According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, one of the definition of tradition is Characteristic method, manner or Style. Some traditions are passed down the generations, others we start brand new.  When our kids were little, we started a tradition which was aimed at having open communications as the kids grow up.  

Before kids started Kindergarten, we realized that having open communication is important at all stages.  Sometimes, when kids grow up, they close off and we need to come up with ways to make sure that does not happen.  We need to pave the way so without prying, kids will share what is bothering them as well as their achievements.  We want our kids to be problem solver.  Therefore, they may share a thing that annoyed them during the day but they have to come up with a way to solve the concern or at least take steps toward it.  We came up with a simple and effective way to achieve this goal.

Suppertime Tradition  of  Trivedi-Ziemba Home: 

Think back on your day. Share 3 good things and 1 thing that you wish was different; share how you will change it.

Today, I want to use the same concept but for the March Blogging Challenge.

Three Good Things that I like about the Slice Of Life March Challenge: 

1. Two Writing Teacher for providing a place for reflective bloggers to share their musings and converse with others.  Kevin Hodgson, a shout out to you for introducing me to Slice of Life among zillion other.  It was a coincidence or fate when I left a comment on your blog post and got a mentor in return. 🙂  
2. Welcome Wagon and return visitors: Writing a blog could be an exercise in loneliness. Thanks Molly, Mark, Brian, Andy, Deb, Carol, Laura, Sheri and Glenda for encouragement.  Having your feedback on multiple posts made me feel heard and acknowledged.  Your blog posts have made me laugh out loud, search within myself and inspired me.  Molly & Brian, I owe you the full details of conference with mom.  Glenda, I did listen to your feedback, even if I did not acted on it immediately.  🙂 
3. Feedback and conversations with colleagues:  Thank you each and every person who visited my blog.  Your visiting my blog & reading the post(s) is an honor, your leaving feedback and continuing the conversation is a delight.  Similarly, visiting different blogs made me a better person.  It taught me about poetry, life, how talented, tenacious and kind my peers are.  Hopefully some of your knowledge will rub off on me.  Christie, thanks for your grace in sharing the padlet and voicing the need for comments on blog posts.  Jay, Your grit and empathy is a class apart.  I tried to visit each and every person who left a comment on my blog.  Sometimes, it was hard to find you as your comment name and your blog name are different; I can’t find you on Two Writing Teacher’s website.  I also tried to comment on several random blogs each day just because they hooked me by their byline.  Thanks everyone who participated.  We are 300+ strong.  Ye!

Now the One Thing I wish was different & How I will Change it:  

Concern: Shortchanging my family

Solution: Better Time Management – Allot time to SOL & stick to it

I struggle with time management.  Writing posts takes me wwaayy longer.  I like to read, to know about how others think and  to learn.  As a result, I shortchanged my family while taking part in the March Slice of Life challenge.  There were times when I ignored my kid’s needs while writing blog posts or commenting on some one else’s post.  I want to have better blog-family balance.  The way I will change placing my family second  will required me sticking to time frame and press publish at the end of the allotted time.  I also need to make effort to spend more time with my family and listen to them.  It sounds very easy but it is not.  In order for keeping track of time, I need to use be vigilant of guarding my time. 

Should I say Hurrah?  Should I look back longingly?  Should I pat myself on back for writing 1 blog post each day and sharing it?  None of the above.  The challenge is just starting.  I need to take a deep breath and keep on going.

I am writing this post as a series of post for March Slice of Life challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.  You can find similar posts by searching for category Slice of Life or Hashtag #SOL18.  You are invited to join too.

#SOL18