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.
Lauren says
Hi J & S! First time commenting on the blog, but I’ve been a faithful reader for years :)
Sorry to see a hiatus, but echo the positive sentiments of those comments above. Thank you for all of the ideas, tips, and laughs, it’s been a true pleasure reading about your journey!
Simone walsh says
Most shops close their doors and never ask what their loyal customers think, mainly because they are sad. Yes, you were supported by millions of people, but that is because you gave millions of people something, you filled a void. Many of your followers possibly never did any of your projects or never even lifted a paint brush, but like I said, you filled a void. I think you are both an inspiration and need not apologize. Your humble step down (or to the side) is gracious and worthy of applaud.
With every good wish for your next adventure,
Simone
G Unit says
Wow, surreal to read today’s post. I started reading your blog probably a few months since its start. To be fair I can’t say I am surprised. I think as a reader can see the proverbial writing on the wall for some time now. While not surprised a bit sadden. While it is probably for the best for your family, as a reader you develop happy habits. My habit was your blog. When your blog was good it was great, yet with time I felt the passion was lost and I found myself skimming. Nevertheless, from a business perspective, I am lost regarding your decision. I do not understand why you would call time to regroup for one months time? Business is money and in the business of blogging, readers are king. Your self imposed break will no doubt have an adverse effect on the volume of your readers. While, no one can make every reader happy surely that should not stop your work? Also regarding your to be published book 2, again wouldn’t this time off adversely affect sales? From an editors point of view, wouldn’t they encourage your work on your blog to continue especially as the success of book 2 is reliant on blog visibility ? Granted none of this is my business just a bummer to see a good business and business model close up shop. Regardless I wish you nothing but the very best in the future.
Summer says
I sincerely applaud you for doing what’s best for your family. Selfishly, I really, really, really hope you come back though. :-) I LOVE your blog–it is by far my favorite one. Period.
I am going to miss your blog so much in the meantime!
Wishing you tons of happiness!!!!
hillarybug says
I am really really going to miss you guys. I have loved your blog for a long time, even with the changes time have brought. I have a question for you: can you name a few of your favorite home blogs so I can get my fix elsewhere? I looked for recommendations on your website, but couldn’t find any. My apologies if I missed it. Love you and thanks!
Allison says
John & Sherry, reading YHL is always my happy time of day and I always look forward to reading your posts. I will most definitely miss you guys during your break. That being said, I fully support you making the difficult decision to do what is right by you and your family. I sincerely hope your break allows you to gain much needed rest and fresh perspective. I wholeheartedly look forward to your return to the blogosphere in whatever capacity that may be. Until then, I will be trolling the archives for my daily happy time!
Carli says
Sending lots of virtual hugs and love to you guys. This is so honest and vulnerable of you to share. I can only imagine the internal struggles you’ve dealt with as you transitioned a (wildly successful) passion-based hobby into (wildly successful) jobs/projects which support your family financially. There’s no true blueprint for how to accomplish this feat without occasionally wondering where exactly you’re going or how you got where you are if things don’t feel ‘the way they used to’.
Take as much time as you need to reacquaint yourselves with your passions and enthusiasm. Wherever this break leads, I hope you know you have a huge audience of faithful readers who have sincerely appreciated every ounce of hard work, care and thought you’ve put into this virtual space. Selfishly I hope to see you back here DIY’ing your little hearts out at a pace that feels right for your family :) More than anything though, I wish you peace with the direction you decide to take your family, your careers, your blog and your life in general. You’re great people and I feel privileged to have followed along for as long as I’ve been able to.
xo Carli
Tiffany T. says
As an avid reader for over 6 years, I thank you for every part of it. I know this was a tough decision and I support you guys no matter what happens. Just know that if I saw you on the street I would probably act like we were old friends and it would be really awkward : )
Christie says
Making a Life rather than a Living is maybe what you’re describing. If home life and work life are separate, I think you might feel more contentment. Home blogs, in general, encourage discontentment, consumerism, and constant desire for change. Maybe try the exact opposite and work towards contentment rather than change, in your heart, in your home and in your blog/business.
Please don’t go the easy way out and rebrand as a mommy blog. Your kids are too precious for that kind of exposure.
