Lately I have just not had the motivation to post. I am sorry for that and I feel bad but the motivation to get articles up here just has not been there for the past couple weeks. I even have my first free workout program all completed. All I need to do is take some pictures for the the exercises. But it has been sitting almost done like that for weeks.
Things have been going well and life is good. Work, personal life, exercise, health, diet, money and all that jazz is going well so I am not too sure why the motivation to post articles seems to have just disappeared.
I can speculate though that it is due to a number of things that I will outline below:
#1. I have just plain been busy.
It’s true. BTW – New job is going great (Great boss, great company, great co-workers).
#2. Healthy living is my life.
Sure, when I started Primal Living… it was my life… as in I was all about it and it was the focus of almost everything I did. Now, it is my life… but in a different way. It has become so natural to my routine that it is now almost second nature. I make healthy choices, eat healthy food and do healthy things more naturally without having to focus as much on it. It is hard to explain, but I just don’t think about it as much and I think that has hurt my drive to post articles.
#3. The Primal Community
Recently, Primal Living seems to be getting more and more popular with more and more people getting on board. Too be honest with you, I can’t stand it. Mark’s site has blown up with his book and site redesign and all that jazz but it seems to have attracted a large number of people that I can’t stand to be around.
Have you spent any time on Mark’s forum or message boards? There are so many people who appear to be in a competition for who is primally smarter, who is more hardcore, that their way is the only way or the right way to be primal. I feel that it is so much more about making it your own and working it how it works for you.
Another thing that kills me is all the Google Scientists around. I don’t mean scientists employed by Google, I instead mean the guy who Googles a topic, does a bit of reading on it and suddenly thinks he is the Sir Isaac Newton of the topic. Also in this group are the micro-nutrient micro-analyzers and the people who try to way over science the approach in my opinion.
The ever fun trolls seem to be multiplying as well.
The other thing that is starting to rub me wrong about the community is the drive to be more and more plugged in. This just strikes me as counter to the whole idea of a lifestyle about getting back to the basics. I acknowledge the benefits of a little community, a littele blogging, internet, communication etc. (heck, I have this blog and never would have found my health without Mark’s site) but now it just keeps expanding into twitter and facebook and more and more. It is all a bit much to keep up with for me! I like to turn my phone off and get away for a walk, a hike or a camping trip etc. My phone blowing up every time someone eats a meal or does a jumping jack isn’t exactly my prescription for de-stressing.
It is a little ironic because I think Chris from fitness fail actually asked me once if I would still be all about it as much if it weren’t a small sub-culture. I of course at the time said that yes I would but now I am not sure. When everyone gets on the bus, it’s not just the cool kids… you get the idiots too. Fortunately, the idiots have not spilled too far over into this site yet and I still have all you cool cats 
#4. Bad Form Peter… Bad Form.
Much of my content has been ripped of by bigger more popular sites. I don’t mean by linking back to me (no problem with that) but rather just taking my post or my idea that I posted and putting there own up a couple days later. I buy into “primal minds think a like” and I can write off a couple similar posts to that but certain timing and specifics issues are just a little too coincidental for my tastes. I am all about sharing, but this is pretty de-motivating for posting new content.
Where was I going with this article? I am not exactly sure. I am not trying to make excuses but rather just lay my thoughts out there. Maybe its just a phase and in a little while I will get all gung ho about the blog again. What are your thoughts?
Oh, and one more for the giggles…
July 14th, 2009 - 7:20 am
Hey SoG,
Sorry to hear about the lack of motivation, I think this sort of thing happens to all of us and one point or another. As someone who’s been reading a LOT about this sort of thing (currently a student of google university), I know what you mean about the community getting “too big” in some ways…
I just found your site yesterday and I have to say I’m a big fan. Love the name Grok, your recipes look creative AND delicious, and most importantly it’s simple and to the point. I spent at least half an hour of valuable work time snooping around your site. I followed one of your links to “Mark’s Daily apple” and spent about a minute there before bookmarking it and coming back to SoG.
I saw ads, pictures, links, feeds and felt pretty overwhelmed. My first thoughts were “I don’t have time to dig through all this right now” and put it away.
My first thoughts arriving *here* on the other hand were something like this:
” hehe Grok, that’s a caveman name!”
” WOW. Banana-nut-bites look AWESOME.”
” hey, these links look interesting: ‘rants and rambles’, ‘primal activities’, ‘FAQ’ ”
All this just to say I like what you’re doing here, small and simple is good. I like that this is a plain, straightforward blog about an honest guy trying to live a simpler, healthier, and more “primal” lifestyle.
I left your site feeling excited, inspired and a little bit hungry… I hope you keep it up, but seeing as “relaxing” seems to be an important aspect of primal living as well; take your time!
All the best,
-Simon
July 14th, 2009 - 7:39 am
Great post as always. I think it’s probably normal do become a little less motivated over time. You might just need a ‘recovery period’ from blogging. I completely understand about the focus of healthy living becoming more of a habit as well.
