March 2026 SOLC–Day 1
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
It’s coming.
The words, or a variation of them, have been a pulse threading through my mind for at least the past week, probably more like two or three. A steady beat. Sometimes louder. Sometimes softer. Always there.
It’s coming. Soon. Are you ready?
The words have ebbed and flowed, a flutter of anxiety occasionally accompanying them. They’ve sparked an increased awareness of time evaporating. Of a deadline fast approaching. Of more things crowding into my mind. Onto my to-do lists. Into my already over-scheduled day. Into the madness of March with it’s glut of assessments, report cards, conferences, etc. (And that’s just the school stuff!) Every so often, the words have crescendoed…It’s coming. Are you ready? Are you? Soon! Soon! It’s coming… and the flutter of anxiety has roiled into a full-fledged heavy repetitive beat. Uncomfortable. Persistent.
How will I do this?
Inside my head a tentative voice reminds me this is a choice and that I’ve done it before. Many, many times.
Still, this year feels different. I’m unsettled by the world and by changes in my own life. I’m juggling a lot of commitments to myself and to others. I’m already feeling overwhelmed and dropping balls here and there.
Where will this energy come from? Where will the time to write come from? Should I even bother starting?
I remind myself I can quit. That missing a day isn’t failure. That’s what I tell myself, but I’m not sure it’s what I believe.
“I’m feeling stressed about the Slice of Life challenge,” I blurt out to my husband. “More than usually so.”
The questions spill out of me. “Am I being ridiculous to pile more into this month? Am I just needlessly adding stress?”
He turns, but before he can even answer, I continue, “But I say this every year. And I always get so much out of it.”
I know he can’t answer this for me. I’m just thinking out loud. Trying to get my feet under me.
This morning I wake. The calendar page has turned. March has arrived, and it’s time to decide.
With trepidation looming, I’m trying.
It’s here.
Nix the comfort zone 
I think all your readers will appreciate this honest reflection/trepidation! But I agree when you remind yourself that you get so much out of it. And perhaps it will enhance your life this March, more than hamper. I hope and believe so!
And PS- this is so well crafted!
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I think I need to actively reset my lens. This is a wonderful opportunity, not a burden. I know first hand the huge rewards of participating. Now I just need to work on my self-talk!
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It doesn’t matter whether the March is packed or not, the writing finds its way in. In my experience, the more challenging the month, the more necessary it is to write. It helps to shift perspective and make sense, plus it nudges to see the good and connect with others. Cheering to us as we join the challenge!
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It’s all about connecting, isn’t it? I like the idea that “the more challenging the month, the more necessary it is to write.” Thanks for the encouragement, Terje!
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I’m always in awe of how you thread your thoughts and pull me in. There so many lines here that hit home, and the honest vulnerability connecting each paragraph. I am so glad you are here today, Molly!
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So happy to be here with you, Ana! Thanks!
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Amen that this thing is kicking off for us on a Sunday. You’ve inspired me to do some thinking on my own sense of trepidation in joining the challenge. I love the way this piece flows into the conversation with a loved one who gets it, that March (or maybe any month in the heart of a career) is inconvenient for giving over time to one’s self interest. I love how the short burst of “I’m trying. It’s here.” is so suggestive of how writing in this month asks us often to be concise in the face of outside expectations on our time.
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I was so, so thankful to realize we were setting sail on a Sunday! Phew! The whole month is a bit of a balancing act, isn’t it? Happy Writing!
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This really captures what February feels like every year. I am not a classroom teacher anymore, and I frankly can’t picture how I once managed to do this challenge while I was navigating March in a classroom. I guess you must have superpowers. I’m looking forward to reading all of your posts this month.
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I’m actually pretty sure my superpower is procrastination… I’m also really looking forward to reading your posts. It’s so fun to reconnect during this month! Off we go!
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yours was one of the first sliced o looked for this morning! I’m so glad you’re jumping in and trying, joining! I can’t wait to read and reconnect! YAY YOU!
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It’s so fun to “see” everyone and reconnect!
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Yup, it’s here! So many can relate to these feelings, but we do make it somehow! I am convinced it’s the community of support and keeping our eye on the feeling we have at the end of the month!
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Perhaps I’ll try to see my slicing time as my slice of sanity during a nutty month! lol Thanks for the support!
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I’m so glad to have you here. The anticipation and anxiety is always there for me before starting, then somehow the challenge sweeps us off our feet and the community helps buoy us as we make our way to the end. We’ve got this!!
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Thanks for the encouragement! It’s always tough jumping in, but once you’re immersed, you adjust and “the water feels great!” Happy to be writing alongside you this month!
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We’re in this together! I’m happy to be back among writing friends. We’ve got this. Huh? I’m busier than ever. I have the self talk even though I Should have All The Time in the World to write. Promises, promises.
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It definitely helps to have friends to write alongside. My work colleague opted out this year, which perhaps contributed to my increased trepidation!
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What an honest slice…I know how you feel, but you got this! Writing takes time, for sure, but it also gives us so much in return. Welcome back, and we can do this! 🙂
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It’s great to see you again, and so many other familiar “faces.” I’m already reaping some of the rewards! 🙂
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Yay, I’m glad it’s here and especially that you are here ready to go, at least today. One day at a time.
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Your post could have been mine… For four years, I dropped out because living from day to day was all that I could handle … physically and emotionally. I couldn’t commit when it was taking everything I had to live. This year I decide to give it a go, knowing I didn’t have to do it EVERY day. Happy writing. Here’s to seeing you around each day!
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Yes it is here! I think many of feel the same feels! One thing about juggling so many balls, some of them usually bounce back! Happy writing!
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You can do this! Reading and hearing your voice is always a joy–even when the world is scary. Thanks for choosing us today.
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Molly, you did it! You wrote your first slice! I love your honesty, voice, and how your words quickly flow from one paragraph to the next. When I’m feel anxious or overwhelmed, I take deep slow breaths. I also remember what my BFF says to me, “Take it one step at a time, one day at a time.” Maybe thinking one slice at a time will help you.
Thank you for the beautiful New Year poetry and photo post card! I love “shrug off/ winter’s bitter bite” and the personification of the bud rejoicing in its flowering. Your photo is amazing and it makes me think of a crystal ball.
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I, for one of many, am glad you are back in the saddle for a month of Slice this March. As teachers say about kids, “Every kid deserves an off day and a day off.” That goes for bloggers, too!
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I feel so many of the thoughts you mentioned in the days leading up to March and finally, here we all are!
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