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.
Amy B says
I’ve been reading your blog practically since it began, and it’s the ONLY blog I have ever followed or read on a regular basis. You are honest and witty and just plain fun- and seeing that there are 49 pages or comments (so far) on this post just goes to show how many other people love your blog too. I have not been able to wrap my head around how you have kept up this pace for the last couple years with the book and babies and selling one house and buying another, etc etc- you’re due for a break! Best of luck, and I will definitely come back in a heartbeat!
Steph Reiner says
This might get lost in the 2,000+ comments (!) but if I lived closer I’d bring over some coffee (or a bag of Oreos) and hug it out. I’ve always loved reading your blog and feel like friends even if we’ve never met. As a friend, I definitely want the best for you guys and your family! Take a break, take a vacation, or blog about the weird dream you had last night. I’ll keep reading. :) Now excuse me while I go cry myself to sleep… :D
Lisa says
Dear John & Sherri, you go and do what you need to do to find your mojo. I look at three web pages on my lunch break and one is yours.
I look forward to your return. You don’t owe us anything, we we were here to share YOUR journey and I am sure we are all grateful you let us do so.
Come back soon!
Karen says
Please take your time. But PLEASE *DO* COME BACK! :(
Angie says
I am somewhat of a new reader. I’ve been following your blog for about a year now, but have known of it for longer. I would often Google or Pinterest something and more times than not, an old post of yours would come up. We bought a new house last November and to say that your blog is and was an inspiration would be an understatement. One thing I loved so much about your blog is your loyalty and commitment to your readers. I mentioned it before, but each and every time I submitted a comment, often with a question, I always got a response. For the size of your readership, I find that so commendable. I follow very few blogs and I can’t say that for any of them but yours. As a mom of two, I totally see where you are coming from with stepping back. Take all the time you need. I eagerly await the day that an update, or just “Hey, y’all” comes up on my feed. Best of luck to you. Enjoy the extra time those sweet sweet kids of yours!
Anon says
Nooooooooo! Come back soon, I love this blog! All the different types of posts are interesting, and it’s never the end of the world when you post infrequently! Boo to the haters.
Erica says
I will miss you terribly. This is my favorite blog mainly because you are both such wonderful people. Good luck on your journey.
Bailey says
I will be here to read whenever you want to come back! Thanks for all your painting tips over the years – I put them to good use just this past weekend.
[email protected] says
Come back soon! I’ve loved reading your blog for many years and have always found it to be inspired and brilliant. This is a huge loss for the blogosphere…..we need big blogs like yours to let us know what is possible and to give us dreams.
Lisa P. says
Hey guys! I have been a fan of yours since before Clara was born! I love all of your posts and will miss you terribly! I have two little girls and just left my full-time job to work part-time. I know how hard it is and fully respect your decision but I hope you decide to come back because you are the king and queen of blogging in my opinion and it wouldn’t be the same without you xoxo!
Kate says
Been following over 4 years, have never been let down. I have not feel you all have lost your grove etc. When you open yourselft up for critique certain personalities will always find criticism. Please don’t listen to them. Look forward to your return.
Cameron says
Thank you Petersiks for years of free advice, fun, and laughs. I’m not sure I ever commented before but like many, I’m a regular reader and love your blog. We actually just bought your same W/D after ours conked out and love them, so thanks for the tips! I’ve always seen your blog as fun to read and a great resource, but ultimately it’s yours to do what you want with! I had a family blog I gave up 9 months ago, shortly before the birth of my third babe- had done it for six years. Life comes in seasons! It’s OK to take a break. I hope you will be back – on your own terms! Thank you for the tips, insights to your family, and laughs. You will be missed!
Jess says
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t read and not comment. John and Sherry, every time you post is a gift to your readers. Thank you for all the ideas and inspiration, and for letting us into your lives. Have a wonderful break, I hope it is the start of a wonderful new adventure.
Karen T. says
Do you. And if you decide to come back, know that we will embrace you happily.
Tamara from Canada says
My heart is breaking for you guys. Such a hard post to write. I just wish I could give you both a big hug (ok that sounds creepier than i thought it would lol). I think at the end of the day you need to do what is right for you and your family. Plain and simple. Of course we would love for you to come back, but only if you want to. We understand.
