Hello again! I’ve spent the past few months on maternity leave and it’s been soooooooo good. I’ve really, really enjoyed not working and just taking an intellectual break. While I love my work, I was plain burnt out near the end of 2018. Not so much physically, but mentally. If I’m being totally honest, work just felt blahhhh. I think being very pregnant contributed, but I don’t think that was the entire reason. I think over the past year, my ability to produce content has fizzled a bit…or a lot?
I wrote about changes you could expect in this space come 2019 over in this post – shifts with the blog, email newsletter, etc. And while I’m definitely not in a “flow” with work and still very much figuring out what this new identity of mom + career woman looks like, I continue to feel my energy being pulled towards speaking + teaching + working with people 1:1 either in clinical work or private practice and not so much writing and creating content whether that’s in an email newsletter, blog posts or social media. It feels weird to share that since I’m sitting here typing a blog post telling you I don’t love writing blog posts, but I hope that makes sense?? I am deeply passionate about the message I share, but it’s as if my brain is exhausted after years of putting so much content out on both the blog and social media. I thought maybe a couple months totally off would light a spark back in me, but I’ve still got no sparks over here…
So I’m trying to figure out how to best educate and empower women without feeling like I have to write these story like Instagram captions and well written blog posts. That just isn’t jiving with me. This feeling is exactly why I love video and doing things like Instagram lives or stories because I can still share the message and information I love with you, but I get to talk to you instead of write to you and it’s “unedited” in a way. I enjoy that! I use to do YouTube videos like 3 or 4 year ago and really enjoyed that, but then every one started doing all this fancy editing of their videos and I felt like mine were 0% professional. So I was like welp….that sucks that I feel like I can’t put this out there anymore unless I learn to edit videos or hire someone. And I don’t want to do either so maybe I should just post low quality videos again lol.
In short, given all this blabber from me on how I enjoy talking + video over writing and blog/IG posts..what kind of content would YOU want to see? What do you actually find value in? This has always been a space to serve women, so I want to hear from you in the comments!
Professionally, I feel like things shifted a bit for me after having Caleb. I had zero desire to use my brain for a solid 8 weeks. Thankfully, a couple weeks ago, right as I was about to slowly start seeing clients again, I felt excited about dusting off my intellectual abilities. And over the past few weeks I’ve really enjoyed seeing a client or two in the morning before Nick leaves for work and then, besides a couple email check ins, shutting work down for the rest of the day.
Additionally, I feel my interests shifting weight. I’ve always been passionate about women’s health + eating disorders. But over the past couple months I feel like I’ve developed this desire deep within my bones to really pour my time and energy into primarily women’s health work. The cool thing, and also unfortunate thing, is that eating disorders and disordered eating will always be interwoven with women’s health work because of the diet ridden culture we live in. And while I hope one day eating disorders and diet culture are no more, right now that’s sadly not the world we live in. So right now, it feels really right to be investing my time and energy into women’s health through an intuitive eating and HAES framework and less on eating disorder work alone.
The two go hand and hand in a lot of ways – almost every eating disorder client or patient I see has a c0-occurring women’s health issue. And often times when I see women with health concerns, there is underlying disordered eating or a full blown eating disorder. I still very much enjoy working with my current eating disorder clients, but giving myself permission to devote less time to eating disorder nutrition counseling and lean primarily into women’s health moving forward has felt really good. I want this shift to be reflected in the content I put out there.
Over the past month, I’m thankful there have been several speaking opportunities throughout the year and new NP opportunities here in Boston that are going to allow me to invest more in women’s health using a Health At Every Size framework. I’ll be sharing more of upcoming events on social media so look out for that!
So that’s where I’m at and where I see this space going. I hope you’ll stick around and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be back in March (how in the WORLD is it almost March?!) with some topic focused posts, but in the meantime here are a few things I’m really into right now.
My friend Whitney (who started the Letter Project – check it out) made these cookies all the time and at first I thought it was weird to make cookies with chickpea flour. But she raved about them and I’m into trying new things. Plus I do like that I can snack on them mid afternoon and 1) they’re satiating because of the extra protein in the chickpeas and 2) I can eat a few and not end up with a belly ache. I think of these as a snack cookie, not a replacement for Tollhouse. Nothing replaces Tollhouse cookies.
