Sometimes our best intentions, our enthusiasm and even our commitment are not enough, especially when living with chronic illness.
I recently promoted a Podcast ” Virtual Book Tour”, following the launch of my book, “My Medical Musings”, in May.
The idea was a simple one. I’d just record a random chapter of my book every week, just like an author would do a book reading as part of a book store signing/reading tour.
I thought it would be a lovely way for my blog followers and forum members to enjoy a free “audio book” experience. I even thought I’d run a signed book give-away competition.
It all seemed like a great idea…..until it began to unravel and become a ball and chain.
Our Best Laid Intentions
Following the book release, my “to do” list seem to multiply daily.
Some of it was my own fault, as I set a workload I could achieve mentally, while forgetting my physically limitations.
Some of it was the need to market the book on varying levels and, some of it was needing to keep up with my usual online volunteering commitments.
What I didn’t expect was to end up with a stress fracture in my collarbone, from holding the phone more than normal, plus a dislocated jaw and problems swallowing from talking too much.
So some serious discussions with myself needed to take place before my next post became an announcement I’d been taken to hospital.
My best laid intentions had clearly become my undoing and, if I had any hope of improving my situation, I needed to act swiftly to rectify the situation.
An Honest Review…Podcast verses Blog
As I contemplated my workload, I made my decision as to what to stop, based on three criteria:
- Impact to my health;
- Impact to my followers;
- Effort required to continue.
It quickly became clear there was one activity I had no choice but to park for a while….the “Podcast Virtual Book Tour”.
As much as I love Podcasting, recording the book tour weekly began affecting my voice, my throat and my jaw. I’m at the point of having such a sore mouth I can barely eat and it’s taking me 4 hours to regain my full voice each morning.
I also monitor my Podcast listening statistics and it’s obvious I’m putting in way too much effort for minimal reach to new and existing followers.
People so often tell me they prefer audio versions over the written word but that just doesn’t follow through in terms of real engagement.
My blog is still the most popular way for me to interact with existing followers and attract new followers. The blog statistics are triple that of my Podcast.
An Announcement
So, I am really sorry it’s necessary for me to announce, I am taking a Podcast pause.
I will record one more virtual book tour, to share another random chapter and let listeners know I need to take a step back.
I may be able to continue on a monthly basis with a virtual book tour but at the moment I think it’s wise I don’t commit to anything until I’m sure.
I will definitely continue writing, so watch out for more blogs, especially to keep up to date with “My Medical Musings ” news.
In the meantime, please take care everyone and never be afraid to change your direction, especially if it means improving your health and wellness.
In chapter 18 of my book and in my virtual book tour, I remind you that with chronic illness there is only one non negotiable rule:
Look after yourself, to do otherwise is pure folly”
(Sam Moss, My Medical Musings, Chapter 18)
Love,
Sam xx
My book “My Medical Musings”, is published by Imaginewe Publishers and available now to purchase as a paperback or e-book on Amazon Link
Here is the Publishers sale link: My Medical Musings..The Book
My Podcast, Medical Musings with Sam, can also now be heard on Amazon and Audible, as well as all other major Podcast apps, so it’s easily accessible.
If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding & friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic & complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.
I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page
I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women
I’m a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network, the Grace Girls Facebook Group and Salt and Light Linkup Group
If you would like to read a little more about my journey, here’s the link to My Story
Please click here to read our Privacy Policy
My Medical Musings 
Dearest Sam,
Very wise. Pleased you are taking your own Chapter 18 advice.
Love as ever,
Lesley 🙏🏼😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love to you dear Sam! Please do whatever it takes, whatever you need to do, to preserve your health. You are in our hearts and in our prayers, always!🙏🏻💕💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Sam, I’m sorry. It’s hard getting ideas in your head and getting carried away with the do-to list of things you need to do, somehow forgetting to factor in the physical limitations. I’ve found this time and time again, but I never change. That’s the definition of insanity, isn’t it? Doing the same thing over and over, hoping for a different outcome. I’ve been so overwhelmed with everything and ending up in (another) breakdown. That’s without the same physical challenges you live with or marketing a book! I think you’ve made the right call when you’re struggling with Podcasts and yes, I’m a bit bias because I don’t want to lose you from the blogging realm to the Podcast world. Is there anything I can do to help? A review on my blog or anything? Please take good care of yourself my friend, you’re too important not to. xxxx
LikeLike
You are always such a beautiful encouragement and support Caz. Thank you.
I’d be honoured to have you review my book on your blog but only if you are sure. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to, Sam. I don’t know when given how I’ve been but hopefully some time this century 😉
Have you arranged any reviews, like giving away copies to get people to review or share it?
xx
LikeLike
Sam, I’m sorry you’ve had to do this. Maybe at some point in the future you will be able to consider giving it another go, but for now you are right to put the podcast into the backburner. My backburner is full of things I’ve wanted to do or started to do, then reality takes hold and tells me no. You have spent the last few months working so hard all the time. Your body and mind probably need to rest and do what you love without added stress.
If people prefer to hear your blog, they could always use a screen reader. That might be a solution for some of your followers. x
LikeLike
The constant juggle between what you have to do for your dreams versus what your health requires is one of the most difficult things about chronic illness. Sounds like you made the right choice. Ultimately, I try to remember that without my health, nothing else is possible, so that always has to come first. Still really frustrating, though. Hang in there.
LikeLike