Confessions Of A Blogaholic
Photo courtesy slambo_42
If you are a regular reader of the Simple Marriage Project, you already know I’ve been in the midst of a month long adventure. Saturday, my wife, kids and I returned from a week’s vacation in the mountains. And for 9 days before that I was in Scotland with my father, seeing my family’s homeland.
Throughout this journey, I lugged around my MacBook in hopes of staying in touch with the blogging world and you my awesome readers.
But as this adventure has progressed, I discovered something about myself… I have a problem.
I think I may be a blogaholic.
Everywhere I went in Scotland and England, I found myself checking out every cafe, coffee shop, and pub window I passed looking for the free WiFi sticker (I refuse to pay T-Mobile for their hotspot access, thank you Starbucks). To add to my Blogaholism, while I was overseas I had a guest post on Zen Habits. And while this was a huge honor and brought many new readers and visitors to our little project, it added to my addictive search for Internet access.
Even while I was with my family in the mountains, I found myself scheming ways to hop online for a quick fix of reading fellow blogger’s posts, reader’s comments and checking stats.
The therapist in me says that recognizing I have a problem is the first step towards recovery. So I guess I’ve taken the first step. But do I really want to give up my Blogaholism? Frankly, no!
I love the fact that our little project’s plan for world domination is spreading and new people are joining our fellowship. I love the relationships that have formed virtually with many of you. I also love the time I spend reading and exploring other blogs.
So maybe the key is moderation. Or is this another attempt to think that I can control this issue?
What do you think?
Corey is the editor of Simple Marriage as well as a licensed marriage & family therapist. While he has a Ph.D. in Family Therapy, he only occasionally likes to be called doctor. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe so you don't miss any future posts.12 Responses to “Confessions Of A Blogaholic”
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I think blogging is great. Especially if you are recording a fantastic trip! But I can’t seem to find time on a out of town trip to blog.
When Chris and I went out to Denver, I could do all the blogging I wanted. (If I recall correctly, that is when I wrote my “How to Be A Woman” piece. In the airport. Which is one of the most important articles I’ve written so far.)
Once we got to the seminar, however, I locked the laptop in the car. I didn’t check it, even on breaks.
Blogging isn’t just about writing articles, it is about interaction with others. I can see how it is easy to want to maintain that contact and sense of community.
I would recommend something like RescueTime. I started using it to help me track how much time I am spending and where. Like you said, the first step is admitting you have a problem. The next step, for me, was to really see how bad the problem was
This tracking has really helped me be mindful of how much time I spend, where I spend it, and I can use that info to help me make better choices (such as spending more time focusing on my family during vacation!) That reminds me… I gotta get off here and get back to the kids!
Corey,
I am an addict as well and I blame you. You are my pusher. You got me started first telling me about your blog and then me following other blogs through your site. It is all your fault, you pusher you! I do like the community. But is it real? We talk to others and are supportive but it stops short of something filling. It is pizza with no toppings. There is only so much you can get out of it and you crave for more. But you know me….I’m addicted to more than blogs…..
What do you think people get so addicted to? What is the drug in blogging?????
There is a fine line between passion and addiction. If it’s addiction it will cause problems in your relationships, work etc. If it’s your passion you’ll find opportunities to squeeze in a bit here and there and you’ll be able to lay it aside when necessary. Love your site and what you’re doing!
I can give up any time I want…..
@Tim
yeah right…..when pigs fly!
I guess I should point out that this post is intended as a bit of a joke. Or is it? Maybe that’s the addiction talking.
During my last Holiday I also did a lot of work on my blog, with a slight twist, I did it at a fixed time. In my case, in the morning before my family got up.
So, I think moderation is good, but make sure you got some fixed rules to stick to. Else your mind makes up a whole bunch of excuses.
p.s. ok, so I found wifi access more essential than breakfast on motel selection, still human.
Just wrote about this a little on my site, and find it here. Yes, I’m up early with a list of things to accomplish and they’re set aside while I check online. Before I know it, it’s mid-morning. I’m thinking if this is my life, there’s got to be a way to make it work so I don’t have to do other work. I don’t want to be a “Pusher” for Laurie, but good reading is essential, somebody’s gotta write it.
My wife said I should take a look at your blog and now I know why. She feels at home here. On our recent trip to Yellowstone Park (from Texas) she would begin to tense up everytime we got near a MacDonalds and it’s wifi. Thank God our hotel had a connection. I might never have seen her as she searched for the elusive free internet connection. We now have Starbucks cards so we can both indulge in our ‘aholicisms. Latte anyone? In all seriousness, though, we too are working to help others in their marriages and relationships and I look forward to getting to know your site better.
I know what you mean! I find I’m now constantly thinking in blog posts or comments – all day, every day.
I don’t, however, think that’s a bad thing! In our world, we tend to focus on action and spend very little time reflecting. We’re so busy DOING that we never stop to think about WHAT we’re doing and whether it’s really what we WANT to be doing?
Blogging gives me the opportunity to reflect on my daily actions – and, as a result, to incorporate changes into what I do & think.
Even if I never actually write down those posts or comments that I’ve drafted in my head – I’m constantly learning from them. And growing as a human being. And becoming a better parent.
That’s pretty powerful stuff, if you ask me!