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.
Daree Johnson says
We just bought our first home. Using your posts we have successfully chosen our paint colors and have the entire house almost painted. I have been reading your blog for years now and have been day dreaming and learning from yall! I hope that you will continue this great blog. I love everything from the posts with every detail to the undates on your little ones. I hope you have had a great month!
Morgan Spenla says
I’ve been checking in so regularly to see if perhaps you guys are back! I really hope that you guys come back – we all love your blog so much. I’m constantly inspired and motivated by your projects, your positive energy, your caring outlook on life. I must say that I also love your ‘smaller’ posts on family, reader redesigns, house tours and everything in between whatever you guys choose to blog about will be wonderful. xoxo
Michele says
I miss you.
Lindsay says
I miss you guys. Please come back soon. I miss weekly Teddy pics!
Melissa says
miss y’all. mean it.
Katy S. says
I hope we get a blog-i-versary post this year!
I, just like many others, have been checking regularly to see if there was a peep from you guys. I hope you’re enjoying your break and are excited to jump back in soon. I don’t think there is any room for doubt that you’re missed!
Just a quick comment with a little love in a sea of comments with lots of love =)
Miss you much!
Chris says
From the look of the 91 pages, I might be the only guy on here?
Any way, I’m ready for you guys to come back. Sure not every project was something I was thrilled about. But reading yours posts have def made me think differently about doing stuff in my own house.
Maybe get some more powertools in your reviews too? Channel a little Tim “The Tool Man” Talyor?
kelly says
YHL I am checking every day to see if you are back yet . . .
Page says
I just don’t have words to adequately express how much I miss your blog.
Stephanie H says
I am like everyone else posting, I miss your blog and your sense of humor and your motivation! I come back about once a week or so to see if you are back and am sad every time I visit and see that you are not.
I love the idea of posting things that you have motivated me to to.
1. the biggest project is probably painting my kitchen cabinets. Huge job! I read and reread your post about doing it. I never would have felt like I could have taken the job on.
2. Behind my sectional skinny little table. My husband and I built a table behind our sectional like the one you built in home #2. We went to Habitat Restore and found old wood flooring and repurposed it.
There are many more projects but those are two big ones that we did! Please come back!!!
Jen says
Miss YOU!!
You better get crack a lackin, you got 5k comments to respond to ~
Rachel says
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. -Pedro Arrupe
Lauren says
I’ve made so many changes to my home because of YHL’s inspiration. I’ve installed bamboo blinds with simple white sheers on the sides and hung them “high and wide”…such great advice. I’ve repainted every room and went with colors (grays) that coordinated together. I’m a regular at our Habitat store now and even though I may be able to afford “new” I love the idea of being mindful about reusing and repurposing things to lighten the load on the planet. Now we’re in the process of finding some cabinets and a big tableto convert into a home office. So many wonderful ideas all from YHL!
Dorothy says
I know several people have said this but it’s all I can think when I check in. Miss you guys! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HecfVtICs2U
Sandra G. says
My sentiments exactly, Dorothy! I feel just like Rose — out in the middle of an ocean on a makeshift raft hoping that Jack/ my favorite bloggers will come back soon.
Kayla says
Fellow readers/commenters, do you think if we generate a ton of comments we can get them to realize we love/miss them and convince them come back to us!!!!???? Even if it’s like a once a week hobby-blog thing?!
Shelley McKinnon says
Hi Sherry and John,
I have never left a comment on here but I have been following you for about three years and I have loved your blog! Both my 2 year old and newborn are napping and I’m doing what I love when I have free time..get a coffee, a blanket a read your blog. I am SO sad to see this post but I completely understand. I commend you for balancing everything as well as you have for all these years and wish you the best with your family.
Shelley.
Jennie says
Ahhh, I was trying to not bother you guys while you had your break, but I have cracked. I just wanted to say that I miss you, and hope we see you here again. All the best to all five of you! :)
Mary Lynn says
A newer reader who keeps checking in to see if you are back. One thing I have learned is that life is about Change. Don’t know that “living your blog” could really last long-term without burn-out for anyone with any type of blog. Some type of work-life balance & work-life separation has to happen. You guys are so great, I know you can do it without your marriage and family suffering and without the blog suffering. Sometimes it is just time for change. That is what life is about – change.
Andrea H says
just wanted to say I miss you guys. I’ve been re-evaluating my life commitments now too, with my two kids (3yo and 9 mo) getting older, so I definitely understand, but I still miss you. Hope you’re getting rejuvenated and refreshed!
James Wright says
It is refreshing to see honest bloggers laying it out for their community. I think anyone that creates content for an internet audience has to develop a thick skin to be able to filter the possibility of trolls and seemingly overwhelming negativity at times. You seem to not only have mastered this ability, but you also listen to your community and they respect you for it. I anxiously await your return.
Sherri says
Hi guys- I am back to leave another comment. I have not come out of my mourning period yet. I still miss you and your blog like crazy. Can’t help it. I think you realize how many dedicated fans you have by now. I can handle the change of the blog. That’s called life, and if some can’t understand that, they can look elsewhere. You have to do what is best for your family, of course. But don’t shut down the best blog in blogland. I guess I am sounding pretty desperate, aren’t I? But just gotta say, I miss not hearing about your projects, sweet Clara girl, and precious Teddy. Just want you to KNOW that this girl misses you and HOPES you come back soon!!!
