(And Why You Might Be Doing the Same)
There is an old proverb about the cobbler’s children having no shoes. In the world of digital marketing, it’s the content writer with the neglected blog.
If you’ve scrolled through my website lately, you’ve likely noticed a significant gap in myblog posting history. For a professional who advocates for the power of consistent blogging, my own “latest posts” section has looked more like a digital ghost town for the last twelve months.
It wasn’t a lack of blog ideas. It wasn’t a lack of passion. It was a conscious—and necessary—retreat into the things that matter most.
The Reality of the “Client-First” Trap
The first reason for the silence is one that many service-based business owners will recognise: The Client-First Trap. Over the past year, my business has been incredibly fortunate. I’ve been deep in the trenches with clients, building their content engines, refining their brand voices, and helping them navigate the shifting landscape of SEO in 2026. When you are a boutique provider, your clients’ deadlines often become your own. Their successes are your successes.
But there is a secondary effect to being “busy” that we rarely talk about. When you spend eight hours a day pouring your creative energy into someone else’s brand, the well is often dry by 5:00 PM. I chose to prioritise the work I was getting paid for over the work that markets my own business. While that kept the lights on, it’s a dangerous game to play long-term.
Life Happens: January 2025 and the Pivot
However, the biggest reason for my absence wasn’t professional—it was deeply personal.
In January 2025, my family’s world was turned upside down. My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
For anyone who hasn’t lived it, a T1D diagnosis isn’t just a medical update; it’s a complete lifestyle overhaul. It means 3:00 AM alarms for blood sugar checks, constant carb counting, and a level of vigilance that leaves very little room for “extra” business projects. Suddenly, the mental bandwidth I used to spend on keyword research and content strategy was redirected toward insulin-to-carb ratios and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerts.
I had to make a choice. I could try to “hustle” through it, likely producing mediocre work and burning out in the process, or I could scale back, focus on my core clients, and prioritise my family. I chose the latter.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Entrepreneur
We live in an era of “hustle culture” where we are told that if we aren’t posting daily, we’re falling behind. We’re told that to be a “real” business owner, our personal lives should be invisible.
I’ve realised that’s a lie.
If I want to write authentic, high-converting content for my clients, I have to be an authentic human being first. My experience over the last year has actually made me a better writer. It has taught me:
- Extreme Prioritisation: I no longer waste time on “fluff.” Every word has to count.
- Empathy: I understand more than ever that the business owners I work with are people with complex, often difficult lives.
- Resilience: Managing a chronic illness while running a business requires a level of grit that translates directly into professional problem-solving.
Why I’m Back (And What’s Changing)
The dust hasn’t entirely settled—life with T1D never quite settles—but we have found our “new normal.” I’m returning to this blog not because I have to, but because I’ve missed the clarity that writing brings.
In 2026, the digital landscape is noisier than ever. AI-generated content is flooding the internet, making it harder to find a human voice. I’ve realised that by staying silent, I’m missing the chance to connect with people who value real expertise over generic algorithms.
From here on out, this blog won’t be about “perfect” frequency. It will be about substance. I’ll be sharing what’s working in the world of content writing right now, how to humanise your brand in an AI-heavy world, and how to keep your business running when life decides to throw you a curveball.
To the Business Owner in the Trenches…
If you’ve been neglecting your own business because life got heavy, or because you’re buried in client work, give yourself some grace. Your business exists to serve your life, not the other way around.
The “shoes” might have a bit of dust on them, but the cobbler is back in the shop. Let’s get to work.
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