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.
Melissa hoffman says
Thank you for a space of inspiration, silliness, beauty, and joy. My husband and I literally became DIY brave because of your blog. I don’t have a blog documenting the progress on our home but I wish I could invite you over and show you all the things we’ve done that have been inspired by you. We didn’t do any of it just to “upgrade” or hit a certain trend either. It was truly to just make our house our HOME. You helped us find what home feels like for us. Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing and being real. Prayers that God continues to lead you and draw you closer to Him as you journey along.
julianna says
Good for you! I hope you discover what makes you feel passionate again. And if you ever decide to return to blogging, remember that it doesn’t have to be in the same structure that you’ve done in the past. I can think of several bloggers that sometimes go a few weeks between posts, and nobody (well, almost nobody) minds waiting because when they do post it’s because they have something fresh and interesting to say. (And if you return to blogging, you definitely don’t have to moderate the comments full-time.)
Enjoy rediscovering who you are and what makes you happy.
Jessie says
Enjoy your time :)
Like a favorite book, I’m just going to reread old posts when I miss you and need design inspiration.
Crystal C. says
I dearly hope you get a chance to read this. I’ve been following your blog since, hmm… year 4. So awhile, although maybe not as long as some. I’ve never left a comment before, but I just wanted to say that I truly care about you guys and love what you have done with your blog. If you read this, my only thought and prayer is that you guys are being true to yourselves and true to your family. I would never be angry with anyone who left feedback for you that might have been perceived (by me) as harsh… But I do care if people have left feedback that has made any insecurities or uncertainties worse for you and your family. In short, we care and love you guys too. Please do what is best for your family. But please, please, please take all the criticism with a grain of salt. Because there is a large fan base who totally loves and supports you. And I for one, am one if them. See ya later…
Megan says
Agreed! I think everyone needs to take a sabbatical in order to stay invested in any project/job/hobby. About two years ago after a family death, I struggled to find the joy in my job position. I think whenever you have any major life changes, new birth or death, you have a new perspective on what is important and where you want to spend your time. Ultimately I loss the spark for my job and I needed to find it again.
Give yourself some time and I will be waiting on the other side….eagerly with my paint brush.
dolly says
<3 I never comment, but just had to chime in here. We'll miss you so much! But kudos on putting your family and mental health first. Hope this break is rejuvenating.
Tami says
I have to admit, I never thought that hard about your blog; I just enjoyed the hell out of it. follow your hearts and enjoy! it’s your lives and no one gets to tell you how to live (or how to blog). peace and love
Tiffany says
Hey Jon and Shari,
I wish you the best in this quiet time off. I’m proud of you for saying what you need! I hope that in this time you are renewed and inspired. I adore what you guys do but you are a family! Enjoy your rest. We all need to take a step back sometimes and re-evaluate where we are and where we are headed.
Puffy-heart-love,
Tiffany from St. Louis
Ashleigh says
Enjoy some time to breathe and love on your babies! You guys need a real break. Let the creative well refill itself and you’ll feel so much better. See ya soon!
Linda says
You’ll be successful at whatever you do. Keep listening to the still small voice and be happy being who are today. I wish all 5 of you the very best.
God Bless You
Carol P. says
Wow! Since I rarely read any of the comments, I had no idea there was discontent in YoungHouseLove-ville! I love your blog and feel like you are always very honest and real in your actions and reactions. You have been very gracious to let us peek into your family life, and I’ve loved every minute! Enjoy your little family and do what’s right for you all! I will look forward to seeing you again when you’re ready, however you choose to present yourselves!
Rain says
I had no idea that you had “lost your groove”. You will all be missed but just like everyone else has stated I will also be here waiting for your return! Be happy and enjoy those cute babies and your beautiful new home!
Maleah says
I am amazed that you post as often as you do. Love that you are taking a break. Maybe you should have done one anyway right after baby #2 arrived. It is called maternity leave. :)
I hope that you come back even if it is on a smaller scale.
Sarah says
The “seven year itch” doesn’t just have to be regarding marriage, and it’s perfectly natural. Life is always changing, so we could never reasonably expect you guys to stay the same! If I was you I’d be totally sick of doing projects for the purpose of having blog content (and it seems like that may have been the perfectly natural rut you’ve fallen into). Maybe when you’re back you can just fill us in when you do renovations that you WANTED to do. Have the blog post be the side effect of the project, instead of having the project be the side effect of the post (if that makes any sense). Best of luck you guys, at the end of the day family comes first, so you gotta do what you gotta do! p.s. I hope that involves a fun vacation, too!
