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.
G. Myrthil says
I’m a longtime reader who rarely comments but LOVES your blog. I’ve been a fan since house #1, and I was also thrilled to meet you at your book signing in NYC. Just wanted to add to the J & S love and say that I appreciated this post and understand your decision to take a break. I’ll really miss reading new posts from you over the next month or so, but I wish you all the best during your time off. I hope in the end, you decide to come back to this space because you mean a lot to your readers – myself included! Hugs. <3
Eliza Ellis says
Oh guys :) You poor things – sounds like you’re just tired. After christmas and the showhouse and the new baby…I was seriously wondering how you were doing it all – and I think anyone who has a blog can completely understand. Only last night I myself had a bit of a vent on one of my facebook blog groups – and I was amazed as all those girls rallied and sent messages – link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/blogchicks/permalink/892591154102896/
I’ve been reading your blog since it was a little baby one, and it’s awesome – but you guys are tired – and that affects everything. You don’t need to apologise for anything – hindsight is a wonderful thing – and I bet you’ve always done the best you could at the time, with the resources and knowledge you had at the time. No one can ask any more from you.
All the best guys, I’ll be thinking of you in Australia :)
Nikki says
Love your blog! You inspire us to find he beauty in the little things. Thanks for always being honest and sharing with us! http://www.endlesshouseaffair.com
Chris says
Sad as sad can be…that is me. But I’m oh-so-happy for you and your little family. Be happy. Enjoy your life. The best is yet to be!
Leigh says
Look at what happens when I get behind in my blog reading…this was beautifully written and so well said. I’ve been reading since before you were YHL. I have 2 small kids and work full-time and have wondered how on earth you guys do so much! I’m exhausted and I don’t have a book deal or any of the other things you guys have had going. You’re my absolute favorite bloggers. In a sea of blogs that feature 3 sponsored blog posts a week and 100 affiliate links in a 300 word post, you guys are a breath of fresh air.
Take your sabbatical, recharge and enjoy your family. You’ll be missed but we will all be here when you get back. Lots of love!!!
Melinda says
May God bless you and your family abundantly! You are truly my favorite blog! Enjoy those babies of yours. How lucky they are to have a mom and dad like you!
Shannon says
I will miss you!!
Nikkidd says
YHL is the only blog that I have ever read consistently, ever. I fondly remember stumbling on it years ago and going back to read archives and feeling like you were new friends I had just met. As I watched your lives change and evolve to include a baby, new houses, a book, products, another baby, and more, I continued to feel that way, and I stood outside in line at a WestElm here in Chicago for your book signing with many others who felt the same. I am so glad you two (5!) have been a part of the internet that brings joy, creativity and inspiration to so many, and proud to have been part of the community of people you created.
Having recently taken a month-long break between jobs myself, I hope you both find joy and energy to tackle your next projects, whatever those may be, and I will be crossing my fingers (and toes, and arms, and legs) that you’ll be back!
Donita says
You said what I feel. I have been here from the beginning too. I look forward to every post…….read every one, with coffee in hand. My special treat of the day. I will miss them. I have lots of archive reading to do…..until they come back!! Praying!! :-)
Lynne says
Well said guys – whilst I’m sad that my favourite blog won’t be the same I totally understand the need to put family and happiness first. They are only little once.
Take care and hopefully someday we will hear from you again xxxx
Megan says
I honestly had to check the calendar and make sure it wasn’t April 1st and I also didn’t see a video at the end explaining the hoax so it must be for real. All the best to you as you take a well deserved breather. I constantly ask myself “how do you guys do it all?” You’re amazing and I’ll be checking back daily as I usually do. We’ll miss you!
Lindsey says
I’m sure you’ve thought about this already, but comments seem a bit like product reviews, you never know who’s behind the words. Is there a certain “type” of person that leaves a comment vs those who don’t? I personally LOVE your blog and talk about you guys all the time in my conversations, like we’re friends or something. My husband makes fun of me for it all the time. Anyway, I guess what I’m getting at is, there are a TON of people who love this blog, but are not commenting on it. Maybe it’s a lesson to us to give you some more positive feedback. Have a great “vacation” and I hope to see a post back up soon!
