Never has this quote been more true for me.
I fired up the laptop this morning to write a blog post, and made the mistake of reading lots of other peoples posts before I'd even thought about starting to write mine. After missing a few days due to 'stuff', I scrolled back and read through lots of posts to catch up, as I always do.
I shouldn't have done it. Apart from a few bright lights it was such a downer.
The world is full of such negativity at the moment, and over the past year or so as well as being shown all over social media, television and newspapers it has silently, insidiously been slipping itself into blogland.
This space used to be so different. I understand some of it, but not all of it.
My first thought was to completely discontinue my blog, and delete it all entirely.
Luckily I had a think, over a coffee and a bowl of chips in Booths café with Alan, and on getting home and sitting at the computer I came to the conclusion that I will alter what I post about, change what I do and hopefully, in doing so, make sure that I am making no contribution to the steady decline in blogland.
It might just be me, hey it probably is.
Please don't worry about stuff, but I'm taking time and space to change things up, work things out and do what's right in my mind for me. If you've noticed this trend towards the negative let me know, if I'm the only one ... let me know that too.
In the meantime I will be here but differently.
If you don't like the way that I change things up ... and I don't mind at all if you don't ... I'll be leaving all the other blogs on my sidebar for you to hop over to as usual. I can see from my stats that my blog is used as a jumping off point to lots of other people's and I would hate you to lose the links.
Sue xx
I hope you find your 'inner sunshine' again - I do enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteIt's not mine that is lost, but it does get very diluted by other people's negativity, and I don't want to have to protect it over and over again.
DeleteTotally agree with you. I am selective in my blog reading and skip the Debbie Downers.
ReplyDeleteI use your sidebar to read other interesting people, so thank you. I also like all your interesting memes.
And yes, I am a hobbit. ~ skye
It's nice to know that I am not the only one that has noticed this trend. There will no doubt be a lot of memes in my blogging future, and a new name and header from Wednesday.
DeleteHobbits of the world unite. In cosy slippers ... although hairy toes are allowed!! ;-)
Yes as a reader, I've noticed it too. I skim over some blogs now as they bring no joy to me.
ReplyDeleteI literally felt the enthusiasm draining from me the more I read. I will leave them on the sidebar though as people are definitely using the links.
DeleteI enjoy your posts very much, and the links to like-minded bloggers who find joy in the small things.
ReplyDeleteHappily there are still a lot of folk who enjoy life and all that they can get out of it. :-)
DeleteI’m very selective about the blogs I read and I always enjoy yours and some others who write about things I enjoy-crafting, thrifting, books and coffee (Decaff). I was once given a job reference by a rather odd boss who said that I was exhaustingly enthusiastic and cheerful. Where has that woman gone? We’re decorating our bedroom in a. Beautiful calming shade of pale mint green and I hope it does the trick as my sleeping habits are all to pot. Hope to have a few days at the seaside toward the end of next week in the van before the nights are too cold and dark. Catriona
ReplyDeleteMaybe she hasn't gone ... maybe she's just drinking too much decaff. ;-)
DeleteI hope you never stop blogging. I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. Please don't delete your blogs.
ReplyDeleteI won't, that's why I tried to make it obvious in this post. So many people come over here to read and then go on to reading other blogs from the sidebar.
DeleteOh sorry I misunderstood. Doesn't take a lot to confuse me lol. I'm glad to hear you're going to continue blogging though 😁
DeleteSue, it is not just you . . . I have unfollowed a lot of blogs in the last few months because of endless ‘woe is me’.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand that sometimes life throws lemons and you don’t have the time/energy/enthusiasm to look for a lemonade recipe, but you are right that there are folk around who do nothing but whine and moan. Yes, we all need to let off steam at times, but every single day? Every single post? No thanks. There is still so much in our tiny part of the planet to be thankful for.
This morning I drove to the supermarket at 08.30 in thick fog, and when I came out of the store half an hour later the sun had burned through and the town looked lovely - leaves are really showing their Autumn colours and were so pretty in the sunlight. Although I only buy fresh veg and salad on a Monday morning the shelves were full and no-one was shooting at me. Since then I have been in the garden for the single hour which my back currently permits, and am now curled up on a comfy sofa with my iPad. Lots to be happy about (I could have complained about idiots driving too fast in the fog, pain from carrying shopping and gardening, and the ironing basket . . . but why would I want to give more energy to those things?)
