Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

January 12, 2016

One Little Word 2016

Last week, I had it.  I knew it.  My One Little Word would reflect how I wanted everyone else to see me.

Steady

I wanted to be off the roller coaster of last year.  I wanted to be someone my daughters, husband, coworkers and friends could count on to be calm, collected and stable.  Someone who they could get advice from and always be there for them.  Not talking over them.  Listening.

I made a poster.  I made another poster.  I read a bit today.  I listened to music.

I realized I needed to find a different word.  I want to be calm and collected.  But steady didn't fit.

I listened again to Rachel Platten's Fight Song.  I especially like the power of it.  You can't help but raise a fist in the air as you sing along.  My favorite verse of this song is:
I might only have one match, but I can start an explosion. 
 It's been an exciting school year at a new school.  There's a lot of great ideas and people and students.  I've tried to be more of an observer and less of a talker.  It's mostly working, but to be perfectly honest with myself, I love to talk out ideas and collaborate with others.

I really like to help others figure out the idea that works for them.  I decided on a different OLW.

Spark

A spark is the beginning of a fire.  An explosion of ideas.  Something small that turns into something big and meaningful, or something that is extinguished when it doesn't get enough air.

When I talk with my coworkers, my family and my friends, I will be a great listener.  I will ask questions.  I will see if a conversation leads to research and more questions and ideas.  I will keep an open mind and open heart.  If a spark doesn't lead to an idea, I'll let it fizzle out.

My thanks to Rachel Platten for her awesome song lyrics.

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 I might only have one match, but I can start an explosion. 

7 comments:

  1. I hope that spark of yours will light many ideas as you move forward in your career, and with you family and friends. Great word for 2016.

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  2. I love this! All educators are already spark-ers, I feel. And steady is definitely worthwhile, but what a nice way to frame it, to look at your role in a different way:>)

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  3. I love that you took control of that one little word that didn't fit and discovered one that spoke to you. It will be a good word for the year.

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  4. Ooh, I used "spark" a couple years ago and loved it! Hope it's really inspiring for you too! I love that you had the insight to adjust your word when your first try didn't seem to quite fit!

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  5. That's a great word! I love how you shifted your thinking and decided to ignite rather than be steady!!

    (I love that song, too)

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  6. It's great that you reflected and "listened" to your feelings and made changes. That's kind of like you're describing how you'll be when collaborating: you let that early "spark" fizzle out. Wonderful word.

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  7. Aw...I love your blog...and your new word!

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