I’ve also noticed the pissing contest on Mark’s forum. Sometimes you got to take the idiots with the cool kids
I refuse to ‘Twitter’ because I frankly don’t give a damn what most people are doing, whether it’s making a retard sandwich or combing their hair. I also think most people don’t give a damn what I’m doing either.
I personally truly appreciate this site. You provide plenty of insight, awesome recipes, great humor, and occasional pictures of ABQ. which I miss. Thanks for everything.
July 14th, 2009 - 7:48 am
If I can put my $0.02 in… I like your site. I like Mark’s site, but for different reasons. Your site is like the friendly local neighbourhood joint, I can come in and hang out with the other locals. Mark’s is more like the big shiny new nightclub – very flashy, very loud, very crowded. Both have their place, IMHO.
You’re right, people are becoming more interested in primal lifestyles, I see this on a daily basis – and that’s why we need your site, and mine, and others. There are a lot of valid variations on the primal lifestyle, and it’s important that people understand these variations so they can tune the lifestyle to their own needs. The community, such as it is, needs more voices like yours, now more than ever.
And, for the record, the one thing I appropriated from your site (the paleo peach patty recipe), I provided a link back to you. Anybody who doesn’t do so is rather dishonest, at best. And, as they say, karma will always bite you when you least expect it.
July 14th, 2009 - 8:07 am
I can totally see where you’re coming from with Mark’s Forums … can be great, but there is a lot of signal vs. noise / chatter / moronic stuff going on there. Even Twitter is wearing on me now too; there are some of the “old” gang who I enjoy following, but a lot of people adding #primal that don’t do anything for me.
I hope you continue to update the site (especially with cool recipes) as you come across them. I can understand the initial excitement of “primal” having worn off and it being just your daily routine now. Definitely enjoyed all the content you’ve had so far and would love to see more in the future when you feel like it.
July 14th, 2009 - 8:14 am
Great post – I enjoyed the comedy relief, and especially, the more substantive sentiment.
I still go to Mark’s site every day, but I agree on all accounts with your observations and criticisms. The Forum has about 5 or 6 (I’m guessing) people who post incessantly w/o adding much more than how awesome they are.
It has been my general experience that people who are really into fitness rate much higher on the narcissism scale than the general population, and fitness sites are a great place to meet the 1% full-blown narcissists. Everything is about them.
Having said that, I agree with gcb that your site is a lot like the friendly neighborhood joint, and I like that it has a less slick/corporate feel than Mark’s. I blog some myself (on human arrogance generally and the economic crisis as a case-in-point, so nothing to do with the primal lifestyle), and find it hard to stay motivated/innovative.
I hope you keep with it as I enjoy your posts, but IMO there is no shame in stopping doing something you don’t enjoy (well, something amoral like blogging – I’d have a different opinion if you said you were tired of your kids and so were leaving them…I think you know what I’m saying).
July 14th, 2009 - 8:20 am
I really appreciate your insights, ramblings, recipes, etc. I think you have a knack for keeping things simple and in the cacaphony ensuing from the primal uprising, it’s refreshing.
Thanks to you, I’ve tip-toed into primal living and I’ve dodged twitter, so thanks for that. And thanks for keeping it simple.
July 14th, 2009 - 8:25 am
Great stuff.
I know what you mean about #3. It is like when people discover your favourite band and they suddenly become popular. I know it is silly, but I like to be a little bit alternative, a little bit different and when everybody starts going “primal” you lose the fun. There is a Mark Twain quote which was on Tim Ferris’ site recently:
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” – Mark Twain
I can’t get into Twitter – life is too busy as it is. Facebook is OK for keeping in touch with (real) friends.
Keep posting though – I like your enthusiasm!
July 14th, 2009 - 8:38 am
Yay, you’re back! And glad to hear the lack of blogging isn’t for any negative reasons in the rest of your life.
I remember when Chris brought that topic up and my thinking then and now is that I’ve never cared how many other people were into something, or how few — that doesn’t affect whether something is a true fact, or whether it “works for me” (argh, do I cringe at hearing that phrase, especially in context of subjects like Gary Taubes!). Likewise on proper motivation — if you’re changing the way you eat to compete with someone else, “you’re doing it wrong”!
Granted, there are the inevitable downsides of the increasing popularity of these issues. But I’m pleased to see the issues themselves being discussed and argued over, with more people experimenting on themselves and reporting real world results we can all learn from. I’m glad to see more people trying to take control of their lives instead of blindly trusting the experts and dictocrats.
Finally on distractions, microblogging, et al — To me that all smacks of the modern “short attention span theater”. I’ve always been about quality over quantity, and would rather see someone post well-written, substantive material less often. Nothing wrong with being connected in a networked world, but I’m not at the keyboard all the time — and I don’t even have a cell phone (I did briefly once when on a contracting job). So when I go out walking or biking I’m out of touch, getting forty rods to the hogshead, and that’s the way I likes it!