Mary Lee says
I, too, am not your average reader (40 yr old/wife/mom/accountant by trade) but you’ve helped me to find “my style”. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get on my home decor (from all ages) and it pretty much started with your blog. I started following you years ago, while you were still at the first house, through “rate my space” – remember that?. I’ve been coming back almost every day. I’m totally bummed but I get it too. Take a break and see what happens. You know a lot of us will still be around if you decide to come back and if not I hope you find that spark in wherever life takes you. Best of luck and thanks for the inspiration.
MC says
you guys are such inspirations both professionally on this blog and just as kick ass people. thank you for sharing your lives with us and i wish you nothing but happiness!!
Marina says
Love you, guys. Be happy, be healthy (psychologically, at least), do whatever makes you feel good. I’ll miss you, but I totally get it and fully support you.
Jenny says
I love you guys and have been reading your blog for a while now. I don’t have a house to decorate, but I still appreciate your tips and y’all have taught me a lot about all sorts of things and watching you has given me a ton of confidence to get in there and try things I’ve never done before.
That said, I knew this day would come and I don’t blame you one bit for needing to take a back seat. Every year since Clara was born y’all have made at least a post or two about needing to scale back and regain balance in your lives—cutting things like your online store, cutting the number of posts per week….So again, this is no surprise for me. After all, 7 years is a long time to spend devoted to one job or hobby! Everyone needs to move on to different things sometimes. We your fans and friends only want the best for you, and ultimately it’s your life to live and not ours, so you don’t have to answer to anyone except yourselves. Do what you need to do to be happy. if you decide to come back, we’ll be waiting for you. If you don’t, we’ll be rooting for you all the same.
Patty says
I will miss you, your wonderful ideas but most of all your beautiful children. You do what you have to do and we will make do without you but I hope it won’t be forever.
Michelle says
This broke my heart a little, but for only selfish reasons. I fully support you guys taking time off, and it’s so great that you are brave enough to do so. I have to say, I’ve read your blog since Clara was Teddy’s age, and I weirdly feel like we’re somehow family. I’m so picky about what blogs I read, especially bigger blogs since they’re often so commercial, but I have NEVER gotten that vibe from you guys. You are true artists and writers and have the most genuine blog I’ve ever read. So thank you for that, and I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for you to come back :)
Lynne says
And I agree with Michelle!
Michelle says
All I can is BRAVO! Take a well-deserved break and come back if/when you are ready.
Nevin says
Good for you! Your children are only young once and now is the time that they need you the most. Before you know, they’ll be grown and you’ll wonder where time has gone. I too read your blog daily to “get away” and be inspired by your work. You all have left a huge mark on many people’s lives that will never be forgotten. So… do what’s best for you and your family! Others will understand.
Nardia says
For what it’s worth, you don’t have to justify anything to me. You need to do what’s right not only for you and your family, but for your aspirations, career goals and financial future too.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to jump on board for as long (or as little, it’s only been a couple of years!) I have been able to and I love the fact that I see home projects completely differently (i.e. read achievable!) because of it. Take care of each other and if and when you’re ready to come back to us, then we’ll welcome you back with open arms xx
Megan says
I admire your decision and your honesty. I adore your blog, but there is so much I have missed, I will enjoy this time in catching up on some of the fun stuff from before.
I love that you are making decisions for your family and doing what is best for you. That is so important. And following your conscience and your heart is so important.
Thanks for everything you put on here, and for the help you give of us in your posts! Prayers and thoughts your way and have an exciting time seeing what is next!
Megan says
Hey guys- I really respect your decision to step away from the blog for a bit. I had a blog for two years and when it started to garner the tiniest bit of attention and possible sponsors (which can be so alluring!), I really had to step back and think about what my own goals were for it and my family. I ended up giving up on it because I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the scrutiny or loss of privacy if my blog got any more attention. I don’t blame you one bit for needing some time to reassess the situation before you make the best choice for your family. Still, the internets will miss you! I’m one of your longtime readers who hasn’t been visiting much lately and has seen a shift in the blog, but I still have high hopes for the future of YHL.
