This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Starr says
I hope your break is rejuvenating. Self-reflection is tough but usually productive!
Greg L says
Thanks for sharing your lives with us for all of these years.
You’ve made the right decision to put things aside for a while. If you have the ability to do something for fun for a living, do it. If you have the ability to put it aside when it is no longer fun, why not?
Good luck in whatever you decide to do, and thanks again.
Joy says
Good for you! I think you are making a smart decision. You need to figure out what your most passionate about. And family comes first:) I will miss your posts but I think your making the right decision!
Jordann O'Brien says
I love your blog and no matter what I will be a loyal reader. So although I will definately miss you guys when you are gone, know that when you come back, I will be thrilled to read what you guys have done in your time away. I adore you guys and hope this break helps you guys.
Christina says
Enjoy your time off and hope it brings your passion back, wherever that may lead you. <3
Jill says
I am so sad to hear that you sometimes brace yourself before hitting publish. What a sad thing, and completely….crazy that the world can be that way…?? it makes my heart hurt for you. I am happy for your decision to do what is best for your family, and yet completely baffled as to why commenters can sometimes feel the right to “know” about your new vacant house, or “know” when you’re pregnant, or feel the need to let you know they hate a style choice. Crazy, crazy crazy…but mostly sad. I have loved the blog for years and haven’t been put off by the way things currently are at all. What an awesome gift that this site doesn’t have pop up ads, or guest bloggers, or sponsored posts…because those are lame. It’s just been a fun place to come see what you guys have been up to and be inspired by your bright and fun style. I wish the best for you and hope to be reading this blog again soon. But if not, good luck.
Cassie says
Good for you guys. I know you’ll have a lot of sad readers (myself included) but I’m glad you were able to realize this and I hope you enjoy your time off and “find” yourselves again. Best of luck to you always!
Megan says
John and Sherry, I love reading your blog, and I’ll miss you! But most of all I wish you the best as you open yourselves to new possibilities. Grace and peace to you!
Rebecca says
I’ll definitely miss you while you’re gone, and I hope it’s not permanent. I recently did a home remodel with my family and got to the point of feeling so over it. I can’t imagine doing it day after day, year after year. My guess is taking a break will help! It’s obvious you love what you do, but you love your family too. It will work out…I believe!
Careen says
I’ve been reading for seven years, and I completely understand. Take care and good luck in whatever you do.
Bekka says
Beautifully said, my dear.
(I didn’t participate in the commenting last week, but now I’m going to go check out what people were saying…)
I just want you to know that I’ve been reading your blog religiously for years now, and I feel like you are friends. And I am so grateful EVERY time I get to read your posts. I want you to keep writing YHL until we’re all into our eighties (haha).
But seriously, you guys do what you need to do! You NEVER take vacations! Long weekends don’t count, and even when you take trips, you sneakily post from afar. ;-P
And with a new baby, I’m sure your entire rhythm feels different. I had my first baby early this year, and as a self-employed artist I’ve been totally thrown for a loop as to what I can and can’t do like I used to. I have no idea how you guys do everything now that you have two kiddos! You’re definitely an inspiration to me.
Anyways, gush gush gush! I hope you have a fantastic month, and I look forward to seeing you back when you’re ready!!!
hollie says
I am so sad to not have this little happy corner of the internet to turn to tomorrow, and I will miss you so, so much. You two are so fun, despite the struggles that have been apparent lately. I hope you, above all, stay true to yourselves because you. are. awesome.
Selfish moment: can we still see Teddy’s photo project? If not, totally get it, he’s such a cutie tootie like his sister!
Cair says
I understand and I appreciate what you are doing, but dang, I’m gonna miss your updates.
Iona Lacson-Dy says
Greetings all the way from the Philippines. I’ve been a lurker in your lil corner here for a couple of years now and this is the first time I found the courage to share my two cents. I am really choking up and holding back my tears. You see, as a full-time mom, you guys have served as an inspiration to me. Seeing you succeed in being home-based and being able to provide for the family gave me hopes that I can succeed, too. I look forward to each post, regardless if it was a quick update, or a technical DIY, or a sponsor shoutout, it didn’t matter because I know this couple is soooh into the thing they love the most and doing a great job at that! I will definitely miss your updates, and whatever you decide on I know it’s gonna be what’s best for your family. I wish you all well and sending you love, light, and good vibes from across the globe. :) xoxo
Johanna says
LOVE! YOU! GUYS!
So bummed that you’ll be taking a break, but totes get it! I don’t know how you do what you do. Two babies and a thousand other things and you’re still the highlight of our days! You deserve the break. Your babies are so itty and precious.
Also, you’re not alone. This is something (although on different levels) that so many parents (myself included) struggle with daily. Am I doing too much of x? Should I be spending more time with y? Know that you’re doing a great job. You’re wonderful parents and it seems like great people and in the end, that is ALL that matters.