My Yeti travel mug. I LOVE THIS THING. I use it everyday. I use it for smoothies, tea, and coffee and they all stay hot and cold for hours. I can see how it’s worth the extra $$. This would make a great gift. I just gave one to Nick for Valentines Day. Does that make me super lame? I’m now gifting travel mugs to my husband on romantic holidays…
Doing this stretch with my foam roller multiple times a day. Lay on your foam roller vertically and fan out your arms. Move your arms up in a V shape for a more intense stretch. I’m curling in my chest all day so stretching it out feels sooo good. If you sit at a desk most of the day hunched over a keyboard (which hello, most of us do) do this stretch. I feel like I breathe deeper and stand up straighter after doing it.
This new photo app, Collect. Anybody else get super overwhelmed by all the photos on your camera roll because you want to organize them, but you don’t know what to do? Only me? Ok. Still check this app out. You can upload your favorite photos of the day and caption them, add tags for easy searching and other stuff. As Marie Kondo would say, pick the ones that bring you the most joy, save them and delete the rest.
See you back here in March!
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I used to love your videos regardless of the quality! Any content and insight from you always seems to be helpful. I had anorexia and loved your ED content, but I would love to see how your ideals change as you age and grow into your role as a mom.
Having a baby really does make you see what is important. You no longer have time or energy for things that don’t “spark joy.” Being a boy mom is the best…I have two boys (4 and 2) and they are hilarious!
Hi Robyn,
I very much agree with Amy above. Your content is unmatched in terms of how in-depth and research he’d based everything is. I would love to see your YouTube channel with women’s health videos. Currently with irregular cycles after birth control, i’m watching so many videos that I don’t know if I trust the content. I really appreciate your unedited “low” quality videos honestly. Any the women who come to watch them I’m pretty sure just want answers and solid evidence. Thanks for all that you do Robyn!
Peyton
Hi Robyn! I love following your blog and instagram. Unfortunately, I don’t find videos as helpful because it can be hard to find the time to sit down and watch videos or Instagram live. It feels unprofessional to do it at work, and then when I’m at home I’m with a very busy 2 year old (and will have a newborn in about a week or two!). It’s much easier to catch up on a blog post over my morning coffee as I settle into my desk. But that’s just me! Either way, I appreciate your content and love your message!
Thank you Susie!! I’ll still do posts here and there for those that enjoy them 🙂 And goodness you have your hands full – best to you in these coming weeks with your new sweet babe!!
For the record, I would LOVE to see youtube videos from you again in whatever quality! Honestly one of the things I love most about your content and mission is that it’s completely authentic and unfiltered, so videos with that similar vibe would be a welcome respite in a world of perfectly planned and styled social media content. Your Instagram live videos are one of the highlights of my week because it feels like you’re sitting in my living room chatting with me over a cup of coffee and sharing advice and wisdom from a place of empathy like any friend would.
so videos with that similar vibe would be a welcome respite in a world of perfectly planned and styled social media content.
Thank you for this!!
Oh actually, to follow up on my previous comment, I read the comment from Susie who posted before me and completely understood that Instagram live might not be ideal in her season of life. That being said, it made me think of something I’ve actually been wondering for a long time: Would you ever be interested in having a podcast? It wouldn’t even have to be as curated as setting up guest interviews (although you could do that if you were interested), but it could be as simple as you choosing a topic to talk about for 15-20 minutes each week and/or sharing a few resources or weekly thoughts. You could even do it in the same style as Instagram live and answer questions from followers, but it would be easier for people to listen to because you can save podcasts and re-listen to them over time. So in Susie’s case, she could play the podcast out loud or in her headphones at her leisure while doing something else like driving to work!
Thank you for the idea! I’ve gotten asked to start a podcast so many times over the years but your comment made me think that it doesn’t have to be 60-75 min episodes but rather short snippets of digestible content. Thank YOU for encouraging me!
Oh my goodness I’m so glad that it helped! I think you could absolutely make it whatever you wanted it to be, and it would be such a wonderful and lasting resource for women in all seasons of life. 🙂
Completely agree with the short podcast idea!! Absolutly love listening to podcasts but quite honestly really love the ones I have heard that aren’t interviews at all, but just “thoughts”!! I have missed your intuitive eating views. Too much social media leans to heavily on eat whatever you want whenever you want to & I always felt you did a good job of showing a bigger picture!
