Revealing my #oneword2021: 12/29/2020 



#oneword 2020 Reflection

Last year, my #oneword2020 was CHALLENGE. As I described in my 12/29/2019 post, I selected this word to encompass my mindset for the year.  I wanted to CHALLENGE myself to take risks- go out of my comfort zone and reach for the stars. As I have shared throughout the year in previous blog posts, this word took one new meaning in a year unlike any other. 2020 was truly an unprecedented year and challenging myself not only helped me to get through it but enabled me to thrive.

Not every goal I set for myself was met, but with the CHALLENGE mindset in hand, I was able to push myself further and take new risks. 

Professional CHALLENGE

In 2020, I presented at ten virtual conferences this year, including my state conference, VSTE. I worked on a draft of a book and put myself out there to send my working draft to a couple of publishers. I blogged for another year and even contributed to other blogs and publications. In fact, I even got asked and later selected to be a contributing author in an upcoming book this past week. 

Earlier this year, I became a Teach Better ambassador and a Pear Deck regional coach.  I worked with my  staff as we navigated a COVID-19 world and saw tremendous growth, dedication and risk taking among my colleagues. I participated in tyo DBC book clubs to build my cultural proficiency mindset and learned a lot about myself and the world around me. I definitely CHALLENGED myself professionally this year and I  am so proud of the strides I made.

Personal CHALLENGE

In 2020,  I wanted to be healthier and be more active. This was easier said than done. I ended the year heavier than I started it, but along the way, trained and ran another 5K. In mid September, I  got COVID and all of my progress reversed. Although I was "sick" for about two weeks, it took me a long time to feel normal again. But I count my blessings that I had a relatively mild case of COVID and recovered without needing hospitalization or any extreme measures. 

I also navigated many life changes. My son graduated high school, applied to college and finished his freshman semester at WVU. My daughter finished middle school and started high school. We moved my in-laws down from New York closer to us. We helped my stepdaughter navigate struggles during virtual learning. It was definitely a challenging year.

This past Sunday, I attended Lindsay Titus' Word Party (ltitus828). This virtual event was intended to help us discover our #oneword2021. Like I did earlier in this blog post, she first had us reflect on 2020. Then, she had us imagine what our 2021 using feelings, thoughts and achievements. This event was amazing and I loved how so many educators gathered on a Sunday afternoon and how we connected over this important work!

How do I want to FEEL in 2021?

In 2021 personally, I want to feel healthy and be energetic. I want to wake up each day and feel proud of the choices I am making. I want to feel renewed and fresh. I want to wake up each morning ready to approach my day and feel grateful for all the blessings in my life. 

In 2021 professionally, I want to feel accomplished, having taken my 2020 risks to a new level. I want to not only feel successful in my work and appreciated, but I want to feel even more connected to the educational community and its work. Like the Teach Better mindset, I want to feel like I am better every day than I was the day before. 

What do I want to THINK in 2021?

In 2021 personally, I want to focus on improved health, thinking about mindful eating and having an active lifestyle. I want to include gratitude as a daily component of my life and think of the glass as half full. I want to have a growth mindset and know that there will be bumps along the way, but I can reach my goals. 

In 2021 professionally, I want to think about setting aside time each day to finish my book and finding the just right publisher. I want to set aside more time to connect with others. I want to find ways to listen and learn more and use what I discover to help me become a better educator.  

What do I want to ACHIEVE in 2021?

In 2021 personally, I want to get back to a healthy weight. I want to run another half marathon and beat my PR. I want to travel with my husband (when it is safe to do so.) I want to see at least one Broadway show with my daughter. I want to enjoy many family events and treasure those I love.

In 2021 professionally, I want to continue to present at conferences, including ISTE 2021. I want to take my blog to the next level, get a domain name and create a mailing list. I want to finish my book and get it published.

#oneword2021: TRANSFORMATION

As I read through my thoughts above, my #oneword2020 became so clear: TRANSFORMATION! I want to take all the gains that I made in 2020 through CHALLENGE to the next level and push myself farther. I want to TRANSFORM myself to be the best me I can BE. 

What will I DO to live this mantra every day?

I am so grateful to be part of such a supportive community that not only supports your goals, but promotes them. Special thank you to Bobbie French for inspiring me to dig deeper with her new and amazing podcast. Thank you to Lindsay Titus for her fantastic workshop this past Sunday that inspired this post. I also want to thank all the people who participated in Lindsay's workshop who have now formed a mini community that celebrates our #oneword2021 journeys. I can't wait to see where TRANSFORMATION takes me and fill you in along the way.