B
alance – That’s my one word resolution for 2012.
Last week on the Art of Education blog, my PLN friend Jessica Balsley wrote a post about how she is going to make her new year’s resolution in one word. At first, I thought this was a little crazy, but as I read on, I decided to jump on board! I’m finding the more I think about it, the more it fits into EVERY aspect of my life.
Balance –
It works for home and school,
for work and play,
for body and mind.
Balance –
Reminds me to keep myself in check,
to lift myself when I feel down,
to slow myself when I feel rushed.
Balance –
Reminds me to be creative and stick to the rules,
to teach the whole child,
to differentiate.
Balance-
Reminds me to take care of myself and those around me,
to spend time with each of my kids
those both in and out of school.
Balance –
Helps me to write less so I can read more,
reach out and allow others in,
keep on working hard and, gosh darnit PLAY!
Balance –
Ya, that’s my word!
What’s yours?
(Please share!)
~EMP
Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired. Mrs. Peterson teaches fourth grade in Amesbury, Massachusetts and is the host of www.theinspiredclassroom.com. She holds an M.Ed. in Education, “Arts and Learning” and a C.A.G.S. degree with a focus in “Arts Leadership and Learning.” Elizabeth is author of Inspired by Listening, a teacher resource book that includes a method of music integration she has developed and implemented into her own teaching. She teaches workshops and courses on the integration of the arts into the curriculum and organizes the annual summer Teacher Art Retreat. Mrs. Peterson believes there is a love of active, integrated learning in all children and from their enthusiasm, teachers can shape great opportunities to learn. 
Wonderful poem. I agree that balance is essential, but in our profession it’s difficult to read. However, I’m not giving up the pursuit of balance. My 2012 word is “unencumber” as I want to get rid of all the excess and unnecessary objects and events in my life–less things, more time. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
I love your word, Maureen! I’ve been going through a little decluttering myself (things and time). It’s so important for home and teaching.
Wishing you the best…
I think that is a great word … I wish I had thought of that one 🙂
I think there are a lot of us that need to focus on balance in our lives (and in my periods of dizziness, I really need some balance).
My word might be THINKING …. thinking about my new adventure with Wonderopolis, thinking about the things I write, thinking about the things I am learning, thinking about the things I am sharing, thinking about doing more listening, thinking about enjoying what is happening now and not worrying about what could happen.
Here is my blog post: What is your word? http://bit.ly/xbGCj9
I like it – Thinking…
And I love your post, BTW. You put in some interesting ideas about what part of speech your word is too. Interesting to ponder…
You also asked in reflection, what word we would use for 2011. Mine would have to be OVERLOAD. Hence this year’s promising word: BALANCE.
Talking about balance, I used to do yoga regularly as well and have given up for now because I just can’t stand for an hour and my balance is rubbish!
That’s interesting. I could never hold a pose for that long, however, I have been working on my strength and physical balance lately and it is improving. It is harder as you get older! Thanks for the comment. 🙂