Comments or no comments, I am grateful for your friendship :)
We started blogging around the same time! but i guess you stuck with it a lot better than I did haha
Also, you are reaching a wide audience and sharing your life which is amazing. Don't worry about commenting to other people, just by sharing your stories you are really connecting to others and touching their lives.

lynn said... [reply]

don't feel guilty! i've stopped commenting on a lot of blogs as well - but i haven't stopped reading when i can. life is busy, girl!

Anonymous said... [reply]

Well dont feel guilty! I comment on blogs when I feel like it. I actually dont comment and read blogs very much ahaha i know im a bad blogger! I prob spend 1/3 hour a day reading a couple of blogs and maybe once or twice i'll comment if I feel so inclined!

Pretty Zesty said... [reply]

I LOVE that runnny egg! Well done!

ps I need guest posts in a few weeks if you are interested. stop by for details!

Mary said... [reply]

No worries, Kelsey!! You're busy and your blog's popular..so no doubt you get overloaded with comments and feel the need to reply, but we understand! Happy early bloggy birthday, too! :D:D

Kayla said... [reply]

Ah, Kelsey, sometimes I feel like I don't comment enough, I do want you to know that I'm reading even if I'm not commenting on every single post!

Chelsea said... [reply]

No need to feel guilty Kelsey. We all totally understand how busy life can be. :) I don't always find the time to comment either. I mean, who has the time to sit at their computer 24/7 reading and commenting on blogs? As long as you keep up putting up your fabulous posts, we're good!

Aspiring Steph said... [reply]

Kelsey, you don't have to feel bad about anything...It's unnecessary to comment on every little thing in the world (especially something posted online = not very personal); you should also know that you are not the only one who just skims through other ppl's posts and move on to the other. I just comment on blogs/posts that I feel very personal. In this case, I absolutely adore your blog and can definitely relate to this one. With lots of support, Stephanie :)

Missy said... [reply]

Shoosh...don't be silly girl! It's just blog world (0:
You write amazing posts and study hard and when I come to Victoria I will look you up and THEN I will guilt you into providing me with my own Yoga and PT session (but I will only be manipulating you...hahaha...no guilt, girl!)

Jenny said... [reply]

Girl don't feel bad! I love commenting on your blog because you write such great posts for us. Delicious egg sandwich, and yes you must keep blogging! :D

Anonymous said... [reply]

I don't take it offensively. I sure don't have time to comment every ones blogs.
No guilt necessary. KEEP blogging :D
love you <3

Anonymous said... [reply]

Happy Blog Bday. And I commend you for knowing what you can handle and putting it out there. No need to apologize about i will continue to read and check for updates!

Anonymous said... [reply]

Well said! Congrats on a great first year...

Anonymous said... [reply]

Glad that you're doing what you know is best! Just keep it up :D And I love combos like those! non-sweet with a fruity preserve mmmmm

Anonymous said... [reply]

I understand you perfectly. Right now I don't even have time to write in my own blog, let alone comment on all the blogs I follow. It's normal - everybody has a life to live and internet isn't everything. Comment when you really have something important to say. You don't have to do it all the time just to show you are still reading. And since I'm totally confused about time at the moment (another reason why I don't blog), happy blog birthday and I hope you always feel at home in this blog community.

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said... [reply]

I can understand what you wrote about commenting guilt. I'm often torn myself between getting some work done and commenting. I answer all the comments I get (I don't get as much as you), but I don't always manage to comment on other blogs as much as I'd want to. There are a few blogs I read and comment daily, but with others I switch it up. I really like your blog, and although I don't comment so often, I read it almost every day and enjoy your beautiful pictures. :)

nevernotdreaming said... [reply]

Hi, I always read your blog.
I admire you a lot. I struggle with depression, and I'm currently fighting to get back my health. I know you are very teeny tiny. I'm probably bigger than you, but I still need to gain. I'm struggling because I have extreme body burnout...for a few years now I haven't been able to exercise at all...I'm utterly broken, fatigued, burnt. I eat carbs and grains...but feel immense guilt for it cause I feel I don't need them if not exercising. How to deal with this stuff?
I wish I could gain "naturally" like I think you did...and still be able to exercise. I'm tired of forcing in calories, and dealing with all this.
I just admire you. Happy birthday.

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