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.
Amanda says
1,500+ people have said it – we love you guys, we’ll miss you, and we hope your sabbatical brings the spark back for you. Tenured faculty get to do sabbaticals every 7 years or so, so you’ve earned yours DIY Drs. Petersik!
Whatever happens, wishing you all the best and happiness in whatever adventure you choose to rock next – be it YHL or something else.
xoxo
stephanie says
Still love your blog, your style, etc. It’s obviously going to change as time passes – you can’t just keep doing the same thing or no one will read it. The blogosphere, your family, the needs of your house have changed as well which makes perfect sense.
The Showhouse, Target stuff, book, etc have been really exciting to me. I have enjoyed each of them (especially the Showhouse and other redesigns of other spaces like the Children’s Hospital!!). Obviously you won’t have a blog forever, but I really don’t think you’ve failed at all and hope that when you move on you do so happily, not with burn-out. Been reading every post since house #1 and will continue to do so! You’ve affected so many design decisions in our home and I love that!
Also, regular readers of your blog know your awesome policies on freebies, giveaways, sponsors, etc. I for one love that your giveaways just require a simple entry. And there are many cool companies and products I’ve found through your sponsors! If I don’t have interest in a sponsor I just skip it. It makes perfect sense to me that my interests may not match the interests of all your readers.
Sheryl says
All the best to you – do what is right for your family. Loved reading the blog daily, but life is full of change and growth. If you come back to the blog world, I will be thrilled, but if not just leave the archives up – they are SO helpful to our little home projects! Don’t beat yourself up!
Karen says
I just want to say I have never commented before but I love your blog. I haven’t found any other blog that is so welcoming and sincere and also has great content and fun writing. I hope you enjoy your break and take care of those kiddos. I will be here if you come back!
Kirsten Oliphant says
I’m glad/sad you guys are taking a break! I think it’s helpful for figuring things out, but I hate that you guys feel you have to be apologetic about your blog because it’s amazing. Even if you feel like you have lost your stride or want to change some things, blogs are evolving creatures. They just ARE. Blogs looked different and the blogging landscape looked different when you started and will look different in two years, I bet. (And it will look VERY different when the zombie apocalypse happens…)
I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you guys want to take time off to re-center, GREAT! If you feel somehow pressured to do that because of people’s comments or because you feel like you’ve failed your readers, I’m sad. No matter what people’s feedback and response to your blog, your writing, your taste, and your style, you guys have a GREAT blog. You share so much of your life with us by bringing us into your house. Thank you for doing that and for having a quality site and putting so much into it and being willing to be so open. I’ll be glad when you come back and I hope you guys find where you are and where you want to be for YOU.
I hope the comments and feedback help propel and shape that, but don’t inform it by making you doubt, regret, or second guess. Look forward to seeing you guys in a month, no matter how things change. :)
Britiney says
<3 You guys.
kara says
i love your blog – and am sorry that the joy is gone – or has been taken! – from you in writing it.
i guess i don’t understand the workings of the MINDS OF THE BLOGREADERS but – why would anyone expect to love everything you do, or love every post you leave?
it’s our choice to read or not read. And for random people to leave comments that expect you to recreate the projects in your own home so they like them more, or so that they reflect an earlier phase of the blog – borders on bullying.
hope we can all figure this internet community thing out – and really hope it doesn’t take you out of the scene, because you provide a really wonderful burst of light and inspiration in my day, and, i know, lots more, too!
Julie says
It is funny this is the post as I thought things seemed a bit harried since Teddy was born. Plus I just contacted you about blogs you follow but very few provide the technical information and humour that you do in YHL. I hope you return in a month. Enjoy your time away and please do not make the break permanent.
Thank you!
missy W says
Petersiks- Bravo! This post was written with such love and admiration. I’ve been an avid fan from the very beginning of “This Young House”. We purchased a fixer upper farmhouse months after your blog was born! While things have grown throughout the years there has never been a time where I have not liked your style. I am a few years younger than you both and have felt you have matured in your style from young adult hood to a family of 4 as I have the past years and it makes total sense. My husband and I are currently experiencing a life style change and the feeling of just taking a break is something we are all to familial with. We need to find our joy again as well. Please enjoy this break you are taking and I hope you find your joy for home improvement and sharing yourselves with the world because I for one will be awaiting your return! Best wishes!
