I timidly dipped my toe into the Slice of Life Writing Challenge 10 years ago, flinging myself out of my comfort zone. Who would have guessed that I’d still be here 10 years later, pouring my slices onto the virtual page each day when March rolls around. I’ve written about my love affair with the SOL writing community and challenge numerous times. I look forward to March every year, and despite the busyness that I’m facing, I seem to always make time for it, and I hope you do, too.
In honor of my tenth year on the challenge, here’s a reflection of the me I was when I first began the challenge in 2011. Things sure have changed a lot!
Ten Years Ago…
Ten years ago I was just beginning my international teaching career, living in Shanghai and working at a little school in the zoo.
Ten years ago I was a third grade teacher teaching a class of the coolest students I’ve ever taught. They taught me more than I could have ever taught them!
Ten years ago I was just beginning my vegetarian lifestyle, trying out this whole not eating meat thing on a dare. Who knew it would stick?
Ten years ago I was just starting to open my mind to the possibilities that are out there.
Ten years ago my fashion sense was questionable. It’s a good thing I’ve changed.
Ten years ago I was just beginning to develop friendships with Shaggers, Linner, and Michelle. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without these ladies by my side.
Ten years ago I couldn’t have imagined that I would still be working internationally, let alone know that this life would have taken me to China, Albania, Thailand, and Indonesia. I thought I was just going to do it for 2 years and then head back home.
Ten years ago I didn’t realize how strong I really was or what I was capable of achieving.
Ten years ago my glasses were boring. Thanks to cheap glasses markets, this is no longer the case!
Ten years ago I didn’t realize what was truly important in life.
Ten years ago I was a teacher and I’ve now found myself back in classroom again. (More on that in a future slice!)
Ten years ago I didn’t know what a gift this Slice of Life writing challenge would be, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The memories I’ve been able to keep, the friendships I’ve cultivated, and the lessons I’ve learned about myself as a writer are invaluable.
my heart is happiest when i travel. read. write. connect. 
Glad you are back. Year 13 for me – I should do a now/then post. It’s a great way to structure a reflection.
Thanks Lisa! It’s always good to look back and see how we’ve changed. Best of luck in the challenge this year!
A lot has changed in ten years! I can’t wait to hear more about what you are doing now.
Thanks! I’ll be sharing lots about my life and upcoming changes during my slices this month. 🙂
I started reading your slices when you were in Bangkok, and even wondered if you were working at my grandson’s school! (Sadly, no.) I enjoy your travels vicariously, and look forward to reading you in your year 10. I like how your reflections here combine the small (glasses fashion!) and the large.
Thanks Fran for coming back this year! Is your grandson still in BKK? Happy writing this year!
I like the way you structured this- I may steal it for a future slice!
Thanks! Steal away…;) I totally had a different idea for a slice when I started, but this just wanted to be written I guess. haha
10 years is a long time. We learn and grow and change. It’s great that some of the journey is saved on our blogs. i am happy we are writing in March again.
10 years of slicing! That’s amazing. I do love how you’ve structured this piece (I always get such great ideas for slices from your blog.) Can’t wait to read more this month.
Nothing quite beats the international life, it always changes our perspective!
Thanks for encouraging me to join again this year!! It was the small nudge that I needed! So impressed that you have been participating for 10 years straight.
Ten years ago I didn’t realize how strong I was. .. brilliant. I adore this writing group, can’t wait to keep reading.
A lot can change in 10 years. I’ve reflected on this past decade as well. It was a rough one for me but SOLC challenge is definitely something I began during the decade that I look upon as a big positive. It was fun reading your reflections and pondering with you!
Our friendship started 10 years ago? That is so hard to believe. It is amazing how things have changed and you captured so many of the changes in your life over this decade perfectly. I am so glad I have been watch you change and grow over the years.
So crazy, right?! You’ve put up with me for that long! lol Love you lots!!
Welcome back! I always enjoy having vicarious adventures through you. This is only my fourth year in the challenge, so I don’t have a lot to reflect back on, but I like the idea of a ten year retrospective. I have always been fond of these years ending in a nice round 0, and my son will be 10 in July, so I think I have quite a lot of changes over the last decade on which to reflect. Day 1 and I am already stealing your ideas! It is great to have you back!
Thanks! You should try it out…10 years is a long time and lots can change. 🙂
I did write a ten year post today, and it was very interesting to do. It was a good exercise in focusing on the positive changes. Thanks for the idea, which I totally failed to give you credit for in my slice. 🤦♀️
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