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.
Leigh Anne, so happy I will have a chance to read your writing again this year. Thank you for the gift of that line: Narrow the gap between intention and action. The notion is instantly going in my journal, on my board at school, and hopefully printed on my heart. Happy March!
ReplyDeleteI love your words! I need the routine too. Never easy for me, but so satisfying to hit publish!
ReplyDeleteI need to write those words down and put them on my bathroom mirror. Narrow the gap between intention and action: a powerful way to live. It has me thinking of retirement. A reminder to submit my papers this week and figure out the next chapter - - what will it be? I've been saying it for months, now to actually make it happen........maybe March will be filled with a lot of actions I've been meaning to do. Thanks for this slice today. It has me thinking.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these words. There is wisdom and inspiration. I admire your thirteen-year commitment! Best wishes for this year's Slice.
ReplyDeleteCheers to all the returning slicers who know the challenge and yet return anyways! I am glad we’re in it together. Looking forward to your party! (I somewhat feel like Piggy and Elephant not knowing what kind of a party it might be this year, getting ready my gown and goggles 😁)
ReplyDeletethe party comment from me - Terje
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