Closing the Chapter: A Heartfelt Farewell to this space

To my beloved readers and followers,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post, a farewell and a closing chapter for The Sarah Stories. Over the past six years, I have poured my heart and soul into this blog, creating countless styling videos and curating thousands of outfits. It has been a journey filled with creativity, passion, and connection, but the time has come for me to move forward.

I’ve always believed in the importance of transparency, and though I know I am not obligated to provide an explanation, it feels true to my nature to share my thoughts. This decision has not come lightly or suddenly; it has been a process of introspection and realization. Throughout these years, I’ve had moments where I needed to step back and recharge. This July was one such time, and while I had every intention of returning with renewed energy and fresh content, the drive slowly faded. I apologize to my loyal readers for not carrying through with the planned style series and remaining 2024 monthly planners. It feels best to step back from prior commitments, content, and campaigns moving forward. So, here it is: a farewell to The Sarah Stories.

Reflecting on this journey, I am proud of the work and dedication I have put into The Sarah Stories. I taught myself to build a site, curated every planner, and linked every outfit. Though I’ve had help, much of it was a one-woman show. I’ve worked with countless brands and made significant commissions. This journey was not in vain; it was a stepping stone to greater things.

Mid-July, I fell ill with the flu, which forced me to halt everything. Being bedridden for five days was a stark reminder of the importance of health and wellness. It made me rethink my priorities, recognizing that my body was signaling a need for rest. This experience has made me more appreciative of my health and the importance of mental well-being.

The past six years have often seen me glued to my phone, physically present but mentally distant from my family. The hours spent planning and curating content came with feelings of guilt and a constant quest for validation. Despite the fear of missing out, I realize now that it’s time to end this cycle. It’s a relief to acknowledge that if this pursuit no longer brings joy or purpose, it’s okay to let go. Thus, this is my farewell to the Sarah Stories and all that’s come from it.

Early last year, I started using my skills to help others as a Virtual Assistant. I now work with an SEO website development company and also take on freelance graphic design projects. These opportunities came from my experience as a blogger and influencer, and I am extremely grateful for them.

I also want to address the content I’ve curated for August. I recently shared August’s planner and regularly share a newsletter linking each week’s outfits. While I have come to the decision to step back from The Sarah Stories, I will continue to link each week’s outfits for the remainder of the month. You can source the linked outfits each week as normal. This month’s planner will be my last resource. I appreciate your understanding and support during this transition.

I will miss the community deeply. Many of you have been with me since the beginning, supporting me through highs and lows. I am an introvert who keeps much of my personal life private, but the connections made here have been invaluable. I will need to find new ways to develop a sense of belonging and validation as I step away. Where do I go from here? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps I’ll pop in occasionally with style-related posts or stories, but without the pressure of constant sharing. I want to move away from the need to link everything I share. While lifestyle content isn’t my forte, I still love to share my passions and insights.

Working as a VA offers guaranteed income, a stark contrast to the inconsistent earnings of blogging. The financial fear and uncertainty have been a constant companion in this journey. Moving forward, I seek stability and peace of mind, knowing that my work yields reliable rewards.

Thank you for the incredible support and love over these years. The Sarah Stories has been a significant part of my life, and I cherish the memories and connections made. While this chapter closes, I look forward to new beginnings and opportunities.

With love and gratitude,
Sarah