Ellen says
I respect your need to take a step back and reevaluate…you never really did take any maternity/paternity leave did you? I will be honest, reading your blog is one of my most favorite parts of the day, and I will miss you, but it sounds like you really need it. You should prob call up Beyonce to discuss what it’s like to be famous and have so many folks weighing in on all of your decisions ;). Seriously, you have a lot in common w jayz & Beyonce, including adorable children.
Enjoy your time away and I will be here to read when/if you decide to blog again. I just love your personalities and seeing what you are up to…
…and I REALLY don’t feel like you should apologize AT ALL for the success you have had outside the realm of the blog. You have been involved in some incredible opportunities because you have worked hard and earned them. I wish nothing but wonderful things for you and your family!!
Holly says
I am selfishly sad to miss out on more YHL for a month or however long your break is, but you know what’s best for you and your family, and you deserve a break—I hope you enjoy it!
Like others have said, I have always appreciated that you work so hard and with integrity (e.g. not doing sponsored posts or anything even remotely sneaky like some other bloggers), that you genuinely care about your readers, and that you have created such a warm, inviting space—it really is one of my favorite spots on the interwebs. Like, I type in “y” in the address bar, and it fills in with “younghouselove.com.” :) I’ve never been much of an internet commenter so I wish I had commented more frequently/earlier to thank you for all you do!
I think Tom and Donna said it best: TREAT YO SELF! :)
Andrea says
I think you guys are wonderful and this takes a lot of guts. You will certainly be missed, but its totally understandable if you need to switch gears and get your mojo back. If you do come back to this space I will continue being a faithful reader :) thanks for all the laughs, inspiration and years of internet friendship petersiks!!
Alisa says
I’ll miss you but understand. Thanks for all your inspiration over the years. You have no idea how excited I was when I won free paint supplies in one of your contests a while ago. Take care and best of luck in your decision process.
Gina says
I’m so sad! I am a little late to the party and just recently discovered your blog, and it’s been one of my very favorites to check every week, so I will miss your great posts:) You guys do amazing work and have certainly inspired me in our first home-buying/fixer-upper journey. You have a beautiful family and are doing the right thing to take time to truly discover what is best for you all. As I check back and look at old posts, I will pray that God gives you true discernment and joy in whatever you decide! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and time with us!
Christine says
First off I’d like to thank both of you for inspiring and sharing your creativity and beauty with us all. Next because I’m opinionated I’ll offer my two cents, not because it’s worth much but because I’m like that. Don’t overthink these things. You’ve changed and naturally so has your blog. Accept it and embrace it, to that I’ll add you’re working too hard. The saying “work smarter not harder” applies. Be yourselves, share your sources of inspiration no matter how big or small. Feature new up and comers i.e. fellow youngin’s. Remember where you started… when I think of y’all I remember photo strips, pins in a map, and weekly baby photos. I’d read your webpage and think that’s so cute and easy… I can do that! The sweet little touches make our houses into home. Each of us works with a different budget, you do not need to apologize or feel guilty. Be yourselves, honor where you started but don’t fear where you headed. Don’t adhere to rigid posting times and comments, you loyal followers don’t expect you to. We just like to be inspired by you guys. Take time for you family, but to keep the blog fun and relaxed you should try to do the same. Again, love what you guys do, thank you!
Amber says
I haven’t commented in months (well, I only did like twice, ever) but I’m so excited for y’all. You need this. Enjoy your family and enjoy this time. The second one grows up even faster than the first. Love you guys.
Corie says
I felt bad about my well-intended but critical comment but it seems that you recognize and acknowledge exactly what I was saying. How refreshing! I know this couldn’t have been an easy post to write or decision to make.
