Today is March 31st, and I have successfully written a blog post every day this month. Today, many of us in the Two Writing Teachers community are breathing a little easier knowing we made it. Earlier this year, I received an Emergency Encouragement Writing Kit from Irene Latham. When it came time to make a new journal cover, I cut out this quote and placed it front and center.
I don’t always (actually, rarely do I) believe it to be true. But just in case it is what the world needs from me, I keep at it. I have to thank you, my dear reader, for your dedication to listening. You honor me with your presence.
According to Kate DiCamillo, writing is a “sacred task”. And though I am not and never will be a writer like Kate, I believe that what I do here is sacred.
It matters. Story matters. What we do matters.
I attended a mental health seminar last night. I was pleasantly surprised that there was food and wine. The intention of the evening was to let teachers know their own self-worth. The speaker was a local counselor who talked about ways to take care of ourselves. She repeated a mantra: “I am worthy. I am enough. I am amazing.”
We all have times when we feel like imposters. Writing a blog post each day that friends and strangers can read makes you vulnerable. Often I feel like I don’t know what I am doing. Thank you for reading and appreciating and caring.
Tomorrow begins a new chapter: National Poetry Month. I am committing to writing a poem each day and leading my students to do the same. April is my favorite month of the year. Click here to read a post I wrote for Cardinal Rule Press about National Poetry Month. Happy writing. Happy reading.
Reflections on the Teche 
To my blogger friends who step from this challenge right into National Poetry Month daily posts, I salute you! I’ve only done it a few times. Off to read your post about National Poetry Month.
Your blog is definitely part of my own Emergency Encouragement Writing Kit. I know I can count on inspiration and encouragement every time I visit. I’m looking forward to reading your poems next month. I’m still on the fence about National Poetry Month… we’ll see how I feel tomorrow!
On the fence was where I was until I took the leap and wrote that sentence.
I am a big fan of Kate DiCamillo and I loved this. My students are smack in the middle of her Mercy Watson series and can’t get enough. My personal favorite is Tiger Rising. Ugh – still makes my heart ache. What a wonderful slice to end the month. Thank you for reminding us to take good care of ourselves and to keep writing. You help to make this a group I want to continue to be a part of:)
Thank you for this reflection. We sometimes need reminders that our stories matter. I admire anyone who is ready to step from one challenge to another. Poetry is magic.
I believe writing is a sacred task, that story matters, and that our stories knit us together. That willingness to be vulnerable is often paid back with awe in a writing community. So grateful for all the beauty and inspiration you release in the world, Margaret – just like your monarchs.
This is such a feel-good post! “Writing is a ‘sacred task.'” I like that!
Oh Margaret – this post is just what I needed. It’s been a tough month for me and your words here struck at the core of me. Thank you. “We all have times when we feel like imposters. Writing a blog post each day that friends and strangers can read makes you vulnerable.” Yes – and your reminder “that what I do here is sacred.” Well, I needed that, too. Here’s looking forward to poetry and ducklings and butterflies to help with that impostor syndrome.
A beautiful ending…or a fresh beginning. Just keep writing!
Woo-whoo!! Congratulations, Margaret!
Congrats, Margaret!!! I so enjoyed “see” you here all of March!
Looking forward to April Poetry month!! Go Maraget, Go!
Oh you said it all. The idea of the sacred nature of writing, the importance of it. And then the other side of vulnerability and that inner critic that whispers “imposter” i our ear. It is battle. When we do it together, the doubts do subside and words come.
In*
Looking forward to your poetry!
Congratulations, Margaret, for completing the challenge and for your wonderful article. Writing is sacred! Thanks for that thought. Happy National Poetry Month writing. I look forward to reading what you offer.
Even not feeling like an “imposter”, but wondering how in this strife-filled world my little poems make a bit of difference can sap my joy. But having something that does, indeed, feel sacred, and like a spiritual journey, truly helps.
Such a beautiful and real post, Margaret – thanks for sharing both your talents and your insights! Happy Poetry Month.
I love your posts, especially your poetry ones, this has been a great month. Thanks for wrapping it up with this reflective post.