I used to . . ., but now I . . .

I used to be afraid of blogging, but now I feel I am sharing with friends.

I used to think that I could never write days in a row, but now I know I can do it.

I used to think that I could never make a friend through writing, but now I know, thanks to Carol, I can.

I used to think I would write nearly all of my Slice of Life posts about my work as a principal, but now I know I can cultivate many other ideas.

I used to think I could never find time to write, but now I know that I can, should and must.

I used to think that no one would ever take the time to comment on my writing, but now I know that that are caring and thoughtful people from all the world who really care about what I try to say.

I used to think that being a high school principal would inhibit me sharing truly personal feelings about life and family, but I know it has made me a better person to do so.

I used to think that writing blog post was just like writing on paper, just digital, but now I have learned about digital literacy, inserting links, inserting photos, and important photo and intellectual attribution.

I used to think that I really knew everything about my daughter, but now I have so much more to know, love and learn,

I used to be afraid of reading and commenting on other's writings publicly, but now I have learned that I, too, am an important part of this wonderful experience.

I used to think that I could not connect emotionally to a stranger's writing, but now I know I can and I must.

I used to be unaware of the connected lives of a community of readers and writers, but now I have learned that I have been missing a significant part of life and the lives of others.

I used to be afraid, but now I am brave.

I used to feel alone, but now I am connected.

I used to miss the details and beauty in the everyday lives of others, but now I have a deeper understanding of life itself and our daily stories and journeys.

I used to write and respond as an individual, but now I am a slice-of-lifer.

I used to lack full appreciation for the details and observations of others and their lives, but now I have experienced a metamorphosis of my own life by experiencing a slice of theirs.