Roslyn says
Ok, no joke, I really like you guys. I’m not weird, but I have often thought, “How are John and Sherry doing today? Wonder how Teddy is fitting into the family, etc”
I’m so sorry you feel this way. Pursuing something out of guilt or fear, or with large amounts of anxiety is no way to live. You should feel very proud for taking a healthy step for your family.
But seriously, dudes, I’m going to miss you. Should you ever come back, you’ve got a loyal reader here…always.
Ruth says
This makes the end of a long day sad :( I will truly miss you guys – no matter which directions you went I have always enjoyed them. But so many things in this post resonate deeply with me right now: it’s so endlessly frustrating to do a job you love poorly; sometimes things that once gave you energy now feel tired, difficult, and lacking pep…..I’m in that discerning spot too. Many good wishes working through that process, wherever it leads!
Ruth says
I feel compelled to respond to my own post because 1) I’m kind if awkward like that and 2) apparently I didn’t say what’s really on my mind because I can’t sleep thinking about all this. Which sounds borderline creepy to me – we’ve never met and I rarely comment – I know so much more about you than you do me! But I think what I really wanted to say was this: I mentioned before understanding the frustrations and tiredness you write of. And I do. But I also just have to tell you how much you have inspired and empowered me every day since I starts reading a few years back. DIY around my home (first rented, now owned) has grown into a true hobby for me – something that gives me life and helps break up stress from my other job. I never imagined myself as a creator in any way and now imagine all kinds of things I can build for our family – truly because of you. So although you may feel tired, I never see it. And I am so grateful to you for sharing your gifts. I have learned so much – and so much about myself – from reading your blog! Love you guys.
joy says
tears.
that is all.
hugs.
Cindy says
You both inspire all of us every day. I love your projects and see how much work and passion you put into each and every post. That being said, everyone needs a break to re-charge their batteries, and you guys have a new baby, too. Enjoy your time off and never apologize for being true to who you are. You guys are great…looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
Kara says
Wow, kudos to you for giving yourself some time and the permission to do what is best for you and your family. As always, you are inspiring. What a heavy decision this must have been for you both. I’ll certainly miss checking the blog, and staying caught up on your home and family updates. I hope you have a great month and find some clarity in what direction your life will head.
Kate says
I feel like one of my best friends just broke up with me! You will be missed. Come back soon…we will be waiting. You guys are awesome!
Valerie says
I hope you feel inspired to write Teddy’s birth story while you’re away! I’ve been impatiently waiting!
Amy P says
She already did :) https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/08/teddys-birth-story/
Sara says
https://www.younghouselove.com/category/kids-and-pets/
She did write it a few weeks ago, use the link above and it should come up.
Lauren says
She wrote it! :) Much happier than Clara’s. Check it out here: https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/08/teddys-birth-story/
Sena Dees says
They already posted that.
Claire says
You missed it Valerie they’ve already posted it here! https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/08/teddys-birth-story/
Meghan says
I completely understand but I will miss you! I feel like a little kid, but all I can think is, “please come back, please come back, please come back.” It’s like when the Walking Dead is on Hiatus and you’re waiting for the new season – that is how a feel. Take care!
Ali D. says
Noooooooo!!! Happy and sad to hear that you guys are taking a break. I have loved reading your blog….you guys are SUCH an inspiration! I hope that your time off allows you guys the creative space that you need and will keep my fingers crossed that you return in whatever capacity suits you and your adorable family best! Best of luck and can’t wait for the second book!!!
Donna S. says
I love your blog! It was the first one I “discovered” when I started looking at what all this blog stuff was about. I have enjoyed EVERYTHING! That said…I understand your need for a break to recharge, focus on family, or just work on your house! I will miss checking in everyday, cracking up at your words, seeing how the kids have grown. I wish you well and for selfish reason I hope you are back soon!!
