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.
JennyA says
Understand completely, but will miss you like bonkers! YHL is a daily stop for me. Love you guys!
Jessie says
I have followed you from your first house. I visit your site DAILY and will now have a “void” to fill. With that being said, it is far more important that YOU are happy. And I know that if YOU are happy then I will selfishly reap the benefits because you will come back more content and better than before. Your real-life family is the most important factor. And just like a real-life family, your internet-family will stick by your side–through thick and thin. We will send you happy thoughts and prayers in your absence and cheer for you upon your return. Good luck. We will see you after the jump.
Amanda A says
So sad to hear this news. I have loved getting into your blog over the past two years. You have given me ideas and inspiration for my own home. I have enjoyed sharing your progress with my husband and others! Thank you! I hope you can get the fire back!
Emma says
Great! All humans need to unplug & refresh. I was one of the commenters that recommended a “Gone Fishing” sign so I clearly think this is a great idea. All the best to you & yours :)
IBS says
I’ve read (and even re-read) the blog for several years, and as much as I’ve enjoyed the ideas, what I’ve appreciated most is the message to go out on a limb and try things that you have conveyed with regards to home ownership.
Thank you for sharing so freely. Enjoy the break, and as much as I hope to see the blog back up and running, even more importantly I hope you are able to find that sense of joy and purpose that makes getting out of bed in the morning exciting rather than a drag! All the best to you, Petersiks!
Sara says
Cheers, Petersiks – am looking forward to reaping the fruits of this break. xoxo
Jill says
Noooo! Who’s going to make me smile with my morning coffee?? Just kidding. As I was reading it I thought “you need to go to Hawaii again and get away”. Then I read more and said “noonoo! Just go to Hawaii”
In honesty… I took 6 months months off with my second (and final child) and it was wonderful (I wish I could take forever off, but something needs to pay the arrange!)
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Gilly says
Man, I am really going to miss you guys. Can’t say I didn’t tear up reading this…
We will be here when you come back…take as much time as you need, but please please come back.
Love you like woah.
Lauren S. says
The ticker is saying zero, but I imagine a bunch of people will be responding at once.
I will miss your posting incredibly. Just wanted to let you know it’s always been a bright spot in my day.
Wishing you all the best as you take your time. Enjoy your babies, enjoy your new house, Eat Pray Love, whatever you need to do. I, for one, will still be here, whenever you decide to come back to it.
Amy says
I LOVE reading your blog but have only been a reader for a few months so I am not sure what it used to be like. But in any case it seems like your family has grown and developed since you began and you are in a completely different part of your life than you were seven years ago. I wouldn’t worry about trying to recreate what your blog was like when you first started it because that wouldn’t be true to where you are now and show all the change and progress you have made over seven years BUT I do think it should be a source of enjoyment, not a chore. Anyway it sounds like you guys have things figured out and this was meant to be more of happy advice than a scolding! Haha best of luck to your sweet family!
Kate says
Longtime reader but almost-never commenter here. I didn’t see whatever the big to-do was in the comments last week, but just want to say I adore you two and will wish you nothing but the best whatever you do! Enjoy your break and your beautiful family!
Meg T says
Love you guys!! But, I totally get it. I hope ya’ll come back though!
Nicole says
Best of luck to you! I have been an avid reader for years and this is my first time commenting! I have loved reading your blog (we credit you guys for the courage we had to buy a fixer upper and completely remodel it on our own 2 years ago). Thank you for being awesome!!
Kate says
just wanted to wish you the best. you’re right, the blog is a business now and it shows. however, it’s your business and you have to do what is right by yourselves and maybe not care quite so much what a world full of internet strangers think. you will never ever make everyone happy so you should really just focus on what makes you and your family happy first. good luck.
Taylor says
Love you guys! Thanks for including us in so many special moments! Good luck!
Rebecca says
I hate to read this because when I see a blog post from ya’ll pop up I can’t wait to read it. Yes, perhaps the blog has changed, but it would be unrealistic for your readers to not recognize that life changes. Enjoy your break, but come back. We will be here waiting for you.
Sarah Hedengren says
Wow. If you guys were feeling things were off then enjoy the break and I hope things work out great for you. I didn’t have a problem with your blog lately, so I’ll miss you while you’re gone! Good luck getting back in your groove.
Christy says
Oh no! This makes me really sad, but I get it. In the blog world, you guys stand out/stood out as normal and genuine. There’s so much other nonsense out there, and you guys are/were a breath of fresh air. Selfishly, I hope you come back to this place, but if not, I get it. For the record… my life would suck without you. :)
Haley says
I’ve been reading for five years, and just wanted to send my support! It’s ok to take a break, but we do hope you’ll be back and with renewed vigor. Remember that change, evolution, growth are all a good and normal part of life. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Cheers!
