It's Christmas.
It feels as if just yesterday it was summer vacation and I was reading how everyone was decorating their classrooms and getting ready for the new school year.
In a blink, one semester is already history.
Unbelievable.
Two years ago I learned about "One Word".
It's a word that serves as personal encouragement or direction for the new year.
In 2014 I chose the word "position". Positioning ourselves by preparing and planning can be the very thing that can make the "right time and the right place" happen. (Still a work in progress.)
In 2015 I chose the word "release". Family members were moving away, co-workers were moving
on, and I found that my "normal" was now going to look differently. I had a choice to make. I could
hold on to what was and become disappointed or I could "let go" of what was and embrace the "new normal". Hence, my word "release". (Another work in progress.)
This year my inspiration came from a Christmas carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".
My "One Word" for 2016:
There are so many things we have no control over when it comes to our jobs. I don't need to list them, we all know what they are. These things can potentially rob us of the very passion that prompted us to choose education as a life journey.
"Re-joice" is a reminder to hold onto joy.
When circumstances and situations threaten to steal it away, it is our job to "re-joice" and get it back. No one can rejoice for us, it's a practice we must do for ourselves. And, if we neglect to "re-joy" and replenish our joy bank, our passion, energies and willingness can fizzle out. And, in my experience, without joy, it is impossible to be a fabulous teacher. So, it is with great joy that I choose this word for my 2016 encouragement.
and
What's your "One Word" for 2016?