Kathy says
I’m so sad to hear this! I was very sad to read all the negative comments on your thread asking for feedback and I wish I’d commented then. As several other commenters have said, you don’t owe us a thing. This wonderful blog of yours has grown from a hobby into an entire brand, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be slaves to the machine. Isn’t part of the reason everyone dreams of working for themselves is the freedom to make the decisions that work best for you, your family, and the life that you want to have? You’ve done exactly that- if you want to step back and focus your time and energy elsewhere you have that right. You don’t have to justify it to me or anyone else. I’m baffled by all the comments that said you weren’t being honest with us- I think you’ve been nothing but honest. Having kids isn’t an “excuse” for redirecting your energy, you’ve MADE the choice to redirect your energy and I applaud you for that. I suspect a lot of people out there wish they were in a position to do the same. I wish you the best- we will be here when you come back and we will understand if you don’t. ((hugs))
Carla E says
Noooooooooooo! I am so sorry to hear you guys have felt this way. This is the one blog I read every time. I started reading DIY type blogs 3 years ago, and this is THE one that I love and keep reading. I don’t actually do much, but you’ve inspired me to do more with my home. I loved your book, and ood and aad over your Target collection.
I really hope you guys come back! Refreshed.
Enjoy the break!
Anna [Directions Not Included] says
I’ve never been big on commenting on your posts, but I’ve been following since the very beginning. I even met you both (and Burger!) at the first Haven conference. I completely agree with you all taking a break and finding what you want and need out of this. I think the pressure the public puts on you in pretty crazy. You all should be able to live your life, DIY at your own speed, and post whenever you want. That’s the type of blogging I fell in love with, do myself, and those are the ones I follow.
Bekah says
Sad day! I’m very sincerely going to miss your posts. Reading your blog was something I truly looked forward too each evening. I understand that this is the best thing for you at the present time, and hope you will catch the blogging bug again soon! I love reading about your home transformations, it gives me inspiration for my own home.
I’ve only been reading your blog for the last year or so, so I’m not as in-tune with the long term changes you mentioned that others saw. I think it’s excellent that you got a couple book deals, the Target deal and designed the Show House. I’ve always viewed this blog as a business in the best way, written by two very real, down-to-earth and occasionally silly people. Yours is a job that everyone should dream of- turning their favorite thing and their passion into a full time job. Doing what you love with the people you love. I have always respected you for that. I don’t believe you would have accomplished nearly the same volume of home improvement projects if you had day jobs, and that’s one of my favorite parts of your blog. :)
Wishing you the absolute best of luck in whatever direction you decide to take.
Bekah says
Whoops, to clarify, my intention wasn’t to sound snarky when I wrote “yours is a job everyone should love.” I wasn’t trying to imply that you should love it, I can only imagine the stress that comes with being this success- just that it was something people commonly wish for. I completely respect and understand your need to take time with your family and think about your future. When you look back at the time you’ve spent blogging remember the good- because there has been lots and lots of good. :)
Gina says
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is not effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Gina says
ps meant to give credit to Theodore Roosevelt (of course) for one of my all time favorite quotes.
Bethany says
Perfect quote for this!
Cassandra says
I’ve been a follower of your blog for many years now and yours is the only one that I have consistently followed over the years. I am constantly inspired by you and no matter how big or small the post, I have really loved reading your blog. I don’t often comment, but I just wanted you to know you have my support and the support of many many others, no matter what your next endeavor may be. Take all the time you need, and we’ll be waiting to hear what happens next. Love you guys!
Krista says
I am surprised! And sad. I check your site daily. I have brought your paint names to the store to get my own wall painted that color. I have taken inspiration in your pieces, ceramic or otherwise. I have read about your c-sections, having two also- I can kind of related. I stood in line for hours to get your signature. It is weird, I love you. I hope you come back, real, real, real, real, REAL soon.
