Another page on the calendar has turned, and March has arrived. And with it comes another unopened notebook full of emotions, ideas, and untold stories.
I first participated in this challenge in 2014 and have returned each year. Many years I wonder why I keep coming back, and I wonder if I can even do it anymore.
Yet here I am again.
Yesterday, I read a post on social media from Alan Wright. He has a new book out about writing: Notebook Notions. Two things he said on his post stayed with me, and I feel they were a gentle guide to help me realize why I do return each month.
"Narrow the gap between intention and action."
I have been trying to get reacquainted with my writing life for quite some time. My notebooks sit stacked on my desk, unopened for weeks (or months) at a time. I attend my writing group and set goals each week, only to say, "Well, there's always next week" after reporting I didn't reach my goal again.
I think about this challenge and realize that this quote is really why I join each month: to narrow the gap between intention and action. Knowing that I have the support and encouragement from a community makes that gap seem so much smaller.
"Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration."
I am inspired each day by others in this community, and I have many books that have writing prompts and ideas meant to inspire the writer in me. Opening my computer and clacking out a blog post for 31 days, is a bit intimidating. But hitting that orange publish button gives me a sense of accomplishment and builds my self-confidence. Maybe it IS the routine that I need most and not all the books.
I am ready to find those words that have lain dormant for almost a year. I welcome the feedback in the comments, the community visitors to my corner of the world, and the joy of sharing my stories once again.
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
