Saturday, March 01, 2014

mental health break

I've been completely overwhelmed the past several weeks. There, I admitted it! The more overwhelmed I feel, the harder I push. The harder I push, the worse things get...and stress does not make a good constant companion. I'll be stepping away from the blog and Instagram for the month of March. In that time I hope to catch my breath and recharge my batteries a little bit. This is as close to a vacation as I can get, so I'm going to take it. :)

(Just so you know, I will still be checking email and sending out pattern orders, too.)

I'll see you in April!

128 comments:

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

Good for you. I hope you have a great month!

Di~ said...

Good for you, but I will miss you. Take Care and know that you are wonderful!

The Cozy Quilter said...

Everyone needs a break now and then. See you when you are back! Take care.

Debbie Faber said...

I love a woman in control of her destiny. I will miss you as you are one of the few blogs I check regularly as you motivate me to be better. Have a great vacation, come back refreshed!

What Comes Next? said...

have a wonderful refreshing March!

Smultronbo said...

Allthough I'll miss your posts I can totaly relate to that feeling of getting overwhelmed. I wish you a lovely recooperating month of March and look forward to April. Take your time. No rush.

Catherine said...

Take it easy and be kind to yourself. Will still be here when you come back.

Beth said...

Refresh
Relax
Rejuvenate

See you in April when we might be getting a glimpse of spring in the Midwest

Take Care

Svetlana said...

oh, I totally understand. Enjoy your "vacation", hope things get calmer soon.

Daytona Damsel said...

Will miss your post but I have been there and done the stress thing. Relax, enjoy, take care of yourself.

Kristine said...

Good for you for recognizing your limits, and giving yourself a break! Your followers will still be here when you get back, just like before. :)

liz said...

Self care is so important! Good for you for acknowledging what you need. You will be missed, but your fans will be here when you return. I hope that you will find other ways to simplify during your restorative month... it's really okay to let some housekeeping slide, to pamper yourself with some special time with friends, to read the book(s) you've been wanting to read, etc. And once you have replenished your spiritual self, you will be a better wife, mom, etc. you DESERVE this time!

Susanhusan said...

Good for you! It is sometimes hard to remember to take care of ourselves. Have a wonderful March - try to stay warm :)

Unknown said...

Good, yuo have to take a break before it goes to burnout! Relax and enjoy your vacation! Thumbs up:)

Quilt n Queen said...

Take all the time you need...we will be here when you catch your breath and you are recharged. Take care...see you when the time is right for you and your family. hugs

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Enjoy your break! Look after yourself and relax :-)

Karee said...

self awareness makes growth possible. have a wonderful March!

Vera said...

Good for you. It's better to have a break rather than breakdown!

Lorna McMahon said...

Will be praying for you, Amanda Jean. This pre-spring time of year is difficult. Hope you find peace, rest and enjoy your time off the blog. Hugs!

Jeanette said...

It must be a lot to keep up with-have a relaxing break!

Catherine said...

Put your feet up and listen to the quiet!

Glinda ♥ said...

Good for you! Take care, m'dear :)

Suzanne said...

Breathe deeply and regularly. Peace be with you!

NorahS said...

Enjoy! I will look forward to your return.

einfach bunt said...

Have a good March! We will wait for you! Even till Easter... :-)

Petra said...

I am new to the world of blogging and found your work very inspirational. Hope you have a great time off. Look after yourself and be kind to yourself! Petra

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

totally understand! enjoy some chill time :)

Melissa said...

I'm glad you're doing what's best for you and your family! Relax & enjoy your me time!:)

kimberlier said...

Good for you!!! Take care and see you when you return!

Liv Aagot's Quilt Blog said...

Take care! Wish you a good month!

Sarah Craig said...

We'll miss you but completely understand! Have a great month!!

Dolly said...

Funny (and sometimes NOT) how something we enjoy so much can still put so much pressure on us ! I know the feeling.

Relax and enjoy, and welcome the rebirth of Spring into your life and 2014 ! We'll be here when you get back, LORD willing !

Quilting Corner said...

We all need a break once in awhile. Just remember to breath!

The Inside Stori said...

I'm usually on the over-committed list myself....and rarely leave comments....BUT this required one......SMART GIRL!! Listen to your body/mind.....

FrancisMoore said...

Looking in anticipation to your return. Take care.

SewPsyched! said...

Hope you have a wonderful refreshing break:))

Textile-tally said...

Have a good rest you deserve it.

sonia said...

You surely desrve a rest! You are an amazing quilter!

Marie said...

peace ....

Karen said...

Enjoy smelling the roses!

Jade said...

I hope you have a wonderful March. We will miss you but you and your health and your family are much more important. Looking forward to seeing you in April. ❤️

Karen said...

Enjoy your break! Everyone needs one occasionally. Hope you feel refreshed and renewed on your return

Hugs, Karen

Lisa said...

Rest up and recharge. Everyone needs it now and again! Look forward to hearing from you in April xx.

Svarta Malin said...

Have a good vacation!

grapes and hearts said...

Take your time and recharge your energy! Enjoy your vacation!

jenni said...