I’m wondering how things with advertisers and give-aways will work out but I’m sure you have a “we have the right to revoke this at any time” type of clause in your agreements with those companies. Plus, not my beeswax! Just curious!
Good luck. I hope you both take time to unwind and regroup, and then hit the ground running with whatever your next steps will be, both personally and professionally.
Just… please don’t go away forever, okay?
Tara says
John & Sherry,
I have read your blog from day one and I have always loved reading your posts!! People change and grow and have different views and ways of doing things, but I have never felt “let down” because of your blog or business choices. You do what’s best for you. I would be sad for the day that your blog would be no more, but I would never expect you to give up your life or making choices that are right for you because of my personal opinions. You guys are awesome for thinking of us and for listening to our opinions and ideas. I hope you all decide what’s best for YOU! I just think some people shouldn’t be so critical if you choose to not share certain details of your life for security reasons. You guys share enough as it is! Love you guys and can’t wait to hear back from you!
Erin C says
I will be thinking of you guys. I hope you have a peaceful, refreshing break. xoxo
Kandice says
This post almost brought me to tears. I have enjoyed reading your blog daily or semi-daily for almost 3 years now. You’ve become part of my daily routine and something I really look forward to each day. Although I rent my home and can’t do a lot of the updates you do, I still read and enjoy every post – DIY house upgrades, decorations, your book and tour, family updates, showhouse…you name it, and I read it and love it. I totally understand what you’re saying and wish you nothing but the best. Thanks so much for including us in your life thus far, and I hope you return soon and with renewed joy in this internet space. Enjoy your time finding yourselves again!
Alyssa says
Very conflicting D-: and :-D emotions for me! Glad you guys are taking time off to recenter, but will truly miss your awesomeness. Sending much love, light, and clarity to you as you search for your new life balance <3
Jill says
I actually have tears in my eyes! Feel like you guys are friends. Will miss reading everyday.. I don’t care what you post – I LOVE it! :) Happy for you guys.. hurry back!!
Janet says
I will miss you guys. I have enjoyed watching you guys grow as DIYers and as a family. I hope you will return, even if it is only sometimes. Keep in touch!! :)
Emily says
I am so bummed to read this! I have always thought of my daily reading of your posts as a treat, and something I ALWAYS looked forward to (my boyfriend knew NOT to interrupt during johnandsherrytime. Also, as a side note, he recognizes you guys around Richmond far better and more often than I do, hah!). We don’t pay to read your blog, and no one makes us read it, and I think all of your readers should be aware of that and keep it in mind when they visit your site. Therefore, you should do/write about/include/photograph/leave out whatever you want!! (including taking a break, if that’s what you all want/need to do).
I really hope you know that you have lots (literally hundreds of thousands!) of readers who love what you do, look forward to your blog every day, and use it as an amazing resource and source of inspiration, regardless of age, location, status, etc. I have always thought you guys were the perfect balance of humor, professionalism, humility, teacher, artist, and internet friend (is that weird?). It practically breaks my heart that you guys have to deal with such negativity to the point that you feel like you are failing your readers!! You’re not failing anyone!! Your blog is free to read, and therefore, you guys are free to include whatever you want, whenever you want, and I love it no matter what you do. You should certainly do whatever you feel is right for you, and for your kiddos, and for your family as a whole, but I hope your feelings about failing dissolve quickly with a little space, and I certainly hope you don’t put too much weight on the negativity some people bring to your slice of interwebs (easier said than done, I am sure). I will jump–nay, leap like a gazelle!– for joy if/when you return to YHL!
Jen says
Take your time. Rest. Think. Spend time with your family. Thanks for all you’ve given us.
Nicole says
I have so much love for you guys. I’ve been following since before Clara’s birth, and I totally understand needing to take a break and get away from things for a little while. I truly hope you decide to come back! I’ve found tons of inspiration from your blog and love hearing about your sweet babies. Enjoy your time! (And I’m secretly hoping you’ll be back before Christmas because I LOOOOVVVVE seeing your Christmas tree and all of your wonderful decorations!)