PS: the micro-nutrient micro-analyzers
I ditched Fitday a long time ago after tracking the numbers for a while out of curiosity, and it really was a load off my mind. No matter how much I’m restricting my carbs (LC to VLC, currently experimenting with ZC), I don’t dwell on or overanalyze my food — I just know what not to eat, and enjoy what I do eat until I’m not hungry.any more. Love the simplicity, and it’s freed up a ton of time and mental concentration for the non-food parts of my life…which even when you’re focusing on healthy food, if you focus too much on the food, you can easily lose track of the rest
Again, glad to hear your primal life is going great guns!
July 14th, 2009 - 8:52 am
Love the site. Keep posting! I am new to the sight so I am still finding new stuff to keep me motivated and on track. Love the recipes. I make the almond crackers all the time now.
I am with you on the point of losing the fun when it becomes popular. My “Conventional wisdom” sister is about to join “MY” crossfit box. I don’t know how I feel about that. Thinking of acting like a villain from Scooby-Doo and putting on a rubber mask to scare her off.
July 14th, 2009 - 9:03 am
Cecil Adams at The Straight Dope wrote an opinion column recently on whether or not newspapers are dead. Apparently people believe this because individuals are posting so much awesome content on the Internet for free, then what’s the point of journalists? But Cecil’s argument was that people posting free content are not going to do so on a regular basis (like a paid journalist) *because* they are not getting paid, and understandably have higher priorities besides producing vast quantities of uncompensated content.
I liked his reasoning, mainly because it helps me not feel guilty for so rarely posting on my own blog.
All the cool cats who read this blog will not criticize you for giving your real life much higher priority than this blog – that is simply proof of your sanity and common sense. You owe no one any apologies. You produce very high quality content, and you can’t be expected to do that frequently, regularly, and on a long term basis without also being compensated.
And regarding your comment about other bloggers not acknowledging your contribution / inspiration … well, people are crazy. Being dishonest about such things is like deliberately swallowing a poison … it will eventually eat away at them, because on some level they know it’s wrong. This is kind of a way of saying that integrity is it’s own reward, but there’s a lot more to the rewards of integrity than that (a discussion which is beyond the scope of this comment).
In other news – I really liked the comment Russell made regarding narcissism in fitness buffs. I never thought about it before, but it makes sense. It also explains why I am uncomfortable around fitness buffs – many of them are significantly self-focused and not much fun to talk to or even eavesdrop on.
Which makes your blog all the more interesting – you’re one of those rare fitness buffs that actually has something to talk about besides reps and intervals and supplements. 
July 14th, 2009 - 10:12 am
SoG,
I’ve been a silent observer of your site for a few months now. I’m not big on posting comments mainly because I don’t feel that I have anything really important to say. Your current post has caused that to change.
Listen up! Your site is awesome and has had a HUGE influence on me. You are the guy that made it OK to eat BBQ sauce, hummus, and breakfast sandwiches! People offer to pay for my Eye of Round roast when I tell them I’m going to make your beef jerky as long as I give them some. Every single recipe of yours that I’ve tried has been nothing short of amazing.
So what am I trying to say here? I’m trying to tell you that I don’t think I’m the only one that would be disappointed if you stopped posting. I’m trying to tell you to find your motivation because your posts have a much bigger effect on people than you might realize. Shake the negative stuff off man. The people that steal your stuff have to live with the fact that they are douche bags! That is their problem.
Thanks for everything! I really mean that.
July 14th, 2009 - 10:18 am
90% of them will be on a “primal didn’t work for me” blog in two years. It isn’t about the internal for these people; it’s about the interaction, the attention, the engagement with others, the groupthink, regardless of the subject matter.
I think it is natural that once one really integrates something into his or her life, it becomes mundane. You change incrementally. You move on to another place in your thinking and being.
Unless you are selling something or have the need to obsessively feed your ego, talking about it just doesn’t have the same meaning. The need isn’t there. The transition period is over. You are literally something other than what you were.
Other things await and they will be things that you would not otherwise encounter, understand, be ready for or being able to look at or process in the same way without having done/gone thru what you have in the last few years.
You may want to consider that this “lack of motivation” is actually a real, tangible sign of success.
While I enjoy reading your blog, it is really for you, not any of us. If posting in the manner in which you have done so in the past isn’t making you tick in the same way it did . . . so be it.
I am betting you have other things brewing whether you are totally cognizant of them right now or not.
July 14th, 2009 - 10:27 am
SoG:
Don’t be down. Focus on the positive. I can appreciate exactly where you’re coming from—I’m trying to decide if the community is big enough for my own little voice to be heard, and I’ve got many of the same fears and concerns.
Regarding the “plugged in” nature of the game—-isn’t that, in and of itself, unprimal? Sometimes it seems to me that one of the unspoken, unstated primal laws is that you should “be with yourself” and not with others.
