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| Day 23 of 31 days of writing! |
Opening up my Blogger dashboard, I marvel at my stats, astounded that people continue to view my blog even when I haven't posted in days. Realizing that people have my old blog posts pinned on Pinterest always brings an astonishing wave of encouragement, especially when life has done its best to hinder my writing.
The familiar routine of starting a post is like easing into my favorite pair of pajamas after a long day. Add my tags, think about a title (but leave it blank for now), insert the slicing logo, add my typical caption... Wait, what day is it? The strangeness of having missed so many days this March jars me out of the comfort of my routine. Yikes. The 23rd? I click over to the live view of my blog to check this month's archive. And I've only written 11 posts? I shake off the temptation to be discouraged. Really, 11 posts is pretty good with everything that's been going on lately: testing and sickness, enjoying days off, and giving students quality feedback on their writing.
I take a deep breath and move beyond that caption to figuring out my hook. Playing with words again feels like stretching sore muscles in the morning in the midst of marching band two-a-days: tough, but also satisfying and invigorating.
This is the year of not being perfect, and that's ok. That means this is also the year of not giving up, of teaching myself and my students to refocus on what matters and regroup with resiliency and hope. This is the year of identifying with my struggling students in a whole new way.
This is the year of Hebrews 12:12-13: “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.”
Today was the first day of the new grading period and the first day back after break: a good day to take a new grip, set my feet where they belong, and help my students do the same.
Love the line "This is the year of not being perfect...." That's what's all about. Focusing on what matters. Good for you! I'll read whenever you post!
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile with you step by step routine, sliding into the groove, never missing a beat. This is a good day to get back up on the horse and ride straight to the finish line. I love your attitude! Welcome back to hanging out again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I love that scripture and love that you are still posting!! I'm surprised you have time to even squeeze this in!
ReplyDeleteYour reflective heart just shines in this post, Jen. This is the year indeed and I thank you for sharing the lessons you are learning along the way. Good reminders.
ReplyDelete"The familiar routine of starting a post is like easing into my favorite pair of pajamas after a long day." This! You have captured my exact feelings as I begin my own blog posts. This piece resonates with me, as you describe your writing process.
ReplyDelete"This is the year of Hebrews 12:12-13: “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.”
This notion of not being perfect, yet carrying on also speaks to my life right now-events, feelings, and projects.
Thank you for sharing and giving voice to the unspoken feelings of many fo us.
So well said Jennifer! Our students need to know that we are giving up!
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