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.
Nell says
Good for y’all! I just ordered your book, so that will have to give me my jolt of Young House Love each day for a while. Good luck as you reconfigure things!
Tara says
*hugs* Family is what is most important. Wishing you all the best.
Katie says
Your bravery is so lovely. Good on ya. No one’s disappointed in you, so please don’t get down on yourselves. You aren’t doing anything poorly except, it sounds like, extending grace to yourselves.
Laura says
Godspeed. I’ll miss seeing what’s going on with y’all, but everyone deserves the chance to downshift and reevaluate. There’s an old saying “The saddest thing is to see things not grow.” (Pretty sure I butchered that badly.) The point is, change is part of life and we all experience it–whether we want to or not. You’re owning it. Good for you. And doing so in public–which has to be a bit uncomfortable. A heartfelt thanks for sharing with us for the past seven years–it takes a certain amount of bravery to be as honest and open as you have been. Best to you both and your lovely family.
Angel says
Hi Guys,
I don’t comment much but I have emailed you a few times and you’ve been sweet enough to reply personally both times. Enjoy the break together, and when you make a decision on the road forward please let us know!
Love YA!!!!!
Angel
Erica says
Rock on! ;) You have brought so much joy into the world and a blog is just ONE way to do that. I am sure you will land on your feet with jig. Should you choose to step away from “professional” blogging, I would still love to receive the random, occasional post of any major updates to the house. :) Your style and methods and approach are so refreshing.
Dayna W says
Love you guys and I so look forward to my mid morning break at work to read what ya’ll have been up to and get inspired. I’m sad to hear you are taking a break, and will be checking back often to see when you’re back! I hope the lure of the blog won’t let you stay gone for long :)
I’ve often thought you guys must have the thickest skin to deal with all the negative and undeserved comments you get. Your timing is interesting bc just this week at church I felt a sense to let go of so much of my to do list for the house and just let things be, at least for now. I’m constantly inspired by you and other blogs and wanting to improve our home and make it work better for us. But the truth is my family really just needs me to sit back and relax with them, and not always be talking about another project.
Linette says
When I first starting reading this blog entry, I had this kneejerk reaction feeling of “oh crap – we’re breaking up!” :-) I totally respect your choice for this time and believe you’re being wise to do so. Know that you are loved and will be missed. Hope to read you again soon!! xo
Amber says
I haven’t commented on a post before, but I have read them. Every. Single. One. And I just wanted to take a minute to say that I love y’all and your blog! I hope you will find your way back to us, but whether or not you do I’m wishing you all the best. You will be missed!
Bridey says
Man, I am going to miss you guys every morning. Thank you for being a two minute light of sunshine every day in my life for the last couple years (and, yes, I forget it’s Friday all the time, and hang my head in sadness when I realize.) Everyone has been chalking up the changes you have announces to “family” and the birth of Teddy. I have never seen it that way. (I have six kids and realize that there is life, even with babies) There was one point right before the baby was born with the show house, etc.,that several times a day I would click on and wonder how you could possibly accomplishing so much, let alone blog about it. I still had dirty dishes in my sink and you guys had installed or xyz,ran a five k,and sold a house, …I could see a burn out coming. This blog is a highly creative project-a daily work of art. Like any artist, there are going to highs and lows. Take the time you need, hopefully not too much time, so you can retain the trust of your readership etc. And please don’t take a few constructive comments too hard. You are sooooo loved and have brought so much joy to me personally and so many others. I am hoping you are back soon. But whatever happens, thank you again and I am wishing you the best, success, and peace in all you do.
Shannon says
Well nuts. I’ve been reading for 6.5 years. My sister introduced us and like others, I spent the first day devouring all of the previous content. I looked forward to your posts every single day. You’ve inspired quite a few projects around my home and allowed me to see my space differently than I may have otherwise. I have much to thank you for too! Keeping me company on my breaks at work, and providing material for my diy day dreams. I know I will miss your companionship of sorts, but understand this move is a necessary one. Can’t wait for your return if it’s what you guys decide is best. xo, shannon
Analise says
Hugs and high-fives. My two gut reactions were:
1. I love you guys! I love your blog!
2. I respect you both so much. Do whatever you need to do for yourselves, your family, your business, and your lives. If we’re there for the ride, sweet. If we’re not, that’s 100% okay. **Sniff sniff**
All the best.
