Skip to main content

{my #olw, finally} #sol18

Slice of Life is hosted at the Two Writing Teachers
Join in and share a slice of your life. 
_____________________________________________________

I've been patient. Probably too patient. It's just about February and I haven't officially connected with my one little word to help guide me through this new year  ... that is now a month old.

I've tossed about words just as many of you have as well. Words that peak my interest. Words that light a little fire. Words that bring me joy. Words that speak to my soul.

In the past, my one little words have been safe words. Nothing daring and bold. Nothing that caused me big actions. But this year I debated. Maybe I should pick a word that will really challenge me. Change me. Chase me to something new.

But now that I've waited this long, I don't think I should wait for a bold word to grab me. I think I would continue to resist it ... and then the year would be over!

A few weeks ago, the word BELIEVE stuck with me. I want to grow more in my faith and deeply BELIEVE God is the author of my story. I want to BELIEVE this is the year of getting my body back and be healthier. I want to BELIEVE in myself and the work I am capable of doing at school. I want to BELIEVE I can make a difference in my life and others. I want to BELIEVE this world is a good place. I want to BELIEVE in the beauty of others. I want to BELIEVE in myself.

After scattering these thoughts, I closed my notebook, not really believing this was the word for me.  Moments later, the girls and I hopped in the car and this is what I saw:



Yeah, I know. It's a clear sign, right?!? I just didn't believe it yet. The days have passed by and I pondered more words. Nothing seemed quite right. But that word showed up again and again in little ways.

Today, I received my copy of Peter H. Reynold's new book: The Word Collector. (Yes! Add this to your list to buy now!) I opened the cover to be surrounded by words and possibilities. And right there again was my word ... (taunting me with the bold and daring word of another.)



So, there it is. The world speaking to me to BELIEVE.


Comments

  1. definitely signs --and everywhere you looked. I've been intrigued by #olw but never done it. This encourages me. Besides I meant to come up with a list of intentions and didn't. Maybe I can manage a single word...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm a Mormon, so maybe this resonates with me more than it will for you, but after reading your post, I couldn't get this song out of my head:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVJgmp2Tc2s

    I'm picturing you in your car singing this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Believe! Such a strong word. I'm glad you've found your OLW. I appreciate that having the word is important to you and even though it is nearly February you still believed you would find one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Michelle, this seems to be the perfect word for you. And you definitely saw the signs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great OLW for you. You have a strong faith and know that God will help you to Believe, not only in Him, but in yourself. Sometimes we have to wait and be patient and look for those signs. I think they found you. I believe in you and all that you do and will try to encourage you to move forward with your OLW this year. Love ya, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  6. How marvelous to have seen that car - it was just the sign you needed to seal the deal!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Interesting how signs popped up when you were mot sure of your word. I have no doubt the word will empower you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my goodness! How amazing is that!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Popular posts from this blog

Picture Books I Love Right Now! #pb10for10

Check out other favorite Picture Book Lists #pb10for10 ______________________________________________________________ As we finish up our summer #cyberPD conversations, I'm quickly reminded that August is right around the corner and I need to start thinking about my picture book list to share. Ten books I love. Ten books I want to share. Ten books that I can't live without in my classroom. Ten books. I love coming up with lists of picture books I adore for various reasons. However, this year I came up with the most brilliant idea! (Well, at least I thought it was brilliant!)  Here are the picture books I can't live without  ... because these are the LAST 10(+3)  picture books I most recently purchased!  ______________________________________________________________ 1.  If I Built a School   by Chris Van Dusen My daughters read If I Built a House and If I Built a Car over and over and over. They couldn't wait to read thi...

{#sol15} deeper than beauty 8/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! I have twin four and a half -- almost five! -- year old daughters.  I try to be consciously aware of what I say and do in regards to my body image and self-esteem and also with their body image and self-esteem. First of all, because I don't want them to believe everything that society says is true.  Even if they don't fully understand it today.  In addition, because they are fraternal twin sisters, I want them to understand they are individuals with unique and different bodies that God created for each of them.   However, society -- including my loving family and friends -- tell a different story and harmlessly create a comparison war.   My girls constantly hear how beautiful, adorable, cute, fill-i...

An Interview with Educator/Momma/Writer Ruth Ayres Celebrating #EnticingWriters + Giveaway!

I love sharing book titles with close friends, so I'm happy you are here! I want to share a book that you must add to your to-be-read list. Ruth Ayres has a brand new book titled  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers   published by Stenhouse Publishers. It's another must read from Ruth. There are many professional development books available to learn about mastering our craft of teaching.   However, there are only a few that make a true impact -- and this is one book that weaves raw truth, research, practical ideas, and story all in one {cute} little package.  In  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers , Ruth allows her worlds to collide during the creation:  "In this book, I entwine my three story lines as educator, momma, and writer." (p. 6) And she does this in an amazing way through sharing stories of her family, adoption, children living in hard places -- and doing their best  -- and healing. She shares how we can use research ...