Lauren says
Best wishes, John and Sherry, to you and your family. I will certainly miss reading your blog, but to echo the sentiments of many other commenters (commentators?), you’ve got to do what’s best for you and your family. If you decide to make a return to blogging, you’ll still have many loyal followers. xx
Adrienne Jones says
I’m not a frequent comment-leaver, but this came up in my feed and I jumped back to the previous post and was appalled by some of the comments.
This is your blog and you owe your readers nothing. We are here because we want to be. And so should you. There is no contract, MOU – you can do what you want and need to do. If readers do not like it, they can bail (and with more tact than some of the comments I read).
I think you both have always worked really hard to keep this blog going and have been above and beyond considerate and appreciative of your readers and what you have achieved through their loyalty and support.
You don’t owe us your lives.
Sandra says
My first reaction was oooooh nooooo I LOVE your blog , LOVE your decor style and ideas !!!!
You will be MISSED , take all the time you need but please come back . ????
Shelley says
Well, I was always amazed that you found the time to do any of it with two small kids and small dog in the house! I was grateful for any and all posts!
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Kim S says
Oh my gosh I will miss you guys tons! You have taught me SO MUCH over the past 6 years. DIY, organization, parenting…all have been inspired and influenced by YHL! You are both truly gifted, and I hope your time “out of the spotlight” helps you to re-focus and re-charge. I’ll be here when you get back!
Kelly says
Thank you both so much. Thank you for your honesty and integrity. Thank you for the way you inspire your readers. And thanks for making us feel like your friends (without sounding too cheesey… Or creepy). Creativity and passion are fickle things. May your time off be a blessing. I know I will be hear to read all about it when you get back :)
Linda says
As always, you guys are a class act. Thank you SO MUCH for everything! Prayers and positive energy being sent your way.
Jessica Duffy says
I think this break is a great idea though I will miss you guys much! This is not just a blog and this is not just a job – this is your life. And, if you need to take a step back to reanalyze and set priorities straight then by all means do! Your life and happiness and that of your children is far more important than any blog. I think taking a step back will rejuvenate your lives, whether that includes the return to the blog or not. If/when you come back, I’ll certainly be eagerly awaiting!
Alicia Redrick says
Nooo!! I’ve been a faithful reader of this blog (back when it was called “This Young House”) and have loved reading your blog during my lunch break at work…it has always been the highlight of my day. I can’t tell you how many times I mention John and Sherry to my husband, the projects you’ve inspired me to take on. You are and have remained a trusted brand. People change, grow mature and so has your blog. Have I always welcomed the changes? No but I get on board because I believe you know what’s best for your blog. I’ve been AMAZED how you can maintain a loving marriage, raise happy children, DIY, write books, create lightening and hook lines…I’m amazed and inspired. I can’t help but think some people are just jealous of your lifestyle. Yes you would not be where you are without the blog but neither would we as readers. In my opinion its been a balanced give and take relationship. I pray you find the answers that you are seeking as to what the future holds for YHL. I will deeply miss reading your blog the next 30 days and pray for understanding when you report back. Missing you guys already, Alicia :-)
Stephanie says
I am relatively new to the YHL party, have only been reading for about 2 years. First I just want to say that I love your blog and that I will still be checking every morning around 9 for content, because I don’t want to get out of my habit and I will be secretly hoping you decide a one week break is enough:)
Seriously, I can only imagine that after 3 houses and 2 kids the stress of producing new content as well as topping your previous projects, it did feel more like a job than fun. You need a break and that’s okay. For the record, you don’t owe us anything, this is your blog and your life and you need to write both as you see fit. I only hope that at some point you come back in some capacity on the blog.
Casey says
Just want to say I’ve been oblivious to anything others might be complaining about because I always enjoy your posts and always want more, more more! Keep your chins up. It’s hard to have a heart and care in this world, but don’t change. Love that you are real, good, loving people and you care what others think. Thanks for sharing your world with us!
jan says
John and Sherry – Good for you for following your feelings and what is right for your sweet family. You’ll be missed but we’ll all be waiting with bated breath for the next adventure you may include us in. All the best. Be very happy!
Nicole says
Good for you. Everyone needs a break sometimes. Now, stop reading all these thousands of comments and go love on those adorable babies of yours!
Edie says
I’m totally bummed. Reading your updates are like the highlight of my day. I’ve been lurking for a long time, but not really commenting. All I can say is that I know what it’s like to be a working mom (and dad) with two small kids. It can be totally overwhelming at times. You guys didn’t take much of a break after your son was born. Maybe you can use this time to regroup a bit. I really really hope to see more updates on the blog soon. So many of your projects, I wish I had the time to do. I just completed your board and batten project in my son’s room and it turned out FABULOUSLY!! (and my husband and I didn’t kill each other, which is surprising!!)