Kerry says
Been here nearly since the beginning and just wanted to add my voice to the rest to say I’ll be here still when you get back! <3
Jamie says
I’m not usually someone that leaves comments – I’m more of a blog lurker, I guess… anyhow, I couldn’t not post after reading this today.
I think this song is appropriate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
or maybe also a little bit of this (overplayed, I know):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk
anyhow, in the words of Taylor Swift (and probably someone else smart before her)… haters gonna hate.
I hope you’re doing what makes you happy. Don’t let the critics get to you – take a page from the (smarter) celebs – ignore the comments and do what feels right to you.
xoxo and good luck.
Heidi says
I have been following you guys for years and appreciate you sharing all that you have over the years. I will miss seeing your posts each morning but will be eagerly awaiting your return!
Enjoy some time off and those sweet babies!
Heidi
Stephanie DR says
This makes me sad, but I fully understand. You guys need and deserve sometime to not think about your blog. Most of the rest of us have the freedom to take vacations from our jobs, and you guys deserve that too. I hope and pray the break brings you guys clarity on what the future holds and an amazing time with your family!
Eve says
I am impressed and agree with everything you said. Best post you’ve written in ages. Bravo, and best wishes as you seek your next steps.
Kara says
I’ll miss you so much!! You’ve been a part of my morning for such a long time and I hope your break goes well!
Laura says
And on the seventh bloggiversary, there was a break. Just don’t cheat on those who have been around since the pre-book, pre-kids train. I get it and it’s your lives and it’s a whirlwind, but I just hate to see you go. All my love.
Sheila F says
What a lovely and honest post. I hope you find yourselves missing this work and want to come back. But if you find something else is a better fit for your family then I wish you blessings and a happy life. But I really do hope you come back refreshed and full of ideas that you want to share with us! LOL
Kate M says
I have loved reading your blog for so long, so of course it breaks my heart a bit, BUT I hope you enjoy your much deserved break and hopefully it gets you back in your groove!! Thank you for being real with us :) I will be here waiting (with ceramic animals!) when you come back.
Carey-Jane says
I hope the break refreshes you, gives you new perspective and new spark (although I have continuously loved every blog post since forever!). Best wishes and hope to see you back soon!
Olivia says
John & Sherry,
As a longtime reader, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to read this today. As a longtime reader, I also knew exactly where this post was going before finishing the first paragraph :)
Take your time :) Only return if it feels right. I wish you all the best. Thank you for the time you’ve devoted to this blog. I’ve learned SO much and always looked forward to reading. You guys are awesome.
Katrina says
I love your blog and love reading about your beautiful family. I hope this is a good break for you guys and that you get the support that you deserve from your readers. Hope to see you again soon.
SK says
For whatever it is worth, I am a long-time reader who didn’t think you had lost any groove at all! I think you tackled new things and bigger territory with grace, and I was still inspired by your projects weekly. Hello, you just added a new room to your house for less than $5,000!!!
Completely understand that you all are doing what you know to be best for yourselves and your family though. Best of luck!
Amy says
You all are really an amazing couple — I have been consistently impressed by your thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and intentionality with which you have approached things. I have sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to read your blog. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves! I feel confident that there are wonderful things to come for you.
I recently made a similar decision (taking a break from what appears to be an objectively really great job), because the balance was just off, and it was taking a bigger toll on me and my family that I was willing to admit for a long time.
Here’s to finding the spark! I hope that you soon find the space and bandwidth to figure out what’s next!
Lisa E says
I totally get it, too, but I feel bad that you’ve felt out of sorts with things. There was no reason to apologize, but I thank you for your continued grace in which you deal with things. Seriously, the last time I checked you were human and aren’t perfect. :) Wouldn’t that be boring?! I feel you’ve done the best you could at the time and I so appreciate it. You give your all. Enjoy this time. Love each other. God be with you and hope to see you back!
Kimm says
Now THAT is the John and Sherry that has been missing. Isn’t it something that your readers could sense the ‘missing spark?’
Best to the both of you as you wade through the waters of decision making.
Sharon says
Don’t see that many that missed the sparks!
Erin says
My very sincere best wishes to you guys as you go on this journey. Admittedly, I’m one of those formerly devoted readers who was turned off by the explosion of the brand since the book. I admire your work ethic and tireless creativity, but I look forward to your return to more a more authentic DIY homeowner voice. And seriously, even with Obamacare, the security of employer benefits when you have two little ones cannot be overrated! Take a breath and take care!
Molly S. says
Well, that was certainly unexpected!
I will be here waiting for you whenever you decide to return (should you return at all- and I hope you do!). I wish you two (and your family) all the best, and just know that we LOVE you!
michele says
1) I wish my “feelings” dumps were this eloquently put (and I write for a living!) Cheers for that.
2) As a newish reader, I’m excited to take the time to go through old posts while y’all regroup/reprioritize. You have an incredible body of work. I hope you’re proud of that, despite recent writer’s/blogger’s block. I think this happens to everyone who does something creative/original for work. The well runs dry, and you need a break to let it fill back up.