Antonietta says
First time commenter but long time reader. Your zest for life, family and all things that make the world a happier place inspires me! Excited for what is yet to come and many blessings from this young house love fan!
Amy says
I miss reading your posts! I come back a few times a day just so you hopefully get some $ kickback from your sponsors/ads. I feel like it’s the least I can do after years of reading your great content & goofiness! I’ve always loved your honesty & how you two have let your personalities shine through. Wishing you all the best. You are clearly missed and have touched many with your stories & your lives.
Ellen says
I completely respect and appreciate y’all’s decision and I hope you are having a good and fruitful break, I MISS YOU!! That is all.
Megan says
COME BACK!
Sarah K. says
Missing you all SO much and hoping that you’re coming back soon. I check every day!
Cathy Cortes says
Miss you guys & hope you’re coming back soon.
Stefanie Hale says
I hope all of these comments have shown you how much love we all have for you. And hope that this has given you the drive to keep doing what you love.
Come back soon!!
Heather says
Miss you guys so much!! Please come back, even if its just one post a week. Checking your IG and blog regularly!
Kelsey says
Just want to say I miss reading you guys! I feel like my morning “news” is gone! Hopefully you are enjoying this break, especially for the sanity of your sweet family.
Lori says
Miss you and thinking about how you’ve made this world a better place!
Seandre' says
I’ve been reading this blog for years…and I love it! I’ve never commented before, but I really do feel the need to say how sad I was to read this post, and how I regret not giving you feedback. You have done a brilliant job with this blog and I hope this is not the last post from you. I will continue to check in *stalk* daily to see if that new post appears. Enjoy your time away :)
rebecca smith says
Gonna join this lot in saying please come back. Please. X
Janet says
I totally missed this post somehow, but suddenly thought “where are they?”… And, I have so enjoyed watching you from your humble beginnings (though I haven’t said much). I think you’re right to take a break, and so smart. Not only do you have this juggernaut of a brand to nurture, you have a beautiful brood. So, keep the faith and get your mojo back, and we’ll be waiting.
Chris says
Still as sad as sad can be :(
Jacole says
I have the shakes…withdrawal symptoms, I’m sure. I miss my “Blog People”….so many of us truly appreciate everything you do! So I hope this isn’t goodbye forever. HUGS!
Karen says
You are missed! With that being said, I totally understand the need for time to figure things out. It has been a busy year for you’ll and your growing family. If time is what you’ll need, please take it.
I do want to thank you for your creativity and willingness to share. I have greatly enjoyed reading your blog which I have found inspires, brings about learning, seeks knowledge, brings laughter and smiles, promotes caring and loving. Thank you for your honestly! I have learned a great deal from you’ll. I hope you will keep the blog up so I can go back, reread, revisit and continue to learn.
I wish you the BEST! Here is hoping you will return (got to have those April Fool songs and laughs), but wanting you to take care of yourself and family first.
Nicola says
Still missing your posts! I hope you come back :) we’ll all be waiting.
Leslie says
I’m sending love and appreciation for the six years I read and enjoyed your wit and wisdom. Thank you for sharing and even–in your words–“oversharing” in such an interesting and educational way! Miss your blog!
Michelle says
In an effort to not create pressure one way or the other, I will say, I’m thinking of you. I’ve checked back at least weekly to see if there’s been an update. I hope you all are well.
Kathy says
John an Sherry,
I’ve been reading your blog before Clara was born. I’ve always enjoyed (an implemented) many ideas an projects that you’ve done. I want you to know how much I love reading YHL. You’re both such amazing talented people an have given us so much joy an inspiration all these years. I do hope you come back an know we all miss you very much!
Sophie says
5,000 people miss you
Elaine says
Just another reader saying how much you’ll be missed! I just finished regrouting my shower thanks to your tutorial. It reminds me what a valuable resource this website is! Hope all is well.
Meg says
Well, I am fairly new to this blog, but I love what you guys come up with. That being said, I think everyone needs time to sit and enjoy their home and family and not feel pressured to “fix” something:) I think time away will be good for all of you.
A thought to consider, perhaps have an area on your site where readers can send in their “fixer-upper” spaces and you can give them feedback about how you would improve the space. Sort of give your own house a break! Just a thought to ponder on your days away. I know I’d love some fresh eyes to brainstorm about my DIY projects.
Missy says
We miss you already! I have been a fan for years and YHL is my favorite blog to read. Looking forward to your return. Is it completely weird that we feel like friends – never having met. Enjoy your family time and we’ll definitely be here when you get back. xoxox
Jenny says
I miss y’all! I hope you are enjoying your time away and figuring everything out. Just wanted to tell you both that this girl misses your wacky, informative blog. Xoxo
Dora says
Just wanted to say that I miss you guys a lot, and I hope you come back soon! You are so inspiring, and your family is beautiful and I love following you on all your adventures! Hope you are having some good down time and getting to enjoy your littles (including burger!) Miss you!
kristi says
Miss you guys.
xoxo
Janet says
I really miss you guys! Come back please!!!
Ally says
I check for updates daily and am always sad to not see anything new. I hope your break is going well! Just wanted to drop a line saying I miss seeing your DIY posts and those cute kids. Teddy must be getting so big by now since they grow so fast at that age. I hope y’all figure out what is right for you but know that I’ll be ready and willing to keep up with this blog if y’all decide to come back!