Oh - and your new header photo is gorgeous!! Love from your fellow Hobbit, xxx
Exactly, if we look for the sunshine, the good news and the special little moments of every day we will find them. I hope your back soon lets you do a little bit more, you must be getting a bit frustrated, I know I get that way at times. But then if I manage half an hour it's some jobs done and something accomplished. Every little helps wirh us Hobbits. ❤️
DeleteYou might enjoy this blog, which always makes me feel better; even when Frances is battling gale force winds and very, very naughty (fence breaking) Shetland ponies, her posts cheer me up immensely. She publishes a new post around tea-time nearly every day
Deletehttps://myshetland.co.uk
Thanks, I'll go over for a visit ... the blog I mean, not the actual island. 😄
DeleteLet me know how your 'visit' goes 😀
DeleteNew van and I went to Orkney this Spring, and a trip to Shetland is planned for Spring 2027! (yes, I finally got over my fear of ferries ⛴️ )
Oh WOW!! Well done you. What an adventure. Now the world is your oyster. ❤️
DeleteIf I can have a book with the bread and cheese I'll suffer the bare feet!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm firmly in slippers ... but with bread, cheese and books too. 😄
DeleteI'd dispense with the bare feet, but the rest will do nicely, thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's much too chilly here for bare feet now. I need to find my thermal socks too. 😀
DeleteI'm intrigued now. Not that I think you need to change anything at all. I always love to read your posts.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep my space fairly positive, although perhaps I lean too far that way. I had a rather unpleasant comment recently, from someone remarking that I clearly led a privileged life! If only they knew the half of it.
Oh people jump to conclusions oh so quickly don't they! I'd much rather someone be over-positive and cheerful than the opposite. 🙂
DeleteI rarely dip into other blogs. Just you and Sue in Suffolk. So, I haven't noticed any increased negativity but I can see it can be draining. I'm trying to stop doom scrolling the news - a new and disturbing habit ever since a certain person was over promoted into a job he is wholly unsuited for.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to read the hobbit diet. I'm not that worried about potatoes. Cheese, bread, and dark chocolate and I'm a happy bunny/hobbit 🤣😁Definitely need the slippers though.
It's been building steadily over the last year or so. I do like the sound of a bunny-hobbit ... forget the /. 😄
DeleteI'm almost with you on the Hobbit diet but are we allowed booze?
ReplyDeleteI don't think I follow any miserable bloggers, I can't be doing with that kind of person in real life let alone in Blogland, my happy place.
Keep doing what makes you happy, I don't mind what you post about, I love visiting you! xxx
Oh yes, I should imagine Hobbits like a nice frothy beer or a refreshing cider with their bread, cheese and potatoes. 🍺
DeleteThank you for your visits. ❤️
Second breakfast? YES.
ReplyDeleteI have to be very careful about what I read and watch. It sinks in.
It sinks in without you noticing for a long time doesn't it. 🫤
DeleteI am currently having two breakfasts every day, so I'm well on my way to being a Hobbit. 😄
Let us be bloggers of joy and hope , and shine a light in the dark places. You may have all the cheese, as I cannot digest it. But do leave me some potatoes please...
ReplyDeleteI agree completely Angela. ❤️ All my cheese is dairy-free, and I'll happily share my potatoes. 😀
DeleteI read very very little online. Anything/or one that makes me feel anxious/fed up/worried/ etc etc or generally iffy- then I avoid. I believe in being the change I wish to be in the world, so I pick up litter, I don’t moan about the eeejits that drop it, I am smiley and kind when people I pass in the street are the opposite, I offer to take back peoples shopping trolleys or carry something, or let go ahead of me in the queue. I’m determined to be the opposite of what online tells me I should be doing/feeling and thinking. Just chose where your eyes fall x Danette
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great outlook. Sorry seem to be anon-Sarah
DeleteI read very few blogs but always feel ‘at home’ with yours. I would hate you not to be here/there/everywhere. I am appalled that there is such a thing as ‘doom scrolling’ but I understand the urge in people. I have a friend with very serious health problems and she says that she can only be on an even keel and physically feel ‘just ok’, if she does not watch the tv news and ignores news on-line.