Hi! I agree with most the other posts! I would love your videos. Your research and quality of knowledge is amazing!! I also love your Instagram lives!!! They are so insightful!!
Thanks for the feedback Angie!
I don’t like videos since I often want to skim blogs or articles while on the bus or in a quick gap at work. However, you should do what’s best for your business. Best of luck!
The blog will still have sporadic posts – so hopefully you still enjoy those!
I like the posts when you share snapshots of what you’ve made and eaten that week because I have similar tastes and I find your choices realistic as a person who has a job and other responsibilities.I’ve also enjoyed when you given some insight as to how you made choices about meals/snacks.
I am not the biggest fan of Stories or Lives because it can be difficult to find the time to watch and then it’s gone in 24 hrs.
Thank you for the input!
I know it’s been mentioned already above but I love the idea of a Podcast for these topics! If this fits into your design of life, it would be a great way to verbally continue to spread your message.
This idea is growing on me!
THE REAL LIFE PODCAST?! Robyn- YAS.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I have watched some of your videos on YouTube and enjoyed them and learned from them. I didn’t mind that there wasn’t any fancy editing or things like that. I mostly listen to YouTube videos or podcasts when I am cooking, cleaning, or exercising-so not necessarily looking at the screen anyways just hearing the content while I do something else. I most enjoy how you incorporate IE and self care into your daily life so whether that is posts about what you ate, principles of IE, women’s health issues, or posts based on your new life stage as a mom, I find it interesting, relatable, helpful, and applicable to me or someone I know. And I think whichever format seems most-doable is great, I just like hearing your perspectives and find them so helpful. So whether that is more videos or instagram lives or posts, I would watch/listen/read them!! I know that is not very specific, but basically whatever you feel compelled to share I would be happy to follow along and learn from 🙂
I have quickly learned you guys don’t care about professionally editing and I love that! So freeing for me. Love your support Nicole!
I LOVED watching your videos! They were always so authentic and real. I miss them and would really enjoy more.
Xoxo,
Julie
Noting this Julie!
I LOVE all your work Robyn!!! You do you girl. I completely understand where you are coming from. You are incredible at everything you do and are by far my favorite influencer and I love that you love Jesus! Anyway, keep praying about it — the Lord will direct you. YouTube unfiltered or an easy podcast unedited would be awesome! Even one with Jessi Haggerty would be a fun duo to start! Thanks for sharing your heart!! 💕
Love Jess!! Thanks for your encouragement Jenna 🙂
Love both your videos and blog content! Your IG stories and posts are always ones I make sure to read/watch. Personally, I always gravitate more toward blogs though just because they’re easier to skim, to come back to if I want to look for some information, etc. Funnily enough, I find podcasts almost easier to digest than videos, since I normally listen to them while I’m driving! But I am so happy that you’ve realized that writing blog/IG posts isn’t where your heart’s at! Just a thought, but maybe you could provide a Cliff Notes version of your IG lives and videos here on the blog? Kind of as an overview for people who didn’t get to watch them.
I have gotten a lot of positive podcast feedback so maybe that is in the future if I can find a way to make it feel simple to produce 🙂
I originally found your blog when I was transitioning to intuitive eating and being less strict, and because of that, I honestly really love your blog posts where you share what you’ve eaten, and day in the life posts. I started getting into blogs in 2014 when it was less about evergreen content and more day in the life, this is what I ate types of posts,weekend highglights, etc… so those are the only types that I read. I read blogs less for information and more to forget all of the crazy in the world.
Thanks for your input Allie! I hear ya 🙂
Hi Robyn, just have to say how excited I was to see a new post from you! So glad you’ve had time to enjoy your baby and recover! I love how honest you are and to be honest, have missed being able to read your content. Stories/live hours just don’t work great for my schedule but I do try to watch them when I can because I enjoy the spontaneity of them. I second everyone saying how a podcast would be fun as I rarely drive without one on.
You’ve really inspired me to work hard towards health and not a certain weight-your blog is one of few that do so. I can tell you that I’m so grateful for the timing of when I found your blog otherwise I believe I might be in a much different place with my mental and emotional health . I also really love seeing new recipes and finding different ways to enjoy food. THANK YOU!
I have loved the podcast idea!! It means SO MUCH that this content and space has been so impactful for you <3
Thank you for being real! I have loved your content – the mix of well-researched ones to a peak into intuitive eating and I would be lying to say I wouldn’t miss them, but I understand how your heart needs to be in it! I do love you IG lives a lot and would be totally fine with basic youtube videos!
