Sunday, March 1, 2020

Slice of Life: Day 1 -- "March, I Heart You!"

This month I am participating in the Slice of Life challenge sponsored by the Two Writing Teachers website and blog. Join me!

Awww....March 2020, I heart you.

Last year was a rough one, and I honestly can't tell you how much I've looked forward to writing this year. When I look over my posts from 12 months ago, I remember so vividly the icky feeling I felt most days...that uncomfortable, "things-are-changing-but-I-don't know-how" feeling that was the backdrop of every post I wrote. I tried to stay positive, but the taste of exhastion flavored every post.

I was house-hunting relentlessly, working side jobs like a beast to pay extra on home inspections and down payments, balancing a new teaching job in a new district, and struggling with a chronic health condition that just made life hard.

The contrast: This year I'm living in the dream home I never thought I'd find, thriving in the 2nd year of my job and loving it, and my health condition is more under control than it's ever been. I'm still working the side jobs (teacher life!), but it's more manageable when the rest of my plate is a bit less crowded!

Stress levels are down. 

Happiness is up.

Friendships are being revived, and new ones are blossoming.

I'm dreaming, again...not just focused on day-to-day survival.

I've found myself noticing things again. Observing. Watching. Listening more.

I feel like my senses have come alive, again, and with them, my heart.

I feel so. much. joy. 

And...I just can't wait to tell you about it, my dear slicing friends!

This is my 7th year (!!!), and there've been a lot of ups and downs over the years, but this community has sustained me for one month each year, despite everything. I think March is one of the difficult months to survive as a teacher...testing, sicknesses, spring fever, etc...but, as I've said before, Slice of Life saves March for me. As I record my moments and read about yours, I find the connections that I crave so much as winter breathes out its last few puffs of cold and warm spring breezes begin to blow.

--deep (slightly dramatic) breath--

March is here. Let's write. Let's connect. Let's share.

AND...If it's your first year, WELCOME! You're in the right place. We are so glad you're here!

5 comments:

  1. Ellen.Yankoupe.Smith@gmail.comMarch 1, 2020 at 3:01 PM

    There is true joy in your post. I'm thrilled to be back at it as well, and your post energized me! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I feel the joy in your post, Katy. I’m thrilled everything is going better for you this March. It is amazing what a difference a year masked!

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  3. Looking forward to hearing more! So glad you found your home!

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  4. This is such a joyful post. I'm back after a year break. And I feel like a newbie again. But I think that's a good thing :)

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