Sincerely, Tamara
Tirsa says
Long time reader, once in a very long time commenter. I never felt you owed us any more than you were giving us. Neither did I expect to love every post. But I do love your blog. It has been so inspiring and helpful.
Please, please don’t let the nay sayers and internet trolls take away your joy. We all need a time away from work – with a month being an idea amount of time to decompress. I completely understand that you must be beyond exhausted. (I never understood how you were able to do so much in the first place.)
I’ll really miss you while you’re gone and I pray that you come back. Virtual hugs to your beautiful family.
Kelly says
While I completely understand, selfishly I am so sad to read about you taking a break! I’ve been reading your blog for 6 years now and will miss my daily dose of John and Sherry…and Burger and Clara and Teddy. What am I going to read during my nighttime nursing sessions?! (I know you understand this Sherry!!)
SueC says
I’ve been following this blog for years and have never commented before, but whatever you decide for your future endeavors, I want you both to know that this is the only anything that I read everyday.
I’m not a homeowner. I spend too much time and money on food to have any of either left for things like decorating. I am more of a homey log cabin type than a bright white walls with pops of bright colors kind of gal. In fact, I don’t even like the color white! And I’m almost halfway through my 40s. So while it seems like there wouldn’t be much reason for me to read your blog I have done so religiously for the past 3 years. This is a testament to your fun, kind, considerate, genuine, witty selves. I am beyond impressed with what you do and how you do it.
I wish you all the best and hope that you either get your groove back or discover a new groove. If your next step needs a fan base/readership, count me in.
cavan says
You two are so smart. This is another good decision.
Fiona@Jackadaw says
Wow, I didn’t see that coming! I have loved your blog from the very first moment I discovered it 5 or so years ago. The transitions and growth as your lives changed were simply part of what I loved about it. Nothing ever felt off from my reader’s perspective. I’ll sure miss you guys, have nothing but love for what you’ve produced, and wish you all the happiness in the world. Hoping to welcome you back when you’re ready.
Sarah M says
I mastered some pretty sweet painting and home repair skills thanks to your tutorials. Thank you Sherry and John. May you “get your groove back,” whatever that may be! Looking forward to your next book.
jJane O'Reilly says
Do whatever works for you.:) … like some wise person said to me when I had my first baby…. Without judgement, I will miss your blog in whatever form it has come. Please know that many of your readers have grown up along with you…I married the same year as you, and my daughter and son are around the same ages as yours. My family has changed and I am not sure that spontinaity is how we would describe any part of our lives, but I sometimes wish we had the passion to change that. I love the little quote ” wherever so you go, go with all your heart” I thank you guys for the last seven years and hope to see you again in book or blog form:)
Courtney L. says
This post made me really sad. Not because I’m losing the blog, but because you guys have obviously been agonizing over it. Please, don’t do things because you think it’s what your readers want. Do what you want. We will all keep coming back, to drool jealously over your dream job in which you get to stay home with your children, decorate your house, and write about it.
Gabriella says
I appreciate your transparency and honesty. Most families take maternity and paternity leave with the birth of a child. I don’t recall you two taking much time at all to adjust to being a family of 4. With that said, I appreciate and respect that you recognized your grove had changed over the years. I felt towards the end some of your projects (in your forever home) were to do a project and blog it. Many of us only have the time and money to do it right once (vs a 1 step kitchen then 2 step etc). I appreciated the look and feel of your earlier blog days and would gladly continue to read if you decide to take more time to think about your home and improvements you invest in and take longer to finish projects. I also fully support that blogging alone may not be an effective way to make a living and taking on other projects is a necessity. I LOVE the house you designed for Habitat for Humanity! I loved the risks you took and would read your blog projects outside of your personal space. You have both demonstrated grace, maturity, patience with all of us, many readers demanding contradictory/opposing posts (high-end or affordable projects, more projects or slower projects, personal projects vs Habitat/books/Target). You are two amazing people to have shared a part of your lives so publicly and so openly. I hope to continue on the journey with you should you choose in any capacity to continue on with a blog, even if refined from where and what it is today. Respectfully, Gabriella
Jennifer says
I’ve been reading your blog for years; in fact, yours is actually the first DIY/home improvement blog I ever found and it eventually inspired me to start my own! Perhaps blogs should be treated more as books and this is your time to decide to start a new chapter, a sequel or furnish an ending. In my own life, I’ve had incredible opportunities fall into my lap but in the end I decided that just because I CAN do something doesn’t necessarily mean I SHOULD. And I’m happier for it because I was able to direct my energy towards what I truly wanted to do. We’re all rooting for you guys one way or the other and like any good friend would feel, we always just want what is best for you. Take care!
