Last week, I came surprisingly close to walking away from blogging. Not because I’m out of ideas, or tired of writing, or bored with the blog — but because I was feeling boxed in by the very structures I’d built to keep myself inspired.
Given the gaps in my blogging activity over the years, it’s obvious that this is not the first time I’ve had this crisis of direction. And as before, somewhere along the way, the themes and schedules and “what comes next” I was initially excited about started to feel less like creative tools and more like obstacles. With it comes a creeping weight that brings back an old, familiar voice: Maybe it’s time to stop. But instead of listening to it this time, I’ve decided to try something else.
I’m throwing my hands in the air and giving up. Yes, after 10+ years, I’m giving it all up — the gimmicks, the over-planning, and the belief that my creativity has to fit inside neat little systems to be worth sharing. And just to be clear before there’s any misunderstanding: I’m not stepping away from the Fine-Whatever Link-Up. What I’m giving up has much more to do with how I write than whether I’m still here hosting.
What I’m after isn’t a better plan or a more clever framework, but a different way of being here; one that leaves room for whatever shows up. I want to write about what’s on my mind when it’s on my mind, connect the dots back to the core values that matter most to me, and let the rest unfold without trying to choreograph it too far in advance.
That’s where a new series I’m working on comes in. I’m calling it Finally Getting Around To It, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a loose collection of “to-do’s” that I want to start checking off in 2026. Some are practical, some are personal, some are long overdue, and none of them come with a strict timeline or a master plan. The only rule is that I stop waiting for the “right” moment and start paying attention to the one I’m already in.
Oh, and let’s say there happen to be 26 things on this list.
Yeah — believe me, I get the irony!
That said, I’m not publishing the full list in advance. Partly because I don’t want the pressure of treating it like a contract with myself, and partly because I already know some of it will change as the year unfolds. What I do know is that each post will be one of those things I’ve been meaning to get around to; something I’ve postponed, avoided, overthought, or quietly hoped I’d circle back to “someday.” 2026 feels like a good year to stop waiting.
And that’s why this — I give up — is the very first thing I’m finally getting around to. Not giving up on writing, or this blog, or the people I’ve connected with here, but giving up on the parts of the process that have made it harder than it needs to be. Giving up on trying to out-plan my own curiosity. Giving up on the idea that creativity only counts if it follows a system. This feels like the right place to start, because everything else on that list depends on it.
When I first built this blog, I gave the categories clever, wink-wink names like Hooks the Look, Hustles the Muscle, Skates the Plate, Spins the Grin. It felt playful and on-brand at the time. But somewhere along the way, they stopped serving the blog and were just serving the gimmick. So I’m giving that up too. I’ve relabeled everything in plain language: Style, Wellness, Food, Just Because. Not because the old names were wrong — they just belong to an earlier version of me.
Along those same lines, I’m also letting go of the rotating weekly themes for the Fine-Whatever Link-Up. They were helpful when I was looking for structure, but over time, I’ve found them to be more limiting than inspiring. The concepts that fueled “Style Notes”, “Would You, Could You”, and “Reuse·Reclaim·Recycle” will still surface from time to time, just not on a set schedule.
What isn’t changing is the heart of this space. I don’t expect a dramatic shift in what I write about — style, wellness, food, everyday observations, and the occasional tangent will still show up here just as they always have. I give up isn’t a reinvention so much as it is a release, and a way to make room for my usual content without forcing it into predetermined shapes.
If you’re still here reading along, thank you. This blog has always meant more to me than a schedule or a series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this looser, freer way of writing leads next.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The featured post from the last party, Forget RESOLUTIONS Try INTENTIONS!, was contributed by Pamela, who pens Style Yourself Confident. Her post is a thoughtful take on why intentions can be far more powerful (and forgiving) than resolutions when it comes to real life.
