Saturday, March 30, 2013

What I've Learned

Some things I learned from life and the Slice of Life Challenge this last month:

• Year Two was definitely more difficult to find inspiration to write - is Year 3 better?
• Poor health colors one's outlook on everything
• It's nice to be remembered by other writers - even though you haven't heard from them in a year
• The people drawn to this challenge are amazingly talented, and kind, and brave
• The lack of comments on one's posts makes me feel defeated - I actually learned this last year but
            was reminded of it often this year
• When I think I have a lot on my plate, I am quickly reminded through other's posts that my challenges
             cannot compare to many of yours - many of you are a true inspiration to persistence and
             positive thinking
• It is important to look at and for the small things in life that are beautiful, or meaningful, or magical
• I miss the days when my children were young - thank you to all authors who let me re-live those
             days through your posts about special moments with your little ones
• I may miss those days, but I also appreciate where my kids are right now - they constantly amaze me
• I am finally ready to get back up and start moving again - and hopefully drop the 10 pounds I've put
             on
• I will miss all of you and this community - I will attempt to write each Tuesday - but won't beat
            myself up if I fail to meet this challenge

Quote of the day:  To see a World in a Grain of Sand
                              And a Heaven in a wild Flower,
                              Hold  Infinity in the palm of your hand
                              And Eternity in an hour.
                                                   ~William Blake

6 comments:

  1. Oh, Julie. I love your post. This was my first year in the challenge and I completely agree with all that you have written here. I also, have loved reading about the adventures of others with their younger children, but love where my daughters are now. I also loved paying more attention to the magical moments of my days and hope that the awareness stays with me in April. I'm so glad I read this!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The challenge of writing is the challenge to look at life closely. That is a gift no matter what we see.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Keep writing Julie, it keeps your eyes busy all week looking for that slice to share. Then when March rolls around again you are practiced at finding the slice. I think the weekly writing really helps me to stay with the game. It is hard when comments don't come in, but during this month it is easy to get lost. Try it for a few months, you can do it. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have learned and been reminded of many of the same things! Thanks for writing this post I feel the same way!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the William Blake quote- it's perfect. Your list of insights are great... I am a newbie this year and it truly has been an amazing experience- so much more fulfilling thn I ever anitcipated and it is largly because of the community.. because of people like yourself! I am looking forward to writing slices for Tuesdays and will definitely be back on next year. Thank you for being so honest in your reflection.. The number of slicers returning each year is testament to how wonderful this experience snd community are. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Second year was hard for me too. The third one was easier in a sense of finding topics and formats (there were still days with a blank mind), but equally challenging in finding time to read and comment others. For me, writing once a week helps to keep focus on things that matter, loading off things that bother, and finding joy around and within me. You are right, it's not something you should feel bad if you don't do it. Today, celebrate that you have written every day for a whole month. That's a super accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete