Reflections on a Year Away from Blogging

In the realm of digital expression, it is not uncommon to encounter blogs that seem to vanish overnight, reminiscent of ghost towns abandoned after the last drop of oil has been extracted. I have often wondered why the authors of these blogs do not take a moment to say goodbye, to acknowledge their departure with at least a final post of thanks. Now, having not written anything here for nearly a year, I find myself understanding their silence. Life, with its myriad of priorities and experiences, simply took me in a different direction, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Reflecting on my absence from the blogosphere, I realize that my struggle to maintain a consistent posting schedule stemmed from my demanding job in the cosmetics industry, which I am passionate about. This profession allows me to indulge my love for skincare products while balancing my blogging aspirations. I tend to be an extremist in my approach to blogging; I either publish daily, with detailed posts, or I disappear completely for extended periods. Recently, I had managed to establish a rhythm of two to three posts per week, which I considered respectable.

What, you may ask, pulled me away from my keyboard? The events of November 13, just two weeks after my last post, profoundly impacted my perspective. The horrific attacks that occurred on that day shifted my outlook on life, making discussions about makeup and skincare feel trivial in comparison. While some might view continuing to blog as an act of resilience, for me, the stark reminder of life's fragility prompted a desire to cherish every moment with family and friends. Ultimately, those relationships are what truly matter.

Real life 1 - 0 Digital life.

As the months passed, I was fortunate enough to experience several wonderful milestones. In December, after two long years of searching, I found my dream apartment—exactly as I had envisioned it. With an American-style kitchen, a spacious living area, two bedrooms with a dressing room, and a beautifully renovated bathroom, it is a sunlit oasis in a city I love, conveniently close to work. Naturally, I devoted countless evenings and weekends to transforming this space into my own sanctuary.

Real life 2 - 0 Digital life.

In January, I was honored to be asked to be the godfather to the most adorable little boy in the world (a completely unbiased opinion, of course!). Understanding the significance of this role, I have dedicated time to him, as his parents are among my closest friends. The fleeting nature of early childhood compels me to savor every moment.

With these joyful experiences, it became increasingly challenging to find time to sit at my computer. A trip to New York City, a childhood dream come true, and other personal adventures further pulled me away from blogging. However, I must admit that my retreat from the blogosphere also stems from a growing disinterest in its current state. I find it increasingly boring and not in alignment with my values or mindset.

The content uniformity within the beauty blogging community has become tiresome. Brands seem to dictate the narrative, leading to repetitive posts and events that lack originality. While I still engage with a few exceptional blogs, I often feel that many have strayed from their original purpose of sharing passion, instead focusing on other motives.

The landscape has changed, with influencers often prioritizing partnerships over genuine content. It appears that some bloggers have become disconnected from reality, losing their authenticity amidst the glamour and perks offered by brands. The blogging world can transform individuals, and not always for the better.

I have observed a trend where the blog has become more than just a part of life for some; it has become their entire identity. This is not the case for me, and I am determined to keep it that way.

Real life 3 - 0 Digital life.

Despite my hiatus, this post does not signal the end of my blog. I remain passionate about beauty, and I value this platform as a space for creative expression. I do not wish to sever ties with this community, even if I have taken a step back. As I navigate my journey, I continue to embrace the beauty industry while prioritizing the richness of real life over the digital facade.