As some of you will know, I am not working at the moment.
Two years ago my head went pop. Yes that’s how it felt. There was no big explosion, no huge catastrophe that sent me over the edge, I just stopped being able to act anymore. I couldn’t be the person who always smiles, who always says yes, who tries to keep the peace, who puts everything into her work, who always volunteers, who is completely reliable, who listens but doesn’t share her own worries, and who never, ever stops.
I was lost, and exhausted and my confidence and self esteem were so low I didn’t want to go on. If it wasn’t for Miss E and Miss M, in all honesty, I might not have been here, it got that bad.
But, I got help, I explored a lot of stuff and learned to put it to bed or accept that it’s there and find away to cope with that. I had counseling, and I started to blog. Both have been a huge part of my recovery.
I love my blog.
It is cathartic, uplifting, and mostly a really positive and fun place for me to be myself, and because I am able to share stuff and experiment here, I’m doing it more in real life too.
I think I kind of forgot myself.
I forgot that I needed to talk about my feelings. I forgot I needed to be creative. I forgot my dreams to write and draw and think, just for the fun of it. My blog has helped me reconnect with that little bit of me that was floating around like a chipped piece of bone inside a rugby players knee. Sighhh.
So why am I telling you this?
Well, I am ready to try something new, to make a few changes that could mean I have a chance to realise my dreams and write for a living. So, I’m going pro. No not that kind of pro, tsk, but pro-blogging.
What this means is a major tidy up of my site, but essentially it will be the same. My awards, blogroll, badges and widgets will all have their own fancy pages which I can add to just as I do now, and Bab’s will still be here, I will just have a cleaner, fresher and user friendly new look. If you imagine lovely Ashley from Upstart Blogger as the House Doctor, (but without the heels and eyeshadow), then I’m going neutral, magnolia, with a few colourful accents to keep it pretty.
Also, I am moving hosts, backing up and moving wordpress over, which can take up to 48 hours. As the switch is taking place jobeaufoix.com will redirect to a holding page where everything will be explained just in case you missed this announcement. I’ll be back with my new look soon so don’t worry. Everything will still be here, all the posts, all the comments, all the everything, it’s just the host and the design that will change.
I’d really love you to be there with me as I have a go at this. It’s a bit scary, but you never know till you try right? See you back here in a couple of days.
![[MFM's mummy bloggers you really should read]](http://www.madeformums.com/news/images/mummybloggerlogo.jpg)
March 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Oooh Jo, how exciting! Wishing you lots and lots of good luck and will see you on the other side!
March 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Lovely! I’m so excited for you! And as someone else whose head once went pop (love that way of putting it), I so get what you mean about blogging being cathartic and all. So much wonderfulness has come into my life because of my blog. Thanks for the reminder, and I hope the transition goes smoothly!
March 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
good luck with the transition, Jo, and I will also be seeing you on the other side. Don’t let your head go pop again!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Applauses, applauses, stand up applauses some more.
You GO Woman!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
you can’t escape me. i will (i almost said stalk, but that’s not actually funny, so i’m not putting it) follow you wherever you go.
except to the toilet. you can go there yourself. i’ll just wait out on the couch if that’s okay. good.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Sounds scary and a bit grown up! Will be watching!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Eek! I’m giddy with anticipation!! Good luck Jo!
March 25th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Oooo. Sounds like fun. I’ll check back in a few days and hope to find you here.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
According to the quiz on your previous post, I should be in London too. If only I had the plane fare. So how does one go pro, anyway? I’m very curious. Email me.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
i am totally looking forward to this. you go, miss b!
we’re right behind you.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
how very exciting…can’t wait to see the new you!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
oh Jo… you aren’t getting rid of me that easily….
March 25th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
eeeekkkkk…going pro…not sure what that means exactly, but I do hope you don’t forget us little guys.
hugs!
March 26th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Oooo, Jo, it’s like giving birth all over again.
I’m excited for you, and I’ll be back. I’ll soon have some more time on my hands.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Go for it! We’ll (me et brood) be right there behind you.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:29 am
Can’t wait to see the new digs, Jo. I got into blogging sort of the same way you did…and I’ve been toying with “going pro” but I’ve only got one reader so far so I think I’ll wait.
Congrats and will be checking every day for the Jo & Babs Makeover.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:59 am
What do you mean your head popped? Does sound scary, I do wish you the best of luck!
March 26th, 2008 at 7:30 am
This is so exciting. I can’t wait.
Please sign me up for your Fun Monday !
And…most importantly, I’m glad you are feeling better.