Wishing you all the best. Anxiously awaiting your return. :)
April says
Sad to hear, I feel like good friends have announced they are moving far away.
However, I wish the best regardless. You’ve accomplished miles more than a lot of us and have had a wonderful roller coaster of a ride.
You will be missed and I will still visit your blog often for ideas and inspiration as well as my autographed book from your trip to Atlanta.
Chelsea in Richmond says
NOOOOOO. Wow, this really sucks to hear :-(
I really, really, REALLY hope you guys come back to us after a month. I know I’ll be here waiting. Best of luck.
Anna says
It’s been a pleasure reading your blog and I’ve picked up more than a few tricks from you guys. Enjoy the sabbatical–we’ll be here if/when you decide to return.
karla says
do what is right for you bebe. life changes, allow yourself to do what is right for your family. you are under no obligation to anyone except john and your kids. God Bless.
Natalie says
You guys are awesome. I’ve loved your blog for many years and was, frankly, surprised to see some of the comments from other readers. This is a passion project that grew into a livelihood – and rightfully so. I’ve applauded your success from the sidelines for a long time and am disappointed that others have chosen to make this an opportunity to critique. Enjoy the break and know that you have a community of loyal readers anxiously awaiting your return! :)
With love from Austin, Texas,
Natalie
Melissa says
We love you.
Hopefully you can find your spark again.
Enjoy your break and know there are people in this world that above all else, want you to be happy.
xx
Katherine says
Hi Sherry and John,
I’m pretty new to the whole Young House Love fanbase (I think the oldest published post I can remember was when Teddy was just announced as a bun in the oven). I love what you guys have done here and I looked forward to reading the new posts in addition to scouring the archives for old ones. The quirkiness of your family with the level of meticulousness you pour into each project made following everything a fun adventure. You guys are an inspiration! Taking the time for yourselves and the family, especially with Clara and Teddy at such a young age, is important. I sincerely hope you guys find the spark that drove you guys to, as you say, get ‘er done from before. If not, that’s okay too. If you guys end up doing a second book tour though, please do announce it!
Love from the mountain state.
KarenO says
Like all your fans, I will miss you and wish you all the best. Many of my favorite bloggers have burned out – they were favorites because they did what you do: create, teach, inspire, entertain and endear. That’s a tall order to fill day after day. You are wise to recognize your needs and work toward balance. Good luck on this quest!
Nicole says
I love this heartfelt, honest post. I’m a long time reader but I don’t often comment. I’m glad that you guys feel like you can take the time to consider the next chapter. Life is too short to spend time spinning your wheels without reevaluating every now again. That said, I’m really sorry that living in the public eye for so long has put you in a place where you’re darned if ya do and darned if ya don’t. That can’t be a good feeling. I sincerely hope that you are able to re-balance your life in a way that makes you wake up and feel excited about what faces to you. Many internet hugs to you guys from DC!
Shevon says
Totally understandable. You two work tirelessly. You also now have another little one to take care of. Being the makers of your own destiny when you run your own business is rewarding, but so stressful. You want it to be the best possible and some days you would really just rather work for someone else and go home and not worry about things at work. Personally I enjoy your blog tremendously and check every day, but you need to do what is best for your family. All the best in whatever you decide!
Katie says
I will be unbelievably sad if this is goodbye – even in a rough patch you guys are the best blog on the internet, by far. I wish you the best and hope you find some needed peace! xo
Clare says
We love you too. And still will, no matter what. That’s what love is really…warts and all. You’ve inspired me and I’m sure you will again! Peace, love and happy home,
Clare
Eileen says
A well deserved break. You guys make my mornings– and I will anxiously await your return.
GG says
Relax Relate Release!! Don’t worry about us, we’ll still be here for you when you get back.
Lisa says
I am a teacher, and at the end of last school year, after months of dealing with a tough group of kindergarteners, I was not the same teacher I usually am. I was frustrated and tired and unhappy, all around not myself. Summer break was a godsend. School started a week ago and after summer break I feel refreshed and excited to teach again, something I was not at all feeling last spring. I hope with this break you take you come back feeling like I did, refreshed, excited, and yourselves again! I really think we all need an extended break from our day to day to continue to do it and enjoy it!
Karen L. says
So glad to see that you can do whatever is needed for your family, Sherry and John. I’ve been a crazy supporter of yours for years, even to the point of going back and reading most of the posts since you began the blog and telling many people about YHL. In my opinion, you’re the best out there!
Love your sweet family and will pray God’s richest blessings on you whatever your decision will be for the long run. Be encouraged—you are both a true example of integrity in all that you are and do. (From one of the 1%-ers, a 65 yr old who loves y’all a lot. :)
Ashlee says
And they are back! My “friends” are back! Best post in forever. Thank you. Best of luck in wherever life takes you. What a relief for you guys.
Angela says
Really going to miss you guys! Reading your blog is a part of my daily routine. Understand your decision. We all have to do what is best for us.