Regarding the more-or-less blatant ripoffs that take place . . . well, yeah. I’ve seen some of that going on, and it’s something that sticks in my craw. Is that a human thing? Is it a Western thing? Is it a modern American thing?
If, when, if, when I decide to try and add my own small voice, I know I’m always going to try and attribute ideas, insights, recipes and thoughts. I know there will be times when I don’t attribute, just because sometimes I’ll forget who inspired me to think a certain way, but I do have a “paleo code of ethics” that I try to live by. I kind of stole it from, of all places, the Bill and Ted movies. It’s pretty simple: “Be excellent to each other.”
Regardless of which way you decide to go, keep on being excellent. I know I’ve benefited from your blog, and selfishly I hope to keep on benefiting from your blog.
One last thought: being primal doesn’t stop being cool if everyone gets in on it. It’s still “the way to be.”
Grok on?
July 14th, 2009 - 10:38 am
SOG,
Just want to say, I too have been a silent observer of your site. I tripped over Mark’s site in January, and have tried to follow a PB lifestyle since. I have successfully lost 14 lbs since starting this new way of life. Your site is one of three I check to keep myself in line. (Mark’s, Richard’s and Yours) The first too, are way to technical and generally lose me after the first paragraph, yours is “the real person site”.
If you are moving on to new interests that’s cool, let me say “Thank you for all you have inspired thus far”.
July 14th, 2009 - 10:50 am
SOG, I like your site and your insights. I agree about Marks forum, There are some people that seem to post 12 times a day, they must live in front of their computers, maybe they should think about actually living primal instead of discussing it. I hope you continue to post, even if its on a limited basis for you truly do inspire primal living by example not just words
July 14th, 2009 - 11:01 am
I’m with you on the twitter and excessive forummin/blogging being not exactly paleo.
One thing you can consider is that, if your other readers are like me, they have a bunch of good blogs they read. I have a good handful of great bloggers that I follow on my blogroll, and if each one of you only posted something substantive 1-2 times a month, that would still keep my desire to read interesting, educational, and frequently entertaining posts perfectly satisfied.
Also, by the sounds of it, this blog has served its purpose, which above all else is to document and facilitate your own paleo journey. If being primal comes as naturally as you say, then this blog has clearly been successful. Plain and simple. If you choose to throw up a new post once in a while, we all will appreciate that, I’m sure, but even if you never posted again you’ve still built another helpful resource for hopeful paleo-ers out there. Anything else is just icing on the cake … or bacon on the eggs?
-Bryce
July 14th, 2009 - 11:08 am
I’m happy for you about your recent happiness, that was good to read.
I also wonder if that is actually the reason that you have lacked motivation to post stuff up here. I notice the same thing with me, that when my life is “better” and i am more consistently joyful and satisfied everyday i have less desire to spend time online with people i don’t know. Perhaps this whole explosion of people needing constant interaction online (forums, facebook, twitter, etc.) stems from the fact that we as a culture lack any sort of regular meaningful interaction in the real world. It really does concern me. So what i am really saying i guess is good for you. It sounds like you’re several steps ahead of most of the population.
Are those pictures from despair.com? check it out if they’re not… hilarious
July 14th, 2009 - 11:08 am
Re: #3
HERE HERE!!!!
July 14th, 2009 - 11:42 am
Have been watching your site since I went primal last November. You’ve been an important part of my journey so far. It is already second nature for me, also. Howerver, it’s nice to follow the ‘real’ primals of which you are definitely one. I have looked at sites I thought were real, but un-bookmark them when they don’t keep it real. I have a feeling the ‘band wagon’ will empty at some point as fast as it has filled up because every movement has a rash of wanna be’s and ‘follow the latest thing’ groupies who fall away, usually sooner than later. Hope you continue to post occasionally, and thanks so much for keeping it real!!
July 14th, 2009 - 12:14 pm
I understand your points – similarly for me, this lifestyle has become so second nature that I am not actively pursuing info or trying to learn more. Likewise, I don’t end up posting as much. It’s just part of me now and not a central focus. I think that is the way it is supposed to be.
People like to sweat all these details on all these sites – blah blah blah. I am quickly losing interest in the minutea of it all. The basic concepts are simple and people to want to over-complicate it. All this requires is a bit of patience and knowledge of how to make smart food choices.
As for the twitter/facebook explosion – yeah it is a bit anti-grokish. However, for people like me who are stuck to a computer 40+ hours a week for work, it’s a nice diversion. That’s all I use it for. I’d don’t do the whole cell phone /iphone communication thing. Jeeze people, move away from the gadgets everyonce and a while and enjoy nature.
July 14th, 2009 - 12:28 pm
I hear ya on all of that negative feedback regarding the web and even about the forum, but now I feel like one of these ‘douche bags’ that you are talking about
(BTW, I work on the computer/ internet ALL day, so for me to post often is not because I choose to be unprimal or that I don’t have a life, it’s just someplace I choose to go on my work-breaks because I’m an all-or-nothing person and I found the forum a neat place to find information and other ‘like-minded’ people).
