March 2020 SOLC–Day 7
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
A colleague/friend, who knew I’d been leaning toward not participating in the challenge this year, stopped me in the hall at school.
“Are you doing it?” she asked.
“I am,” I said.
“Are you glad?”
I responded immediately, “Yes! So glad! Every day it feels like I’m hugging a secret.”
The words popped out of my mouth before I’d pieced them together in my mind. Once I heard them though, they stopped me in my tracks. I really do feel just like that.
Being more aware of the small moments in my daily life is a big part of what I enjoy about the challenge, but I’d somehow forgotten how much more there is to it. How I love reading other people’s posts. How I love leaning into their days and moments and learning about their lives and from their writing. How I love the sense of community and support. How I love knowing I can tap into that resource any time, 24/7, during this entire month. How we’re all in it together, cheering each other on.
It really is like I have a big, happy secret or maybe a hidden stash of candy (and I’m talking the good stuff–no Mary Janes or Charleston Chews, but high quality chocolate all the way!). Simply put, it’s the best!
I don’t know if I’ll post 31 days this month, but I do know that I’m awfully glad I’m giving it a try.
Nix the comfort zone 
Thanks for the reminder– this challenge really does make March a very special time.
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It’s not easy, but it’s well worth trying! Happy writing!
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Glad you are here. This is my 5th year, and it never ceases to amaze me how I can post for 31 days straight, yet not be able to post once a week the rest of the year! I know it’s because of this fabulous community of writers who inspire me. Good luck.
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I think this is my 6th year and your comment hits the nail on the head– It’s so strange how posting once a week becomes daunting once the challenge ends!
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It really is a lovely community! I’ve connected with a few new people already this year. It’s fun revisiting old favourites who don’t blog year round. And every year I grow as a writer!
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Having so many mentor texts for inspiration is a real gift!
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Yes! It is like a secret AND a stash of candy! Perfect metaphors! This is year seven for me, and it is such an accomplishment!
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And you won a prize, too! Yay! Congratulations!
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I have never really thought of it this way, but you are SO right. I feel like I am going to burst when I discover what it is I will write about next.
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I love when I click into an idea!
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I love that you describe it as our secret!
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What a lovely way to treasure the time invested in writing. This post has me thinking about a piece that I would like to share tomorrow about candy. Stay tuned (if you have time).
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I can’t wait to read your piece. Isn’t it nice when you already have a plan for what you’re going to write tomorrow?
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What a thoroughly relatable slice–thank you!
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I love it. A secret… like a secret supportive club. I’m glad you’re here.
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Me, too, and right back at you!
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This challenge certainly makes you look around for all the small things you might be able to turn into a slice. And it gets even easier as the month goes on. Happy candy hunting!
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This is making me think I should change my strategy. I usually avoid this site until I have something to post. I don’t know if that’s a superstition or guilt or what, but maybe when I’m stuck, I should head here for inspiration. I do think that maybe it’s the big community that makes it easier to post frequently in March but so difficult to tackle the “easier” challenge of Tuesdays. Thanks for giving me a mirror AND a window.
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I used to avoid reading other slices before writing, too. Now, especially when I’m stuck, I read and tend to find inspiration. Reading your posts this month has been another highlight of the challenge for me!
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My sentiments exactly! This renovation/move may mean that I don’t get all 31 days, but who cares? The fun of the challenge is still here – and you’ve nailed it in this post. Like a secret I can hug. Perfect.
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I’ve been thinking of you and your move and wondering how it’s all going. It feels good to realize that it’s not about making all 31 days (Ok, well it’s a little bit about that…) but really it’s about so much more. I’ve already gained so much!
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It’s such a fun “secret”! Wishing you lots of slicing smiles this month. ❤️
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Happy writing!
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You nailed it! The secret! I waited until 2/29 to decide to write this year, too.
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I love, love, love this post! You have really captured why I keep coming back year after year to slice. I’m on Year 10! This community really is special and so accepting. Glad you’re on the journey with us. 🙂
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Year 10!! Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment!
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Thanks! 🙂
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Writers write! We all are the beneficiaries of your commitment. What a joy to wake each March morning to your engaging narratives, detailed descriptions, and personal insights. Thank you mucho.
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