Amy says
You have inspired me more than you can ever imagine, everything from tackling flooring, grey paint choices, a plethora of white frames and yes I now have some white ceramic houses on the mantel. It sounds like I’m copying, but I just adore your style. Whether it is decorating or hardcore remodeling, I love the tips and tricks you give in a spunky way. I heart shaped rock you guys!
Cheryl says
I understand your reasons, but selfishly I am so sad. This is the only blog I look forward to reading every day. I was not involved in the chatter last week, but please know big or small I enjoy all your posts and have been a loyal follower for years. I truly hope you find your groove and come back again when your break is over. I know that blogging can be a hard on you personally and people can that read can get caught up and forget that you too deserve a life outside of your job. Can’t wait for your book, will miss you guys in the mean time.
Ashley says
John & Sherry, I admit that I have not read your blog regularly in a long time for many of the reasons stated in the comments from Thursday’s post. That being said, I am proud of you guys and really respect you for being introspective enough to consider that maybe you’ve lost your way and need time to reflect. A change can be very refreshing and I wish both of you the best in whatever you decide.
LaurenCarny says
Absolutely do what is best for your family! I’ve been a longtime reader and will continue to be a reader- even through a break. :)
You guys are seriously the best. Gracious and grace-filled and lovely.
AnnieM says
We will misssssss you <3 <3
But—I am thrilled for you. It takes courage, honesty and and soul baring to do this.
Spend your month+ doing what you love. If and when you will be back, I for one will be waiting.
Have a restful (as restful as one can have with two little ones) bloggie break!!!
-Annie
cmc says
You will be missed daily here in DC! For the record I didn’t think things had gotten too out of sorts – and I agree with everything Moriya says above – of course it was going to evolve as your lives evolved! Hope you find out how to step away and get your groove back (for your sakes, no one else!) and hope to see you in a month or so (maybe even with some cool new projects to inspire us! Because you do inspire us or we wouldn’t be here. Best wishes!
Shannon says
You have nothing to apologize for. Life has a way of going on without you having a chance to hold on. I applaud everything you do and your honesty in doing so. Your blog had ups and downs just like life, which is what made all the great times and all the not as great times so perfect. Cheers! Hope to hear from you both soon. :)
Elizabeth G. says
Absolutely understand. I love what you do, and enjoy checking in with you each day as way to take a break from whatever craziness is occurring on this end. It has been very inspiring and a reminder that there are people out there getting things done – it’s possible! Thank you for all the content so far, hopefully there will be more to come, and I appreciate your heart going into every bit of it.
Helen says
Have a good break <3 The feeling behind this post really hit me, you're so devoted to your readers! Look after yourselves first and foremost.
rachael says
Know what you gotta do when life gets you down? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…
Aww, love you guys too! See you in a month, 6 months, a year….I’ll be waiting.
Lauren says
So, so, SO sad. But totally understand. As you do with all your time I have no doubt that you will make good use of this break and get your family where you’re happy and fulfilled.
As others have said, weird to be saying this to a stranger but I feel so grateful for ever being let into your lives. Your spunk, spirit and pure joy have inspired not just my house but my LIFE.
Jenna says
Going to miss you guys but I agree you totally deserve/need/are entitled to a break when you want it! I am Canadian, and we get a year maternity leave. I can’t imagine having to work (more than) full time right after my baby is born, and so that fact that you can do this for yourselves and your family is so important! We will all be here waiting for your return!
Jes K says
I feel like I need to post here since I provided feedback when you requested it, but good for you guys! Take this time to really reflect on what you need/want for the future and may this take you where you are meant to be. (I am sure we all as readers have biased opinions that we want you to come back in some form or another, but do what you have to do for your family). =) Peace and Love
Erin G. says
While not a blogger myself, I’ve always found it a unique profession in that anyone, and I mean anyone, can share their opinion with you regarding your work “performance.” For those of us in more traditional day jobs, I think we can all admit if complete strangers from across the globe had the ability to critique our job performance on a daily basis (it’s bad enough trying to please one supervisor, let alone a whole globe of supervisors), we’d all find it a struggle to keep up the momentum and enthusiasm.
While I’ll certainly miss connecting with you guys through this beautiful community you created, I will pray that a break is just what you need to find the clarity you’re seeking.
In peace and love,
Erin
Megan says
Really well said!!!
Angela L says
Beautifully said.
Crystal says
If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.
— Hugs from the midwest
Randi says
We will miss you, but I appreciate the honest reflection and update! Best of luck in these next few weeks.
In the meantime, I think I’ll start with the Archives beginning in 2011 just for fun :)
Chantel says
A wonderful post! This will, for sure, be the longest month for all of us. I love your blog and look forward to reading it every morning at work :) You guys have a heck of a lot going on right now and I completely understand you’re desire to take a breather. Take a break and come back with the same feelings you felt when you started it. Looking forward to it! Thank you for keeping me so entertained every morning!