Motivation is what gets you started.
Habit is what keeps you going.
-Jim Ryun
I remember the fear. I remember the wondering of how in the world I would be able to write every single day for thirty-one days. But I did it. I'm not going to say it was easy -- Uh, that's why it is called a 'challenge'! -- but it is an amazing experience because the world around you begins s c r e a m i n g stories to share and moments to capture. There are 'slices of life' everywhere: Open up your eyes. Open up your ears. Open your heart. And then open up your notebook!
I've already cracked open my much-neglected notebook and started jotting down ideas for the days to come. My inspiration:
- Looking back at my slices from last March
- Reading some of my favorite mentor slices from last year's challenge
- Thinking about my seven chapters of life this year
- Pondering Ruth's 31 slices post
- Remembering why I need this challenge
This year I'm still wondering how I am going to manage writing every day in March. Balancing my time at home and at school is difficult. However, this year, my biggest fear is that I will miss so many heartfelt, funny, thought-provoking slices from my many all-time favorite slicers and the new slicers joining the challenge -- including many smart and talented tweeps, a friend and colleague, and maybe my own MOTHER!?!?
I want to learn and laugh and cry with you. I want to get to know you. I want to see a glimpse into your life at home or at school. I want you to know that I am listening. I want you to know that your story is important. (I also want to borrow, steal, copy your great idea or form of writing!)
But how will I do it all? Write, read, comment, repeat. I have to accept that I can't do it all. Write, read, comment, repeat. I can't read all the slices. Write, read, comment, repeat. I can't comment on all the slices. Write, read, comment, repeat. But I will do my very best! Write, read, comment, repeat.
Are you joining in? See you there. One day. Bring. It. On.
Hey, be thankful it's leap year. That's one extra day between the Tuesday slice of life and March 1st. It could have been 32 days worth of writing!
Love this, MIchelle. I have to remember to keep a list of my favorite posts from other slicers. I'm thinking a new board on Pinterest! I can't believe how excited I am for this to start!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am with you! I want to read them all, but will there be time? I have to find the time, there are so many stories out there I don't want to miss a one. Hmmm, Deb has an idea, I may have to try to save some on Pinterest too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links. I would love to know where your seven chapters has taken you.
ReplyDeleteNo one can read all of the slices in a given day. I used to be good at it in the first years of the Challenge, but it has grown so much that it's just not possible. Set a goal for yourself (as little as three) and you'll be able to write and comment in a meaningful way. :)
ReplyDelete@Deb: I'd love to see a Pinterest board for SOLSC. (I'm totally hooked on Pinterest!)
Write. Read. comment. Repeat.
ReplyDeleteLove it. The hardest part is accepting that you can't do your slice, and read everyone's slice, and comment on everyone's slice and still have time to function.
Kudos to you for accepting it, and trying your very best is all anyone can ever ask for!
I think the comment is beginning to build my skills and so is reading all the different slices and ways to slice. Thank you for the encouragement. I think jotting in a notebook as well is a terrific idea.
ReplyDeleteAm I detecting some added "pressure" on your mother???? I'm not sure how you accomplish all that you do, but you are a great inspiration to all of us. Looking forward to your posts and checking out others as well. And, yes, I will comment! Love ya M
ReplyDeleteI love the powerful message here! Thanks for the upbeat call to action.
ReplyDeleteThat refrain - write, read, comment, repeat - says it all! I love how you used it throughout your piece.
ReplyDeleteYou being so inspired for the challenge is inspiring in return. How fun that your mom might join the challenge! Perhaps this year she will be getting a bound book of her slices under the Christmas tree!
ReplyDeleteYou sound so excited. I think it will be a great challenge.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe it's been a year, Michele. I agree with you that looking at them all will be the challenge. There are already 49 today! Thanks for a wonderfully inspiring post today though. I'm really excited!
ReplyDeleteDeb, a great idea to do a Pinterest board.
Here we go Michelle I am so excited I learned so much from you and all the other slicers last year!
ReplyDeleteBring on the 1st!
Tammy
It's not just the writing but even more so the people who have made SOL such an amazing adventure. Having you as a writing friend in this journey has brightened my days. Your comments have been super supportive. Your writing passionate. I'm glad I met you.
ReplyDeleteI like how you are getting ready for March by collecting inspiration and making a plan for commenting. I haven't figured out what is better - to write less to more people or to write more to less people.
I like your attitude: bring it on!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteBring it! I'm going to give this crazy challenge a try. I hope it goes better than my exercise plans and my 365 photo challenge. I think it is just what I need to get back in the writing habit. Your quote, "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit it what keeps you going." by Jim Ryun is exactly what I hope to accomplish. Habit. I've missed my writing habit.
Thanks for your suggestions for ideas. I'm going to bookmark this I might need it at day 15. Who am I kidding? I might need it tomorrow.
Thanks, Michelle, for sharing your excitement. Following your blog and enjoying your Slice stories is really what brought my attention to the event.
Here we go,
Cathy
Can you read my mind. You've captured my feelings. Thanks for writing this. Can't wait to start tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteRuth