#OneWorld2017

So while I may be a little late to the #oneword challenge, but I say better late than never. As we approach the new year there is tons of talk about New Years resolutions. However, I don't necessary embark on official resolution setting activities, but I do create my list of things that I will do, want to do or want to strive for in the upcoming year. So on my ever-growing list is going to see Hamilton on Broadway (tickets were a birthday gift from the hubby), go to Dominican Republic (been on the bucket list since I lived in Haiti and it just so happens that my older brother is getting married there later this year), read 40 books from around the world in honor of my 40th birthday later this year (the book goal is an annual thing), etc. Of course, I plan to keep trying my hand (and making slow progress) at the knitting thing and the yoga thing.

So resolution and goals aside, I recently came across the #oneword challenge and it got me thinking- If I were to chose one word to guide my life in the upcoming year, what would that word be. Of course, there are a gazillion words out there and I peruse the twitter feed to see what others had chosen. People had chosen words such as - joy, perseverance, gratitude, focus, inspire, balance, brave, kindness, purpose, and more. I can definitely see me chasing some of the these words in future years, but as I read others a word kept popping up in my head and I just couldn't ignore it anymore. So for 2017, I chose PATIENCE as my #oneword.

PATIENCE with myself
I will not always get it right and I will make mistakes, but being tough on oneself is just not helpful. Sometimes I just need to cut myself a break. I need to see the message in the mess and count my blessings every day. Patience is necessary in order for me to ... To observe and to really see. To listen and to really hear. To learn and grow from the mistakes. To wait for answers, to wait for creativity, and to wait for whatever is next.

PATIENCE with my family
Perfection is unattainable and should never be the expectation. There will be moments where patience is tried and it will be important to take a breath.

PATIENCE with my students
They each have their own story, which does not always reveal itself at the beginning. They are on their own journeys of growth and self-discovery and that does not happen overnight. While it will not be without some bumps and stumbles, it will be full of high-five and fist bump worthy moments.

PATIENCE with strangers
Just breathe, teach, and reach.

PATIENCE with the time it takes for things and for change to happen

Push when necessary. Wait. Watch. Slow it down. Slow down. Take time. Make time. Just breathe.