Pace

This word. This word has come to have much significance in my life. I went to work for PACE Center for Girls more than two years ago. I really couldn't have known what I was getting into. It's been quite a journey. I have met friends at PACE in an age span of more than 30 years! I'm talking lifelong friends. I have learned a lot about myself personally and professionally, developing a level of empathy and understanding that surprises me and tests me on a daily basis. I have sharpened my professional chops and affirmed for myself all that I learned in graduate school. PACE has changed me permanently. I'm not sure where it will take me or for how long, but I never could have imagined the impact it would have on me.

But the word pace, in all lowercase letters, that's something new. Today my writing group met for our monthly get together, and this month our meeting was special. We celebrated a year of our shared blog Trailbrazen. One of our brilliant members (there is an abundance of genius in the group) suggested we read through the blog posts from all year, select a favorite from each person, and write a note to each one about the piece. It was wonderful! There was so much love and positive feedback, and truly genuine commentary on each other's writing. As writers we've come to know each other so well, and we know there is honesty in all we write and all we say within the group. That's what made tonight so special.

And while I always enjoy a good compliment (even though they're sometimes hard to receive), hearing my fellow Trailbrazens tell me what they love about my writing, makes me feel really special because I admire them all and value their opinions. Tonight, I am grateful for all they said, but was particularly taken aback by one of my friend's comments. She told me I am a master at pacing, and she begged me to write more fiction so she can learn from me. Imagine that. She thinks she can learn from me. We laughed about this because I can't explain what I'm doing- I don't even know I'm doing it. I'm not sure what makes my story writing pace so masterful, and man I wish I did because I would make sure I do it more.

Anyway you slice it, my writing sisters take the cake. They inspire me, and push me to do more with my writing. They build me up when I'm not feeling worthy. They encourage me to do more of what they see in me, even when I don't recognize it as anything special. They are brazen and they make me brazen. Together we are Trailbrazen.

I am looking forward to another year.