Homework for Life

This is a post I was working on before my world turned upside down.

One of my main projects this summer was to purge a lot of stuff out of my studio, with the goal it would be ready when Braydon arrives for a visit in August -- a room of his own, even though it is just a sleeping bag on the floor.

While unearthing things, I found several journals. One was from my first two years teaching, and also included my "Golden Apple" journeys. I read through every word, revisiting how I worked through my first year of teaching -- and sometimes thought, hmmmm, some things never change...--and how I grew the second year. The Golden Apple stuff...ugh.  

 

I easily tossed that journal. It didn't have much to offer.

 

Then I found my Homework for Life notebook. I first wrote about this concept on my blog in a post titled "Clippings of Love" in July of 2018. After reading through this notebook, I was compelled to share this idea again.

 

The Homework for Life notebook had entries from July 2018 until May 2020. The concept is simple: at the end of each day, write down something that is story worthy--something that you want to remember and could share with others.

 

Reading through the notebook gave me so much joy, I can hardly explain. The fact that it steps us into the pandemic is an additional gift. It reminded me of stories I have long remembered, and it prompted me to remember things I had forgotten all about. An example: there are several entries that mention a student named Dobbin who I taught two different years. Truth be told, I've forgotten all about Dobbin. But there were so many sweet moments with him I recorded, it made me wonder how I could have forgotten him.

Thus the power of Homework for Life.

I cannot part with this particular notebook because I think there are still stories to tell from it. And I immediately revisited Matthew Dicks' video that explains the power of this small technique. I purchased a new notebook and have started again.

If you are reading this, I implore you to watch Matthew's video and start your own Homework for Life notebook. It contains a power that no other writing has. Do it for yourself. You won't regret it.

P.S. Matthew has a blog where he shares a story daily. I am finding it something I look forward to every day.  He always frames things in ways that matter.  Subscribe at Matthew Dicks Blog