I was, however, recently told that I was wrong by a person on a subject that was purely conjectured from my own observations. I was asked for specific ‘links’, etc. That left a nasty taste in my mouth. It went from a friendly forum, to one that I was talked down to by a ‘peer’ over an idea from my head.
Not friendly and I will probably move on after a while.
It is nice, however, to come here and go there every so often to get great information and ideas in the early stages (30 day mark for me going primal), but the ‘total immersion’ is indeed too much and it sounds like you are already there and I may be soon following…
July 14th, 2009 - 12:48 pm
SoG, I hear you on all counts. I do hope you continue to post, though. And I will continue to link back to you from the forum I moderate.
You also won’t see me on Twitter anytime soon.
July 14th, 2009 - 6:21 pm
I loved reading your #3. You blasted the nail on the head. It is super frustrating hearing the my way or the highway people since it’s all about finding your own fitness and discovering what works for you. & like you said when those myway/highway people experience with primal is an hour on google and an hour browsing through Mark’s archives it makes things that much more aggravating. & on top of that when it’s concerning primal minutia it’s like someone is playing a sick joke… I think I broke your #4 and just reworded everything you wrote but it was spot-on. =) As Ben Franklin said “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.”
The growth factor takes a bit of the love out of things. When I find a favorite band or movie et cetera and then a few months later when everyone and their monkey’s uncle is obssessing over it – some mojo is definitely sapped.
But Keep writing SOG! Even a weekly post would be primo. Much Enjoyment in your postings
July 14th, 2009 - 6:42 pm
Another (usually silent) reader here, chiming in to say that you really are awesome. Your blog has been a great resource for me and for my family. I hope it will continue for a long time!
July 14th, 2009 - 6:54 pm
SoG,
I totally hear you on losing the motivation.
A while back I started a blog about low-carb eating because it had done so much for me. After a while, I got tired of trying to come up with something to talk about. Largely, this was a result of seeing the stellar job that so many others were doing and I didn’t want to just rip off other people’s topics with my own spin.
Like so many others, I enjoy your blog, especially the recipes, but also the insight. Like you I get burned out on the push for us all to become more connected through Twitter et al. I did FB for a while, but quickly grew tired of constantly checking in to see what others were up to and feeling the need to inform others of more useless information about my “status”. I keep my FB account for connecting with friends on occasion, but rarely update things myself or participate in all the extracurricular activities offered there. I agree that the push to stay connected 24×7 is definitely anti-primal. One of the things you’ve talked about here is working to remove stress from your life so you have more time for the important stuff, I think you’ve offered some great advice/insight to that end. Constant connectivity certainly works against that end.
Also, I find frustrating the pissing match over who can be more primal and how every one else is killing themselves if they don’t do it the “right” way. I work with a guy like this and we no longer talk about health and fitness because he can’t cope with the fact that I eat a sh*t load of eggs and that my cholesterol is as good as his. He’s not a primal guy at all, he goes for grains all the way.
Anyway, thanks for blogging. I look forward to hearing more from you at some point, but go with what works for you. As long as you leave your blog up for people to stumble across, I won’t fault you no matter what you do.
Finally, do you have any “before” pictures? I’ve seen your “during” pictures and you like you’re in awesome shape! I’m just curious what you looked like before you found primal living.
Alex
July 14th, 2009 - 7:36 pm
Hey SoG!
I’d be sad to see you go, seeing as how you were my introduction to the primal lifestyle earlier this year, back when I was a mere low-carber. I believe I found you due to a heated comment discussion you were participating in on someone else’s blog… Hmmm…
I, too, hope I’m not one of the ‘douchebags’. I’m active on Twitter since in Australia the primal/paleo lifestyle is very much a sub-culture with no real activity beyond the virtual. I have no like minds to talk to, boohoo! So while twittering the minutiae of primal experiences can border on the banal, it’s a more person connection for those of us who are still finding our feet (clad in fivefingers) and need to feel the support of like minds. I choose Twitter over forum interaction as it’s less time-consuming and doesn’t depend on frequent input – following a few interesting people is enough.
I think the ‘proclamations of the one true way’ phase is the transitional period between learning new information, consolidating, and making it part of what you do. I certainly went through the phase of needing to convince people that the revelations I had stumbled upon were the truth! Now I’m happy with just convincing my loved ones of the need to eliminate sugar and grains from their diet – I’m not about to condemn people for cooking with olive oil, eating potatoes, and other less devastating infractions against their health
It’s amazing how eager people are to seek the information from you when presented with the positive change. That’s enough to fulfill my need to effect wider education and improvement (I am a teacher, it’s my calling and drive); there’s no point in engaging in toneless virtual conversations with individuals who have already made sufficient development. For the ones who still feel they need to voice their ideas, give them time.