Thank you Katherine <3
Robyn, I would LOVE if you had a podcast. Not sure if you have pondered upon it much, but I think it would be fantastic!
P.S. I’ve been reading since sophomore year of college and I am gradating this May, first time commenting!
Since seeing your comment I’ve been mulling over this all day – thanks for the idea and encouragement 🙂 Perhaps that is in the future. And thank YOU for following all these years!
Hi Robyn! I’d love any kind of content you put out. Honestly, I dislike the push for professional style videos and blogs. I read or listen for content. I’m usually doing household chores while listening to things so quality doesn’t matter that much. I’d love sharing women’s health post baby, body positive as we age and after becoming a mom. I know you will find the right balance for your season now.
I love that you enjoy the “less professional” content – I do too when reading! I think because we as humans love to connect with other humans in a relatable way 🙂
Yes! I agree. You keep it real and I can relate to you. Has kept me reading and following you for many years.
I’ve always loved your videos, and they allow more access than a ig story that disappears. I actually enjoy that your videos are raw and real…much more relatable that way.
As a pregnany woman I would love more pregnancy and postpartum content…Love your blog, IG and Youtube videos, I’m sure whatever content you feel most drawn to create in whichever form will be absolutely great!
Looking forward to seeing more in March!
I certainly plan on more reproductive + women’s health content!! Thanks Manasa 🙂
Hi Robyn, so nice to hear from you again in this space. I would LOVE to hear more about how post-partum life has been treating you in March 🙂 I would personally be very sad if you stopped blogging because I really look forward to reading your content rather than sitting in front of my phone listening or watching videos. I truly enjoy your perspective and would really miss you in this space if you left! 🙁
I do have a postpartum post planned – not a personal recap but more educational written from my own experience too 🙂 Thank you so much for following Katelyn – means a lot!!
I love when you do simple blog posts of what you are in a day. It has really helped me see what normal eating is. And it would be interesting to see how it’s changed for you since having a baby!
I do enjoy those occasional posts since they are fun and pretty quick to publish – which is important with limited time these days 🙂
I think that Insta stories that you save to highlights would be a great idea! I personally love your written content because I absorb that information better and I love being able to skim around things whereas in videos you can’t do that. But honestly, the fact that you are doing so much for women without charging is a blessing in and of itself. The Lord used you to totally take me out of restricted eating mindset and Free me from a lingering eating disorder. So I’m pretty darn thankful for any content that you share. I also fully support the totally on edited YouTube videos. It’s way more real and I think you’re freaking awesome so you don’t need to edit
I need to utilize highlights more! thanks for your input Olivia!
Hi Robyn! I was SO excited to see a new post this morning form you. You inspire me by digging deep and realizing blogging / creating new content all of the time is just not feeling right for you in this season of life. I think it’s easy to tell when bloggers just push out content because that’s what they think they have to do to keep their readers/followers happy and there is not heart behind it. I like your idea for getting creative and asking us what we think too as the consumers! Kudos to you for realizing this as well!
I so appreciate all of the content you share and the resources you also connect people with. I agree that blogs can be a quick and easy skim at work or on a phone… I love the idea of a podcast. I also love your live Q+A’s and would also like YouTube videos. Maybe you could do a podcast episode for each question you receive or something? I think podcast would be the easiest for me to access at this time in my life. But you produce so much useful and amazing information that truth be told I’d follow you on any platform girl!! Lol. Best of luck on your journey- and enjoy the remainder of your leave ❤️
-Liz B
Although your blog posts are awesome, I understand that it makes more sense and brings you more joy to focus on videos and speaking. However, I think that more fun, light-hearted content (life updates, fun food ideas) are perfect for blog posts and can be short with simple pictures and ramblings. I don’t believe a “good” blog post has to be curated or have a specific topic, and your life posts ensure that you stay relatable to your followers =) You are so humble and sweet to be open to everyone’s feedback. And honestly, if you follow your intuition, the people you are meant to guide will continue to follow you because they resonate with your mission!
I love reading your blog posts but I think being able to go back and watch videos would be great. Now that I have a superlong commute I love being able to listen to things educational as I drive.
Hi Robyn,
I’m so glad you have returned to both the blogging and Instagram stories / lives after taking some time off to spend with your baby boy!
