Five Hundred
Today's post makes my five hundredth post. Five hundred. Five hundred times I've hit the publish button. It's been one thousand and fifty days since I started this blog. I'm no math genius, but that works out to about one blog post every other day for three years. Let's continue with numbers and statistics for a moment...there have been almost 5000 comments left.
And people from all over the world have stopped by and read my blog...
That's cool...it's not why I write, but it makes me feel like I have a voice. When I started this blog, I'd blogged before and I quit. I failed. I didn't know what to write. I didn't commit to it. Writing this blog matters to me. I put my heart into my posts and I write to reflect, to wonder, to share, to puzzle through, and to express myself.
Writing and sharing my writing has changed me. The main focus of this blog is my teaching, my time in the classroom with students, my practice. When I write, I reflect on what happened and why I made those choices. I wonder how I could improve and if I'm making the best choices for my students. I share about successes and failures, about growth and learning for me and for my students. I celebrate the accomplishments of my students. I express my gratitude for the opportunity to work as an educator.
Writing and sharing my writing has changed me. The main focus of this blog is my teaching, my time in the classroom with students, my practice. When I write, I reflect on what happened and why I made those choices. I wonder how I could improve and if I'm making the best choices for my students. I share about successes and failures, about growth and learning for me and for my students. I celebrate the accomplishments of my students. I express my gratitude for the opportunity to work as an educator.
This blog has introduced me to a community of writers, teachers...friends. People who have supported me and encouraged me from near and far. Writing has always been part of me. This blog has helped me find a community of writers around the world.
If you are reading these words, thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your voice. I'm grateful for the opportunity to write and for the audience who reads.
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it.
Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
Purpose for writing is critical. I write for myself too, but when I blog I know there are people out there in my writing community who will be reading. This makes such a difference in how much thought I put into my writing and in how I read their blogs. I'm glad you are here.
ReplyDeleteThis is such exciting news and what fantastic stats! What resonates with me the most is that you shared that this is not why you write. It is evident in your heart-felt posts that you publish. I always enjoy listening to your voice. Thanks for sharing! ~Amy
ReplyDeleteWhoohooo. Milestones are important and now ... looking ahead ...
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Kevin
YAYYYYYYY!!! Congratulations on your 500th post. So, so glad that your words have brought us together from miles apart. Keep going, friend!
ReplyDeleteYour reasons to write are truly authentic. Your writing must have a great impact on your teaching and students' learning. Even though you don't write to get the cool statistics it is so powerful to have your voice out there for so many to read and also learn from. Keep on writing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I loved reading your blog stats and reasons for blogging. I am glad you are my blogging friend!
ReplyDeleteIt is an accomplishment and like you I too wonder about all those readers, especially the ones from faraway places. congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! (throws confetti) How much fun that we met because of this blog space that you created and committed to! And when I look at the sidebar faces, I see friends. That is something I never expected when I started. Wonderful blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Think of all the connections you (we) have made because of this little space. Something which seems so small is actually so big! Thank you for sharing your writing with us and being such a wonderful friend!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!!! I blog mostly about kid lit and I sometimes think about giving it up. But the stats help me keep going. It is a huge milestone you've hit today and have achieved a different kind of stamina than we talk about with kids.
ReplyDeleteWow Michelle! I'm so proud to be one of your readers. Congratulations! Your one of my heroes!
ReplyDeleteYou and your blog are inspirations, Michelle - Bravo! Looking forward to the next 500!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Michelle. I'm glad you started all that long time ago. You energize me every time I read your writing. So thanks, and here's to the next 500!
ReplyDeleteI didn't exactly thrive when I took statistics in college, but now that I'm a blogger I'm a sucker for stats. These stats are impressive, Michelle! Definitely a cause for celebration. CONGRATULATIONS!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Wow! 500? You are such an inspiration to me. Keep it up! I love reading. (Jennifer Sniadecki)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Michelle! What a wonderful accomplishment! I haven't read all 500 posts, but I've certainly enjoyed and been enriched by the many I have. Keep on writing and sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! This is a milestone worth celebrating. I love reading your posts, especially since you're a fellow 6th grade teacher. Keep writing and I'll keep reading, my friend.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't met, but your writing has touched me so often. I celebrate you!
ReplyDeleteI love that you took the time to celebrate this milestone. Here's to many, many more of your insightful blog posts!
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