Blogs like yours give us that wonderful, well-rounded introduction and interaction with your knowledge and experience. Mine is designed to supplement blogs like yours by providing an accessible presentation of the lifestyle, an ‘if I can, you can too, and here’s how’ guide through the day-to-day realities. But even some of my posts, which aren’t much more than spelling out primal food for the lay-man, have been ripped off verbatim. It’s weird, it’s lazy, but I’m not precious. Share the love.
Forums and twitter hashtags will calm down, blogs will become less focussed, sure – but this is because fervour is driven by the new. Mainstream interest will peak, but I certainly hope that rather than simply dying away, the primal lifestyle will become integrated into the ‘normal’, and become commonplace and therefore drive no particular need in individuals to flout their own experience and knowledge. Maybe you have finally broken through the need to reflect, as it’s simply what you do and who you are.
I’m sure we’ll all end up there – unless there’s financial motivation involved (Mark!).
July 14th, 2009 - 7:55 pm
Don’t sweat it. We all go through motivation phases. And I think its great that you no longer have to think twice about making healthy choices. That’s where we all want to end up…
July 14th, 2009 - 7:57 pm
i found your site right after robb wolf’s, which was right after i decided my crossfit trainers might not be so crazy after all and i’d start thinking about eating primal.
i get lost pretty quickly in all the science. i seem to understand most of it as i read it, but then forget easily due to mind like sieve. your blog is opposite of that and i appreciate it very much. i looked down my “refreshed” list of blog updates tonight and as soon as i saw you posted – i was there. you have always had a fan here. i have tried several of your recipes and my husband still asks for those “grok poppers”.
but ultimately you gotta do what you gotta do. and even if it’s sporadic, we’ll all still be here with bated breath.
@sassafrass, i don’t think you’re a douche bag. and i could guess at who gave you the beat down….eff them. keep posting your thoughts if it benefits your desire to better yourself. you are always considerate to others on the forum. and congrats on finishing your 30 days girl!
July 14th, 2009 - 10:20 pm
SoG,
Rant on, bro. Rant on.
1. We all get busy. And me personally, I don’t have time to wade through a million blogs to come up with a unique and insightful post that could be beneficial to all. I just post my progress and thoughts on various topics that are important to me. Glad your new job and everything is going well.
2. I hear you there also. Since switching over to a primal/paleo lifestyle (15 months ago) it is more routine now, where at first if was novel and more exciting. Nothing wrong with that. My wife and I are much healthier now than before and the journey has been eye opening.
3. I see the primal/paleo community expanding and while in general it is a good thing since some people will drop the donut and try to explore a healthier lifestyle. With an expanding population, there are always those who try to make a name for themselves, or say something outlandish akin to “Look at me!”. I’ve seen the arrogance and some hijack posts with this behavior. Kind of ridiculous. Mark’s Daily Apple is still a good blog, but I really don’t read the comments anymore; it has just gotten too busy.
4. Taking credit for the efforts of others burns me also. You see it all the time at work for example. What can you do.
But enough of that. Look, I think your blog is worthwhile and has great recipes as well as motivation. Look how much healthier your life is now and see how many people show their appreciation. Just do what you can. Even if you only post once a month, I’ll check in to see what you are up to.
Peace.
-Andy
July 14th, 2009 - 11:18 pm
Y’all know there’s quite a bit of overlap between the forum and places like this, right?
I was, however, recently told that I was wrong by a person on a subject that was purely conjectured from my own observations. I was asked for specific ‘links’, etc. That left a nasty taste in my mouth. It went from a friendly forum, to one that I was talked down to by a ‘peer’ over an idea from my head.
I really hope I’m being an oversensitive screaming meemie, but given the similarity in language, I’m thinking maybe not… especially since what I’m thinking about, I spent an hour and a half writing and never even saw your post before hitting “post”.
If I ain’t wrong, I guess it’s always helpful to know I’m coming off as a douchebag. If I am, then I guess it’s also good to know I’m being self-centeredly oversensitive.
July 15th, 2009 - 4:27 am
What’s happening on Mark’s board is an internet-wide phenomenon with forums–there’s always a group that creates an online version of the high school “cool kids’ table” and ultimately end up spoiling it for others and repelling newcomers, which is why I tend to avoid them.
Anyone who blogs for any length of time, particularly if the blog is on a single topic, is going to hit dry spells. Like many I recently discovered this place and I enjoy it because you’re a real person, not a doctor or someone pushing supplements (I like MDA but … he’s pushing supplements) and you’ve had success. Don’t feel bad if you don’t write every day. Just know that a lot of people–including me!–like what you have to say and hope you’ll write more. Simple as that.
July 15th, 2009 - 6:16 am
I’ve felt the same thing about the primal community becoming a little inflated – blind disciples, know-it-alls, and people who borrow the “primal brand” just to fit in.
Just remember that the primal living concept isn’t the end-all, be-all – and neither is the community, which seems to be becoming more like a herd of followers than a community of free-thinkers.