Chelsea says
I am new-ish to your blog, but I have to tell you I have loved it! Thanks so much for the fun, entertaining, helpful posts. Best of luck to all of you!!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Oh my – I can’t even imagine the stress that comes along with being the biggest bloggers out there…at least that’s how I think of you guys :) I hope you get some clarity and relief from taking a break and I really wish you so much happiness and success with wherever this takes you. You’ve always inspired me!
Carrie says
You guys are awesome. I’ll be here when you come back. Enjoy your time off!
Megan says
I commented on the Thursday post and it was pretty critical but I still am so sad to see you go. I truly hope you find your spark, wherever it may be! (But I’m selfishly crossing my fingers and toes it lands you back in blogging at some point!)
LOVE!
Megan
Veronica says
John and Sherry, THANK YOU for the joy and inspiration you’ve given me every day for so many years. And thank you for keeping your site up and running during this sabbatical. It is such a valuable resource. I will be thrilled if you come back, but if you’re meant to start a new adventure, I wish you all the best. Love to you, Clara, Teddy, and Burger.
joni says
ENjoy your break!!! You guys deserve it! Such hard work you’ve done over the past few years….
Kathleen says
It makes me sad to think you had to “brace yourselves” before posting. I can understand the pressure you were feeling with the amount of scrutiny that you are under. I just hope you felt more of the love than the judgment. You guys are phenomenal and will be missed. You deserve every bit of success that comes your way, and I hope you take on and enjoy as many opportunities as you want. Your book was amazing. Your show house was incredible. Your Target line was a dream. And you blog didn’t suffer one bit in my opinion. Love you two and the YHL brand. Best to you!
Emily says
Enjoy your time! Very excited for you! I took 6 weeks off of work this summer to be home with my kids and support my husband while he supported our family by continuing to work. Amazing break, but….6 weeks was NOT enough :) Have been struggling with what to do next, leave my job permanently or keep working. I wish I had chosen to stay home when my children were first born and enjoyed their younger years. Now they are 5 and 3 and one is in school and I feel like I missed out. So yes, enjoy your time with your little ones now and if a month isn’t long enough of a break, I know I’ll totally understand :)
Laura says
Good for you guys. You will be missed, but enjoy disconnecting and focusing on your own life!
Amanda L. says
Well crapola. I look forward to your posts every day (hitting refresh at 9:59a repeatedly). You don’t owe us anything, so your honesty is appreciated. I hope you find your love again… whether it’s the blog, or the side projects, or something totally new and different.
Out of curiousity, why are you going on hiatus on instagram, too? I always thought of that as your family side of things… not JUST for us blogstalkers.
If I had a say, I’d suggest you go into consulting. I cannot tell you the number of times that I have looked at a blank wall, or thought about a project that I need to start, and wished that I had you on retainer!
You will be missed!!
Liz says
I’ve learned so much from you guys. Reading your blog is the highlight of my day. I hope you come back. Rest up!
Marissa says
I will miss reading you every day, but I agree, it did seem like something was “off” over the past month or two. Having had my second child a month before y’all did, I connected with your posts of DIY balanced with real life. I hope you take time to find your balance again, and come back stronger than ever. Take your time, and take a deep breath.
Abby says
I appreciate your honesty and transparency. Your family is in a new season of life and what worked last year or last week, doesn’t work now. You will figure it out and find what works for you and your family. The internet will be fine without you and will always be here when you get back.
Allison says
I saw this coming yesterday. I missed the Thursday update and didn’t see it until Monday. When I read through the comments I cried. I cried because while I firmly believe that honesty is the best policy, always, I was also taught that truth never has to equate with cruelty. And there was much of that. I can only hope that the people who were cruel, were cruel out of a lack of writing ability and not an actual desire to just be mean. I know that didn’t affect your decision, but it broke me a little to read them.
John and Sherry. I’m so glad to have met you through your blog. It was good. So good that I began to speak of you like friends I knew, and knew well. I would confuse my husband. “…Wait! Are these those blogger people you follow?!?”
While I didn’t come solely for the design advice, or the DIY (both hubs and I are older than you, and have more professional experience in both design and building) I came for the ideas, and the fresh perspective. And I loved that.
What did I learn?
Spray paint! (ha ha! I’m a fiend now)
Dr. Bronner’s soap. My hands no longer are raw and miserable. (who knew)
IR buttons.