DeleteThank you. From Susan in France
Danette - You have a very good outlook. I do lots of what you mention ... but I have to admit that while I pick up litter I do have a bloody good moan about the people that drop it. :-)
DeleteSusan - I'm glad that you feel 'at home' when visiting my blog, I have always tried to make it an upbeat and safe space. I completely understand your friend. I first stopped watching the 10pm news when I found myself slow to fall asleep afterwards, I just watched the 6pm version, but now that is virtually ignored too. Better I think, for us all to concentrate on making our little bits of the world a safer and happier place and let the good vibes spread out from us.
Another one here who has stopped reading most blogs because they don't add anything to my day. Everyone has rough times and is entitled to share and moan - but,for some , that's all they do , all of the time. Which is their right and choice - as is mine to no longer follow or read them :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't mind at first when they didn't add anything, but then they started to take happy thoughts away, so I have decided enough is enough.
DeleteI’m so relieved that you are going to continue to be part of the blogging world. I look forward to your missives and the occasional beautiful artwork. There is too much doom and gloom in the world without it infiltrating our happy place of blog land. It sounds like there are going to be quite a few of us joining Hobbit land.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could pull away completely after so many years of blogging, it seems to be embedded in my DNA now. I will not however, be grabbing my camera at every opportunity.
DeleteI was dismayed when I read that you thought of not blogging. I always read your blog each day, and have done for a very long time. I mostly read blogs written by quilters and they're usually pretty upbeat about things (our American friends are sometimes feeling the strain but don't get heavily political) also the nicest people are just ordinary homebodies etc. I enjoy sharing their moments of joy and happiness in little pleasures and also being able to offer a word of support when things go wrong - as they do at times. Please continue to share your friendship with those of us who really enjoy your company and can relate to how you feel about so many things. We need to stick together these days - it's dark outside but we can help to shine a light can't we. Love and thanks Sue, Elaine in Portsmouth
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine, I am more than happy to share my friendship via my blog, and I'm determined to share any light that I have left to offer. xx
DeleteI get my news from the radio, the newspaper (in print!) and one daily news show on TV. I don´t do social media. There are about one dozen blogs I read daily, yours is one of them. It seems that I chose the right ones, because I haven´t noticed a growing negativity. Please continue with your blog, I always feel at home reading it and would miss it greatly.
ReplyDeleteHilde in Germany
I've not listened to the radio for a long time now, although I do play some music via my Alexa on occasion. I am now down to just watching the news headlines on the 6pm news, and if it's all doom and gloom I turn it off. I have also now started to be very selective about what I watch and read on all social media. I will continue with this blog in one form or another.
Deletei read your blog every day and would miss it if you weren't here, i'm so glad you're going to continue x from julie
ReplyDeleteI'll be here one way or another. :-)
DeleteHi, I don't have a blog but do enjoy reading some of the others. I particularly enjoy yours and have followed you for sometime now. I enjoy reading about the books you read and have therefore read some I would never otherwise thought of reading! I also enjoy your upbeat budgeting (I wish I could do the same) but living here in N. W. Italy it's difficult. I shall keep following your blog in whatever form it takes and I, like some other commenters, just stop reading the negative ones. Best wishes from Ro (n.w.Italy).
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading along Ro. I'm glad you found a few good books after reading my reviews. xx
DeleteI only read a few blogs and have stopped reading any who moan continuously. I don't switch on the laptop in the evenings which means I miss posts until the next day so have only just found this but I'm glad you are not stopping blogging.
ReplyDeleteI rarely switch on the laptop in the evenings, it just gobbles up time if you do doesn't it. I tend to read around blogland and write my posts in the morning, set to publish the next day. Unless of course I am late as I was yesterday, then I just press Publish straight away and the posts appear at random times.
DeleteHello, late to the party as usual. I hadn’t noticed a lot of negative so I must be reading the right blogs. Thank you for taking time to blog, to think up subjects to blog about and your cheeriness. I don’t go online a lot as usually busy with garden, friends and home but when I sit down to rest, your blog is what I want to read, surely there is enough negativity in the world already. Take care, Sarah Browne.
