Slice of Life 31: Possible Side Effects

By Janice Ewing
During the month of March, along with many others, I participated in the Slice of Life daily writing challenge (details at twowritingteachers.wordpress.com). The facilitators did an amazing job, but, along with information they provided for first-timers, I would add the following –
Warning: May be habit forming
Possible side effects* of daily participation may include:
- feeling a need to write each day
- a specific type of ‘double-vision,’ in which you experience something directly and, at the same time, see it as a possible writing topic
- an inclination to peer into and comment on the lives of strangers
- a sense of connection with above strangers that gradually increases
*These side effects will be most extreme during the month of March. If they persist, you may require membership in an ongoing community of writers!
* This “Slice of Life” post is part of a larger blog series, hosted by the blog site, Two Writing Teachers: A Meeting Place for a World of Reflective Writers.
Janice Ewing is an adjunct for Cabrini College and a co-director for the Pennsylvania Writing & Literature Project. Janice co-facilitates PAWLP’s “Continuity Days” and this blog. She is an avid reader and writer, and especially enjoys writing poems.
Your structure of listing the side effects made me smile. What a creative way to reflect on the process. It’s been a great month, hasn’t it? I’ve enjoyed reading your writing this month and look forward to reading more.
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Perfect! SO true too. I especially experienced the living the dual experience – everything becomes writing fodder. What a wonderful way to view life for 31 days. Somehow I think the habit forming nature of it may have changed my life and the way I navigate the world forever. Best!
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🙂 You are very right! I especially like how you explained the second one. Nothing will ever be the same again…
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Janice, I was laughing the entire time I was reading/posting this. 🙂 Thank you for capturing exactly what this process has been like. It’s been wonderful to do this with you.
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Definitely been feeling these side effects! I love how you put them together. I’m sad that the March challenge is ending, but excited to participate on Tuesdays.
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Yes, so many side effects. It is truly addictive! Thanks for sharing your slices during March. Hope you’ll continue each Tuesday!
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Janice, I enjoyed your daily slices. Perhaps some side effects of those reading and commenting:
Falling into the thoughts and feelings of a reflective educator
Needing new glasses for seeing things through a wider lens
Being prepared to stumble over topics everywhere.
Thanks for sharing. Job well done.
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I loved this post! This is a perfect description of the side-effects that I’ve experienced this month!
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Very Funny and so correct! Yes, I noticed those side effects as well – they to persist since this is year three for me. I don’t know I guess I have become addicted to writing.
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Like the way you summed it all up! I agree whole-heartedly. Thanks for all your sharing.
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I have noticed these side effects, too. I delight in each one! 🙂
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