What a great example you are to your readers. It is so admirable to admit you need a break and then actually follow through. Enjoy your family while you are recharging! I am one reader that is very happy for you!

Unknown said...

Have a wonderful well deserved vacation. Maybe escape the cold a bit too?!? :-)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the break! Everyone needs to take a break.

Marianne said...

I know the feeling well. Have a nice break!

MariQuilts said...

Life has a way of doing that sometimes.....hope you get some time to smell the roses.

Bearpawquilter said...

Deep breath in, then out, relax! Have a great month. N

Molly said...

I will miss your blog but hope it's the break you need, balance is sometimes hard to find. See you in April!

Angie in SoCal said...

Have a well deserved rest, Amanda!

Vicki Lou said...

AmandaJean,
Your personal honesty is so refreshing.
Peace be with you!

carla said...

Hi!!!! Sending hugs!!!! Have a good break!!!!

S Staum said...

Enjoy your break!

S Staum said...

Enjoy your break!

Mihaela said...

Enjoy your "vacation"! See you in April!

Cindy said...

Will miss you, but it's better than you burning out and quitting blogging altogether. Have a good vacation.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

We all need a break from time to time, enjoy yours!

colleen said...

You are so kind to let us know your hmm silence is due to planning . You know we (I) am human and fear the worst possible has happened.
I wish you the very best
Colleen

Ella and Nesta said...

Have a relaxing month! Read you again soon!

mac said...

Enjoy your break. :)

Locket Pocket said...

Have a lovely month and take care of yourself x

Karen Lewis Textiles said...

I will miss seeing your postings Amanda Jean, but enjoy your break and take care x

Maggie said...

Enjoy your break. You deserve it. Take care xx

margaret said...

enjoy your break from blogging and come back fully refreshed, we will miss you. Take care, relax and enjoy yourself

Menton quilter said...

Have a lovely break!

P11otter said...

Take oll the time you need. Have a nice holiday!

webby said...

I am so glad you are putting YOU first! Enjoy the break and recharge!

ipatchandquilt said...

Good for you! Take your time, we will still be there!
Hugs
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

CrazyCatLady said...

Atta girl! I'm retired and don't know how you girls do it -- sewing, families and blogging!! It tires me out just to think about it. I hope you have a much deserved rest. :)
I'm looking forward to seeing you again in April.

Mary McC said...

You will be missed. Enjoy not having to think of one thing at least. Know your mind will be working no less. Love the scrappy quilt. Would like to do one myself.

Linda said...

A well needed break, my friend... Rest, recharge, and maybe... just maybe... when you come back the snow will be starting to melt.... :)

Sew HappyNess said...

Good for you. Rest easy.

leanne said...

when I saw your message on IG I thought thank goodness for the blog !! enjoy your break - my poor blog has been neglected since I became addicted to IG !! hope you have a great time just doing things for you and resting (but you'll be missed) :)

Melissa Corry said...

Way to go!!! Have a wonderful month off and I will look forward to hearing from you in April :)

Patti said...

Have a good break. See you in April! And hopefully warmer weather!

Unknown said...

Wishing you all the very best. I know how you feel - feel similar myself (had my 60th birthday and first anniversary of husband's death this week). Perhaps I should take a leaf out of your book. Will look forward to catching your news in April. Take care of yourself, you are a brave lady xxx

Shauna said...

We all need to step back at times in our lives. I honestly don't know how you do it with posting almost everyday. I wish you rest and peace during your time away.

Unknown said...

Smart move and good for you! You have to take care of yourself!

Cantinho da Aracy said...

Deus te abençoe! Beijos

Unknown said...

mom is the best friend of the world.so preety, miss u mom.

Dawna C said...

Relax, refresh and enjoy life again. Start making a 'not to do' list :o)

Anna said...

you are amazing Amanda!!!! love ya!

Seamingly Sarah said...

Good for you! I will miss the photos of your lovely creations though. See you soon. :)

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

Have a good break. I think it's very important that you can recognize the need for a change and go for it. Too many of us try to be all things and it just doesn't work. See you when you come back. : )

Kay said...

Have a wonderful month and enjoy your break. xx

Schulz Family said...

Well done for realising you need the time off. I have weeks where it is too much and stop blogging and then really enjoy starting again. Have some great family time and relax. See you in a month or so

Paula said...

Good for you! I'll look forward to reading your blog in April

Leanne said...

Enjoy the break and I hope you relax some too.

alison@the chainpiecer said...

You are so generous with sharing your quilts and thoughts with us. Know that you'll be in our thoughts and we'll look forward to seeing you refreshed in April. Enjoy some R&R and absence of deadlines for a while.

Always In Stitches said...

Enjor you R n R. Everyone needs a break. This winter did not help matters either. Looking forward to seeing the new refreshed you April 1.

Bennett and Graves said...

Have a great and certainly deserved break!

Chris {frecklemama} said...

Dangit. I love hearing that you look out for yourself and take care of yourself, but boy do I love seeing new posts and pics from you too LOL! Have a nice time away from the pressure and remember that your hobbies should add joy, not eat joy. We love you and want you to always be happy!

Diane E. Dodd said...

I'm gonna miss you but I completely understand. You go girl!!!

