Monday, March 1, 2021

Afraid of Failure #SOL21

 

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


For some people, especially for us Hoosiers, March means basketball. But for many bloggers, March means 30 days of slicing, finding those small moments in the day to capture and share with others. 

This is my 8th "first day," and honestly, I wasn't going to participate this year. Most of my writing lately has been professional writing, and I have struggled with writing "for me." I have tried other recent challenges, I have stunk at them all. I didn't want to fail at the one challenge that I have succeeded with for seven years and the one that has connected me to some wonderful people, many of whom I call dear friends.

But here I am on Day One.

One of my goals this year was to help and support teachers in believing they are writers. The slicing community became my support system early on in my blogging experience. I am hoping that not only will I support teacher-writers, but I will once again receive that much-needed support myself.

Fail or not, I can't imagine the month of March without slicing.

When I slice,

    ...I grow as a writer.

    ...I notice the small things, the ordinary.

    ...I am reminded to find the extraordinary.

    ...I find comfort in the predictability of the routine.

    ...I stretch those writing muscles that haven't been used in a while.

    ...I'm inspired by others and use that inspiration to "stack my own words".

    ...I become a better teacher of writing because I know the difficulties that writers face.

    ...my world becomes bigger because I meet so many new writers on the same journey.

With all of these reasons, why wouldn't I participate?

Why would I be afraid of failure - as there really is no failure in this challenge. 

Let's do this!

    


20 comments:

  1. I wasn't going to participate either. But here we are! I'm going with Margaret's theme of lowered expectations this year. And your idea that there is no failure in this challenge. Thanks for this comforting thought and the reminder of all the good reasons we slice.

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  2. My post could have been your post this morning as I struggled with WHY I am doing this...and yet I too am back even though I NEED to spend my "spare" time with professional writing and personal exercising!
    There is something to this SOL that very closely mirrors March Madness in my opinion as BOTH are short term consuming forces that take us out of the doldrums of winter into the spark of spring,,,,and this year, the sadness of a year long pandemic!

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  3. 31 days of remembering our why! Glad you are back- I love your why list.

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  4. I bet all slicers reading your list nod their head. I did. And then I smiled, knowing that you'll be writing.

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  5. Hello old friend! So good to be here with you. Thank you for reminding me the joys of this challenge.

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  6. Truer words... this is my 8th year as well and I keep wondering why I continue to do this. Eady...I would miss it if I didn't. Here's to a great month of slicing.

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  7. As a first time March slicer, I am truly encouraged that the fear of failure is a feeling experienced by anybody, no matter how long they've been doing it. I feel incredibly supported by you already when I read your FB posts and encouragements - THANK YOU! :)

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  8. Wow, how reassuring to read that your 8th year of embarking on this month results in similar feelings to my 2nd year. I really loved your list of all the reasons why SOL is so important- I need to remember this post for next March :)

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  9. I was not going to participate this year either. Your list is spot on for why this is so important to participate in!

    I am glad that you are writing this month.

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  10. Leigh Ann,
    I love this: "I notice the small things, the ordinary." Sometimes this is the step back we need to take to see ourselves enjoying life and appreciate exactly where we are on the face of the globe. And share it with others! I'm glad you're here.

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  11. So glad you are writing this month Leigh Anne! I love all the reasons you have chosen to write. For me "noticing the small things, the ordinary" is brought into focus as I look for slices throughout my day. I'll be following your journey for the next 31 days--looking forward to learning from you!

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  12. This line is so reassuring..."Why would I be afraid of failure - as there really is no failure in this challenge." I know we writers put a lot of pressure on ourselves and perceived failure is a real thing. Thank you for helping me, and I'm sure others, realize there is not failure in this.

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  13. Love your list, printing it off for my notebook. I'm still plugging away on 100 days of notebooking. I lowered the bar, told myself they did not have to be consecutive and I'm ready for day 38. Can I count my slices as notebooking days?
    So glad you're here!

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  14. There is no right or wrong when it comes to writing and as Amanda Potts pointed out in her slice today, bringing our imperfect selves to the page, to publishing is part of being a writer -- I'm glad you're here Leigh Anne!

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  15. That list of what you get from this challenge offers good reason to have confidence you’ll be successful. I suspect you’re not alone in your doubts. It’s that kind of school year. I’m going to “poke” you if you slack off! 😉

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  16. All your reasons for taking the plunge resonate with me - and especially the line about mutual support. It's so important, for writing is one thing; sharing it is a true leap of faith! Here's to the treasures you will uncover.

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  17. So many familiar faces and posts I love to read! Glad you are slicing!

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  18. I love all your reasons for doing the challenge. It is inspiring. Also I love reading what others write. We build a community. I'm glad we are doing this together...again!

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  19. I am so glad you are doing the Slice Challenge this year. I am looking forward to getting to know you better. :)

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  20. So many great reasons to write! Keep at it, I will keep reading. :-)

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