We are almost to the end of
2013 and I have to say I am not completely sorry to see it go. It hasn’t been
the worst of year, but it has not been the best of years either. There have
been things to celebrate, but also things to forget or tuck away to dissect at
another time.
Not as epic as Dickens’ A
Tale of Two Cities-
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way. . ."
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way. . ."
But at times I could feel as
muddled as the quote relates. Not only in my personal life but in school,
writing and learning. When I look back of course these ups and downs were
apparent to only me, and maybe of only my doing. As I’ve often written before I
seem to be in search of something…more…or maybe less. I’m not sure.
So now that the year is at last
near its end I am looking into the horizon of the new. New Year, new
experiences, new thoughts, plans, hopes, dreams, and of course like many of you
a new “word.” My One Little Word that will hold me and guide me throughout our
new year.
I have tried out many. As usual I
want it to be just right. I always seem to put a lot of importance on my word. So
much so that it almost seems it should be known as One BIG Word. THE word. A
word to keep in my head, hold in my head, and live in my heart. So much to ask
of one little
word.
Like so many women I have a multitude
of items I juggle day in and day out. It was these I thought of when I
tried out my words. The first one that came to me was “Build.” I thought of building
new relationships, building a new learning community, a new writing area, and
maybe build just something new. But it just didn’t feel right.
So then I tried out “Mindfulness.”
I want to be mindful of my life, home, job, growth. I just want to be more
mindful. But it just didn’t fit.
I needed Drive. Drive to exercise consistently.
Drive to get things done, and follow through. Drive to find new roads and
discover new ways. I needed drive to find my word. But I was getting nowhere,
because even Drive didn’t feel familiar.
I tried out choices, discover, insistent,
strive, purposeful, and serendipity (which is really fun to say), and yet none
of them seemed like a good fit for all areas of my life.
And then it hit me. What I have
been looking for. What maybe I have been searching for this past year is what I
want to start my year with this year Balance.
Balance in all areas. School,
work, home, mind, play, family, pleasure, experiences, purpose, building,
writing, blog, creating, exercise and diet, choices, drive, and yes
serendipity.
So my One Little Big
Word for 2014 is Balance. What is yours?
Join up with Sunny Days in Second Grade to tell us the truth
about your OLW!
Tammy what a great post! I loved reading how your thought process to come up with your OLW. I still haven't thought of mine yet, but I do believe balance would be a terrific word. I think it is tough for teachers to maintain the correct balance in their lives. I just think we want to always give so much of ourselves to help our students that we do tend to get out of balance. I hope your new year is filled with contentment and peace!
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Thanks so much for linking up! I liked the idea of one little word, but now that I'm reading all the posts, I want ALL the words! I can seriously relate to balance. Great Choice. Here's to a balanced 2014! Denise
ReplyDeleteSunny Days In Second Grade
Balance, I've tried that one on for size and like you I've batted around a bunch of choices. Sadly I have never stuck with any one word through out a year. I'm better with images. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great New Year's Eve,
Bonnie
Several of us have posted about our OLW today and it has been fun reading how these words came about. I could have certainly used balance for mine as well. REACH chose me instead. But I will be reaching for balance along the way! Have a Happy New Year! Here's to a year of balance!
ReplyDeleteLove the button, too, Tammy. You know that I've watched and asked how you were this year. It didn't always seem to be so smooth, but now that you've found a word that pleases, I hope your 2014 begins beautifully, and continues in "balance". I enjoyed hearing the path taken. Looking forward to our continued sharing this year!
ReplyDeleteSo much thought in your post. The images along with your words really emphasized the process that choosing the word has been. Balance sounds very positive! I look forward to reading how "balance" will integrate itself in your life in 2014. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the way you arrived at your BIG word, Tammy!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2014.
Barbara