Mary Jo said...

I will miss you but think its a great idea. How much fun it will be to just sew and hang out with your family without having to blog about it. God bless,

Kris said...

Sounds like a good plan. Have a great month!!

Sandy Panagos said...

I completely understand. Have a good rest!

Unknown said...

I will miss you! Have a good break. We'll still be here when you get back. Get some quality hugs :)

Heidi Staples said...

It's hard to step away, but I'm proud of you for doing it. Enjoy the break!

Nrhaller said...

Time to take time for you! I'm so glad you realize it. Enjoy yourself. We'll miss you, but we'll still be here when you return. Take real good care of yourself, and don't worry if one month is not enough. No one said you have do blog every day anyway. Blessing to you.

Nrhaller said...

Time to take time for you! I'm so glad you realize it. Enjoy yourself. We'll miss you, but we'll still be here when you return. Take real good care of yourself, and don't worry if one month is not enough. No one said you have do blog every day anyway. Blessing to you.
Rae ( nrhaller@aol.com)

Judi said...

Enjoy your break! I very much enjoy your blogs and you do beautiful work. I also adore your wit! :0)

Esch House Quilts said...

Good for you! I hope you have a lovely March!

Jessica Christensen said...

We'll miss you, but good for you! Breathe, relax, hold your kids. :)

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Enjoy your break! We'll all still be here when you get back:)

Leigh Ann Mahaffie said...

I'm so glad you are taking care of yourself! You inspire me regularly, and make me (and my husband) laugh with your posts about your husband and your life. It makes me feel like we are all in it together! Hope March is restful and soul-restoring for you, and we'll see you on the other side!

Snowcatcher said...

Quite honestly, I don't know how you so beautifully pulled off everything you do all the time and always in such a cheerful manner. Please enjoy this time of freedom and recharge. You will be missed, but we all love it when you can do it without stress and with a big, genuine smile!

Dana Weaver Moore said...

Thank you for letting me know. I know you will return refreshed and ready to go! I enjoy your post very much.

Thimbleanna said...

It's no wonder you're tired -- SO many projects! Have a great break my friend -- you deserve it!!!

Linda from Talkinglunchboxquilts.com said...

Have a lovely break. I am looking forward to your return in April and I truly hope you are happy, healthy and refreshed. Sometimes we all need to just stop what we're doing, rest, and then restart. Many smiles to you :)

Sandra said...

Take time for you. Blessings.

minnesota nice said...

Enjoy your break, you deserve it. Maybe even read a book. This winter has been just too long!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

It's important to take care of ourselves! Enjoy...because if mama ain't happy...nobody is happy. SMILES!!! Rest and rejuvenate...one gains great perspective by doing so.

Terry Johnson said...

Good for you! Hope you feel refreshed in April. I missed blogging for about 10 days due to a virus that held on for a month. I finally just had to let go and do nothing along with sleeping. :( Back on track now...but hard to slow down. Enjoy your blog, look forward to your return. :)

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for about 4 years and just want to thank you. I was inspired to start quilting because of your tips and tutorials. Your sweet spirit shines through all your work. You must take care of yourself. Blessings to you.

Emily Carnes said...

Enjoy your break, I too have been so immensely inspired by your blog and the amount of work you put out, week after week. I have referred to your tutorials many times and I love your use of bright colors!

Thanks for everything and I'll still be following when you return from vacation :)

Emily at backtothecraft.blogspot.ca

Sara en Marie said...

You are 'crazy mom', so you're entitled to a mental health break, I guess! This is the first time I comment on your blog, but since I bought your book Sunday Morning Quilts (Kristyne Czepuryk of Pretty By Hand kept going on about it, that's why) I've been a frequent visitor. I'm a young and too busy mother, too, so I can relate to how you must feel. In 2009, after my second baby, I took a much needed mental health break for a few months, and felt much better after that. So I hope you will start to feel better soon, and take as much time as you need! I'll be using your break from posting to read some of the older posts.

Unknown said...

Wow! That looks so colourful! I have never made a quilt, but dresses and skirts. I should try once at least! Congrats!

Quilt Art Design said...

I hope you're having a great time and a good break away from all the blogging and sewing madness...
your post really made me think about the crazyness of it all and I've even decided that I need to slow things down and start to enjoy my sewing, designing etc more and not be so driven to do more or the next one. Thanks.
Hope youre feeling better...

Unknown said...

Here it is Finish it up Friday and thoughts go out to you. Hope you well and blessings on your head.

Gilly Tee said...

A very sensible thing to do .
Gillx

sulu-design said...

Happy break to you. I take these more and more frequently these days and am happier for it. Enjoy catching your breath.

Elaine said...

A smart girl takes care of herself. You go girl! Why do we think we are not allowed? Enjoy!

GranthamLynn said...

Enjoy. You are missed.

Anonymous said...

I hope you're enjoying your time away from blogging and getting some good quality time with family. That is the most important thing! I bet this time is going by too fast. I enjoy your blog posts, but definitely not at the price of your sanity! Take care of yourself!

Lin's Quilts said...

I miss your blog. Can't wait until you are back to your old self again.