ReplyDeleteI just started the party at a strange time, so don't worry, you weren't late I was just very random!!
DeleteI love your blog and agree there are a lot of moaners out there plus some very judgemental people. The idea of being a Hobbit is very appealing, I don't have hairy feet so will wear slippers but other than that it sounds pretty darn good. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI better not let Alan see any of this post, or the comments after it, he will be buying me Hobbit slippers for Christmas!!
DeletePlease don’t stop - I’d miss those budget chats and sachets of sugar! x
ReplyDeleteOh there will always be sachets of sugar and mayo, maybe not so much on the blog from now on, but they will be in my life. :-)
DeleteJust my opinion, but maybe you just need to alter who you follow. That makes a world of difference. Some people like to gripe and complain about everything, even if the world was going ok. But many of us here and just telling about our days. Clean up your "following" list and subscribe to some of us who are just living life and talking about it.
ReplyDeleteAlso...P.S....I read your posts every day. Your blog is one of my favorites :)
DeleteI possibly will over time, but not straight away. I don't want to upset anyone by suddenly knocking them off my sidebar, especially when others use my blog to access theirs! I won't however, be reading their posts anymore.
DeleteI once completely changed my Blog List not realising that my Mum knew of no other way to read the people that had been on it, so I had to reinstate it. Of course Mum doesn't read online anymore, but I am in no doubt that others do access their favourite blogs that way.
Thank you for your kind words. xx
Dear Sue, you are so right and I had been wondering why my list of blogs I like to read seemed to have diminished recently - it's because of the negativity.
ReplyDeleteHowever you decide to present your blog I'll be an enthusiastic reader and I'm very pleased you feel able to continue.
Hugs
Alison in Devon x
Thanks Alison. The negativity does wheedle itself in without being noticed for quite a while doesn't it!
DeletePlease don't stop or change too much - I really love your blog and have read you for so many years.
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
I won't stop, but I may change things up a bit. Thank you for reading my wafflings for so long, I really appreciate it. xx
DeleteI enjoy your blog so much. I hope you'll continue to post, however you're inclined! Nancy
ReplyDeleteI have had a good think about things and I will be continuing to post, maybe slightly differently but I will be here.
DeleteI agree with you, Sue. Negativity is everywhere, but we can control how much exposure we get to it. Life can be difficult but again, we can choose what we post and why. My blog is more like my diary - what I'm doing - gardening, reading, art, baking - all things which help to keep me sane. My life, like everyone else's, has its ups and downs but I try to keep things positive on my blog. I enjoy your blogs and it is entirely up to you what you post. We all need to stick together!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Yes, the way the world is at the moment we definitely all need to stick together. Negativity breeds so easily and once people go down that track it can be a hard trench to get out of. The beauty of blogging is that we can all be ourselves, in our own safe space and invite in those that we want to be a part of that. Using your blog as a diary is exactly what blogs were designed to be.
DeleteHello Sue,
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered your blog and can certainly agree that there is a desperate need today for a more positive outlook. With so many problems in the world at large, it is good to recognise and give thanks for the many blessings we have in life.
After four years absence from the Blogosphere [we have not been idle] I can concur that there is a tendency for gloom in the blogs being posted. So, yours came in as a breath of fresh air and I have added to your followers. Keep on keeping on....that is our motto, at least!!
Keep on keeping on is an excellent motto, and one that lots more people should aspire to. Your blog is fascinating, so welcome back to blogland, and I am glad that you found me. xx
DeleteI'm reading your blog as often as possible and would miss it very much. Please don't let others disappoint you. Greetings from Germany, Gudrun
ReplyDeleteThank you Gudrun, I'll still be here ... so you wont have to miss me. xx
DeleteI had a clear out a while ago because of the same thoughts as you about the ‘moan a lots’. Trouble is sometimes thinking maybe they were going through a bad patch you wonder how things are for them now…..so have a quick look…..and realise they are still the same as ever.
ReplyDeleteI’m not a regular commenter but have enjoyed (all) your blogs over the years
Yes, I totally agree, there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of us having a little moan about life when things are going wrong, gosh would we even be human if we didn't? But when it's relentless even through 'better times' it does get wearing. The world is in the biggest state of turmoil it's been in for a long time, we need to shine a light on our own lives and celebrate everything that is going right, or even that which just might go right.