Blogging has become an animal all it’s own! It’s crazy to think that what started out as online journaling years ago has blossomed into the major market that it has. And though people tout it as being an ‘easy gig’, it’s anything but for the really successful ones that have morphed into small businesses. The internet and it’s accessibility have created this whole easy gratification dynamic. Though I don’t blog anymore, I still love reading blogs and it’s so easy to be disappointed and get bored when my favorite bloggers don’t have new daily content. (Sad to admit this!) There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make a “big” blog a full-time income earner and I imagine it’s hard to sustain the pace it requires (while keeping everything fresh) and keeping your personal life healthy.
I’m sad to say that I have seen many of the blogs I follow start to step back a bit and post less. I can only imagine how hard it would be to reclaim your time, life, and privacy once the train has left the station (so to speak). I think you both are very brave for trying to slow the train down and put your family first even when it could have some negative effects on your livelihood.
Two things I have always appreciated about you guys is that you are always quick to admit your mistakes and I always felt that authenticity was really important to you. Thanks for sharing your voices, your projects, your quirky personalities, and your lives. And here’s to hoping that YHL ends up back and running again if you can make it work with where life has you.
Daniel says
Sherry and John – I just started reading your blog in the last week and it has already been very helpful with several projects in our new home. And I have barely skimmed the surface. Whether reading older or new posts, I haven’t noticed much of a change in the quality of what you put out there. But I can see an increase in the negative responses from readers and even some inadvertent troll-like behavior. I can’t help but wonder if these kinds of negative responses, and the back and forth sniping from commenters, have contributed to you feeling that you’ve lost some mojo? If so, you are too classy to ever say that out loud.
I’m lucky to have found your blog and lucky to have deep archives to look through. I hope that I’ll be lucky enough to read new material from you soon, but mostly I hope that you find the right balance for your family. Thanks.
Vanessa says
I almost never comment, but feel I must for this post. You are my all time favorite bloggers. You’re content is wonderful and you are both hysterical. I check in daily to see if you have posted. I completely understand the need to take a break, but please come back! You will be so missed!!!
Kari says
Take a break and feel guilt free! People love the idea of everything staying in the spontaneous phase, but it’s completely unrealistic.
People want things to stay and look the same – but that’s not real life. That’s formulaic sitcom television and I would be disappointed if Young House Love “The Brand” lived within that.
You are a family who is sharing your life with the world and it is okay to grow.
Erin Holman says
To the entire Petersik family: thank you for letting us, your readers, feel like your neighbor friends that you “do life” with. It has been a pleasure getting to know each of you and share in your family and DIY journey. I look forward to seeing you again, in whatever format you choose for it to be.
linzy says
I don’t generally comment because you usually have so many, but I’ve been reading since you guys had just moved into house #2. I was searching for how to paint kitchen cabinets and Google was all, “here, check these guys out” The first current post I read was when you were talking about the whole alternate universe/Lars thing while painting your bedroom. I remember thinking, “woah! These guys put actual photos of themselves on here?” and I remember how funny I thought your instructions (and general tone) were. Anyway, I’ve been reading ever since.
I wish it was easy to say: just forge ahead- maybe with a stricter standard of deleting wayward or too-negative comments. But I know that if I had a blog, it wouldn’t matter that others wouldn’t see the comments. I would have seen them. It would effect me. I would question myself and the content I was providing over and over. So, all of this is to say, I get it. I don’t blame you.
But the real reason I am commenting now, even though so many other people have and will, is because I want to be one more voice reaffirming how helpful you have been, how much I have enjoyed your blog, and how much I appreciate the guts that must be involved for you guys to put yourselves out there.
Vicki C. says
Sometimes, you just need a break.
Your blog has always been such fun, and I’ve appreciated all you’ve shared – especially since you all are under no obligation to live in a fishbowl!
I hope your “vacation” refreshes you and enables you to come back stronger than ever! :)
Lisa says
Best wishes for your future! I hope to see you back here someday! I found that after having my second child I really lost all desire to do anything besides snuggle that sweet baby. He’s 2 now and I still choose his snuggles over just about anything (and certainly over housework)! Love to you all!