But most importantly, I learned how to relax and live in the moment. Which is not something I’m good at. I live in a very dilapidated fixer upper. And we’re working on it. And I tend to get caught up in the missile silo look of our house. And it was about Sherry’s attitude about DIY and not worrying that really struck me. And stuck with me. So…if for nothing else, thank you for that.
I’m so sorry that you’ll be gone, but I’m so happy that you can break away from what has become an unhappy career.
I do selfishly hope you’ll be back. Your blog was my favorite. Because it was kind. And gentle. And a happy place. And the world always needs more of those.
Bless you all. I’ll miss you. And I do love you.
Kelly says
I applaud you guys taking a big risk for yourselves, thought I’m sure it was hard to consider what many others would think. I’m sure you know that you will be missed but we understand.
One unintended consequence for me is that I will now need to head out and buy your book for some new YHL content in my life. I kept delaying the purchase but now it is a must.
Until next time.. :)
Morah says
I soooo appreciate what you guys have put out into the world. And if there is more to come in the future I will welcome it too. But if not, then all the best to you guys. I love your blog and your hard work, you’re a real inspiration and you’ve been doing a great job -recently and always, I hope you know that!!
Tabitha says
Its perfectly acceptable to step away from the DIYs/business aspect. Family first. But we still want to know your story! Your life. Your family. Call me crazy, but I feel like y’all are old friends. And I’m more interested in witnessing the well being and cultivation of your sweet crew. If you’d like to throw in an occasional DIY or home update every now and then, well sure! But what I’ve grown to love is the life and story of you, Petersiks! We love y’all!!
Mallory says
You know I’ve loved you guys from the very beginning…even if I am the world’s worst at commenting. I think that this break will be so very good for your family. I can guarantee you’ll be sorely missed by all, but keep on putting family first. Always. You two have worked so hard on this blog and it has been amazing. Thank you for sharing your journey with us for the past 7 years! Thinking of you all often as you figure out where to go from here. XoXo.
Lindsey says
You guys have been a bright spot in my day since I met you somewhere in your first house. (Yes.. I feel like we are best friends, like I did with the cast of Friends in the 90’s… you just don’t know it yet!) It’s been a joy to follow along with you during the heavy posting and lighter posting. Do what you gotta do. You’ll still have happy readers to come back to who will be chomping at the bit for your next post. Enjoy the break!
Gray says
Super sad day – especially since I am closing on my first house soon so haven’t actually had the opportunity to use your grittier DIY projects before! Although I understand and want you to take the best care of yourselves and your family, I will definitely miss the glimpse into your lives! I hope beyond hope that this truly ends up being a sabbatical and not the end of YHL – there is no other blog on your level – even when you have “fallen out of your groove” – and you will be sorely missed. Enjoy your time away and I hope you come back refreshed and re-energized!
Lauren Nicole says
My heart hurts for you guys to be struggling so much. Whatever you decide to do going forward, please know that you have a beautiful family and I feel honored to have had the privilege to watch it grow. Many blessings, Petersiks, as you figure out the next chapter.
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
I could see this coming when you asked for feedback. Good luck you guys! My best to everyone.
Rebecca says
Well, I’m selfishly sad that my mornings won’t be the same anymore, but I also understand the need to take time away. Please PLEASE write draft posts of all your house projects during the break!! I’d love to continue to see what you’re doing in the house in case you decide to come back to the blog and post projects/updates again.
Melissa Breau (@MelissaBreau) says
You will be missed.
Karelia says
Love you guys.
I’ll happily be here if and when you decide to come back.
<3
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
You guys have been my favorite bloggers for going on 5 years now, and while I’m extremely sad to hear you’re taking a break, I 100% understand why it needs to happen. Even though we’ve never met in person, I feel like I do know you guys to some degree through this blog, and the tone has been changing. I never want this to feel like an obligation or a chore, so I hope that by taking a step back and thinking about what YOU guys want and need will reignite the passion you originally had.
And even if you decide that blogging isn’t for you anymore, I want to thank you for sharing your lives with us for so long. We really appreciate it. :-)
Courtney says
Congratulations! Everyone deserves to step back and re-assess their work sometimes. And it’s hard to do while you’re in the thick of it!
I’m on self-imposed approximately month-long “sabbatical” as well. No one understood when I announced it, but no one else needs to. You know what you need and I’m proud of you guys for making the tough decision to do so.
You guys are amazing! I’ve been following over 5 years. We all look forward to your next move!