16 Comments
I have been feeling these same feelings, Rena. In the last few years I’ve had to pull back from regular posting, etc. due to health issues. That definitely makes a person reevaluate, but I still like the writing and the encouraging, so I think, like you, I am going to approach the blog from a more what am I interested in sharing. Hopefully it will be a year of learning and fun for us both! I always appreciate your honest sharing and I love your style! ❤️❤️ – Amy Christensen
Thank you so much for sharing your honesty with us. And thank you for hosting this weekly linky
I always enjoy your perspective and reading your posts! It’s certainly normal for your taste/opinions on your blog to change over time. That makes it more interesting because we are the boss of our own blogs and have the power to switch it up!
While I’ve only been blogging for a few years, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m going to run out of things to say. I sometimes wish I’d gone a different route with my blog…lifestyle rather than fashion. But, my lifestyle is really boring so I would have stopped blogging long ago. I have found that I may have gotten myself into too many “challenge” type posts. But, I usually find a way to write what I want to write. Sometimes, though, I wish I could just be truly me on the blog and not always up and smiling. I mean, I do share a lot about Mike’s recovery, but I don’t share the everyday struggle we both face with it. Who wants to read that? So, I paste on a smile and do my best.
I have always enjoyed reading your posts, Rena! I followed you for years before subscribing or commenting because I didn’t realize how much that means to a blogger! I can’t wait to see more of your list and how it’s going!
Thanks for the link up, too!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Sounds like a good plan! It’s hard to come up with a new post every week. So many blogs have fallen by the wayside, probably for that reason. I almost gave up at one point but it’s too big a part of my life and I missed it.
This is why I stopped caring and just post what I want now!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Absolutely spot-on Rena, I frequently think we make a rod for our own back by over-thinking! I occasionally re-evaluate and tell myself that the world wouldn’t stop turning if my newsletter didn’t turn up so I constantly look for ways to streamline and alleviate any pressure. I look forward to your spontaneous ‘whatever takes your fancy’ thoughts in the future without planning restrictions.
Many thanks for featuring my New Year Intentions post, life changes and we owe it to ourselves to change along with it.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Good for you! All creative subjects whether writing,visual arts or music come from inspiration and expression of your own identity; the ‘ rules ‘ are made by reverse engineering what is considered to be ‘ good ‘ and will not on their own produce exciting results; they can only serve as a starting point. If that structure is hampering your creativity,it’s not fit for purpose.
I definitely worry less about the structure of my blog posts, sometimes I go without travel post for a while when we don’t do anything, but really enjoy the creative outlet. I have been surprised that I keep having inspiration to write posts even though sometimes I wonder why people still visit my blog. I am not the most interesting writer!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
My post at #60 is called “resolutions” but “intentions” works just as well. The point is-just try something new. Thanks for the link-up.
You chose the perfect free spirited outfit and poses for your content today! I always enjoy your posts, and applaud you for changing it up and making it more fun and less stressful for yourself. It seems right to revise the blog as your interests change. Thanks for hosting the link up, and enjoy your week!
So happy you realized how to make your blog writing meet your needs Rena, rather than stress and fret about a format that is no longer working well for you. Love the color combo (blue, pink, white) and goes so well with your beautiful hair. I post on the first and 15th of the month, and only write about subjects I am passionate about. Please check out my blog, Colors 4 Health and be well!
I feel you on less structure! Sometime it wonderful to see what our heart wants to share. I love your pretty pink cardigan!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I can relate to all of these feelings. I’ve had multiple blogs and always ended up feeling hemmed in and uninspired. Then, I’d quit. With my current blog, I decided to that it would be just hobby and I’d blog when I feel it. Strangely enough without my own self-inflicted demands, I’m blogging as much as I ever was. I’m also blogging about a topic I’m passionate about, instead of one I think someone wants to hear about.
PS: I hope your new strategy works for you. And those jeans are adorable!
Love this, I will be interested to see what you do during the year. I have been retired 3 years now, and still have things on my retirement to do list but I find I can drift along a bit too much.