Lynne says
Wow. Totally did not expect this. I will miss you guys and hope that you get renewed and come back with great joy. I have to say that I get frustrated with those people that get mad/negative with you. It is hard for me to hear harsh criticism and bashing of something that is given so freely…your blog and your sharing. I am not one of those people. If I didn’t enjoy something or didn’t like reading it, I would just leave, not criticize. You can’t please everyone. So, please, accept my love and best wishes as one of your very happily devoted blog readers. I want you to do what works for you (but secretly hope it brings you back to me :) )
Megan says
Respect.
Daniela says
Hello Guys, This is my first (and last?) intervention in your blogg. I just want to say I understand your predicament, and your decision to maybe stop this adventure. I read you every day, or stop by to see what are you up to…. I thougt that maybe you “burn” yourselves….Those days previous to the birth of your boy were INSANE. You display a lot of activity, in this blogg, with material that could have lasted you months. A guess that revealed your state of mind in general….
I think that these last days, instead of having lost your pace, or your groove, you have finally found it, your true rythme . And it was waaay slower than you though it would be…wasn`t ìt? But we…your audience …. we got adict, and we want more, and more and more. You need to build a house every six months to keep us satisfied!!! and that`s just wrong….. on us.
I will miss you.
I live in Rosario, Argentina…miles and miles away from you, here we live in much smaller houses, it`s very difficult to own one, renting is harder every day. I read your post, and coments from readers, and i dont know if you can tell how bless you are to have your own house, a big and beautifull one, and make a living out of making it more perfect for your family. I read a commenter, Margaret, asking you to do more grown up stuff, more expensive, not from cheap busnises like Ikea, etc, not so much paint, not so much DIY. Mannnn! is she for real?? so arrogant…..
Anyway, i just wanted you to know that we read you. YOU. To know what you do, and how you do it. Even from this far far land at the end of de continent.
Best wishes and if you come back, here we will be.
Love you, a weird reader from Rosario…
PS: sorry for the spelling of words, this is a foreing language to me!
Sharon says
Good for you. It is so hard to accept change and decide to do something about it. I hope this can inspire me to move in a direction I have been so hesitant of for way too long. I hope you find your spark again! Thanks for all the inspiration you have provided me for so long!!
barb says
Breathe. Take a deep breath and follow your guts. :)
Kellie says
I will miss you.
I have shared the journey of pregnancy and children and renos with you from afar (OZ) and my husband has only just got his head around who I am talking about when I say my friends John and Sherry.
Thanks for everything. xo
Kathy says
Dear Petersiks,
Adding a second child is such a blessing, but I know it can completely throw your mojo into a whirlwind! It is a great opportunity to reflect and evaluate what matters. Thanks for your heart-warming honesty. Blessings with your time off. In my own experience, there is never a “perfect” answer–even when you love what you do. May you find joy and happiness wherever it may be.
Mary Catherine Coliins says
Good for you guys! The kids song we all sang growing up comes to mind after reading your post today … ” this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine … Hide it under a bushel NO, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!” Shine on!!
Liz says
Very sad. I discovered your blog in the summer of 2009 (right before the name switcheroo). I had recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and spent five long months not working while recovering. Your blog gave me something to look forward to each and every day. Hope to see you back soon.
Kelly says
I’m another long time reader who has never commented before; however, I wanted to let you know that your blog served as a mini bright spot in the day for me- a little something to escape to after a long work day was finished and the kids were in bed. I have been continually inspired by your projects, your enthusiasm, your honesty about the blog as a business,and your dollar-wise style– and I appreciate you sharing it all with us.
Thanks so much for the many years of bright spots (and the hard work that went into each post), and best wishes and happiness to your beautiful family as you move forward!
Melanie says
Awwww…so sad…did not realize there was a problem. I really hope you will enjoy your break and will come back ready to blog again. You guys are awesome….incredibly smart, creative, lovable….I love your blog!
Nelle says
I hope you guys find the joy and passion for the blog again, I have also been a long time reading and I will miss you guys.
Hope you have a lovely month break, you guys definitely deserve it.
Amy says
Family first! ENJOY your time off, RELAX and you will decide what’s best for your family. God bless!