DeleteI hope that my sometimes negative posts are not part of the problem. I try hard to keep things upbeat, but one never knows.... I haven't really seen a great deal of negativity in the blogs that I follow. Yet if I do I try to bring a bit of joy with my comments.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have to admit that I have struggled to get onto your blog recently, so no you are most definitely not part of the problem. Your comments always do bring such positivity, even on what could be a dismal day. Thank you. xx
DeleteI've been reading your blog for years and never have found it to be negative, on the contrary. I look forward to reading it every day. I read several other blogs (my one-way virtual friends since the pandemic) and find that they aren't negative either, only realistic. They do post about events in their lives that aren't always pleasant, but isn't that what life is like? Perhaps what you would need, after the really grueling couple of years you've just been through, is a couple of weeks on a sunny Greek beach to perk you up? Best wishes! Colette in New Brunswick, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI have always tried to avoid being negative, indeed sometimes I have been told off for looking on the bright side, and family ask me how I can possibly be that upbeat because they know my history and current health issues. But hey, they had to get used to any negativity coming out in weird and wacky ways, they cope and I'm back on track before they even realise what has just happened sometimes. :-)
DeleteI can think of nothing worse than basking on a Greek ... or any other hot ... beach. I avoid sun and heat to the best of my ability. Give me a hobbit house in the middle of a shady woodland and I will be a happy bunny!! Oh, and Alan has just said if anyone tries to 'perk me up' any more than I already am he's going to go into hiding!! I think I am just well caffeinated.
I love your posts and always find them upbeat. I do hope that I didn't contribute to the negativity you are feeling in my post about loneliness. I usually say what I'm feeling but try to end with something lighter.
ReplyDeleteThe world seems to have gone mad over the last few years and people are feeling the strain, I think. Personally, I don't read negative posts (unless by accident!) and I would really miss yours ,
Angie x
Your post was a brilliant one, and yes Bangers and Cash, along with NCIS is a regular feature on Alan's tv. Alan rarely knows when I have tootled off, or vice versa, until one of us comes looking for the other, so we do give each other lots of space. If I'm in town or near a café he usually asks if he can walk up to meet me and cadge a lift back ... which I am happy to do if he buys the coffee. ;-)
Deleteedit: I would really miss your blog !
ReplyDeleteHaha, I guessed. You have no need to miss me ... I'm here. :-)
DeleteHi Sue, I'm a bit of a lurcker. But. I read daily and really enjoy your posts. I've been reading since you were on a welsh hillside. I have an allotment and so found it very interesting. I love your posts on shopping and how we are being swindled on a daily basis. Hence me pointing out the weight of gold blend coffee.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to be negative, I think a lot of it is a response to outside influences of which we have no control.
My Grandma used to say, "every day above ground is a good 'un so stop your mardy talk!" I do miss her!😁
i will read for as long as you post. Christina in Blackburn.
Your Grandma sounds like a real good northern lass. Our northern Grannies were the most wonderful bunch weren't they.
DeleteI've not heard the term 'mardy' for ages, love it. ❤️ xx
I'm sorry you had that reaction but I understand. Thank you for being here. I just got a cancer diagnosis so I am not the cheeriest but I did tell my readers that I appreciate their support and I can get on feeling that and returning it. Sending you a smile from America!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that I haven't been over to your blog recently. And even after this still you are positive, sending smiles and hugs right back to you. ❤️ xx
DeleteThere is a lot of negativity going around these days and I have been feeling it, myself. I do watch the news because I feel the need to stay informed. But, I try to rise above the negativity and stay positive on my blog. I'm glad that you will continue to blog.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to get dragged down by negativity isn't it, but I'm also finding that with a bit of effort it's easy to get away from it too. Your blog is a wonderfully positive place, you have the best name.
DeleteHi Sue, I am guilty of using your page to hop onto other blogs after reading yours. I have a look every morning to see what tips and ideas you have come up with (especially money ones) and then browse other blogs. Enjoy your retirement together....it's great to be free!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, don't feel guilty about that, you are one of many that do just that. It's the reason that the sidebar will stay just as it is, well maybe slightly longer, as I am adding a few 'new to me' blogs to it.
Delete