Just stay true to yourself. You’re doing yourself a lot of good by turning off your phone and skipping the Twitter phenomenon. Not that those are bad things, just they should be used in moderation.
Judging by the response to this post within 24 hours, I’d say you’re feelings are shared by MANY.
July 15th, 2009 - 1:25 pm
Hi SoG,
I understand where your coming from – it’s like Groucho Marx said ‘I wouldn’t want to be part of a club that would want me as a member’, but please keep posting. Your site is I consider the most interesting on primal and pushed me to start (trying) to live primally. I hope you continue to blog, not incessantly, but don’t abandon the site because I think many of your readers will be at a loss.
Sounds like ‘hedonic adaptation’: all things lose their glamour the more your exposed to them, so take a step back and try not to feel the necessity to post incessantly, as from a primal perspective it’s not natural: interest waxes and wanes.
Thanks again for the inspiration that your sites given me.
July 15th, 2009 - 1:32 pm
Wow,
This really IS were all the cool kids still hang out! Lol
Thank you to everyone for the amazing responses! Much of what many of you have said is just what the doctor ordered.
To clarify a few things:
lol
-I am not planning on closing down the blog anytime soon. I am sorry if that is the impression that came across.
-I really am not trying to bag on Mark. Without him, I would not have found this lifestyle and he really has been awesome to me. I am just not the biggest fan of the growing monster he created
Other than that, you are all awesome! Keep up the awesomeness. I will continue to post. I actually want to mention an awesome primal snack that I have fallen in love with recently. Forget chip and popcorn… once you dive into these there is no turning back.
July 15th, 2009 - 10:35 pm
I used to visit your site as frequently as I visited Mark’s…then his site got the overhaul and I found myself going there less and coming here more often, frowning at the fact that no matter how many times I refreshed your page, there were no new posts. ):
HOWEVER, I knew the day would come when you’d post again and I am happy it has come! I really do enjoy your blog. Perhaps it’s because you’re closer to a success story than Mark is…that sounds weird, but I feel like I can relate to you better, you being less than a year into the primal lifestyle and all.
I am glad things are going well for you, even if we don’t get to pick at your primal mind as often! I do sincerely hope your motivation returns to you soon.
Thanks for the terrific blog, by the way!
July 16th, 2009 - 9:28 am
I found I can’t deal with the forums, personally. But I do come back here for inspiration and recipes.
If you are living primal and simply don’t like the current climate of the interwebs, so be it! You’ll be missed, but if it’s no longer enjoyable for you, there’s no point, is there?
July 16th, 2009 - 1:07 pm
You are still the original and the Awesom-est. Don’t sweat it.
July 17th, 2009 - 11:59 am
Sometimes, reading too much about what other people have to say can really drain the life out of something that might otherwise capture your imagination. Just stick to doing your own thing and don’t worry about the ‘primal community’ or whatever. Screw it!
P.S. I like your site.
July 17th, 2009 - 10:47 pm
Just went to ur site Shelley and your photographs are amazing. You have a gift.
July 18th, 2009 - 2:38 pm
Short and Sweet…You’re awesome, you’re site is awesome
July 19th, 2009 - 8:21 am
Hey
If people are ripping you off, at least it means you’re worth ripping; AND that they’ve nothing better themselves! A slight comfort perhaps. Says the ex-school-nerd who *hated* being copied….!
I just wanted to echo what has been said already, your blog is so much more personal and friendly, a chat over the fence if you will. I remember asking a question about a recipe and was pleasantly surprised by a personal response!
With the bigger forums, yeah people will jump on and off the bandwagon. I had been getting sucked into the minute details of everything- I have a few queries posted up at MDA, mostly because so many folk are convinced they have *the* exact solution that I started wondering if I was doing it wrong! So thank you for this blog, it will save me panicking over tomatoes (!). And I got bored of fitday within the week, once it had illustrated a few points. (Not rubbishing MDA – my inner nerd enjoys reading the in depth stuff every so often)
So here’s to everyone finding their own paths, and if they cross then let’s have a good gossip, not an argument!
PS – please keep up the amazing recipes! I’d rather have an occasional “wow” than a constant stream of mediocrity.
July 19th, 2009 - 9:18 pm
SoG, I love having a real life example of what the primal lifestyle can do for someone! Your site has an organic, homespun feel–and I mean that in a good way. The layout isn’t so flashy as to be overwhelming or sterile, and your personal accounts are refreshing. Keep up the primal blogging!
July 23rd, 2009 - 6:43 am
Totally agree with you
Sisson rocks, forum sucks
I think it was Alan Watts who said something along the lines of once you get the message, just hang up the phone
July 24th, 2009 - 1:08 pm
I’m not the kind of person that normally posts comments, and judging by the number of responses you’ve got, this may get lost in the shuffle. But this post really hit home for me.
