There are times in my
life when I know that my next steps are going to be difficult. Not because I was in danger or a loved one is
hurting, but because those steps are going to lead me down a path that I am not
comfortable walking.
A journey begins with a
first step. My first step started three years ago when I pushed the word “publish”
on my blog. My path meandered along with
blogging, and I was thrilled to have a place to share my thoughts. Choosing to
take some bigger steps along with much encouragement and even more pushing from friends, I
accepted a gracious offer to begin writing for Choice Literacy early last year.
My journey in writing
continued as I attended Choice Literacy’s Writing retreat in Hocking Hills. My
first steps felt like a young child learning to walk as I entered the lodge to
start our day. I wasn’t sure of expectations, and the only thing I
knew was that I was going to be given a gift---wrapped in time. Several hours a
day to write, reflect, and confer with an amazing group of writers.
I often wonder why I
don’t always embrace opportunities like this. I always tend to lean on the
frightened side. The side that almost makes me say no but then I realize that I
will be in a community of writers with all similar goals. I will be in an environment that will not
only nurture but also help me to understand that I am a writer. I had the chance to stop time and think
about my life as a writer. That was the biggest gift of all for me in the retreat. Time to hit the pause button on life and envision myself as a writer. Brenda, Choice Literacy editor, reminded us about
the importance of time as she read from The Productive Writer by Sage
Cohen
“ …I can’t tell you exactly how you can make time for writing,
but I assure you that you can. I can
also tell you that your relationship with time is more subjective that you
might imagine. The best way to get a
handle on how much authority you actually have over your time is to start
becoming aware of how you are spending it.”
I was reminded of so
many lessons that I had lost somewhere in my busy life. Lessons that involve
finally saying out loud “I am a writer.” Learning that I am in control of my
time and when I choose one thing I lose something else. One of my favorite
quotes from the book is “waste time well.”
For me as I continue down a winding path that has opened to so many
different avenues I have gratitude for the experiences and most of all I am
thankful because I had the courage to take that next little step.
 |
| This is my cue card that I chose to place next to my computer to help me remember the lessons learned. |
Maria,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny that we expect our students to walk uncomfortable paths every day, but we sometimes have a hard time doing that ourselves. How fortunate we are to know we have a community that will help us, guide us, push us, and walk beside us along the way.
Those days provided the gifts of time, friendship, and learning. Your post made me smile.
Keep walking,
Cathy
As I wrote the post so many times my mind drifted to my own classroom and how many times our students have to have the courage to take that first little step.
DeleteWhat a great reflection, Maria. I, too, enjoyed the writing retreat. Best of all, I am connected with a group of determined and gifted writers. I am looking forward to our future connections.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite parts was making connections with colleagues who I have known but finally had the time to get to know better.
DeleteI love reading this thoughtful capture of the retreat. This particularly spoke to me:
ReplyDelete"I often wonder why I don’t always embrace opportunities like this. I always tend to lean on the frightened side. The side that almost makes me say no..."
The new gift we've given: a community of ladies who will push us to say YES. (but also no, when it's not right -- haven't forgotten Mandy's magnet ;))
XO
Our conversations prior to the retreat were a huge part of my pushing the "yes" button. Once again the community of support may not always be in our own buildings but when you know they are there it makes a huge difference as you take those first steps.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that I am on this journey with you, Friend!
ReplyDelete(Love those embedded replies!!)
:-)
Excited to continue our journey this year as we explore and continue to push or gently nudge each other.
DeleteYou are a writer. I know what you mean, though, about the anxiety of writier for bigger and bigger audiences - there's something there that's quite different from writing for your own blog. But, how marvelous to have been given this oportunity! And to have had a supportive retreat, too! Good for you, Maria!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara your first 4 words mean the world to me. I often referred to our "conversations" on blogs and how we can connect with support although we have never met. Your name was at the top of my list for helping me take that first step.
DeleteOnce again, we are leading parallel lives. I remember the fear of hitting the publish button that first time on my blog and then moving into wider writing circles. I love the line, "those steps are going to lead me down a path that I am not comfortable walking." I am so glad I got to know you better during this time. I'm looking forward to our continued friendship and time writing together.
ReplyDelete