Holly says
I want to cry. I feel like a friend is moving away…but that us the weird reality of the internet. I have never met you, but you have inspired me, and I totally thank you for that. Enjoy the break, change, breathing room…what ever this ends up being. Thanks for sharing your lives and your talents. God bless!
molly says
you guys have been such inspiration for me! i started following you when y’all worked full time and were figuring out your first house. thank you for sharing all you have shared with us, all you have taught us and all you have inspired us to do. i think i may have only posted once or twice this whole time I have followed you, but i didn’t want the opportunity to be gone and me not have let you know what fun it has been to follow along with your adventures (and try some of our own). i wish you all the best. enjoy your break!
Brianna says
When I first started reading this post I figured I knew where it was going, selfishly I hoped I was wrong. This makes me both sad, and happy. You guys deserve to step back and recharge and do what you need to do. This blog is so great it would be a bummer for you to not feel like your best is going into it, or to continue on with what you felt was mediocre because you felt like you had to (kind of like when a TV show runs just one season too long). I am sure that I’m not the only one who feels like they know you, after reading for so long, and us fans of yours want what feels right for you. Whether your gone for a month or indefinitely, whether you return knowing that this blog is your true passion or you find something else that really inspires you just do what feels right for your family. Know that you will be missed, no matter how long you’re gone. I will be patiently, excitedly, waiting your triumphant return if and when it does happen (crossing my fingers it will). Until then I’ll just watch and rewatch the “Hush” video. Now go snuggle those babies and enjoy some rest!
Rebbie says
I’ll miss you, but I also understand the need for a little break. I love the picture of the heart rock. It brought back good memories of a painted glittery rock from my childhood that I haven’t thought of in 30 years. Thanks for that!
Suzanne in NW IL says
We love you, Sherri, John and Family. We’ll leave the light on for you. Enjoy your MUCH deserved break to reflect and feel “yourselves” again!
Rachel says
Nooo….you guys are being way too hard on yourselves! The content is great and you guys are too. Grant yourselves some grace to not be perfect in this world where people can hide behind a computer monitor and critique your every written word. Your blog is fantastic and I can’t wait for you to come back!
Danielle says
Thanks for all you have given us for 7 years…enjoy your time off…you will be missed…until next time…xoxo
Cat says
I feel like i just got dumped. but i totally understand. you guys have been going full pelt through 3 houses and 2 babies. who can keep up that momentum? not any real person. not an honest person. you guys are an inspiration and I’m excited to hear about what your next chapter will be. big hugs and high fives, xoxo!
Tardevil says
As a former blogger, several years ago, I remember having burnout and the pressure to post constantly. Now, there are sponsors and all sorts of social media to keep updated. Maybe you will feel rejuvenated after your break. Regardless, whether you get what you feel is your groove back or not, I never had a problem with your content or had a problem with you posting less to take time with your family. After all, it’s kind of like living in a fishbowl when you put your family out there like that, and to want some space from that is normal, in my opinion. I would hate feeling an obligation to share everything. In fact, that would be a burden to me. I don’t think your furniture is cheap, and see nothing wrong with your use of white. That’s the great thing about blogging, to me….you get to view lots of styles and tastes. So, I hope you find whatever you are looking for during your break, and know that whatever you decide, it’s ok.
Lynn says
Life is constant change and you are right to consider what is best for you. All careers evolve. (Blog readers evolve also…some drop out and new arrive.) Of course I hope you will be back in whatever form gives you satisfaction.
It would be nice if you make notes on your projects big and small that you do while off-line and catch us up when you return. Thanks for all the goodness, smiles and information you have provided.
Anna | Gone Banannas says
John and Sherry, I will really miss seeing your posts pop up. I enjoy you guys and your family and have always been thankful that you are allowing us in and taking us along for this journey called life. Sometimes, ya just need a break! I didn’t blog for most of the summer because other things took priority so I understand why you are backing away for a bit. I will miss you and I very much look forward to your return. Now, go and enjoy those unbelievably gorgeous kids of yours!