Ali says
:( After I read the first paragraph I knew what was coming. Obviously you guys have to do whatever is best for your family and whatever makes you happiest but I’m so sad right now. I think you guys have done an amazing job with your blog and I am so grateful for all of the ideas you gave me for my current house and ones I made a mental note to come back to for a future one. It’s completely understandable that the format had to shift after having Teddy- and while I missed the quantity of the posts that used to go up I know I would want to soak in all the family time I could since it goes by so quick. I didn’t comment on the thread from last week but I always loved the posts just giving an update on what’s going on with Clara and your family (in a non-creepy way), the house crashes and even the Goodwill shopping trips. I think a huge part of your success, aside from the amazing renovations you do on houses, is just how relatable and couple next door you guys seem. So I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that this really is only a break, but I also hope you guys are able to figure out what is best for your family and not feel pressured or expected to take a certain route. Best of luck!
Beth says
NOOOO! What am I going to look forward to during my lunch break? What am I going to talk to my husband about? This seriously blows worse then the ending of True Blood. You guys keep me motivated and every time I see a project I want to do the same thing. This is going to be a long month for me, please hurry back!
Mammaw says
I commend you on the hard decisions you’ve had to make. I think it’s smart that you revaluate your priorities. I just hated that some of the comments were not positive. You brought us into your lives at a time when your family was new and growing. You shared things with us that were very personal. I, for one, thank you for the lessons learned from you whether it was decorating, childbirth, happy times, and sad times. Thank you for taking us into your lives. Hopefully, this will be just a sabbatical and you’ll be back on the air soon. But if not, just know you have impacted many lives positively and will never forget this time we were able to share with you. Again, thank you.
tom says
Frankly, I hate it that readers are calling you out for seeming “off your game”. I think that’s completely ridiculous. I’ve read this blog for a very long time, 6-7 years, and have not noticed a lack of passion. I have noticed that you have done some amazing things with the opportunities this blog has created for you. Never, ever feel guilty in anyway about supporting your family by taking advantage of these opportunities.
What these readers are forgetting is this blog is FREE! You post all of this amazing content free of charge and ask for nothing in return, literally nothing. Please don’t let these people get you down. You do not owe them anything. If you continue posting as you have, they’ll continue reading. I’ll even go out on a limb and say your blog traffic has been steadily increasing as well, so it’s not like if the nay-sayers left, you should start being concerned.
That said, I understand what you are going through though. We are the same age, and I feel the same way about my job. I think everyone feels this way after doing a job (part time or full time, paid or for fun) for as long as you have.
My point being, don’t let negative comments foul your spirits or your feeling about blogging and “the YHL Brand”. This is your livelihood and something to be proud immensely of. You are one of the most popular DIY blogs on the net.
Enjoy your time off with your kids!
Josh R says
My dearest John and Sherry, I love you too!!! I cant lie and say that my heart wasn’t crushed after reading this post. You’re part of my daily life and you’re my second hit when I get home after facebook.. (that’s a big compliment!)lol.. But with all that said, I understand… I wish you and your family nothing but the best and although I hope you guys will be back soon, either way I know you have to follow your heart.. You will be missed but just know that I’m here for you when you’re ready! ;-) ? you!
Samantha P says
I hope you find this holiday from all social media refreshing and rejuvenating.
Of course I’ll miss you guys, but you need to do what’s best for you and your family and your happiness.
(And maybe, if you get a chance, give Hands Free Mamma a read if you haven’t already.)
TinaG says
I am a long time reader, seldom make any comments but I feel I have to today. For some reason the news of you leaving the blog makes me sad. I have loved checking in with you every morning and seeing what fun and inspirational ideas you have come up with. I have not noticed any change in your blog and have enjoyed every post. I realize you need time for yourself and your family, but I hope you can figure out a way to come back, inspire us all, and still have balance in your life. In a world full of bad news, this was my happy place!
