#SOL18
It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Today is day one of my third year participating in the March Slice of Life Writing Challenge, and I am a little nervous. I am excited to be part of this group of dedicated writers and read all their inspiring blogs, but I am afraid I won’t meet the challenge.
Life has been crazy as it is for everyone, but I feel like I have been thrown a few curve balls that are keeping me from being on my A game of life. Physical pain and anxiety have been creeping in and preventing me from accomplishing certain things. It can be disheartening if I let it, but I am really working on pushing through it. I wake up each day with the idea that it is going to be a good day.
I remember during last year’s challenge there were nights I was submitting my slice just under the midnight deadline. I was determined not to fail. That was stupid. How can missing one or two days of slicing be a failure when I wrote for at least 25 more days in March than I did in the previous two-three months? It is all in your perspective.
I don’t ask my students for perfection. Why should I expect it from myself? I do value people who make a commitment and follow through, but if for some reason I miss a day of posting, I promise to be kind to myself. I will not beat myself up or throw in the towel. There is always the promise of a new day. I can only be my best, not anyone else’s best.
Rita DiCarne 
Don’t fret. Shoot for writing daily for the challenge but if you miss a day don’t worry about it. I already know I’ll miss about 4 days because I’ll be in an area without internet…and I still don’t own a smart phone. 😛 Look forward to your slices!
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I think we all have such high expectations for ourselves and it is hard when we don’t meet them. “I don’t ask my students for perfection. Why should I expect it from myself?” SO TRUE! We’ll get through this together and celebrate those small successes along the way! Great first post, I can’t wait to read more from you!
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Yes! One day at a time! I almost didn’t join this year because of other commitments. But here I am because this is such a powerful community. Be kind to yourself. Every bit of writing helps to make you a better writer.
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Ah, yes, Rita! It is one day at a time and we celebrate each day we write — however many or however few. So, I’m celebrating today with you. We wrote today! And here’s to tomorrow’s slices. BTW, this is my third year also.
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Thanks for your honesty. I’m a first year slicer and I’m feeling nervous and anxious so it was good to read that even people doing this for a few years are feeling the same. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone. It’s also nice to hear that I should relieve myself of some pressure through this process. The learning journey is the true goal.
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Welcome. You will feel so good on day 31!
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I needed this slice!! Life is crazy for me right now, too and I don’t know if I’ll make all 31 days. But you are so right – we don’t need to be perfect!
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Real life throws us curves balls sometimes and you have to live your life. I hope you are able to post every day, and I hope you don;t beat yourself up if you miss. Live your life, don’t be a slave to the shoulds.
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I might make that my new mantra…don’t be a slave to the shoulda! Thanks.
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LOVE! I have started and “failed” a bunch of different Marches. (Is that the plural of March??) I’m also a recovering perfectionist. AND also having first day jitters. 😉 Where will all the IDEAS and WORDS and TIME come from???? Lol! You’re off to a great start…
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Thanks. I think there must be a lot of us out there. Happy writing!
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As I read your post I wanted to reach out and tell you that you are safe here. This is a place to be nurtured. I also want to say I am nervous. I too want perfection for myself. Isn’t it funny we are hardest on ourselves.
I look forward to reading new posts from you.
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Thanks!
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Your post gives me hope! I am new to the SOLC and haven’t gotten up the gumption to upload my post yet today. 🙂 We know there are really wonderful people out there who will be kind, so let’s write away whenever we can and, as you say, be our own best- no one else’s. Thank you…I think I’ll go post now.
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You will feel so good at the end of the month! It is inspiring to read other writer’s post and often gives me ideas. Happy writing! I will look forward to reading your posts.
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You raise so many important points in one little post! For one, I am like you in that I’ll beat myself up pretty good if I don’t keep my commitment– even the smallest ones! But your quote at the beginning sets an important tone for the thematic nature of your post– it’s not about looking, it’s about seeing. And the distinction is an important one! I also identified with the effects of anxiety- I’m even listening to Dale Carnegie’s old book about this topic. Trying to get a handle on it seems to be an issue for many of us. Thanks for sharing this slice!
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