I had my name attached to the words, “Seasoned Slicer”.
I laughed.
If seasoned means salty, that’s me.
And I say this because looking back, I was able to get a TON of comments written. I feel like I’m failing big time with my commenting this year and it’s, to me at least, the most important part of slicing, both for the challenge and in general. It gives writers hope that they aren’t yelling into the abyss and no one is out there to “hear” their stories. For those first year slicers, even more important because if you don’t see those comments, you risk losing the momentum of the moment. Why write if no one cares?
It’s not just commenting. I don’t feel like the ideas are there, that I’m paying attention and just floating through right now. Tired is an understatement, but when you post at 10:30 PM CST, that happens! Ugh!
That word “grace” pops out there, but yet, it’s not as though I am a first timer. I know the drill. How to get blogs going, how to find topics, how to do the work, getting the comments done! But it’s not happening. The word “frustrated” pops out too because this has been a frustrating March so far. Hell, this past year, starting on this very day, last March has been frustrating. But if my students get frustrated, we work to find the cause, the trigger, then work forward. So why now? Why here?
Posting late, commenting late, not writing content that I feel is worth reading, that’s on me. No, this isn’t a cry for help, but just a venting session. People have written about the brain dump writing gives you. This is one of those times. I just don’t feel my best work is coming out and that bothers me. But, life goes on.
So, for those I’ve not commented on, not to worry, I’ll get there. For those who look for that “voice”, not to worry, it will be found again. For those going, “what the hell dude, it’s a blog,” not worry, tomorrow’s writing is about Iowa politics, another fun-filled joy ride if there ever was one!
And for me, relax, don’t force things, and just write. That’s what you tell your students: Keep your fingers on the keyboard and just go. Let the words come. It may take a while, but it will happen. I have faith in you.
Now, go forth and comment! 🙂
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
March 12, 2021 at 12:47 am
This is my first time the March challenge. I am surprised I am able to write something every day. 😊
All the best.
March 12, 2021 at 3:58 am
I ‘thought’ I participated in the challenge every year for only one reason; to remind myself how it feels to do something that is way out of my comfort zone. I consider myself a challenged writer. When I pick up a pencil (or plop myself in front of a screen), my mind goes blank. The ideas I considered all day are no longer worthy to write about. I usually type, delete, re-type, delete again over and over until it’s about 45 minutes before the deadline and I decide to let the good be enough. I’m usually one of the last five to post; sometimes even a little late. What I have realized the last 11 days is that I’m not just slicing to experience ‘discomfort’; I actually like the comments that I receive from complete strangers! I love the new people I meet each year that I find through random clicks when I’m reading fellow slicers who post around the 12:00AM timestamp. I read your brain dump at the perfect time. I’m just not ‘feeling it’ this year and was about to excuse myself from the remaining 20 slices. Tonight, I will hear your voice telling me to relax, not force things, and just write. It looks like your brain dump had a lot of power.
March 12, 2021 at 4:11 am
It felt good to get it off your chest, didn’t it? You write with raw honesty and recognisable personal voice. You might give your inner critic a word or two, it seems to have become too loud. I like that you brush it off your shoulder with your last two paragraphs.
March 13, 2021 at 8:48 pm
The brush off is my favorite part when I get going with my critic. My critic tends to get my goat a bit too much! 🙂
March 12, 2021 at 8:36 am
This first-time slicer has really appreciated your comments! Reading this post was also reassuring–“keep your fingers on the keyboard and just go.” Thanks for sharing these honest thoughts.
March 13, 2021 at 8:49 pm
I appreciate your words. This year’s challenge has been a struggle, so I’m thankful for the community to lift me up! 🙂
March 28, 2021 at 10:01 pm
As often happens with your posts, Darin, I feel as if you’re writing from inside my head! I’ve been kicking myself this month about not being a good slicer this year because I’ve left so few comments and I’ve been consistently posting late-late at night and usually just falling asleep afterward. And my posts haven’t been particularly fabulous most of the time. Yeah. I would like to have done a better job this March. I’m guessing a lot of slicers feel this way. I know I always smile when you comment on my blog. You’re a good reader, and I’m always surprised and pleased to see the things we have in common. Glad you’re still slicing! 🙂