Tanya says
Young house love, I absolutely LOVE you guys! I’ve been reading regularly for a few years now, and it was love at first post. I was hooked! Love your openness, your simplicity, your jokes, family, everything! You have inspired me in home DIY like no other. Through you guys I saw the possibilities were possible. Hugs and kisses to my favorite bloggers!!! Can’t wait to have you back :)
Arlene says
I am an older reader who has followed you for three years. I’ve so enjoyed your accomplishments. You have helped me so very much find products for my own home.
Hopefully this is a one month break. I never for a second felt you were making money on the freebies, just always hoped I’d be lucky enough to win…but the names of stores always gave me places to look to purchase items. Best of luck.
Laura says
Don’t get down on yourselves guys! We love you! And you have accomplished a ridiculous amount in the last few years. I myself, would be a total train wreck just moving that many times let alone having babies, writing books, developing product lines… I mean come on super kids, relax already ;) Every person/family/company has their growth spurts and what not. All you can do is re-access, be true to yourselves and your family :) We’ll miss you while your gone (seriously I only keep up with my personal email to see your posts – it’s work deleting all that spam ;P but it’s always worth it!) but ENJOY yourselves! XOXO, Laura
Jenna says
Wow, what courage and honesty!
Seriously, you guys are so the best. I’m glad you’re taking a break. I had my second baby this past year and I keep getting called into the office to ask why I keep missing small things and that I just seem off. Ummm, I feel overwhelmed and lost and it shows? haha
In my own life, I keep thinking of the word “replenish” because if I don’t replenish (myself, the fridge, the toilet paper roll), then I won’t have anything to give and I desperately want to give, especially to my kids.
I’ve ready every single post you guys have ever made, and as a big fan I’d love to ready one every day. However, I think it is so wise and so good for you guys to take a break… a long break… a sabbatical! In a lot of ways, you guys are artists. You need a break to get your creativity back… or at least your sanity. I hope you’re able to take a long, long break. Maybe a year off (with hopefully monthly updates on your life/house/kids?).
We love you guys so much! And seriously are inspired by your courage in creating this blog, leaving careers for the blog, and backing away from the blog. You rock!
Renee says
I will really miss reading all of your posts, but you all deserve a break. Enjoy it and I’ll be right here when yall return! Much love!
Stephanie says
Just wanted to chime in with my wholehearted support. Family comes first; you guys do you! You don’t owe us anything. Find your passion and we’ll see you when your darn well ready! :)
Lauren says
BOO hiss! I’ll miss you guys. I totally get it but can you at least host a HGTV show already? Come on we need some color and ceramic animals in our lives!
Beth says
You will be greatly missed by many this month, but know that you are respected for your decision. I’d imagine that having another baby in the home has been a beautiful distraction in itself. It’s a good time for you guys to step back and re-examine where you’re at and where you’d like to be. Hoping it will be just the break you need!
Matia says
Say it isn’t so. This blog has been my daily addiction for years. Hope to see you back very soon!
Marisa says
Please come back and post an update regardless of what you decide to do. Good luck! I hope you find your bliss again.
Roxanne says
Yes please!
Becca says
I hope this is like a sabbatical for you guys. I have been so inspired by you guys for the past 4 years that I’ve been reading, and you’ve helped my husband and I stay inspired as we completely re-did our first house along with you guys. I hope you have a restful, relaxing month and that you come back to the blog again! We’ll miss you:)
Erika says
With a full-time job and school full time, and wedding planning, I welcomed your blog as a small break in my crazy day. I’ve warmly referred to you as my “blog friends” to my fiance who thinks I’m a little crazy. Thank you for your countless moments of inspiration for the home I hope to have in the near future. Life is short, enjoy it as you see fit, whether it’s blogging or whatever else tickles your fancy!
Laurel says
I never thought anything was missing, off, wrong, etc. I read your blog every day–it was a fun break I looked forward to. That said, totally get needing a break. Enjoy your time off, take good care!