The Rogue Scholar

June 11, 2019: The date I created a blog and wrote my first post that I submitted to my first Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge (SOLSC). What is the Slice of Life Story Challenge? I am so glad you asked.  Every Tuesday writers (Slicers) write a blog post about something that has happened in their lives; then,  copy and paste their blog post links on the   Two Writing Teachers website. Slicers also read and comment on at least 3 other Slices. In March, during the month-long  challenge, Slicers who submit a Slice everyday are eligible for prizes. My first experience with the Month-Long SOLSC marathon was in March of last year. I wasn't sure I would be able to write a blog post every day, but I was determined. My concern increased half way through the challenge when  COVID required everyone to quarantine.  How would I be able to write a Slice about life when, in essence, life had come to a screeching halt? I am proud to say that  I persevered.  Life didn't stop. The changes th

I'm certain that many people would agree that 2020 was rough. For me, life seemed to stop as I knew it right around March, when I should have been returning to work after Spring Break. I honestly think I experienced bouts of depression during the Summer months, and I continued to struggle in the early months of school starting back, as well. As a writer, I found it difficult to focus my writing on anything but the negative. Thankfully, however, I was surrounded by (virtually, of course) a group of people, who helped find ways to change my mindset, and encouraged me to seek out the positive in my world. I know it sounds too simple, but a change in how I concentrated my thoughts was exactly what I needed. So, I am sharing with you how I ended 2020 purposefully seeking out the good and the positive in the midst of what felt like total chaos. In November, I made a JOY plan, which involved "purposefully and intentionally planning for moments of JOY." Don't you just love th