You are probably tired of hearing people’s stories (it seems to be part of the “Paleo” trend to tell them), but for some reason I feel compelled to tell you mine. Maybe it’s because I think you might be able to relate, and maybe offer some advice. See, while I really believe in Paleo/Ev Fitness, I’m not feeling very motivated anymore… For you, Paleo has become second nature, something you really believe in, and yet you’ve voiced some criticism.
I am fairly new to Paleo/Ev Fitness (Feb 09). It was something I decided to try when I started dating someone who has been doing it for several years. I was already eating healthy and I was happy with my body, so it was never about losing weight for me. Rather, my boyfriend was so passionate about it that I decided to try it to better understand why.
At first I was really excited about it, reading the blogs, working really hard to “stick to the plan.” I would get excited when I did well, and scold myself when I “failed.” Typical dieter behavior (something I’ve never been). I subscribed to every blog I could find, reading the science, the “rules,” the workout suggestions, and the recipes. I couldn’t get enough.
But after a month or two I got tired of it – not of paleo, but of the EFFORT it took. It is constant work – learning about paleo, relearning how to cook, fighting cravings, reading food labels (shopping takes forever), trying to eat out/with friends while staying paleo, learning new exercises, creating focused workouts… After six months it’s gotten easier, but it’s still a lot of work.
What’s interesting is that I do understand why people are so enthusiastic about it. I see the benefits, the logic of it. But I’ve completely lost my motivation (a feeling that, as you know, isn’t fun). I’m TIRED of having to think so hard. I’m tired of reading about it – as you said, it’s the same articles over and over. I’m tired of the “popularity” of it, which feels almost religious…
It seems like there is a line – there are those who’ve made it (and like yourself, no longer need to think about it, no longer struggle with the lifestyle changes) and those who are constantly working on it. Many of those who’ve made it – the gurus, the bloggers, the ’success stories’ – preach the benefits, giving motivating speeches and pushing others to be as awesome as they are. And then those who are still learning – they all want to talk about how much it is changing their lives, how HARD they are working to accomplish their goals. And for the most part, this is good, this encouraging, positive community. But lately, it just feels like pressure. Pressure to succeed, pressure to work really hard. Like you said, it feels competitive – who can be the most hardcore paleo, who can come up with the most innovative recipes, etc. And more than that, it feels like a moral judgment or an exclusive club – as if this is the ONLY “right” way, and that doing Paleo makes you a good person (somehow better than your average American).
Like I said, I really do believe in paleo. Yet lately, I would be lying if I claimed to be following it. At first it was just that I was going through a stressful few weeks so I relaxed the rules a little. I would have a sandwich because I was too busy to cook or sit down for a meal. I always intended to get back “on-track” once those weeks were over. But now, I find myself “rebellion eating” – I will come across an article that hits me the wrong way (especially ones that are overly-encouraging or judgmental) and suddenly feel the need to stuff myself with the highest sugar-carb content food I can find. After reading an article about how wheat is addictive (and thus, it’s NORMAL to struggle with giving it, but don’t worry you CAN do it), I promptly ate an entire package of break-and-bake cookies… a big “screw-you.” And yes, I know that this passive-aggressive eating only hurts me. I want to get back to Paleo – I love how it makes me feel healthier and I have more energy – but I can’t stop feeling ANGRY and sick of it all.
I’m sorry, this has gotten VERY long. Do you have any thoughts on this? Any suggestions for getting past this?
July 24th, 2009 - 2:12 pm
Katie,
Your post did not get lost.
My first piece of advice would be to unplug from it for a while. You said the part about re-reading the same info and i can totally relate to it. You know the principles… follow them on your own and adapt them to you. I think that is what is getting lost in all the rush of the hype. No two primal lifestyle has to be exactly the same. There is no set mold but there are base plans or ideas. I think if you compared my exact diet and exercise routine to some of the other bloggers, success stories and even Mark, you will find them very different. We all may follow the same general ideas and principles but we make them work for us in different ways. I have always been a huge proponent of making primal work for you anot the other way around. That may be why it is so seemless and easy for me.
As to the piece on the passive aggressive eating, I would say that maybe you (and certain other people) are doing this for the wrong reason. I would ask you to evaluate your motivation and whether it is in the right place. For me, i am doing this for myself… I don’t really feel like I have a whole lot to prove to everyone else. For example… even though i am not a big fan of the primal community and the direction it is going, that does not mean I personally am going to stop the healthy practices that i have started… it just means that I might withdraw a bit from that community. My habits and health are still ultimately about me and not about them. I would hate to jump to conclusions but it sounds like you may be doing this for your boyfriend and maybe you feel like you have to prove it wrong or right.
In the end… if you like it, do it… for yourself. Make it yours. Look at what works for you and what doesn’t. I am not one of those you can only eat X amount of y and A numbers of Bs. Make it work for you. My wife eats mre fruit than I do… I don’t eat her lunch for that… it works for her. I don’t eat brocolli even though it is considered an amazing paleo food… because I still hate the crap no matter how hard I try lol.