A friend sent me an article suggestion from The Atlantic. “Ode to Low Expectations” by James Parker. Here’s a quote to start off my Slice of Life March Madness:
We’re half-finished down here, always building and collapsing, rigging up this and that, dropped hammers and flapping tarps everywhere. Revise your expectations downward. Extend forgiveness to your idiot self. Make it a practice. Come to rest in actuality.
James Parker, The Atlantic March 2021
I needed to read this before committing to a month long writing challenge. I need to lower my expectations and be myself on this page. Who else is any better or worse? Who else could I even try to be?
I’m testing my creativity every day. If I place my hands on the keys and get something written, then I’m ahead of the game. I’m just warning you, if you are a reader of my blog. Every day is a risk. Every day is scary. But I am here. Will you join me?
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh yes, an ode to lowered expectations is just what we need today! That’s certainly one of the themes of my year–and the only way I could say yes to slicing this month (especially after not publishing a blog post since August!). Glad to see you here and be journeying through this month with you once again!
I have you beat. Not one post since May. I had to take time to remember how to get on my blog!
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning! This is my second year doing the March challenge and I need to change the expectations of myself. I love the creative expression and you’ve inspired me to move beyond words this month.
I think many of us “old timers” can relate to your lower expectations! It is scary and it is a risk and I fear failure because I am sucky at challenges. So, I am taking your advice to heart! Looking forward to reading and sharing with you…as always!
That was supposed to say writing and sharing! See my expectations are lowered already!
I love your quote about lowered expectations…I too have embraced that this year, my 10th, may not be perfect…and that is OD. I do look forward to reading your entries and thoughts and poems, though. Welcome back.
1. You can do it!
2. I love your collage! and, your poetic thought
3. Put my hand on the page
Your collage work inspires me. I made this on Friday using a tracing of my hand and one or two pages from the Oprah magazine. I didn’t realize until yesterday how well it worked for the beginning of this challenge.
This. This is exactly what I am thinking this year. I am here with you – for the days we write & the days we (maybe) don’t; for the times we publish the unfinished and the uncut; for the moments of wonder and the moments of dismay. I promise to write with you – and everyone – imperfectly throughout this month. THANK YOU for sharing this with us this morning.
It helps so much knowing I’m not alone in this endeavor. We got this, my Canadian friend!
You are the second person I have seen today posting from their notebook- I want to do that too! Glad you are back for another year (and totally with you on the lowered expectations!).
I sent that quote on to Andy. He needed it, as do we all. Being a part of this life is scary, but then again so reward. Lovely post.
Hello, Margaret, I’m off to read the article. I think I’ll want to share it widely!
Love the last line of your quote and your inspiring journal page. 🙂
Love that quote! (Sadly, I think it’s somewhere in my inbox, too, but I hadn’t even found time to read it yet! Sigh…) Anyway, I especially love this quote from your post: ” If I place my hands on the keys and get something written, then I’m ahead of the game. ” Thanks for that all -important reminder. I’m so glad you’re here 🙂
I love this whimsical warning, your artistry, and the quote. You never fail to inspire, Margaret.
Just the piece I needed today. Just write. I’m taking your advice!
Kim
I love this, Margaret “I needed to read this before committing to a month long writing challenge. I need to lower my expectations and be myself on this page. Who else is any better or worse? Who else could I even try to be?” I read and love your blog, Margaret because you are yourself; love, compassion, and inspiration always shine in your blog including today.
Yay, Margaret.
Teaching.
Reading.
Writing.
And then there is Grandmothering!
You have an amazing life to celebrate!