Who's Following Me? Only the Web Will Know

March 02, 2012

English Springer Spaniels waiting at door

 

Just recently, like within the last month, I blogged about adding LinkyFollowers to my side bar in anticipation of Google Follower Connect possibly going away some time soon.  Well, I've done something even more drastic.

I've removed them both!!  Why? you ask... Well, because it had become a habit, obsession, a drug (!) to look at it and see who had just become a follower and what my follower count was up to (nearly 500 by the way.)  I liked that part of it, as I was excited to see a new face, check out their blog when I had a chance and feel good about growing.  However, I also found that if the number dropped I fretted about what post lost them or if I just wasn't as interesting (which is entirely possible!) as they thought I was going to be.  I'd even get down about it and I believe it even took away some of my energy to write new posts.

This year I'm finding ways to reduce stress or eliminate things that make me anxious that just aren't worth it.  I recognize that some stress is just part of life, but it's not healthy for your body.  I also understand that it's giving me belly fat!  Besides, I hate feeling anxious or down about something that really should be one of the last things to worry about.

I am very fond of all my followers and you can still follow me via Google by clicking in the upper left hand corner of my blog, but you will now be doing it privately.  I do love comments and always respond to your questions and thoughtful comments.  Another change I'll be doing is to start putting more of my responses in the blog post comment area rather than via a private email so that others can join the discussion.  I think we'll all get more out of our friendships that way.  I know I learn and grow by hearing about your thoughts on a post.