One Little Word

For many people, the concept of "One Little Word" is not a new one. Apparently it has been around for many years. I was recently introduced to OLW during a professional development workshop in my school district. From what I understand, you choose a word (or in some cases the word chooses you) that will be your focus for the year. It is a word that you will reflect on and even make a priority throughout the year. For some the word is present in their professional life, some choose a word that is meaningful in their personal life, and for some it bridges both.

The word I chose for 2015 is FAMILY.

In comparison to the people I am surrounded by every day (my teaching colleagues) my children are very young. My three sons are 13, 11, and 6. I often compare myself to my colleagues when it comes to experience, time spent on school-related activities, the ability to attend conferences and workshops both in-town and far away. I frequently have to remind myself that I am not at the same point as them either in my experience in my career, financially, or with my family. As much as I want to be the best teacher I can be, which in my eyes equals time spent preparing and "being" a teacher, I have more important priorities right now. My family.



It seems as if I've blinked and my oldest son has gone from birth to preschool to teenager overnight. I was hit with the reality a few weeks ago that he is going to be in high school next year! I know that the other two are not far behind. I don't want to go to sleep and wake up tomorrow only to realize that I've neglected to enjoy the little things. You never get a second chance at those little things.


So this year, I am going to leave work quickly on Friday for Family Movie Night. I am going to run out and get donuts on Saturday mornings so that they are waiting when the kids wake up. I will attend the boys' middle school musical and cheer them on from the front row. We will plan a beach vacation for the summer. I will encourage Liam as he tries out for his first sport this spring. I will read to Nick and sing his bedtime songs every night when he goes to bed. We will have family game nights. I will listen to each detailed, slowly spoken story that Ben wants to tell me. We will have cookouts, movie marathons, and silly string fights.

When faced with a choice, I will always choose my FAMILY.



View my One Little Word inspiration.