Becky says
I am sad to see you go even if for a short time. I completely understand why you’re doing it though. I have been checking your site almost daily for years. You guys are like family :) I look forward to my “me time” every day when I get home from work. This is the first site I check. I will miss it and look forward to your (hopeful) return. Have a good “vacation”.
Kylie says
Thank you for each and every post. I’ve enjoyed them all. You guys are so fantastic.
Best of luck with the new house. What you’ve done so far is incredible! Thank you for sharing your journey. I miss you already.
Joyce says
In my honest opinion, I have read negative remarks on other blogs, I really feel like those people are just jealous that you made a success out of your blog. At the end of the day,it is no one’s business how you earn your living, or how much of your personal life you share with us. I hope you will stick around though even if it is just once in awhile. I think you will get your remodel done if you have us to show the progress to :) I would think that would keep a person on their toes. I truly enjoy seeing what you are doing so I hope you don’t go away forever>
Jaz says
W.O.W.
John & Sherry, this post is why you are and will be successful at whatever you chose to do next. Your integrity, honesty, business savvy, superb communication, creativity, and hard work ethic (along with many more glowing attributes!) are why this blog is unmatched.
I have learned so much from you – thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to share. Wishing you & your family all the best.
Allison says
I have just been stopping by occasionally in the recent months after finding your site. You have one of the most down to earth blogs I’ve seen & have been so generous with sharing your experience as a family. I don’t comment ever on anything online- I just wanted to say that whenever I stopped by your site it brightened my day, and felt like a break, and was very calming. I wish you all the best!!
Susan C says
This is going to be very hard on me. It’s worse than the season finale of Homeland or Survivor or Walking Dead, or even the final game of the AR Razorbacks football season (even though their off season is several months long). I know those finales are coming and I know exactly how long until the new season begins. I’m not sure if I will ever quit my routine when it’s time to read my blogs: open bookmarks, click on the link at the top of the list and work my way down, and at the top is YHL. I still haven’t quit clicking on your family blog link–just in case! I sincerely hope your break is wonderful, refreshing, cathartic, and only as long as it needs to be!! And I am happy with just as many posts a week as you are up to putting together, btw. I don’t read blogs every day. When I do, I have my few favorites and catch up on all those I missed. So, if you only posted two or three times a week, I would be grateful for them! Best wishes!
Lisa says
Not going to lie, I was hoping as I read through this post you weren’t going to say what I thought you were going to say. I’m very sad I won’t be able to read about your life and projects in the coming future. That said, I wish you the best during this hiatus…please if you do nothing else, enjoy your kiddos and family time. They are what make everything all worth it!!
Hope to see you back soon!
EM says
I’m another longtime reader who has never commented. I am sad to see you go, but also happy for you that you are taking time to do what is right for your family. I should have said it a long time ago – THANK YOU. I learned how to paint my kitchen cabinets from this blog. I learned about what kind of paint to use in my kitchen, and what kind to use in the living room. You gave me ideas for parties, and gave me the courage to demo my 1950s bathroom. I even enjoyed your post about cloth diapers – and I don’t have kids! And I agree with the other comments, I’ve always thought the quality was there. Thank you. I also wondered what would happen when you finished your current house, because I know that the blog has been primarily a home renovation/decorating blog. I want to say that I personally always enjoyed all of your posts, and really found interesting anything that you guys wanted to write about. I’ve always admired how thorough and thoughtful and organized you are. I’ve also always thought that this must be one of the hardest jobs. I remember reading your ‘day in the life’ post a few years ago and being astounded at how hard you worked, all day, day after day. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Jose says
Avid reader since 2009! Best of luck! Will be here to read if and when you return!
