March 2025 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

After school ends on Thursday, I’ve already changed my mind multiple times. I’m ping-ponging back and forth in my brain.

“No, don’t go. Staying after school is the worst!”

“Oh, you should stay and give it a try.”

“The roads are already awful. It’s only going to get colder. Head home now before it gets worse!”

“It could be fun! You’ve wanted to try this for a while.”

I hem and haw, annoying myself with my indecision. Earlier in the morning, I’d already packed what I needed just in case I wanted to stay. (Which tells you that at this point, I’d been indecisive for about 10 hours. Not one of my finest traits!)

As I ponder my hesitation, I finally realize it’s not about staying after school. And it’s not about the condition of the roads. And it’s not about any other excuses I’m creating. Mostly it boils down to being uncomfortable. I always feel awkward joining group activities (even when I know the people involved), and while I wish I were more relaxed about trying new things and making a fool of myself in front of others…I’m not. Hence my current dilemma.

Finally, after being honest with myself about the root of my indecision, I also realize I am more likely to regret not trying than I am to regret trying.

So, decision made, I switch into gym gear and head toward the gymnasium… five minutes late. As I approach, I can hear balls bouncing, smacking rackets and lots of laughter. The event is already well under way.

I take a deep breath and walk through the door. I spy the gym teacher talking to a few others, and join them. We get a brief introduction to the game and soon hit the courts for a game of doubles. It’s time for staff pickleball!

Was it awkward and did I embarrass myself?

Again and again and again!

Did I also have fun?

Yes.

Am I glad I went, and will I try to go again next week?

Absolutely!

And now it’s time for a new challenge. This is my eleventh year participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge. This year, I really hesitated before deciding to join in. As a friend noted, she was signing up “with trepidation.” There are lots of things I love about participating in the challenge, but I definitely remember some very grumpy, stressful evenings last year when I needed to come up with something to write. March is an especially hard time to take this on, with report cards, teacher conferences and the unrelenting low-level treachery of lingering winter weather. Still, the community is amazing and the sense of satisfaction hard to beat. Also, I didn’t mention it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that in the back of mind on Thursday it occurred to me that if I tried something new, I might have something to write about. The SOL challenge always encourages me to stretch myself, try new things and tune in to what’s happening around me. Those are huge wins! So, once again, after some indecision, I’m opting in.

Here’s to a month of challenging ourselves and growing together!