I belong to two different, but incredibly special, educator communities.
In one group we meet monthly on Zoom around a topic of interest.
In the second group we meet several times a week to share personal and professional stories and to write.
In both groups, we carry on conversations when we’re not gathered together in a synchronous space.
We talk.
We share ideas.
We support each other.
We learn from and teach each other.
I am so grateful to the educators in both groups.
You’re probably thinking: so what? Many of us belong to similar groups.
But what is different about the members of both of these groups is that, for the most part, I’ve never met any of them in person.
Yet, I consider them friends.
It was in one of these groups where I first shared my cancer journey.
It is in both of these groups where I feel seen and heard.
And, all of this happened online.
I am grateful for the opportunity to “see” my “friends” often. To learn from them. To cry with them. To celebrate with them.
I am so grateful.
Cross posted to The Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge.
Elisa Waingort 
I was talking to my husband about this very thing today, saying “wait..I don’t even know any of my workshop friends in real life??” Ha! It’s amazing how connected I can feel to people I have never physically met. It’s wonderful knowing you, Elisa! 🙂
LikeLike
How wonderful that you belong to two communities where you are validated. Lucky you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Elisa. I agree with you. A colleague led me to this group and it is one of the best educator groups I have found. I feel that I fit in and I’m inspired by the incredible writing talent. I’m grateful for technology that allows us to connect this way.
LikeLike
I love slices like this, where the gratitude just oozes all over and you can’t help be get covered in it. We all need to take a step back and see how different groups are good for our soul and just be thankful! 🙂
I appreciate this slice today!
LikeLike
I’ve met several people through blogging who I now consider dear friends. We talk and email and share in each other’s lives, and we’ve never met. It is so odd how that can happen, but it’s kind of cool, too! I’m glad you are fortunate to have those two excellent friend groups!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the gift of listening in on YOUR journey this month.
LikeLike
My daughters used to make fun when I talked about my “online friends”, but it’s a real thing. And sometimes I will meet these friends in person and at other times, they’re just that: valued online friends.
LikeLike