2014 is coming closed. I have always tried to make positive choices:
my OLW for this year. I always thought that choices typically lead to a positive result, but as I reflect on this past year my thinking has shifted. Choices this year has been about protecting my
family and myself. The interesting part of this
journey for me is that I learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Life
wasn't always about teaching, being connected to social media, reading, or writing;
actually I have logged more time watching television this year probably more
than the past 10 years combined. And that was a choice. Interesting one that I
never thought I would have made. I haven't read a
complete book since school started nor have I written too many blog posts or any articles for CL. Although this felt different, I know that I have made the correct choices for me as well as my family. One important lesson I learned is that I am thankful when I have a choice to be made. I use to take those opportunities for granted. I learned choices do make a difference especially when I am asked to walk an unfamiliar
path. Life is about choices and as 2014 comes to a close I would
not have made any different choices, and I feel very blessed to have walked
this path. I am still pondering my 2015 OLW, but I know I will deciding quickly. After all New Year's Eve is just around the corner. Thank you
for the support of the Slice of Life community.
Here is the link for this week’s posts.
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| Our little piece of heaven. |
Maria, I also wrote about my OLW. Funny how we all seem to be in sync this week. Choices is a good word. I am curious about your choices. Did you need to be with your family more? I find that I sometimes have to stand up for my own needs when it comes to family. I have to ask for the time to do what my soul needs, like writing and art. What will your new word be? I am searching as well. Like you, I trust that it will come and it will be right.
ReplyDeleteI needed to be with my family more http://teachingin21.blogspot.com/2014/02/sometimes-there-is-no-choice-olw.html But I have also been in your shoes and needed to adjust family time for my needs. It's been a learning experience for the whole family. I think I have my new OLW for 2015. Good luck on your search.
DeleteAhh...that cozy fireplace says it all. I think a very good choice for your new year is CHOICE. It is great to look back and not have regrets. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today I have to admit I never realized that OLW would allow me to stop and reflect which was a OLW from last year.
DeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading, I am thinking that I might be in a similar journey as you. I have realized that far too often my career takes precedent over everything else. Trying to step back and realize that in education there is always more to do and even if I dedicate all my waking hours to it, I would never accomplish everything. Instead, I want to think about what is most important and aligns with my core visions for work in order to try to make sure that my career is a very important part of my life, but not so much that it feels like my family is never first. I'm not sure that I am explaining that well, but your line about walking an unfamiliar path especially spoke to me for where I am at right now in life.
Happy New Year. Ali just did a podcast with Elise Blaha yesterday in case you did not already hear about that. You might enjoy listening as you are trying to decide on your OLW. (Episode 38 http://elisejoy.com/podcast)
Amanda, it sure sounds like our journey is similar I love your line "I want to think about what is most important and aligns with my core visions" as I get older my core visions shift and I'm anxious to see what 2015 brings.
DeleteI have enjoyed reading all of the reflection posts today, seeing everyone's words and how impacted their year. Choice is so important and I think sometimes I feel I don't always have one - but really we all so. Sound like you made the right choices for you and family. Have a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteOk, I need to proofread a little bit better! Sorry for all of the mistakes!
DeleteI love the mistakes that let's me know we're all on the same page. Happy New Year thanks for reading my blog.
DeleteIt's fun to see you in the SOL community, Maria! I love that your word was "choice" -- so empowering and comforting at the same time! Like you, I've made some choices to let some of my usual things (blogging & tweeting) fall aside in the midst of other things this fall, and while I'm glad I did, I'm also glad to attempt to dive back in! Good luck with your new OLW -- I'm still pondering mine as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer for leaving a comment - Love our Dublin support system. It's not always to let go but the freedom that comes along with it is something I continue to learn and grow with as time passes. I think I am down to 2 "choices" for my new OLW. Continue your pondering and we shall meet again on our blogs.
DeleteIt sounds like you are choosing the things that are most important. Good for you! It's hard to make those choices when there are so many other choices pulling at our hearts! Can't wait to see people's words for 2015!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. Some life choices are a given and those are the ones that have me appreciate when I have one. I'm still thinking about my 2015 word....
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey this year has been for you and your family, my friend. I am not surprised that you made the right choices, though...not one little bit. Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara for your kind words. I'm am blessed to have been able to make the choices I did. We're anxious for the New Year as the calendar turns. I'm excited to finalize my OLW. Thank you for your friendship and support. Happy New Year!
DeleteI just saw a quote somewhere about all the juggling we do. We should remember that work is a rubber ball -- it will bounce back if we drop it. Family, health, our life...all crystal balls that break if we drop them. This is why CHOICE is so important! You learned lots this year. That's all the Universe requires, I think.
ReplyDeleteML you're brilliant! I am going to print this comment and read it often. Thank you for your kinds words and support.
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