Saturday, March 1, 2025

Remembering My Why SOL #1

 

Join Two Writing Teachers and other teacher-writers as we 
share a slice of life during the month of March. 

I have heard the mantra, "remember your why" in many educational circles, presentations, and professional development sessions. Sometimes, it rubs me the wrong way because I think it can be overused. 

As I contemplated joining the Slice of Life for year 12, those words kept coming up. And honestly, they are the reason why I completed the Google form to sign up.

I continue to join this challenge to...

  1. Capture stories.
  2. Document memories.
  3. Renew connections with other writers.
  4. Enjoy "seeing" them again even if it is for just one month.
  5. Practice my craft authentically.
  6. Set a goal and accomplish it.
  7. Learn new writing moves from other slicers.
  8. Sharpen my noticing skills while looking for moments to capture in a story.
  9. Create authentic mentor texts to use with my students.
  10. Receive a natural high when I press the publish button.
  11. Meet new writers from all over the world.
  12. Push me to do hard things.
Look at those verbs! This is my why as I say hello to year 12!

20 comments:

  1. You forgot to mention: To party! I hope you'll host a party. It's something I look forward to every year. :)

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  2. Great list! My favorite entry is #5 -- to practice my craft authentically. I love looking back at old posts and seeing my poetry skills sharpen. Have fun this year -- can't wait to read your posts!

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  3. Leigh Anne, I'm sure you could have listed many more verbs if you needed to. This is a very safe and engaging space.

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  4. newtreemom
    Great motivation! Glad you are here!

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  5. All wonderful reasons to return for this month! Renewing connections with other writers and enjoying this company for the month of March (even if I find it impossible to slice consistently through the year!) are my biggest "whys".

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  6. Yes, thank you for the reminders. Each year I wonder if I have something to say. Each year I come back partly because of a fear of missing out. I am glad you are back

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  7. I love your idea to list a reason for every year, and the choice to begin each bullet with a verb is powerful. You can do this!

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  8. Your list is a perfect way to start the challenge and a reminder of why we are here.

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  9. Strong verbs from a strong woman writer! You encourage and inspire, Leigh Anne!

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  10. I think my favorite is "push". Over the years I have been pushed to try new things and found myself enjoying them. arjeha

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  11. Look at those verbs, indeed! Love the strong verbs - and this inspiration!

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  12. What a great list of reasons. I am grateful for these reminders as I return to blogging once more. Thank you for this, my friend!

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  13. Quite a lovely land powerful list. I just experienced that "natural high when I press the publish button." I had forgotten what that feels like. Great to read you again.

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  14. Great verbs! And yes...party! Always love what you come up with

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  15. Congrats on participating for 12 years! Taking this challenge on that many times is impressive. The line about the natural high from pressing the publish button is so true- it gets the dopamine flowing for sure.

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  16. Great list! Great verbs! I'll have to come back to this when...IF I get stuck!!!

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  17. I started with a list, too. You have captured so much in these lines about what this month means! Glad you are here!

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  18. I love your list! And all the reasons you shared. I almost didn't show up, but the pull of renewing connections and "seeing" everyone always brings me back. And I love looking for those new to the challenge too, because I remember how important those comments were/are!

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  19. What a wonderful list! Way to go! Year 12! Wow!

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