Jenny says
You guys are fantastic and deserve as long of a break as you want – if you decide to come back at some point I will gladly read anything you have to post about (and buy your second book to go with the first) but I think it’s great that you’re going to step back and focus on yourselves for a while. You’ve been so wonderful about sharing your lives with us readers. I am grateful for all your posts (every single one of them!) and pray you guys find whatever it is that you need to do to make your lives work. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being such awesome folks and best of luck to you!
(Also Clara and Teddy are the cutest little kids on the planet.)
Jessica Holmes says
I’m just so sad….my first thought is- how will I know what you’re doing at your house!?
I love reading your blog, and I appreciate every post….I’m sorry that it has become a chore for you, and I sincerely hope you can get back to your former mind set to enjoy it once again, after all, we haven’t even started phase 2 of the kitchen ;-)
Enjoy your break….please instagram once in a while…we will miss you!
Wendy says
I need to post here, because I feel like I can never give back to you guys for all you have given me. Forgive me for getting sentimental, but you guys…. you have changed my life. You have changed my house, which now feels like a home. I lived here for several years before finding your blog (pre-Clara), but it never felt like home until I started doing things that you inspired me to do. It may seem like just a house and things, but it makes me feel at home and relaxed and centered and grounded and so many more things. And beyond that, you guys are like friends. While I will desperately miss your inspiration and design brilliance, I will also miss your family stories and love for each other. It is so cheesy, but I feel like you make me want to be a better person. Totally and completely understand and want you guys too be happy and do what’s right for you. But since I consider you guys friends, I also need to let you know that you’ll be missed and thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life :) Cheesefest over now.
Carrie Lea says
Yes. This. <3
Sarah says
Two kids is a game changer! You guys are awesome and never even got a maternity break -whatever you decide is best for your family is what we, the loyal readers, will respect. Good luck and many deep sighes of relief and shoulder burdens lifted as you relax for a little bit! Excited to see what you decide to do next – you writing voices as awesome ????.
Hannah says
YES YES YES. Good for you guys. Good on you for ALL of this.
Take your time, recharge, reboot. Enjoy this time. Cry, laugh, love each other and let yourselves meander back to this beautiful thing you created. You can do it.
xoxoxoxo
Joyce says
Hi John & Sherry,
I’ve been prowling your blog for many years, but I’ve never commented before. I just wanted to say: I’ve always loved your blog, and I admire you guys so much, both as bloggers and as people! I’ve always marveled at how you could be so upbeat and positive day in and day out while sharing your life so publicly. I’m a little heartbroken to hear that the weight of all of that is finally getting to you (although it’s very understandable). I wanted to let you know before you head off that even if you never write another post, I think you guys have done an amazing thing and you’ve inspired me so much!
Much love, and a happy sabbatical!
Joyce
Susan Marie says
Enjoy your time off doing other things! I hope you return to share many more wonderful projects and inspiration with us. You’ve brought a lot of joy into my life through this blog and I would love to continue to hear from you. And I hope you’ll still share your photo projects of those adorable kids!
Geri says
Good for you! Every person gets to the point where they need to take a break from their everyday, their work, their hobbies. Enjoy every minute of it. Every blade of grass, every gust of wind, every last peak of sun. Enjoy putting down your phone and laptop. Enjoy giggling with the kids/burger on the floor without the thought of ‘ah have to do xyz’. We are all just little ants in the scheme of life. Life is for creating meaning, not finding it. And you create by doing. Doing things you love, doing things that make you laugh, doing things strengthen you. So, see you in a month or so. I, along with thousands of others, will miss logging on to read your posts, but that’s a good thing! Big hugs xo
Ericka says
So so sad to hear this, but completely understand! Your family should come first and I want you to truly, fully enjoy this blog and not have it be just a responsibility. I can’t wait for you to come back, in whatever form that might be! Thanks for all the joy and inspiration your blog has brought me. So excited for book #2 to come out!
Jodie says
You guys are like a longtime loyal friend: If we don’t connected for awhile, it can be picked up right where it was left, and good times can be enjoyed at ease. Be unplugged and love it. Whether a month or more. We can pick this blogfriendship up again down the road. :)