Hopes and Dreams for March

Up early in an empty nest house... the dog slides into my spot on the bed, settling into the warmth I leave behind. I toss on an old gray pilled sweater that gives me comfort and warmth but no style, and head to the kitchen. March 1, Slice is starting.

I bought my favorite tea, knowing it will motivate me to get up and write, and this morning, it absolutely works. The strong cinnamon energy escapes the tin when I open it, and the brewed tea rests between me and the computer, a mug of motivation.

I open the Notes App, where I keep all the ideas from Slices gone by, as well as mentor sentences and ideas I don't want to lose, and there's the sentence I wrote just after I signed up: What are my hopes and dreams for living this writerly life in March?

My usual boundless energy has been depleted by the politics, hate and harm of our world and in particular, the impact on education. So this month is focused on refilling and refocusing:

* Who is inspiring me?

* What brings me joy?

* Where are the glimmers? (Thank you, Ross Gay.)

* When do I notice positivity?

* How can I keep the momentum going, if indeed, March helps me move forward?

I've set aside a writing day for processing hard and gloomier topics (Fridays it is!), and I'm treating myself to celebrations here. More cinnamon tea purchased from a local shop! Buying books at Loganberry! (Do you have a beloved brick & mortar book store in your life, too?) Reading not scrolling before bedtime. Recipes with new ingredients. Manifesting more HOPE is my hope and dream.

So welcome, March! May your sunshine invade my spirit, warm my heart, and build my strength for speaking truth to power. Because LIGHT and LOVE are always, always the antidote.