Nicole @ LibertyBellesBlog says
I’m happy to see you’re making a decision that you feel is best for both your family and the blog. While I’m so sad to see you go for an extended period of time – oh my god what will I do when I get to work?!?! – I really am happy you’re staying true to yourselves.
When you return, whenever that is, we’ll be here waiting :)
Caitlin says
Just a thought here…but why did you need to get this personal? Why does there need to be love involved? Isn’t this a job? A service? What’s wrong with that? This blog is about decorating and being resourceful in decorating…and making money from this blog enables you to provide more advice and fun posts. Why is it so bad to get paid for that? Again, it’s a service, and people eat it up – I love reading this blog. But honestly, I love this blog because your pictures are wonderful, your DIY advice is amazing and fun. I don’t read it for gushy stuff, I don’t read it because you’re “honest” or “real” people. That doesn’t matter, I want to see pictures of furniture and paint and other fun stuff. Treat this as a job as it should be treated, and you guys were doing an amazing “job”. Sorry to see you go.
Kaia says
:( while the idea of you guys taking a break saddens me, I totally understand. You have to do what is best and works for your family. I have always enjoyed your blog and everything that goes along with it! Cannot wait until you come back!! Until then….to the archives I go :)
Alanna says
Yours was the first blog I started reading when I was looking online on how ro paint my round wooden table white. And I’ve kept reading and enjoying it so much!! I just had a baby girl and I was amazed at how much time u guys were dedicating to the blog and having to take care of family (and enjoying family time), I think its especially hard to do when you work from home!! Have a great break! Relax and disconnect and whatever decision you make will be the right one.
Christie says
I have 2 young kids and work as a nurse in the oncology unit at a children’s hospital. I lead a very busy and sometimes stressful life. I have been reading your blog posts for 6 years now. I check in once a week for 20 minutes. It is one of my few moments of zen that I get a week. I have always enjoyed your quirky way with words. Your blog has been a great resource as well for my various DIY projects. I never comment, but felt compelled to comment this time. My advice is to do what you love and take on the opportunities that suit you. MOST of your readers don’t comment, but still check in because you two are great at what you do! Let the negative or “constructive criticism” roll off your back. It is my hope that you take this month off and return with your batteries charged! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Marissa says
Good luck! We’ll miss you! I hope where ever you land you are happy.
Ali says
Oh nooooooooo. I am soooo bummed. I need your input on home items. Badly.
Anna says
I’ve been reading you blog since before John left his job. Before the deals, the kids and the gigantic following. You two have taught me and inspired me in so many “house ways”. I think it’s all crap about you being off and a business. Life changes, people change and if you truly love them you appreciate that things change and grow. I just appreciate you guys simple as that – even if every post doesn’t resonate with me. All relationships are that way. Make this blog whatever you want it to be. I’m glad you’re taking a break because I care about your personal health and other than Clara’s birth I’ve never heard you two so shaken. I wish you peace and clarity. And I’ll miss you. I’m sorry you’re going through a rough spot.
Kelsey Noll says
You will be greatly missed for however long you are gone. Enjoy your time with your family and know that your blogosphere family will be here waiting when you come back to us!
Maria says
I really hope that you realize for each negative comment, there were many many more people who still love your blog, your style, & your content but just don’t feel the need to comment about it. Unfortunately the squeeky wheels always get the grease, but don’t let the minority of complainers fool you into believing that everyone feels the way they do! Count the number of people who had a complaint on the last post with the number of visitors your site got on that day and you will see that you are still doing something right for most of us!
Do take your break if you need to, but don’t take too long, because you really do have a lot of loyal fans that didn’t ask for this! We really really want to see what you do to the dining room, the bonus room, the phase 2 of your bathroom and kitchen, and whatever else you have planned. If you run out of rooms in your house you can always go old school and take reader requests for mood boards – I miss those days!
Just try to remember that you still have many fans who want to continue to follow and learn from your blog – if you didn’t you wouldn’t have been selling books, hooks, and lights so please don’t stop doing what you’ve been doing. I hope you find the spark and return to us!
Christa says
My morning will not be the same without you and I mean that. I applaud you for your decision, but I have never felt like content here was forced, for the brand or to line your own pockets. Despite what seems to have come out in a lot of negative last week, you truly are a creative outlet for a lot of us looking to tackle DIY and decorating projects at home. Bestest wishes for all of you on your break, although I’m now going to be wishing we were pen-pals!