Amy says
It’s gonna take you all month just to read all these comments! :) Have to add my few words to the group- I’m sad! Will miss your posts, but I understand. Good for you. I hope you’ll come back, YHL is something I look forward to in my day. And I need to see how the house turns out! I was so excited when you started with a whole new blank slate. Also, about the whole losing your “spark” thing- I’m not sure how Teddy is sleeping, but having had three terrible sleepers and being sleep deprived for basically six years, losing one’s “spark” is a totally real thing. Losing one’s mind is too. But seriously, having a new baby and nursing all the time just changes everything. Maybe that plays into this. Anyway, enjoy the break, and I hope to see you back here! Thank you for everything!
Becca says
I hope you guys get the break, relaxation, and refocus you need! It breaks my heart to see negativity being thrown at you. You guys have been nothing but generous in sharing your lives, sense of humor, and love for DIY with us. And if you became successful because of it, all the better! I can’t believe there are people who hold that against you.
I know you’ve always said the focus of your blog is your readers, but I hope if and when you come back you’ll focus on yourselves. Your blog, your way, your projects. Readers should be grateful to just be along for the ride. You don’t owe us anything.
Good luck to you!!!
Teresa T. says
Relax, refresh and we will see you when you are ready.
I will miss you all and will look forward to hearing from you.
Hugs and Prayers!!
Teresa
Amabelle S says
Best of luck, John and Sherry! Thank you for the inspirations and tutorials. As a YHL blog reader for only about a year, I’ll be taking this opportunity to read and enjoy all the old posts :).
Carrie says
Wow.. I am shocked! Yes, this blog did change a bit after baby #2 but that was to be expected. And honestly I don’t understand why you don’t take more breaks.
I’m surprised to hear you’re thinking about going back to day jobs and doing the blog for fun. It does seem kind of backwards after you went on to become YHL “the brand”. Honestly the branding part never bothered me because this blog IS a business.. it supports your family after all! Anyone who doesn’t understand that is just an a-hole.
I hope you can use your time off to shift your focus on the blog and bring it back in a way that doesn’t suck the life out of you and take away precious time with your family. Then there’s all the side projects… it sounds like you have already learned to say no and be super selective. I think by fixing the impact the blog has on your life you will in turn fix your enthusiasm and improve the content. But of course at the end of the day only you can decide what is best for your family.
Enjoy your break, good luck, and looking forward to reading your conclusion to the YHL saga (which I hope involves a comeback)!
Elle says
Jut thought I owe you guys a big, big thank you for all the sharing of your home and family adventures. It’s been a true joy to read along with you guys. What set you apart is that the content is always kind, genuine and positive and I think we as readers have a ton of faith in the blog as a result. All the best to you two in whatever path is ahead, and please take comfort in the fact that you are so adored for being your spunky and wonderful selves!
Susan says
Haters gonna hate. But I just love, love, love.
Alex J says
Today, we found out that our dream house that we have been in escrow for 5 weeks with, might be falling through.
Also, my dog ate my most favorite shoe. I considered putting the pieces back together…but the leather loafer is in the trash. With my tears.
Then this. This could potentially trump the shoe…maybe the house.
I can get a new shoe (or two). A better house will come along. But you two are my design muse, my reason for wanting to buy a major fixer and my nap time (for kiddo) entertainment. Enjoy the break but please, I beg, come back and inspire us soon.
Cora says
The beauty of a blog is that it is yours and you can do as you please!
Thank you so much for always keeping it real :) Take care of yourselves – I’m sure most of us will be right here waiting for you when you get back. I’ve been laughing and crying right along with you guys since before Clara and I know I’m not going anywhere! Do what you feel is right in your hearts and the rest will fall into place. Much love <3
ilovesofas says
The seven year itch, my dears… better professionally than in your personal life ;) Take care of yourselves – the universe will unfold as it should.
