I am very uncertain about committing to the Slice of Life Challenge this year. Between school and evening commitments, I am not sure how I will fit in writing each and every day for the month. Honestly, sometimes I come home and just collapse on the couch. But my love of writing and reading other Slicers’ pieces is the force behind the inner subconscious urge to do it. I have learned much as a writer from this community in the past years.
I feel like I belong in a cartoon with a little cheerleader on one shoulder boisterously encouraging me while the little devil on the left awakens my self-doubt with his thoughts. During these animated conversations in my own head, I came to a compromise. I will give myself GRACE. Grace can mean a temporary exemption or reprieve. It can also mean an act of kindness or clemency which I will extend to myself.
So on the days…
I get home later than expected and am exhausted… I will give myself grace.
there is no inspiration…. I will give myself grace.
that life doesn’t go as planned and life is topsy-turvy…I will give myself grace.
I only fit in reading 3 other posts… I will give myself grace
I have a headache or am not feeling well… I will give myself grace
my posts aren’t that great…I will give myself grace.
for many reasons I can’t come up with right now… I will give myself grace.
By extending grace to myself- whether a reprieve, act of kindness or act of clemency- it will allow me to return the next day and try again. I may write each and every day or I may not, but this idea of grace gives me the freedom to give it a try.
Doodads and Doodles 
11 responses to “Embracing Grace: My Guide to the Slice of Life Challenge- Day 1 SOLC”
Yes, yes, yes! I am entering this year with the same wish for grace- I am not totally sure why it feels harder to commit this year, but I am feeling it. I love the way you laid it all out here!
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Thank you. Glad to know others are feeling the same… happy writing!
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I felt it myself- both hesitation and the competing inner urge. So with grace and freedom, we try!
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Nope, we can’t always write the perfect slice, and on some days, we have no time or no ideas! We all have been there. Take all the grace you need!
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I know that angel and devil well! This is a great stance to take when beginning the challenge. Here’s to trying new things, trying our best and being kind to ourselves when we miss the mark. Happy writing!
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Happy writing to you!
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I have similar feelings coming into March. My calendar looks full, but I know the joys and benefits of writing daily, so I commit. Let’s hope that we are as gracious to ourselves this month as we are to our students.
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I know we have had this conversation, but here we are! Happy writing…with lots of grace!
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That is when the conversations started in my head…. Our conversations were the beginning of this piece.
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Giving yourself grace is a good practice! One we probably should allow ourselves more than just during this challenge! Thank you for the reminder. I look forward to reading you when you post.
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I had to really think about it this year – I’m barely doing all the things I have to do … but I couldn’t imagine not doing it … so I’m with you — we can all give ourselves, and each other grace!
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