Andrea Chick says
John & Sherry,
This is my first time commenting even though I’ve been reading every day for at least the last 5 years. I would like to say a very heartfelt thank you for your blog and for sharing your life with so many of us over the years. I live in Australia and was reading the blog when I finished school in 2009 and went off to University to study design. A year and a half in to my course I lost my spark and my love of design and ended up deferring from my course. Five years later, at 21 I have not yet got my creative spark back and this is something I struggle with internally every day, but reading your blog each day gives me hope and inspires me to keep on keeping on – knowing that one day I’ll get my mojo back and can finally start heading in the direction that I want to go. You are both such genuine and lovely people who have such a strong, loving family unit and that is evident in each and every post – especially this one. I wish you the best for your time off and I do hope that you come back to the blogosphere because so many of us love having our lives brightened by your happiness! Once again thank you for being my inspiration and role models for the last 5 years – you have helped shape who I want to become and the person I’m starting to grow up to be! Much love to you both and to Clara, Teddy and burger too, from way over here is Australia!
Andrea Xx
Andrea Chick says
Burger* (Sorry for not putting a capital on your name little dude, my phone must have auto-corrected it to a lowercase b!)
David says
I’ve been reading since before Bob Vila made you change your name, so it’s been while.
I do hope this is a sabbatical and not goodbye. But if it is, I wish you the very best.
Dana Wilson says
Carry on! Enjoy life! I love your blog and will spend time in your archives until you decide to pick it up again.
Lindsay says
Awe man, it’s going to be so weird to not have you guys around for a month. But, I get it. I’ve been around since pretty much the beginning (you actually did mood board for my living room — which by the way still looks pretty much the same). I have noticed a shift and have missed the good ol’ days, but still have appreciated the newer posts too. Enjoy your time ‘off’ and I’ll be here if/when you’re back! :)
Josh R says
I feel like you just broke up with me! lol.. Miss you already!
Kristen says
I will miss peeking into your creativity! You have given me some good ideas! I don’t know how you do it with the little kids! I can hardly keep up with the dishes! Enjoy your time away but think about coming back!
Cassie D says
Good luck taking a break. I know it must be a lot of pressure to keep up with us ‘tough love’ readers, compounded by trolls on other sites. I couldn’t do it. Best wishes with some big decisions. Hope we’ll cross internet pathes again!
-Cassie
Amanda says
I can’t believe it but I almost cried! Good for you guys for doing what you need to do, but I will miss your posts so much!! Your blog is my absolute favorite of all time. And the personal touch that shines through everything you do will be so missed. Even before I saw you guys on book tour, I felt like I knew you. Because the fact that you really care about what you do and your readers is so obvious. I’ve loved being inspired by your projects and I wish you and your family all the best. Hoping to see you back again someday soon :)
Jessica W says
You guys kick all of the ass. Take your time, have a breather. When/If you guys find your groove again, I’ll be waiting!
Kimberly says
You guys were the inspiration for our backyard wedding several years ago :) I’m so happy you’re able to step away! We are not what will bring you joy. Sometimes you have to write a different story for your family.
SarahB says
I totally get needing a break but am so sad to not be able to visit your site and see a little something new. I feel like my best friend is moving away :(
Jodi W says
I admit it. I cried. I may have said ‘NO’ out loud a couple times…and I’m still tearing up. I have LOVED reading your blog since before Clara was born. I have read your blog everyday…faithfully. You are well-loved by so many, and will be deeply missed. Your family is precious, and I hope this time away is therapeutic and healing for you. I will desperately miss you all. I just really hope you know how much you are loved?! Young House Love…I wish you the best. (sniff, sniff)
Melody says
This is the only blog I check everyday, and I have been reading for quite sometime … since the days of Design Dilemmas. I enjoy decorating most, but I have loved seeing your vision for transforming each of your houses come to fruition.
I’m happy you recognize the need for a break. But, I really hope that it won’t be forever. Regardless, I hope you find the peace you need to know the direction of your future. You are fun, engaging, and beautiful people. God bless you!
Kristen says
This makes me want to cry! You have to do what you have to do, but I will eagerly be awaiting your return. Best of luck and I will miss you guys!
Sharmiette says
I too will miss you guys so much. I have followed your blog since Clara was just born and have enjoyed your posts, creativity and sincerity over the years. Hope you guys have fun and recharge during this sabbatical and I look forward to continuing reading your blog when you guys get back. Like Hazel said in the book The Fault in Our Stars. “Frankly I’d read your grocery lists” Love you guys!! Enjoy time with your beautiful family!