“Have the spirit to try things that feel hard.”
~ Kate Roberts ~
We are halfway through March, which means we’re also halfway through the daily Slice of Life Challenge. Like many of you, I questioned the wisdom of committing to a daily blog post. Writing in my journal regularly is one thing. Composing a piece worthy of other people’s valuable time on a daily basis is another.
One reason I worried is that, since September, I’ve gotten out of the habit of writing every day. I made dozens of excuses for not writing more often, most of them pretty weak. But after writing daily for two weeks, I’ve noticed a shift in my brain. My thinking is clearer and I’m more observant because I’m writing every day.
Early last week, when I was working on the haiku I shared yesterday, I went through an old journal looking for the entry where I first wrote about the snow being the field’s counterpane. Instead, I found this, from February 2000: “I think I’m too afraid to find out how awful a story I would write, so I don’t write one.”
Fourteen years later, I’m not afraid anymore. Thanks to many people, I “have the spirit to try.” I know that writing something bad isn’t the end of the world. It’s only the beginning.
Thank you to Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Anna, and Beth for hosting the Slice of Life Challenge and helping me have the courage to write. Be sure to visit Two Writing Teachers to read more Slice of Life posts.
Reading to the Core 
I have just been writing “publicly” for a short time, I still feel this way. Who wants to read what I have to say. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
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Your honest struggle with writing is inspiring. I, too, have been revisiting journals and forget so many things I have written. Maybe that’s one of the best parts of writing…the looking back at it at another time. And having the courage to just write. We have stories that only we can tell!!
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Thanks for opening up here, Catherine. So much has changed since 2000, hasn’t it? I’m so glad it has and that you’re a part of this writing community!
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Glad you are sharing! I agree with thinking clearer and sharper. I like, “Composing a piece worthy of other people’s valuable time on a daily basis is another.” It is, isn’t it. I do like your posts. I read a few when I’ve had time. They are good! Tonight is the first time I have time to comment and I’m thankful for this community too 🙂
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I have committed myself to writing for these 31 days in March…but I admit that I am not entirely comfortable with it. I smiled as I read your words “I know that writing something bad isn’t the end of the world. It’s only the beginning.” Thanks for posting this slice.
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“isn’t the end of the world, it’s only the beginning”-love this, Catherine, so glad to have met you at NCTE & been writing with you. Also happy you came to such a positive conclusion!
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I’m often afraid, too. I stick to the same topics in my same style – afraid that if I venture out, it won’t be good. I’m comforted to know you feel the same. I have to remind myself that sometimes we have to write through the bad to get to the good.
I’m glad you’re a part of this community – I always enjoy your posts!
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Your posts always inspire me to try. I had/have the same fears you did 14 years ago. You are a mentor, a model. Thank you for being there and writing.
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[…] Catherine’s daily posts for the Slice of Life challenge this month. In this one, she explores the value of daily writing and […]
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I recently put forth the idea of a “Teachers as Writers” Twitter chat, using the cryptic but short and unique hashtag #TAsWr. Still in early development phase. Check out the hashtag (or my Tweets from this weekend — @JMVarnerBooks) and please contribute any ideas you may have for discussing teachers as writers.
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