Anyway, know that you WILL be missed. Please come back soon. (but enjoy a break for a bit) ;)
Denise says
You guys, I have enjoyed reading your blog professionally and personally, I am sure it has been a great challenge at times. I hope you will be back soon and feel revitalized! You are only human and probably need a break. Wish you the best and hurry back.
Candy says
I understand…but I’m also very sad. I refer to you guys often when talking to my family…”ya know…I saw on Young House Love”…like you’re one of my besties…will miss reading here and hope you will be back very soon!
JennP says
I did not take the survey, but here’s my 2 cents anyways… I like to think I probably represent a pretty “average” reader. I’m a 30-ish mom with a busy schedule and a love for home improvement. I check in once or twice a week and play catch up on what I’ve missed. I breeze through some posts and read others intently, and I just want you to know that I never felt “failed” as a reader! Your posts have always been thoughtful, well-written and so helpfully detailed. If you put the burden on yourself to please every one of your thousands of readers with every single post, then you’ll fail every time. I have no doubt that many of your most vocal critics fall into one of two categories, 1.) The overly invested reader who probably feels a little bit too entitled to your time and attention, and 2.) The “I want to see them fail for no real reason other than to make me feel better about myself” type. Your blog is great, and it has evolved in a wonderful way. I started reading when you were pregnant with Clara (I was due with my first just a few weeks later), and your success has been so wonderful to see! I hope your break brings you lots of family time and new energy, and I sincerely hope you come back!!
Sarah F. says
Sigh. I sorta saw this coming, but I’m also still surprised. We’ll definitely miss you, but like most people here, I hope you two can come back refreshed and renewed and with a whole lotta new ideas and projects to share. Thanks for your honesty and for keeping your integrity. Sending you lots o’ love from Washington!
Kristin says
I wanted to say a quick ‘thank you’ for featuring my daughter’s room a few years ago – not for any sort of blog fame or recognition because those have never been personal goals of mine, but because that post linked to my blog, and ultimately led to two real life friendships in my own city, and seven other friendships online that I treasure.
Your post today was so well written and thoughtful, and I appreciate your honesty. I think this is a good thing, and I wish you guys all the best.
Jes-ka says
The other day, I was really excited to feel bored. Things had been overwhelming recently and I knew it meant I had hit some turning point in my motivation (i.e. I had normalized, I suppose?).
Work, hobbies, etc. all benefit from an ebb and flow in ourselves. It’s just not always obvious, I think, nor is it always on a time scale we can easily digest.
My friend group has a motto, “You do you”. It applies to all of us, because what can we do without ourselves? Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Thank you for such a forthright letter. I cannot speak for everyone, but I know I will be around. And should you never come back to what you started — please know and understand that it is OKAY.
I mean, if you guys haven’t changed inside as much as you have on the outside in these past 7 years, then I’d say something was wrong with ya!
Change is good and those who disagree have no choice but to embrace it eventually. You do you.
xoxo Jes & Andy
Ragan says
“We were on a breeeaaaak!” Sad to read but easy to understand
Erika says
I am one of those people who stopped reading a few years ago – it just didn’t seem like the same old place anymore – which is FINE – I have a busy family and I liked the old, comfy, authentic feeling of the “before big business” blog – and felt that it lost some of that charm (for me)…even though I would never fault you for growth or change. Reading this makes me smile because THIS is why I read your blog in the past – I felt like you guys were people after my own heart – and that simplifying and putting your family and each other first above goals – and living outside the “normal path” – was something you aspired to – and it was inspiring! So – I hope you come back and blog, and that you do things on your terms, with your priorities in place. It sounds like you will – and for that, I will be a proud reader once again! :-) With Love,
Erika
abbey says
I’m sad for me but happy for you guys. Thank you so much for sharing your home, family and life with us. You have been such an inspiration as my husband and I buy our first home and welcome our first baby. I hope this time helps you see what you want with your future and brings you peace of mind. Thank you again! Love you guys!!
Thierry says
Will miss you dearly, but completely understand. Wishing you the best now, and always!
Heather says
Clearly I’m in the minority on this but honestly, am I the only one that feels like your feelings got hurt on the playground so you’re stomping home saying ‘I’m not playing with you anymore?’
All of these readers congratulating you on taking a break… I don’t get it.
Can any of us go into our workplace, tell our bosses we have lost our ‘spark’ for the job and are taking at least a month off?
JennP says
Forgive me for saying, but your last question is pretty narrow minded. Not everybody works 9-5/M-F/12 months a year. I took 3 years off of work to take care of my babies. Some people take extended vacations or leave to care for a sick relative. Teachers work 8 months a year, and we still praise their dedication! I’m in the majority who believe that they are entitled to the break they haven’t really taken for 7 years, and I hope if/when they return, they’ve weeded out some complainers.
Christy says
After I read yesterday’s post I thought something like this might be coming, so I looked back through everything you’ve accomplished this last year with the new house, the show house, the baby – and WOW!!!! You’ve been beyond busy and managed to make amazing improvements in your house in the process.
Will I miss my daily/weekly dose of YHL? Yes, but I feel privileged to have found your little slice of heaven and been a witness to your lives (and met John’s incredibly nice parents at the show house).
Take all the time you need, I’ll be waiting when you’re back with more pop culture-reference titles and more amazing DIY projects, and more stories about your beautiful family.
Misa says
It’s hard to imagine not hearing from you or seeing your house progress. I infrequently comment, but I’ve read every post you’ve written for the past 6 years. However, when I think about the amount of energy it must take to continuously work on house projects, blog about them, and respond to feedback on them (both positive and negative), I can’t imagine how you sustain it. I’m 32 and we just bought our second home, and the difference between the energy and enthusiasm I have for fixing up this home versus my first is shocking–it’s so much harder to find the time and energy now. No one cares what my house looks like but me, but hundreds of thousands of people are anxiously awaiting updates and changes on your house. That’s a lot of pressure. So I completely understand your need to take a break and reassess. I’ll be waiting, and hoping you’ll come back. Best wishes for you, Petersik family. You have come to feel like very dear friends, and I’ll miss you.
Katharine says
First off: I love that you still think of this massive website as a blog. I guess I think of blogs as being those things that people create and wonder if anyone else reads them — you know, small-time stuff. And the fact that you refer to it that way, to me, shows that you’ve still got a lot of love for this baby and its heart and soul.
I love that you guys have tackled progressively bigger projects and your skills have grown, so sometimes it seems, as a reader, like you’re flying through projects lightning fast (that laundry room was like WHOA!). After the laundry room construction bonanza, yesterday’s post about decorating it felt like one of those light little personal touches that I think many of us are craving. I know it definitely inspired me to think about my laundry room in a whole new way.
Take the time to regroup and refresh — you’re both creative people, and us creative people need a good rejuvenating break every once in a while. It keeps us healthy and on our game! I can’t wait to see what you come up with once you’re back. :) <3
Melanie Chambers says
You have always been my favorite blog. I hope this is just a time to recharge and we will see your beautiful projects soon, but if not….you are both amazing people with amazing taste! I am glad you are realistic with your priorities! Family is always most important! I loved every blog post! Best wishes to you!
Erin Port says
I have so enjoyed your honesty and genuine spirit. I will miss you guys! Having blogged for 5 years myself (on a much much much smaller scale), I understand the lost spark and have had to step back a bit myself! Enjoy your family, at the end of the day, they matter most!!!!! (((Hugs))))
Adrienne says
You are making a difficult, yet necessary decision. I respect you so much for taking the soul break you need to regroup not only your blog, but your family and joy as well. Too many times we take the easy or safe way out, because following our passions would cause so much disruption with the day to day. And even when you are following your bliss you also have to be open to changes that come with life that may light a new path. Congratulations on taking the step you need to take, without being overly burdened by what others say. Only you can live your life. Blessings.
Kellie says
I’ve been a long time reader (6 years) and love the blog! We’ve bought a house and had two kids in that time and your blog had been such an inspiration to the renovations we’ve made! I think it’s great your putting your family first and figuring out what works best for you!
Jessica says
You guys definitely deserve this break. Hopefully we’ll see you back here, but if not all of your readers will understand. Enjoy your time off!
Donna says
You are never going to please everyone. In the end, it only matters what makes you happy. If you come back to the blog, either part or full time, its all for the good.
If not? Be happy with whatever choices you make.
Sydney says
Totally agree, though will be sad to see you go. Hope something works out in the future so it won’t be a complete ‘good-bye’ like some blogs I’ve followed in the past. Follow your dreams!
ROK says
Wow, I did not actually see that coming. As someone with a hobby blog and a full time non-creative job, reading these corporate blogs often leaves me feeling inadequate so it was interesting to hear you talking about missing the fun/randomness of the hobby. Good luck with the time off–enjoy!