One Little Word 2013: Reach

It's that time of year again to not only reflect, but to look forward.  Last year, I read about One Little Word from Stacey and Ruth at Two Writing Teachers and shared it with my third graders.  I plan to do the same with my fourth graders on Thursday.

Last year, my word was balance.  I think I did a pretty good job.  I changed some things that I wanted to change, but there is still work to do.  This year my word is reach.

I will reach inside myself and find time for quiet and understanding.  I will spend time each day feeding my soul through reading, writing, yoga, walks, and hot cups of tea.

I will reach out to find joy in each day, especially those days that are wrought with hurriedness, busyness, and chaos.  How can I not find joy when I spend my days with 29 inquisitive kids who still love to learn?

I will reach out to friends and family, making sure they know how important they are to me.  In the same way, I will reach out to strangers, finding ways to extend kindness and graciousness.

I will stretch myself as I reach for new knowledge.  I'm looking forward to some wonderful learning opportunities through my studies at OSU and with the Columbus Area Writing Project.  It's important to me that I continue to learn from others in all facets of my life, not just my professional life.

Finally, I will reach for acceptance, acceptance that I can't do it all and that's OK.  I will give myself a break from perfection, and striving to know it all, do it all, and be all.  I will let myself struggle with new things and take myself a little less seriously.  I will work towards continuing to grow into the best person I can be, for we are never really done are we?

What is your One Little Word?