Amber says
I would like to thank you for opening up your home, lives and family to the world and sharing a piece of yourselves with me. Your family seems lovely and I love your sense of style. It has truly been a pleasure to watch your family and homes grow and evolve. Selfishly, I hope you find renewed joy in your blog and return. I will miss seeing your cute little projects, seeing your adorable videos, ready Clara’s adorable one liners and watching Teddy grow. However, I wish the best for your family and if you need to take your lives in totally different directions, I will be cheering for you guys. Wishing lots of peace and joy!
Skeeter says
It makes me so sad to hear that you guys have been feeling like you’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m still loving the posts, and I’m always looking forward to them. The only thing I miss are the Clara Conversations, because she’s hilarious.
I’ve often wondered how you guys do it all. I write a blog, although not nearly as involved as this one, and my husband and I recently took on a big remodel, but we didn’t have to take pictures of ever step, and document all the details. I don’t think people realize how much time that takes. And you have a new born for crying out loud. I honestly couldn’t believe some of those rude comments that were angry about you taking more time to spend with your family. They= the worst!
You don’t owe anyone anything except yourselves. You should feel free to live your lives your way as authentically as you can, and if that means taking a break or changing things up, then go for it. I’m still going to miss reading all the posts while you are away though.
Quality of life should be your number one priority. You only get one life, make it exactly the way you want it.
Jess says
I already commented once earlier today, but I just wanted to add
Sherry, last summer I went through a crappy breakup and I was so upset, and I actually posted a comment about it somehow/for some reason (because that’s a totally normal thing to do on your blog), and you were so kind and lovely, and I’m not sure if I ever properly thanked you.
I’ve been a reader for years -since I was in university. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you, for everything. Clearly I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks you guys are wonderful, and you’ve made a difference. I’m sure many others feel this way, but even if it was just me (which I’m sure it’s not), just know that the me from last summer who was sobbing alone in her home turned to you guys because you were so kind and loving, and that me thanks you from the bottom of her heart for being those people.
I only hope you guys are happy, and that it all makes sense one day.
Xo.
Karin says
This is such sad news.
I wish you all the best and I hope you come back. I was really looking forward to a lot of the bigger project stuff since we just purchased our first house and are looking to fix it up. Maybe I’ll just have to get my fix by blogging about my own adventures. :)
If you do decide to come back, I’ll be here waiting to hear what crazy antics y’all have been up to!
Best of luck!
Hayley says
I have to admit I’m sad I won’t be seeing your wonderful inspirational posts for a while (no guilt tripping, I just love your posts!) but I’m glad you guys are going to go try and get your groove back. Even if you guys decide not to continue blogging, maybe still update us once in a while to let us know you’re well. Good luck to the 5 of you!
Helen says
My first reaction was NOOOOOOO! followed immediately by, “Good for you! Who wouldn’t need a break?” Translate that as: You will be greatly missed, even if it’s just for a month. And, Totally understandable! Thanks for gifting us with a glimpse of a heart-shaped rock before you went… I’d been trying to imagine what you and Clara were collecting. Enjoy the extra time with your precious family. Enjoy the downtime. Enjoy the mental space to think about what YOU want to think about, or nothing at all. I don’t watch much TV, but I’ve had a couple favorite shows over the years, and I feel like I’ve felt when I heard a favorite was going off the air… but this time, I love knowing that the “characters” are still living and breathing and getting on with their lives instead of ceasing to exist like in TV land. And maybe one of these days they’ll bring the show back to the network! :)
As for this? “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.” Just because it WAS right for you or would be right for other people doesn’t mean it has to be right for you right now. There’s nothing at all wrong with you. You’re growing. You’re raising a family. You’re re-evaluating. My son just started kindergarten. He gets to play all day, with a little writing thrown in, and call it school. It’s a dream job! But if he were still doing that kindergarten gig 7 years later, I’d be very, very concerned. It’s good to grow and change and become even more who you’re meant to be. I hope that whatever that next stage becomes, we’ll get to hear about it. God bless you and your sweet family! Thanks so much for all the inspiration and laughs over the years! ENJOY!