Diana says
Hats off!
Amanda B. says
Did CakeWrecks know you were posting this today? http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2014/9/9/swing-and-a-mist.html (Thought you might need a smile.)
Hey, no worries. It’s called a “sabbatical.” We love ya!
Ashley says
Wow, I’m really surprised but also very impressed with you two for being able to take a step back and notice that the blog has changed. I’ve been reading YHL for 5+ years and have noticed the huge shift. I used to read every sentence of every post and laugh out loud at my desk, sometimes cry, while also getting inspiration from your decorating aesthetic, DIY projects and little trips that you went on.
However for the last several months, I’ve just been scanning your posts, hoping for something “real”. I’m sure it’s tough when you become so successful to continue to come across as the genuine, creative people that you are.. How does TSwift do it??? But I’m hoping you two come back :) Or I guess more importantly, I hope that you two find happiness in your work again, because when you have it, it really shows.
Good luck and thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Cathy says
It has been awhile since I went from one child to two; it seemed like I went from one child to four. It takes a LOT more time. Add working on making a home for your family and doing all the other wonderful things you do for “us” your readers and fans. Take a break; do what you need to do. If you love what you do work isn’t a four letter word.
Elly says
Oh! Sad face. I’m only new to YHL and I thought you guys were great. Totally understand though, sometimes you just need to do what works best for you guys. I’ll miss your posts! Come back soon :)
Claire says
I’ve been reading this blog for years, from the first house and no kids era. :) And I want you guys to know that I think you rock. I truly admire and respect every step you’ve made along the way, and I think you’ve handled yourselves EXTREMELY well over the years. That’s one of the many reasons I keep reading.
Whatever future decisions you make, please stay true to yourselves (as I’m sure you will) because that’s where the love is.
Ann Marie says
I have been tuning in at 10am for YEARS! Now what will I do? 10am = YHL. (insert emoticon with streaming tears)
Maybe we need a break from you guys too! You are not just a blog, you are a business and a family. And the blog, business and family all work together to support your well being. I love you guys, but in the internet world, you are my 10am. Maybe us readers need a wake up call too. Even my most favorite TV shows take a break for a while to spark creativity and prepare for the next season. We will survive.
In other news – My neighbors left some nice rusty wrought iron furniture on their curb, I picked it and need to figure out how to make it nicey-nice. Maybe I’ll be my own 10am for a while.
See you guys on the flip side!
Jenna says
You guys are my 10am too!!
Laura says
What a fantastic idea Ann Marie. I’ve been feeling bummed about the news all day and what will my 9am be? Love the idea that maybe I need to make my own 9am.
YHL – we love you and thank you for the years of fun and family. You will be missed but hope that this break is all the things you need it to be.
Erin says
I love this TV analogy! Being a numbers person myself, I would imagine that the need to be creative 365 days a year takes its toll. Maybe you could schedule your blog like a TV series – take the summers off to spend time with your family!
I didn’t chime in on Thursday (I rarely comment), but I think it’s crazy that people don’t seem to respect that you are still right in the middle of maternity/paternity leave. Here in Canada we are entitled to one year of maternity leave from work – you guys got like a day!!
That said – I do hope you find a schedule that will work for you and that the blog will find a place in it. The internet is a better place with you on it!
Marissa G says
I also haven’t commented before, but I’ve been a long-time reader and have really enjoyed your DIY and family adventures. A big thank you for providing such fun, creative, and (not to mention) free content over the years. Wishing you well in everything!
prue says
Aaaaaaaaw, thanks so much for being so honest.
It’s this kind of being real I’ve always appreciated so much in you. The honesty of saying “we felt it, and shoot, you felt it, too” and the courage to face that something needs to be done, not least for your own sakes.
Of course I hope you’ll be back soon, but above all: all the best wishes for your time of introspection and rearranging, may it completely realign you with your life.
Erika says
I rarely comment, but I always read – and every so often we tweet or chat on Instagram, eep! – and yes, I remember when things were different… but that doesn’t mean things have gotten bad or stale.
That being said, you do you! I hope that in a month you come back with a backlog of projects to tell us about and lots of cute photos of the three kiddos. You’ll be missed!
Anne says
Thank you guys for being so real. I always loved reading about your beautiful home(s) and family, but wondered too how long you could keep up the pace. I’m happy you guys are going to take some time to think about what’s next. What an exciting new adventure!!! I do love your blog and have been inspired and feel more empowered to try some things myself. You didn’t lose this reader, I will keep checking back and be excited to hear when you decide to post again, no matter the topic. Best wishes to you guys!!! You can do it!!
Olivia says
This is really bittersweet. I’m going to miss not getting new posts everyday but I understand that you need to do what you feel is right.
I know that in the long run, the decision to step back and take a break will be good for you.
And you should both be so proud of what you have accomplished. You built something amazing and when you are ready to come back, we’ll be here, waiting for you.