This blog and your Instagram are warmly welcomed back into my life. I love coming to the blog to “connect” with you, learn from you and feel grounded from your words. It’s definitely a space where I feel safe and inspired! I honestly don’t have a huge preference between blog posts, Instagram or YouTube as they are all methods in which to get points across. Sometimes it’s nice to sit with a mug of tea and read things / scroll through your pictures and other days while I cook dinner or am relaxing in the evening, tuning into an Instagram live or watching stories is what appeals. Either way, I’m glad you’re making your way back to us … we’ve missed you!
I think that writing posts without really enjoying it can often show in the post and I say don’t bother if you don’t want to. Do what feels interesting and more like you and if that’s in stories or videos? Do it!
I enjoy your more ‘real’ posts like snapshots of what you eat because we have almost identical taste buds and I love being inspired (slightly selfish on my part sorry 😂) but also would love videos and I think most of us don’t care about the quality or edit as long as we can hear you clearly 😊
Thank you for all that you do! I’m a uk student MH nurse and you inspire me xx
I LOVE your blog posts about life. I LOVED your videos. I really don’t care about how they’re edited, because you provide so much valuable information that’s hard to get elsewhere. I really love your Instagram live videos and how personal they are; I love your comments on Instagram stories about various things re: women’s health.
And I love how your vision is getting broader to focus more on general women’s health along with still encouraging recovery and intuitive eating. <3 You've always been one of the most treasured voices and gifts by God's grace in the area of all things women's health.
I know many people have mentioned it above, but here’s another vote for a podcast 🙂 I love the videos or ‘auditory’ content, but only have a limited amount of data on my cell phone, so streaming videos or instagram live isn’t a great option for me when I’m usually available to listen (in the car, walking the dog). So something like a podcast that I could download and listen to on the go would be ideal! And I have several podcasts I listen to that aren’t long-form either – anywhere from 8-30minutes is about as long as my attention span anyways 🙂
I think it’s awesome when bloggers follow their natural trajectory instead of trying to stick with a certain format because it “works.” Our lives are not static and I wouldn’t expect a blog to look exactly the same year after year. That wouldn’t be authentic. My career goals in mental health shifted after having kids and now I have a strong interest in postpartum mental health. Follow your heart and do what feels best for you! Your followers may change, but because you say things so eloquently, people will benefit from the content. You have made a huge impact in the body image/eating space and will continue to do great things in whatever format you choose!
I would love more info on perimenopause/menopause and intuitive eating/body image/menstrual cycles. Also I echo other readers that I love the blog posts, don’t do stories because it’s hard to find time to sit and watch those, but would totally be into podcast. You can listen while driving or exercising.
Hi Robyn! I really appreciate your Facebook and Instagram live videos! I also like your “5 Things” blog posts and think they’re a fun round-up of what products, recipes, foods, etc. you’re enjoying. If you decide to go back to making YouTube videos, I really don’t care about video quality – it’s the content I care about, which, anything from you is always stellar. I support whatever decision you make in regards to blogging, Instagram, etc. and am thinking of you as you transition into a new season of life!
Your IG posts of what food you’re into have been SO helpful for me bc I’m a visual learner & they have inspired me (I see so many photos of diet culture “clean” food & yours are an antidote). I don’t watch videos but will follow your IG & am happy to learn more about women’s health. I love your honesty about your current transition and Interests. Thank you for all you’ve posted & congrats on your Bebe!
Your videos are my favorite of all your contemt. I still go back and watch them!! I’d love more.
Videos, blog, does not matter to me! Info from you in any form is really great! I wish you lived near Chicago or took my insurance! I could really use your help with what is going on with me. Because honestly, I’m not sure my doctors know. They think it’s anxiety. I know hormones are playing a role and I’m thinking a bigger role than my doctors think. Anyway, I digress. You need to do what works for you!
Hi Robyn,
I LOVED your YouTube videos—absolutely no need for editing your invaluable content. Coming from someone who has deleted all social media accounts (EDs and instagram don’t mix), I’d love to see you post videos to YouTube again; since I don’t have an Instagram, I can’t view stories or watch live videos (one must have an account for that). I wonder if you could post your live videos onto the blog (or YouTube). I’m probably in the minority over here in no-social-media land, but just a suggestion from someone who loves learning through you.
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